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In Episode 352 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Rob Durant, CEO of U.S. Operations for the Institute of Sales Professionals, founder of Flywheel Results, and author of The Social Enablement Blueprint. What follows is a powerful conversation that challenges everything most people think they know about sales. Rob shares his unexpected journey from customer service to sales leadership and explains why the best salespeople are not focused on convincing, pressuring, or closing. Instead, they focus on understanding problems, building trust, and helping people make informed decisions. Together, Kelly and Rob explore why so many entrepreneurs struggle to sell their own products and services, how personal beliefs often get in the way of growth, and why asking for the sale is often the most helpful thing you can do.The conversation also dives into relationship building, personal branding, social enablement, and the future of sales in an increasingly digital world. Rob explains why success is not about what you know or even who you know, but who knows you for what you know. From LinkedIn strategy and networking to sales ethics and long-term business development, this episode is packed with practical insights for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and business leaders looking to build meaningful connections and create sustainable growth. If you want to become the person people think of first when they need help, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Connect with Rob DurantRob Durant is the CEO of U.S. Operations for the Institute of Sales Professionals, founder of Flywheel Results, author of The Social Enablement Blueprint, and a passionate advocate for ethical, relationship-driven sales.
In Episode 351 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down why so many modern growth strategies are becoming nothing more than noise. From automated emails and LinkedIn DMs to AI-driven outreach tools promising quick wins, Kelly challenges the idea that more activity automatically means more progress. He explains why vanity metrics can be misleading, why downloads in podcasting are similar to meaningless outreach numbers in business development, and why the real metric that matters is creating qualified meetings with the right people.Kelly then brings listeners back to the fundamentals of real business development: authentic human connection, active marketing, and consistency over time. He explains why AI and automation cannot replace trust, relationships, and direct conversations, and shares a practical 10-step action plan to help business developers, entrepreneurs, and leaders cut through the noise, stop wasting money, and create opportunities that actually matter. This episode is a reminder that there is no easy button for growth, but with the right strategy and consistent execution, real opportunity is always possible.Key Takeaways: Activity is not the same as progress. More outreach only matters when it creates real conversations and opportunities.There is no easy button for real growth. Sustainable business development still requires trust, strategy, and effort.Being human is your greatest competitive advantage. In the age of AI, authentic connection is what helps you stand out.Vanity metrics can create false confidence. Big numbers mean very little if they do not lead to meaningful results.Meetings with the right people are the metric that matters. Qualified conversations are what move business forward.Automation cannot replace authentic human connection. Tools can support the process, but people still build trust with people.Active marketing creates real opportunity. Growth happens when you intentionally reach out instead of waiting to be found.Relationships should be built before the customer has a need. Getting ahead of the opportunity gives you a competitive advantage.Consistency over time is your secret weapon. Weekly action compounds into long-term business development success.Real business development is built through trust, strategy, and action. The fundamentals still matter, even in the age of AI.
In milestone Episode 350 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with TEDx speaker, entrepreneur, actor, filmmaker, and Ikigai consultant Paul Barry for a conversation that goes far beyond business. As this episode releases, Paul is nearly 1,000 miles into his 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail journey, walking from Mexico to Canada while raising funds for cancer awareness and prevention in honour of his mother. Together, Kelly and Paul explore the Japanese concept of Ikigai, the intersection of what you love, what you are great at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for, and why so many people find themselves successful on paper but unfulfilled in life.Throughout the conversation, Paul shares his remarkable journey from actor and acting teacher to entrepreneur, coach, storyteller, and adventurer, offering powerful insights into purpose, reinvention, entrepreneurship, and the courage to choose an unconventional path. Whether discussing the closure of a startup, the lessons learned from caring for his parents through cancer, or the decision to embark on one of the world's most challenging long-distance hikes, Paul reminds us that true success is not about building the life others expect of us, but about having the freedom to build a life that is authentically our own.Key Takeaways: Success without fulfillment is not success.You do not have to spend your life living someone else's definition of success.Ikigai is found at the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.Your purpose is not fixed. It evolves as you evolve.Sometimes the most courageous decision is walking away from something that no longer serves you.Failure is often redirection, not defeat.If you are not fulfilled, ask yourself which part of your Ikigai is missing.Life is too short to spend decades waiting to do what you truly want to do.Freedom comes from intentionally designing your life, not accidentally drifting through it.You do not just make a living. You make a life.Connect with Paul BarryIf this conversation resonated with you and you'd like to follow Paul's journey, connect with him online or support his Pacific Crest Trail fundraiser.
In Episode 349 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with mindset expert, transformational coach, and entrepreneur Stacey Berger for a powerful conversation about why external success is never enough if it comes at the cost of fulfillment, purpose, and personal well-being. Stacey shares her journey from growing a corporate subsidiary from a million-dollar balance sheet to $60 million, to realizing that the career she once loved no longer aligned with the life she wanted to create.This episode explores burnout, leadership, work-life harmony, mindset, purpose, and the hidden beliefs that keep high achievers stuck. Stacey opens up about the hospital wake-up call that changed everything, the decision that helped her double her income while working half the hours, and why success begins by asking better questions. For entrepreneurs, executives, and ambitious leaders, this conversation is a reminder that you can never outperform your mindset, and that building a life you love starts with choosing a different way forward.Key Takeaways: You can never outperform your mindset. Your beliefs ultimately determine the actions you take, the opportunities you see, and the results you create.Success without fulfillment will eventually catch up to you. Titles, income, and achievements are not substitutes for purpose, alignment, and joy.Burnout often disguises itself as ambition. Many high performers don't realize they're burning out because they view exhaustion as a normal part of success.The quality of your life is determined by the quality of the questions you ask. Replacing "I can't" with "What if I could?" opens the door to new possibilities and solutions.Work-life balance is a myth. True success comes from creating harmony between the different areas of your life rather than trying to perfectly balance them.Your subconscious beliefs are driving most of your decisions. If you want different results, you must first identify and challenge the beliefs that are shaping your behavior.Purpose does not need to be complicated. Knowing what gives you life, energy, growth, freedom, and fulfillment is often enough to start moving in the right direction.Success is not about working longer, harder, and faster. Sustainable success comes from combining the right mindset with the right strategy rather than relying on hustle alone.If you are unhappy, waiting rarely changes anything. Transformation often begins with a decision to stop accepting the status quo and take responsibility for your own happiness.Life is too short to live someone else's version of success. The greatest regret is often not what we did, but what we failed to pursue because fear, comfort, or circumstances convinced us to stay where we were.Get in Touch with Stacey BergerConnect with Stacey Berger on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-berger/Learn more about Stacey's coaching, programs, and transformational work:www.staceyberger.caGet your tickets for Passion to Purpose Live, happening in October 2026:https://staceyberger.thrivecart.com/ppl-super-early-bird/
In Episode 347 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Paul Riismandel, President of Signal Hill Insights and one of the leading voices in podcast audience research, to explore the future of podcasting, media, and audience attention. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in digital audio, podcasting, advertising, and audience measurement, Paul shares what creators, entrepreneurs, marketers, and business leaders need to understand about where the industry is headed and how audiences are consuming content in 2026 and beyond.From the myth that everyone skips podcast ads to the reality of audience growth, community building, content discovery, and the evolving relationship between audio and video, this conversation is packed with practical insights and thought-provoking perspectives. Paul challenges conventional wisdom around virality, explains why community matters more than most creators realize, and reveals what successful podcasters are doing differently to build loyal audiences in an increasingly competitive media landscape. Whether you're a podcaster, content creator, thought leader, marketer, or business owner, this episode offers a valuable look at the forces shaping the future of attention and influence.Key Takeaways: Audience quality matters more than audience quantity.One podcast listener is not the same as one passive TV or radio listener.A hundred downloads can represent a room full of people who chose to hear from you.Podcasting is a long game, not a viral lottery.You need to know who your audience is and why they should listen.Discovery starts by finding the audience, not just finding podcast listeners.Audio is not dead, but creators need to remind people how and when to listen.Short form content may be losing some of its hold as people want their attention back.Community is one of the strongest drivers of podcast growth and loyalty.Podcast ads work better than many people think because listeners do not skip them as much as they say they do.Want to learn more from Paul?Check out Signal Hill Insights and subscribe to Paul's newsletter. If you care about podcasting, media, audience growth, advertising, and the future of audio, it's one of the best sources of industry insights available.Signal Hill Insights Newsletter
In Episode 346 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Rudy A. Zacharias and Terry Elkins of About That... to explore one of the most misunderstood topics in business: branding. Drawing on decades of experience helping organizations navigate growth and transformation, Rudy and Terry explain why a brand is far more than a logo. It is the sum total of what people think, feel, and experience when they interact with your company. Together, they unpack the warning signs that your business may have outgrown its brand, the importance of aligning perception with reality, and why successful companies often reach a point where evolution becomes necessary.The conversation also provides a behind-the-scenes look at About That...'s own transformation from G Squared to its new identity. Rudy and Terry share the intentional process behind the rebrand, the challenges of balancing existing brand equity with future growth, and the critical role of employee buy-in, change management, and communication throughout the journey. Whether you're considering a full rebrand, a brand refresh, or simply want to better understand how your organization is perceived, this episode offers practical insights into building a brand that reflects who you are today and where you want to go tomorrow.Key Takeaways: A brand is not your logo. Your brand is the sum total of what people think, feel, and experience when they interact with your company.The biggest reason companies rebrand is misalignment. When who you are as a business no longer matches how you are perceived in the market, a rebrand may be necessary.Growth often creates branding challenges. As companies evolve, expand into new markets, add services, or change leadership, their original brand may no longer accurately represent them.Living things grow and living things evolve. Businesses that remain exactly the same year after year risk becoming stagnant and losing relevance.Rebranding should never start with design. Before changing logos, websites, or visual identity, organizations must first understand their values, purpose, positioning, and stakeholder perceptions.Internal alignment comes before external messaging. Employees must understand and believe in the brand before the marketplace ever sees it. Your team becomes your most important group of brand ambassadors.The truth about your brand is often found through listening. Leadership's perception of the company can be very different from what employees, customers, vendors, and partners actually experience.A rebrand is not always the answer. Sometimes a refresh, updated messaging, service clarification, culture improvements, or operational changes can solve the real issue without a complete overhaul.Successful rebrands require change management and communication. If stakeholders do not understand why a change is happening, they will create their own narratives and assumptions.Values must be lived, not displayed. Trust is built when customers and employees can clearly see an organization's values reflected in its actions, decisions, and relationships every day.Connect with Rudy A. Zacharias & Terry Elkins
Welcome to How Humans Heal. In this episode, I'm interviewing Kelly Kennedy, the Lymph Queen and Head Practitioner at the True Wellness Center, who has been helping people improve their lymph function and flow for over twenty years. I'm so grateful to have her here to share with you what the lymph is, how you know if you need help with your lymph, and where you can begin to reset your lymph system. Healthy lymph flow is essential for helping you to clear HPV, so this episode is essential if you have an abnormal Pap. We're here to help you! LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: Connect with Kelly: https://www.flowintohealth.com/21day-lymphatic-breakthrough-week1?am_id=drdoni6723 Sign up for Dr. Doni's 5-Day HPV Workshop: https://doctordoni.com/HPV-workshop/ Schedule A Chat With Dr. Doni: https://intakeq.com/new/hhsnib/vuaovx Read the full episode notes and find more information: https://doctordoni.com/blog/podcasts/ MORE RESOURCES FROM DR. DONI: Quick links to social media, free guides and programs, and more: https://doctordoni.com/links Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are product links and affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission at no cost to you. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and not because of the commission I receive from your purchases. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.
Episode 345 of The Business Development Podcast dives into a conversation that almost never gets talked about in entrepreneurship: what happens at the end. Kelly Kennedy sits down with Robert Welke, business growth strategist, Certified Exit Planning Advisor, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder of MExit Inc., to explore why so many business owners spend decades building companies only to discover they have nothing they can actually sell. Together, they unpack Canada's growing entrepreneurial challenges, the reality that more businesses are closing than opening, and why owner dependency may quietly be destroying business value long before owners ever think about exiting.Drawing from more than 35 years of entrepreneurial and leadership experience, Robert shares a practical framework for building businesses that are scalable, transferable, and capable of surviving beyond the founder. The conversation explores what makes a company truly sellable, why systems and leadership matter more than most owners realize, alternative exit strategies including employee ownership, and why building with the end in mind may be one of the most overlooked business disciplines today. Whether you plan to exit in three years, twenty years, or never at all, this episode will challenge the way you think about growth, legacy, and the future of entrepreneurship.Key Takeaways: If you want to sell your business, you have to build it to be sellable from the beginning.Owner dependency is one of the biggest threats to business value and transferability.Exit planning is not an event. It is a process that usually takes three to five years.A business that cannot run without the founder is much harder to sell successfully.Most business owners are experts at their craft, but not always experts at the business of business.Systems, processes, people, and leadership structure are what make a company scalable and transferable.Your employees may be a viable exit path, especially through employee ownership structures.Revenue alone does not determine business value. Readiness, attractiveness, profitability, and risk matter deeply.The future of Canadian entrepreneurship depends on helping more owners transition businesses instead of simply closing them.A great business should survive beyond the founder and continue creating value for employees, customers, and communities.Connect with Robert:Robert Welke on LinkedInMExit Inc.
In episode 343 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down the 10 must-have tools every business development professional should be using in 2026 and beyond. From timeless essentials like the phone, email, LinkedIn, notepads, Excel, and CRM systems to modern tools like ChatGPT, Apollo.io, Surfe, AI note takers, and Canva, this episode provides a practical look at the tools that can improve efficiency, consistency, prospecting, follow-up, meeting preparation, and overall BD performance.More importantly, Episode 343 reinforces that no tool can replace authentic human connection. Kelly explains why structure, consistency, personalization, and relationship-building remain the foundation of great business development, even as AI and automation continue to advance. The right tools can make you faster and more effective, but your humanity, voice, judgment, and ability to build trust are still your greatest competitive advantages.Key Takeaways:Your humanity is still your greatest business development advantage, even in the age of AI.The phone remains the most powerful business development tool for building rapport and booking meetings.Personalized emails consistently outperform automated AI outreach when it comes to real connection and trust.Consistency matters more than intensity in business development. Small actions repeated weekly create momentum.A CRM is only valuable if it is used consistently and structured in a simple, actionable way.Writing goals and tracking metrics physically improves accountability and increases the likelihood of success.LinkedIn is no longer optional for business developers. It is one of the most powerful prospecting tools ever created.AI should be used to refine and enhance your work, not replace your voice, ideas, or authenticity.Tracking your numbers weekly helps you understand your pipeline, improve performance, and stay accountable.The best business developers combine modern technology with authentic human relationship-building instead of relying entirely on automation.
Episode 342 of The Business Development Podcast features the return of entrepreneur, speaker, author, and Foureva Media founder Jamar Jones for one of the most powerful conversations yet on reinvention, visibility, personal branding, and becoming the person your future requires. From opening for artists like Snoop Dogg, T.I., Common, and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to losing his voice and rebuilding his entire life through entrepreneurship, Jamar shares the hard-earned lessons that transformed his mindset and ultimately led him to building one of the most respected personal branding agencies in the space.Together, Kelly Kennedy and Jamar dive deep into what it actually takes to build a brand people remember in 2026. They unpack why most people stay stuck, why visibility matters more than ever, how to position yourself for bigger opportunities, why your offer might not be converting, and the mindset shift required to stop waiting and start building momentum. This is not a surface-level branding conversation. It is a powerful discussion about identity, growth, purpose, and learning to put yourself out there before life forces you to reinvent yourself. If you are an entrepreneur, creator, leader, or someone trying to reach the next level, this episode will challenge the way you think about your brand, your future, and your potential.Key Takeaways: Don't tie your identity to one vehicle. Tie it to your mission and purpose.Reinvention is not optional. At some point, life will force you to evolve.Most people are not failing because they are incapable. They are failing because they have not started.Opportunities do not usually come to people who wait. They come to people who are actively looking.Your personal brand is how people talk about you in rooms you are not in.If people do not know what you do, they cannot help you, refer you, hire you, or advocate for you.More visibility creates more opportunity. In today's world, you need to put yourself out there consistently.Your offer should sell the transformation, not the features, details, or deliverables.Social proof matters. Capture testimonials, case studies, wins, and proof every chance you get.Do not let a proposal sell for you. Align on the offer, investment, and expectations before you send it.Follow Jamar, grab a copy of Change Your Circle, Change Your Life, and learn how to build a brand people actually remember with Foureva Media.
Episode 339 of The Business Development Podcast breaks down The Ten Follow Up Rule, Kelly Kennedy's personal standard for building real pipeline through consistent, disciplined business development. Kelly shares why most sales and BD professionals stop far too early, how fear of rejection and lack of structure kill opportunities, and why every qualified prospect deserves at least ten follow-ups before being disqualified.Through real stories, including the time it took thirty follow-ups to book a major mining meeting, Kelly shows that success in business development is rarely about talent alone. It comes from weekly execution, CRM discipline, clear next steps, performance tracking, and the willingness to keep showing up long after most people quit.Key Takeaways: Most salespeople quit the follow-up process far too early to ever see real results.Consistent weekly follow-up is one of the biggest separators between average and exceptional business development professionals.Fear of rejection causes more lost opportunities than lack of skill.Buyers are usually overwhelmed and distracted, not intentionally ignoring you.A CRM is not just a contact database. It is your business development execution engine.If there is no defined next step, there is no real opportunity.Strong follow-up comes from clarity and structure, not confidence alone.Emotional avoidance often disguises itself as “being busy” with lower-value work.Tracking outreach, meetings, opportunities, and new contacts weekly creates accountability and long-term improvement.The professionals who stay in the game through follow-up number ten consistently create more opportunities than the people who stop after one or two attempts.Sponsor MentionsA huge thank you to Colin Harms and Jamie Crozier for their steadfast support of The Business Development Podcast.The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics Inc., and Atlas Elite Lifts.Hypervac TechnologiesNorth America's leader in vacuum truck manufacturing, building high-performance hydrovac and industrial vacuum trucks for the toughest field conditions.www.hypervac.comHyperfabThe custom fabrication division of Hypervac, delivering engineered solutions and specialized builds for demanding industrial applications.www.hyperfab.caThunder Bay Hydraulics Inc.A trusted provider of hydraulic cylinder repair and manufacturing, supporting mining, forestry, construction, and industrial operations with reliable, high-quality service.www.thunderbayhydraulics.comAtlas Elite LiftsA premium supplier of automotive lift systems focused on performance, safety, and long-term reliability for shops and garages.www.atlaselitelifts.comJoin The Catalyst Club CommunityIf you are serious about growth, leadership, and surrounding yourself with high-level thinkers, The Catalyst Club is where you need to be.Join us here: www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubStatistics referenced in this episode were sourced from the following article by MarketsandMarkets:“Why Sales Reps Stop Following Up and How to Fix It”https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/AI-sales/why-sales-reps-stop-following-up-how-to-fix-itMentioned in this episode:Hypervac - Revolution Vacuums
In Episode 338 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Charlotte Lloyd to break down one of the biggest misconceptions in modern business development: that content alone will bring you clients. With over 20 years in B2B sales and millions in closed revenue, Charlotte shares how LinkedIn is often misunderstood as a content platform when in reality, it's a conversation platform. She explains why most entrepreneurs struggle to convert attention into revenue, and how the real opportunity lies in starting meaningful, intentional conversations with the people already engaging with your brand.This episode dives deep into practical client acquisition strategies, including how to structure your LinkedIn profile for conversion, how to identify warm prospects, and how to use direct messaging without sounding salesy. Charlotte introduces her SPICE framework for building authentic, high-converting conversations and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing sales activity over perfectionism. If you've been posting consistently but not seeing results, this conversation will shift your perspective and give you a clear path to turning visibility into real business growth.Connect with Charlotte Lloyd on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlottelloydsales/If you're ready to take action on what you heard in this episode, check out the Client Acquisition Club:https://www.thecharlottelloyd.com/clientacquisitionclubKey Takeaways: Content builds awareness, but conversations are what actually turn attention into paying clients.Most entrepreneurs don't have a content problem, they have a lack of consistent, intentional outreach.The people most likely to buy are already watching you, they're just not engaging publicly.Rejection is part of the game, and learning to handle it is a requirement for building a real business.Your LinkedIn profile should clearly show who you help, how you help them, and the outcome they can expect.You don't need a website to start, you need clients first, because clients define your real business.Generic, copy and paste messaging kills trust, while personalized conversations create real opportunities.You only need a small number of high quality conversations each day to consistently win new business.Most business owners ignore the warmest opportunities sitting in their existing network.Sales is not about pressure, it's about understanding the problem, guiding the conversation, and helping the right people move forward.
Some moments in life don't make sense… but they stay with you forever. In Episode 333 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Mike Schoenberger, CEO of Sunco Communications, for a conversation that goes far beyond business strategy. Together, they explore two deeply personal experiences they've never fully been able to explain, moments where they both knew something had happened before they were ever told. What unfolds is a powerful discussion on human connection, intuition, and the unseen forces that shape how we lead, think, and show up in the world.This episode also dives into Mike's journey building a $20M company rooted in people, culture, and authenticity, and why the leaders who win today are the ones willing to be vulnerable, present, and real. From leading with love versus fear to embracing the uncomfortable moments that drive growth, this is a conversation that challenges traditional thinking and reminds us that business is built on something much deeper than strategy alone.Key Takeaways: The leaders who win are the ones who are willing to be real, vulnerable, and fully seen by their teams.Human connection is the foundation of business, not strategy, systems, or processes.The most powerful growth often comes from moments you cannot explain but choose to learn from.Leading from love creates trust and performance, while leading from fear creates tension and limitation.Failure is not the opposite of success, quitting is, and every setback is an opportunity to grow.Initiative is everything, don't wait to be told what to do, just start and adjust as you go.The strongest cultures are built when people feel safe to be vulnerable and make mistakes.Real leadership requires slowing down, becoming aware, and making intentional decisions instead of reacting.The more connected you are to yourself, the more effectively you can connect with others.Success is not just built on what you know, but on how you show up for people every single day.
In this episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down the real difference between people who build something meaningful and those who never get started. Drawing from the rapid launch of his new show and years of entrepreneurial experience, he challenges the idea of failure, reframing it as iteration, evolution, and intentional pivots. This is a powerful reminder that success is not about perfection, it is about momentum, action, and staying in the game long enough to win.Kelly dives into the 10 most common pitfalls that stop new ideas in their tracks, from overthinking and imposter syndrome to slow execution and poor resource allocation. He emphasizes moving fast, taking imperfect action, and building relentless momentum while others hesitate. If you are sitting on an idea, questioning your next move, or struggling to gain traction, this episode will give you the clarity and push you need to take that first step and keep moving forward.Key Takeaways: Ideas without action die quickly, and the people who win are the ones who move first while others are still thinking.Momentum is one of the most powerful forces in business, and small consistent actions will always outperform waiting for the perfect move.Failure is not the end, it is either a lesson or a pivot that creates space for something better.Nobody sees your vision the way you do, so you cannot rely on others to validate what you already feel is right.Good enough executed today will always beat perfect that never gets launched.Imposter syndrome disappears when you keep showing up and proving to yourself that you belong.The biggest risk is not starting, because hesitation kills more opportunities than failure ever will.Everything meaningful will take longer and cost more than expected, so staying in the game is the real advantage.Revenue and profitability must come early, because businesses cannot survive on effort alone.If you stick with anything long enough, keep evolving, and continue moving forward, success becomes inevitable.The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics, and Atlas Elite Lifts.
In Episode 330 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jordan Labelle, entrepreneur, strategist, and founder of Evergreen Growth Collective, to break down what actually drives long-term success in business. Jordan shares his journey through corporate, startup, and solopreneur life, revealing how each step wasn't failure, but refinement. Together, they challenge the traditional “hustle harder” mindset and unpack why most founders burn out trying to do everything instead of focusing on what truly matters.This conversation dives deep into redefining failure, building a business around your strengths, and the importance of staying in the game long enough to reach clarity. Jordan explains why growth doesn't come from doing more, but from doing the right things with the right people, and how the breakthrough most entrepreneurs are searching for only comes through iteration, awareness, and persistence. If you've ever questioned your path, your business model, or whether it's all going to work, this episode will bring clarity, reassurance, and a powerful reminder to keep going.Follow Jordan Labelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-labelle/Check out Evergreen Growth Collective: https://www.evergreengrowthcollective.com/Email Jordan Labelle: jordan@evergreengrowthcollective.comKey Takeaways:Failure isn't missing the result, it's failing to learn and repeating the same mistakes.Every step in your journey is refinement, not failure, if you're paying attention and adjusting.Most entrepreneurs burn out because they try to do everything instead of focusing on what actually matters.The breakthrough you're looking for doesn't come from planning, it comes from staying in the game long enough to find it.You should build your business around what you're best at and what you enjoy, not what you think you “should” be doing.The things you're best at are often invisible to you but obvious to everyone else, so ask for outside perspective.Growth isn't always about scaling bigger, sometimes it's about staying intentionally small and building smarter.Hiring should be based on trust, proactiveness, and willingness to learn, not just current skill level.You don't need to solve every problem yourself, leveraging partners and specialists can create better outcomes with less effort.The people who succeed aren't the smartest, they're the ones who keep refining and don't quit when things get hard.The Business Development Podcast is Proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, Hyperfab, Thunder Bay Hydraulics, and Atlas Elite Lifts.
In Episode 329 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Nausheen I. Chen, 3x TEDx speaker and Fortune 500 communication coach, to unpack why so many capable leaders struggle when it's time to speak. From the fight, flight, or freeze response to the pressure of being seen and judged, Nausheen explains what's really happening in your brain when you feel nervous, lose your words, or freeze under pressure. This episode breaks down the psychology behind communication and why even highly successful professionals can sound flat, robotic, or disconnected when it matters most.More importantly, Nausheen reveals the shift that changes everything. Public speaking isn't about confidence, it's about focus. When you stop trying to perform and start focusing on delivering value, the pressure disappears and your ability to connect skyrockets. If you want to communicate with more clarity, presence, and authority in meetings, presentations, or content, this episode gives you the mindset and tools to finally take control.Connect with Nausheen I. Chen and learn more about her work:Website: https://www.speaking.coachSpeak as a Leader Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QTpeh8l5ow8y72rtr8np2YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nausheenichenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nausheenichen/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nausheen.speaking.coach/Email: nausheen@speaking.coachKey Takeaways: You don't freeze because you lack confidence, you freeze because your brain thinks you're under threat.Public speaking fear is a primal response, not a personal weakness, and it can be trained.The biggest shift in communication is moving from performing to delivering value.When you focus on the audience instead of yourself, pressure drops and clarity rises.Confidence is not something you're born with, it's built through repetition, self-talk, and preparation.Your voice, energy, and body language are the three levers that determine how your message lands.Most people fail in communication because they focus too much on what to say and not how it's delivered.Memorizing scripts creates pressure and increases the chance of freezing, speaking naturally creates connection.Exposure and repetition reduce fear, but only if you review and learn from each performance.The goal isn't to impress people, it's to make their time feel valuable, and everything changes when you do.Sponsor ShoutoutsThis episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by Hypervac Technologies, a leader in hydro excavation equipment helping contractors excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently across North America.Alongside Hypervac, Hyperfab delivers custom-built fabrication solutions designed for durability, performance, and real-world industrial application.
In Episode 328 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with sales strategist Trystan Keller to break down why so many businesses are struggling to convert effort into real revenue. Trystan shares his journey from early challenges to building high-performing sales teams, and delivers a direct, no-nonsense perspective on the disconnect between marketing, sales, and business development. At the core of the conversation is a powerful truth: most companies are trying to scale before they've truly understood their customer or validated what actually drives buying decisions. Together, they explore how to uncover the real emotional drivers behind a purchase, why asking better questions is the foundation of effective sales, and why “marketing is just word of mouth amplified.” The episode also highlights Trystan's work with Messed Up Mondays, an Edmonton-based initiative built around honest conversations about failure and growth. This conversation is a clear reminder that before investing in marketing or chasing scale, businesses must first earn trust, understand their audience deeply, and build real human connections that lead to long-term success.To connect with Trystan Keller and learn more about his work, including his Edmonton-based event series Messed Up Mondays, visit:
In Episode 324 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Kris Marks, CEO of VIV Mental Health, keynote speaker, and psychological health and safety advisor, for one of the most powerful conversations on the show to date. Kris shares his deeply personal journey from trauma, homelessness, and a suicide attempt to becoming a national voice for mental health leadership and psychological safety in workplaces and communities. His story is raw, honest, and deeply human, revealing how years of quiet healing and self-reflection ultimately led him to transform pain into purpose.Throughout the episode, Kris and Kelly explore the growing importance of mental health in leadership, the cultural shift toward human-centered workplaces, and the reality that authenticity and psychological safety must be intentionally built within organizations. Kris also shares how he transitioned from a Red Seal machinist and musician into an entrepreneur and founder, building VIV Mental Health into a fast-growing organization focused on helping leaders support their people in meaningful ways.Key Takeaways: Your past does not define your future. Even the darkest experiences can become the foundation for a life of purpose and impact.Healing is rarely instant. Kris spent years doing quiet, difficult internal work before he was ready to speak openly about his experiences and help others.Authentic leadership starts with vulnerability. When leaders are willing to go first and model honesty, it creates the psychological safety others need to speak up.Mental health is one of the defining leadership challenges of this decade. Organizations that ignore it will struggle to attract, retain, and support great people.Psychological safety is not created by policy alone. It requires trust, consistent behavior from leaders, and environments where people feel safe being human.People often carry invisible struggles. Many individuals who appear confident and successful are privately dealing with experiences others never see.Your story has power. Sharing lived experiences, when done thoughtfully, can create connection, healing, and understanding for others facing similar struggles.Career pivots are possible at any stage. Kris transitioned from the trades into entrepreneurship and mental health leadership by leaning into his experiences and strengths.Leadership is about people first. The most effective leaders focus on empathy, communication, and understanding the human side of performance.Trying matters more than perfection. Growth often begins with the simple willingness to take the first step, even when the path forward is uncertain.Sponsor HighlightsThis episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies. Hypervac designs and manufactures industry-leading hydro excavation equipment used across North America to help contractors excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently. Alongside Hypervac, Hyperfab delivers custom-built fabrication solutions designed for performance, durability, and real-world industrial application.
In Episode 323 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy welcomes back entrepreneur, brand strategist, and bestselling author Pia Silva to dive into the philosophy behind her newest book, Scale Solo. Pia shares the story of how building a traditional agency with employees nearly pushed her business into debt and forced her to rethink everything about growth. Instead of chasing the conventional path of hiring more people and increasing overhead, Pia developed a radically different model focused on scaling expertise, increasing value, and designing a lean, highly profitable business that prioritizes freedom and simplicity.Throughout the conversation, Pia breaks down the practical math behind scaling solo, including how to price services based on lifestyle goals, why profitability matters more than revenue, and how experts can dramatically increase income by intensifying their process and focusing on fewer, higher-value clients. She also explains the importance of simplifying offers, building authority through proven processes, and creating businesses that generate real freedom rather than constant stress. The episode is a powerful reminder that growth does not have to mean bigger teams and more complexity—sometimes the smartest way to scale is to do less, better, and more profitably.Key Takeaways: Scaling a business does not always mean hiring more people. For many service businesses, adding employees too early increases complexity and overhead while reducing profitability.Profitability matters more than revenue. A smaller number of highly profitable projects can create far more freedom than chasing large projects with thin margins.Experts should price their services based on the lifestyle they want to support, not just what the market expects or what competitors charge.Many entrepreneurs unintentionally build businesses that look successful on the outside but generate very little take-home income once expenses and payroll are considered.Increasing the perceived and real value of an offer is one of the fastest ways to justify higher pricing and improve business sustainability.Raising prices gradually helps build confidence in your value and prevents the psychological shock that can come from doubling prices overnight.Fewer clients at higher value often lead to better outcomes for both the business and the client because focus and delivery improve dramatically.Simplifying your offers into clear packages, often small, medium, and large, removes confusion for buyers and makes the sales process easier.Entrepreneurs should build relationships and referral networks first rather than relying entirely on social media content to generate early clients.The ultimate goal of business growth should be freedom, the ability to control your time, work on meaningful projects, and design a life that actually reflects why you became an entrepreneur in the first place.Sponsor HighlightsThis episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies. Hypervac designs and manufactures industry-leading hydro excavation equipment used across North America to help contractors excavate safer, faster, and more efficiently. Alongside Hypervac, Hyperfab delivers custom-built fabrication solutions designed for performance, durability, and real-world industrial application.
In Episode 322 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with entrepreneur, brand strategist, and bestselling author Pia Silva to explore what it really takes to build a brand that stands out and commands premium pricing. Pia shares her journey from hustling hourly design work with her husband to building a powerful branding business after facing a moment of crisis when their agency found itself $40,000 in debt with no cash left. That turning point forced them to rethink everything about how they worked with clients and ultimately led to a revolutionary approach to branding that helps service-based businesses position themselves as premium experts rather than commoditized providers.Throughout the conversation, Pia breaks down the mindset and strategic shifts required to stop blending in and start building a truly differentiated brand. She explains why most entrepreneurs misunderstand branding, how eliminating unnecessary complexity can transform both profitability and freedom, and why compressing work into focused brand intensives can dramatically increase value while eliminating the endless revisions and communication that often derail projects. The episode is a powerful reminder that strong branding is not just about design, it is about positioning, clarity, and the confidence to charge what your expertise is truly worth.Key Takeaways: A strong brand is not just about how your business looks, it is about how clearly you are positioned in the market and why people choose you over everyone else.Pia's story shows that hitting a breaking point can become the exact moment that forces a smarter, more profitable business model.Many entrepreneurs start by selling their skills hourly, but real growth often happens when they package expertise into a higher value offer.Premium pricing becomes much easier when clients understand your process, trust your expertise, and see a clear outcome attached to your work.Too many businesses blend in because they never take the time to define what makes them different in a meaningful way.Branding should solve a business problem, not just satisfy a creative preference or make something look more modern.Pia's intensive model proves that simplifying delivery and removing unnecessary back and forth can increase both client value and profitability.Endless revisions, scattered communication, and unclear direction are often the real reasons service businesses lose time, margin, and momentum.Entrepreneurs need to stop chasing every opportunity and start building offers that align with the kind of business and life they actually want.The episode reinforces that confidence, clarity, and a differentiated brand are what allow business owners to stop competing on price and start charging what they are truly worth.Explore Pia Silva's work and the resources discussed in this episode:Pia Silva Website: https://www.piasilva.com/ No BS Agency Mastery: https://www.nobsmastery.com/Check out Pia's books featured in this conversation:Badass Your Brand: https://www.badassyourbrand.com/ Scale Solo: https://scalesolobook.com/
Episode 321 of The Business Development Podcast challenges one of the most common myths in business and life: that success is a future moment we eventually arrive at. In this solo episode, Kelly Kennedy reframes success as something far more powerful and accessible. Instead of waiting for a milestone like wealth, recognition, or a big breakthrough, Kelly explains that success is actually a daily pattern built through forward movement, personal standards, and the decision to keep showing up. If you are learning, growing, solving problems, and continuing to move forward, you are already living a successful life.Kelly also shares practical strategies to help listeners live in success today, including keeping your word to yourself, defining your own scoreboard, building standards instead of relying on motivation, and staying in the game even when things get difficult. Through personal stories, real-world examples, and a powerful mindset shift, this episode encourages entrepreneurs and leaders to stop waiting for success to arrive and instead recognize the success they are already building every single day.Key Takeaways: Success is not a moment you arrive at. It's a pattern of daily actions and standards you live by.If you are consistently moving forward, learning, and improving, you are already living a successful life.Waiting for the world to declare you successful will leave you waiting forever. You must define success for yourself.Real success comes from keeping your commitments to yourself, especially when no one else is watching.Momentum beats intensity. Small actions taken consistently create massive results over time.Motivation fades, but standards last. Successful people operate based on discipline and personal expectations.Growth rarely happens in comfort. Choosing challenges over convenience is what builds capability.Most people don't fail because they lack ability. They fail because they quit too soon.Gratitude for what you have and ambition for what comes next can exist at the same time.The question to ask every day is simple: “What would the successful version of me do today?” Then take that action.Here is a clean show notes sponsor section that combines both sponsors while keeping it professional and appreciative for the episode page.SponsorsThe Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by incredible companies that believe in the mission of educating, inspiring, and equipping leaders and entrepreneurs around the world.Our Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies, continues to lead the way in industrial vacuum excavation equipment and solutions across North America. Their commitment to innovation, safety, and industry leadership has helped power this show for years. A special thank you to President Colin Harms for his continued support and belief in what we are building together.Learn more about Hypervac Technologies:https://www.hypervac.comWe are also excited to welcome our newest Roadblock Sponsors, Thunder Bay Hydraulics and Atlas Elite Lifts. These companies are doing incredible work in their respective industries. Thunder Bay Hydraulics is known for delivering expert hydraulic system service, repair, and solutions for heavy industry, while Atlas Elite Lifts is raising the bar with innovative automotive lift solutions designed for professional shops that demand reliability, performance, and safety.A big thank you to Jamie Crozier, President of Thunder Bay Hydraulics and Atlas Elite Lifts, for getting behind the show and supporting our mission.Learn more about these companies:Thunder Bay Hydraulics: https://www.thunderbayhydraulics.comAtlas Elite Lifts: https://www.atlaselitelifts.comJoin The Catalyst ClubIf today's episode resonated with you, then you belong in The Catalyst Club.The Catalyst Club is a private leadership community where entrepreneurs, executives, and business development professionals come together to grow, learn, and support each other's success. Inside the Club you'll find live expert workshops, leadership discussions, business development training, and a powerful network of people committed to moving forward every single day.If you're serious about growth and want to surround yourself with leaders who are building something meaningful, I invite you to join us.Learn more and become a member here: www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclubSuccess isn't something you wait for. It's something you choose and build every day.Mentioned in this episode:Hyperfab Midroll
In Episode 320 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Ron Szekely, Co Founder of BOS360 and a veteran marketing executive who helped scale powerhouse brands like L'Oreal and Keurig Dr Pepper. Ron shares what he learned working inside billion dollar organizations and how those lessons translate to founder led companies navigating growth today. He explains why businesses often become more fragile as they scale, how founders unknowingly become the bottleneck, and why clarity, alignment, and accountability become critical at the next level.Ron also breaks down the core pillars he believes every company must intentionally build business, brand, and team and how strategy, execution, and culture connect them. He offers practical insights into overcoming founder overwhelm, simplifying complexity, and building systems that allow companies to grow sustainably without losing what made them successful in the first place. This episode is a powerful look at what it really takes to scale a business with purpose, control, and long term success.Key Takeaways: Businesses rarely fail when they are small, they break when growth exposes the lack of systems, clarity, and alignment needed to scale.The same entrepreneur with the same product can experience completely different outcomes depending on whether they follow the right systems and best practices.Every company must intentionally build three things at the same time a strong business, a clear brand, and a high performing team.Scaling requires founders to stop holding all the accountability themselves and trust their team to own results, not just tasks.Growth becomes easier when leadership aligns on a clear vision for where the company is going over the next 10 years, 3 years, 1 year, and quarter.Your brand is not your logo, it is the reputation, expectations, and experience you consistently create in the market.Many companies struggle because they try to pursue too many opportunities instead of focusing on the few that truly move the needle.You can grow a business faster by increasing how often existing customers use your product, not just by finding new customers.Overwhelm comes from noise and lack of clarity, and taking time to think, write, and prioritize helps founders regain control.The companies that scale successfully simplify their operations, clarify accountability, and build systems that allow the business to run beyond the founder.Check out our guest Ron SzekelyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rszekely/BOS360 Growth Systems: https://bos360.caRon is the Co Founder of BOS360, a business operating system designed to help founder led companies build stronger businesses, brands, and teams.A huge thank you to our sponsors for making The Business Development Podcast possible.
In Episode 319 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jamie Crozier, an entrepreneur who did something most people only dream about. He bought the company he once worked for. Jamie shares his journey from stocking shelves at a dollar store to building his career in industrial sales, eventually acquiring Thunder Bay Hydraulics and expanding through the acquisition of Custom Hydraulics and the founding of Atlas Elite Lifts. His story is a powerful reminder that ownership is not about where you start, but about the moment you decide to bet on yourself and step into uncertainty. This episode dives deep into the realities of acquisition, the emotional weight of taking over a legacy business, and the resilience required to build and scale manufacturing companies in Canada during a time of tariffs, competition, and global uncertainty. Jamie also shares his innovative approach to transparency in service businesses and his vision for building premium, design-driven lift solutions across North America. This is a conversation about risk, responsibility, and the identity shift that happens when you stop working for someone else's future and start building your own.Key Takeaways: Ownership starts as an identity decision before it becomes a legal one.If you are going to be an entrepreneur, you have to get comfortable accepting risk and believing in yourself when everything depends on you.When acquiring a business, build your own relationships with your bank, accountant, and lawyer because those relationships will carry you through the process.Vendor take back financing can make acquisitions possible by aligning the seller with the future success of the business.Trust and personal relationships matter more than numbers because without trust, the deal will not happen or succeed.Buying a competitor requires patience, respect, and confidentiality because pushing too hard can destroy the opportunity.The emotional commitment to ownership begins before the deal closes, and the fear of losing the opportunity can be as powerful as the responsibility itself.Starting a company from nothing is far harder than buying one because you must build reputation, customers, and trust from zero.Transparency with customers during difficult times strengthens relationships and turns challenges into partnerships.Great companies differentiate themselves by solving real customer problems and making the experience easier, clearer, and faster.Check out Thunder Bay Hydraulics and learn more about the incredible work Jamie and his team are doing: https://thunderbayhydraulics.comLearn more about Custom Hydraulics: https://customhydraulics.comExplore Atlas Elite Lifts and their premium automotive lift solutions: https://www.atlaselitelifts.com/You can also connect with Jamie directly at...
In Episode 318 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jemia and Tim Zagiel, Co-Founders of Pacific Ropes, to explore what it truly means to build a business in an environment where courage is not optional. What began as a small operation run from their living room grew into an industry-leading rope access company that helped modernize safety and training standards across Western Canada. Tim shares how his early experiences working on ropes without proper systems sparked a mission to professionalize the industry, while Jemia reveals how her transition from film into entrepreneurship helped shape the culture, operations, and leadership foundation that drives the company today.This episode goes far beyond rope access and into the mindset required to lead through uncertainty, fear, and constant external change. Jemia and Tim open up about surviving economic downturns, learning not to rely on a single client or industry, and the importance of diversification, relationships, and long-term thinking. At its core, Episode 318 is a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, partnership, and the defining moments every leader faces when standing at the edge of the unknown and choosing to move forward anyway.Learn more about Tim and Jemia and their work with Pacific Ropes: www.pacificropes.comKey Takeaways: The moment before you go over the edge is where growth lives, and success often requires committing fully despite fear.Safety, preparation, and mindset are what allow people to operate confidently in environments where mistakes are not survivable.Building an industry does not require inventing everything yourself, it requires learning from others and bringing proven ideas into your market.You cannot build a resilient business with a single client or industry, diversification is what allows you to survive external shocks.Culture is built on trust and shared responsibility, especially when your team's lives depend on each other every day.Mindset is the foundation of resilience, and the ability to stay calm and find solutions during uncertainty determines long term survival.The best leaders are willing to ask for help and continuously learn, rather than pretending they already have all the answers.Partnership strength comes from respecting differences, where vision and caution work together to create sustainable growth.Fear never fully disappears, but learning to act despite fear is what separates those who build meaningful things.Success in business and life requires intentional boundaries, because achievement means nothing if you lose yourself or your family along the way.Special thank you to our 2026 Title Sponsors, Hypervac Technologies and Hyperfab.Hypervac continues to set the standard across North America for air excavation, bringing innovation, safety, and precision to some of the most demanding infrastructure projects in the world. Alongside them, Hyperfab represents the next generation of manufacturing excellence, delivering world-class...
In episode 313, Kelly shares a hard lesson from a time he tried to “help” a client by booking a series of account management meetings he was not going to attend. The introductions were easy because the trust and credibility were already built, and the prospects said yes because of Kelly's relationship with them. But once the client missed one meeting, then another, Kelly realized the damage was landing on his name, not theirs. Instead of doing business development, he found himself apologizing, rescheduling, and working to repair relationships that took years to earn.The core message is simple and sharp: if you are not accountable for the outcome, you should not be booking the meeting. Kelly breaks down exactly what went wrong and how quickly credibility can be spent when you put yourself in the middle of a process you do not control. He closes with clear principles to protect your reputation: only book what you are willing to own, control the first impression, treat your network like equity, remove yourself as the middleman, and ensure accountability before opening doors.Key Takeaways:If your name is on the meeting, you are accountable for the outcome whether you attend or not.Credibility is currency in business development and every introduction spends a little of it.Never book meetings you cannot personally control or confidently stand behind.Acting as the middleman without authority puts all the risk on you and none of the control.First impressions set the tone for the entire relationship so be present to guide them.Good intentions do not protect your reputation. Boundaries do.Relationships built over years can be damaged quickly by missed expectations.Accountability must exist before opportunity or you are gambling with trust.Your network is equity, not loose change. Treat every intro like it costs something.Protecting your reputation is more important than trying to help or say yes to everything.This episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly supported by our 2026 Title Sponsor, Hypervac Technologies, North America's leading manufacturer of industrial vacuum and hydro excavation trucks. If you are looking for world class equipment built for performance, reliability, and the toughest job sites, check them out at www.hypervac.com and see why so many companies trust Hypervac to power their operations.Got a wild, funny, unbelievable, or unforgettable story from your time at work? Submit your story to I Used To Work There and you might be featured on the show. Email us at hr@IUsedToWorkThere.com and we'll send you the quick intake form and recording options. We review every submission and would love to hear yours.If you want to connect more directly, ask questions, and grow alongside other driven leaders, join The Catalyst Club. It's Kelly Kennedy's private leadership and business development community built for leaders by leaders, with live sessions,...
Episode 312 of The Business Development Podcast features a practical and candid conversation with Gordon Sheppard, CEO of Executive Wins, about what really holds teams and organizations back from growth. Drawing on more than 25 years of executive coaching experience, Gordon shares what happens behind the scenes when businesses stall, leaders feel overwhelmed, and execution breaks down. Instead of chasing strategy or quick fixes, he explains why structure, accountability, and difficult conversations are often the true levers that create lasting change.Together, Kelly and Gordon dig into the habits of high-performing leaders, how to build teams that actually execute without constant supervision, and the simple but powerful questions every CEO should be asking themselves. This episode is a grounded, no-nonsense look at leadership in the real world, offering clear insights for founders and operators who want fewer fires, stronger teams, and consistent, scalable wins.Check out Executive Wins: https://executivewins.com/Check out The Executive Wins Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1P1NEQVF744tV6xEjm5vRCKey Takeaways: Strategy rarely breaks businesses. Poor execution does. Most growth problems are alignment and accountability issues, not planning issues. Leaders often hold onto too much. If everything funnels through you, your team isn't built to scale without you.Hard conversations are not optional. Avoiding them quietly compounds dysfunction inside teams.Behavior change beats theory. Real leadership impact happens when people change what they do, not just what they know.Status quo is usually the hidden decision. If nothing changes after the meeting, you've already chosen comfort over growth.Great coaches and leaders ask better questions, not give better answers. The right question creates clarity faster than advice.Psychological safety unlocks performance. Teams move faster when people feel safe enough to be honest.Small, consistent improvements outperform big, dramatic initiatives. Daily execution beats occasional breakthroughs.Structure creates freedom. Clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations remove friction and speed up decision-making.Leaders must stay coachable. The moment you stop listening is the moment your growth plateaus.This episode of The Business Development Podcast is proudly brought to you by our 2026 Title Sponsor Hypervac Technologies, North America's leading vac truck manufacturer, and their new division Hyperfab, delivering custom industrial fabrication solutions built for performance and reliability.If your operations depend on serious equipment and serious uptime, these are the people to know. Go check them out at www.hypervac.com.Learn more about The Catalyst Club, Kelly Kennedy's private community built for leaders,...
In Episode 310 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Anders Liu Lindberg, a global thought leader in business partnering and one of the strongest voices shaping the future of finance today. Anders has built a reputation for turning finance teams into strategic powerhouses, helping CFOs and finance leaders move beyond reporting and compliance into real influence, better decision making, and measurable business impact. This conversation is a masterclass in why finance must evolve, and why the professionals who learn to partner with the business will become indispensable.Anders breaks down what business partnering actually is, why most finance teams struggle to earn a seat at the table, and how influence and communication are now just as critical as technical skill, especially as automation and AI accelerate. You will also hear Anders' philosophy on purpose, fulfillment, and building authority through consistency, the same mindset that helped him grow into one of the most trusted educators in the space. If you want to understand where finance is headed and why Anders is leading that change, this episode delivers.Key Takeaways: 1. Finance earns a seat at the table when it shows up to help leaders win, not to police budgets. 2. Business partnering is when functional experts translate their expertise into insights leaders can understand and use for better decisions. 3. Insights alone are not enough, because if you cannot influence decisions, your impact becomes zero. 4. The fastest way to build trust is to lead with empathy and partnership: “How can I help you meet and beat the budget” changes everything. 5. If finance shows up as the cold messenger of bad news, leaders will avoid them, but if finance shares ownership of outcomes, leaders will pull them closer. 6. AI and automation are shrinking the value of pure number crunching, so finance must get better at people skills like communication, relationship building, and influence. 7. You can teach “numbers people” to become stronger with people by giving them structure, tools, and repeatable frameworks they can practice. 8. Leaders should not just tell finance to “be strategic” and figure it out, they need to invest in training and create a clear path for that transformation. 9. Personal branding is not a hack, it is consistency plus authenticity over time, and your voice cannot be “wrong” when you are sharing real experience and perspective. 10. Passion comes and goes, but purpose creates staying power, and purpose plus passion is where fulfillment and long-term momentum come from. About Anders Liu-Lindberg: Anders Liu-Lindberg is a global thought leader in business partnering and finance transformation, helping finance teams evolve from reporting and control into strategic partners who drive real business outcomes. He runs the Business Partnering Institute, a worldwide hub for training, tools, and community built to raise the influence and impact of finance leaders (https://www.bpidk.org/), and he's also the author of Communicating Financials to Executives, a practical guide for turning numbers into clear, decision driving communication at the executive level (https://www.amazon.ca/Communicating-Financials-Executives-Anders-Liu-Lindberg/dp/1394292600). Connect with Anders directly on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andersliulindberg/.2026 Title Sponsor
In Episode 309 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with fellow Rockstar Raphael Cervan, a longtime listener from France whose journey is anything but ordinary. Born in Brazil and now based in France, Raphael spent nearly two decades as an aeronautical engineer at Airbus, working on landmark programs like the A380 and A320 while leading global teams at the highest level of technical excellence. But as his career advanced and he became a father, Raphael began asking deeper questions about responsibility, values, and the kind of world he was helping to build. That reflection ultimately led him to walk away from a prestigious leadership role in aerospace to pursue something more meaningful.This conversation goes far beyond career moves. Raphael shares how discovering The Business Development Podcast helped him transition from engineer to entrepreneur, reframing business development as a human, values-driven discipline rather than a transactional one. He opens up about founding Sunbiose, a company focused on decentralized, community-owned renewable energy systems designed to strengthen local economies, democracy, and social connection. This episode is a powerful exploration of legacy, courage, and what it really means to use your skills in service of something bigger than yourself, and it's a reminder that business development done right can genuinely change lives.Key Takeaways:1. Career success means very little if it conflicts with your values, and clarity often comes when you ask what your children or future self will think of the choices you made.2. Becoming a parent has a way of sharpening perspective and forcing honest questions about responsibility, impact, and legacy.3. Technical excellence is powerful, but it becomes transformative when it's applied to solving human and societal problems, not just optimizing systems.4. Walking away from a prestigious role is not failure when it's done intentionally in pursuit of deeper purpose and alignment.5. Business development is not manipulation or pressure, it is a human process of understanding problems and offering real solutions.6. Engineers and technical leaders can succeed in business when they reframe selling as service rather than persuasion.7. Entrepreneurship is less about the destination and more about the growth, self-knowledge, and responsibility developed along the way.8. Systems matter, whether in aviation, energy, or business, and poorly designed systems create risks that values-based leadership must address.9. Decentralization and community ownership can create not only economic value but stronger social bonds and shared accountability.10. Legacy is built through action, not intention, and doing nothing is often the most dangerous decision of all.Get in touch with RaphaelIf this episode resonated and you're exploring opportunities in decentralized energy, sustainability, or impact-driven entrepreneurship, Raphael is actively open to conversations. He is currently seeking strategic partners and aligned investors who share a long-term vision for community-owned, decentralized energy systems.If you're interested in collaborating, partnering, or learning more about the Sunbiose model, Raphael welcomes thoughtful outreach.Email: raphael@sunbiose.fr LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelcervan/2026 Title Sponsor
Episode 307 is a deeply personal reflection on empathy, responsibility, and how life fundamentally changes the way we experience the world. Kelly Kennedy explores how becoming a father rewired his nervous system and unlocked a depth of empathy he didn't previously have access to, triggered by moments from The Wild Robot and One Life. This episode challenges the idea that empathy is simply a skill or mindset, revealing instead that some layers of empathy only emerge when attachment, responsibility, and something meaningful to lose enter your life. The conversation then moves into leadership and business, asking a harder question: how do you lead ethically when you cannot fully understand what someone else is carrying? Kelly outlines why true empathy isn't about pretending to understand another person's risk, but about acting with humility, curiosity, and care when understanding is incomplete. The episode offers a grounded framework for protecting people, building trust, and leading responsibly, even when shared experience is missing.Key Takeaways: 1. Empathy is not something you decide to have; some of its deepest layers are unlocked only through responsibility and attachment. 2. Becoming responsible for someone else can biologically and emotionally rewire how you experience risk, loss, and care.3. You can intellectually understand someone's situation without truly feeling what they feel, and that difference matters.4. Shared experience doesn't make you better than others, but it does give you access to deeper emotional context.5. Real empathy in leadership starts with admitting the limits of your understanding instead of pretending you fully get it.6. Curiosity is more ethical than certainty when you haven't lived someone else's risk or responsibility.7. Empathy that doesn't change behavior is sympathy at best; action is where empathy becomes real.8. When understanding is incomplete, ethical leaders default to protection rather than pressure.9. Responsibility sharpens moral clarity and makes indifference impossible once something meaningful is at stake.10. True empathy deepens as your life deepens, and great leadership comes from carrying that weight with humility.2026 Title Sponsor
In Episode 306, Kelly Kennedy reconnects with Mckinley Hyland, founder of Maverick NDT Inspection Inc. and the very first guest in the history of The Business Development Podcast, for a raw and grounded conversation about Alberta, Oil and Gas, and the people who make the industry work. Mckinley shares the reality behind high-paying field work, from long rotations and time away from family to the quiet sacrifices that define life in Alberta's energy sector. This episode isn't about politics or complaints. It's about resilience, responsibility, and the work ethic that Albertans carry with pride.The conversation explores why Mckinley chose entrepreneurship as a way to regain control of his time, how building Maverick NDT became a legacy project rooted in family, and what “Alberta Strong” truly means when lived day to day. From sleeping in trucks and riding out downturns to leading teams through uncertainty and putting people first, this episode offers a powerful example of Alberta through the lens of lived experience, leadership, and quiet strength.Learn more about Maverick NDT Inspection Inc., an Alberta-based non-destructive testing company helping industrial clients improve safety, quality, and efficiency through innovative inspection solutions at https://www.maverickndt.ca.Key Takeaways:1. Alberta Strong means you do the job when it's hard, not when it's convenient, and you stay proud without needing applause.2. In oil and gas, you're often paid as much for your absence as your effort, and that trade-off is real for families.3. Time is the one asset nobody can buy back, so the smartest leaders build their life around it before it's gone.4. The unseen heroes are the partners at home, because they carry the full load when the work pulls you away.5. Entrepreneurship is often a decision to regain control, not chase status, and for Mckinley it was the only way to be truly present with his family.6. Relationships aren't a nice-to-have in volatile industries, they're what keeps you alive when the market turns and everyone gets squeezed.7. Trust beats slogans every time, because anyone can claim “quality and safety,” but only consistent behavior earns loyalty.8. The oil patch can shape you fast, and if you don't build discipline early, the lifestyle can drag you into habits that cost more than money.9. Resilience is built by repeated uncertainty, and Alberta entrepreneurs are forced to adapt because the ground shifts again and again.10. Innovation is a survival advantage, and Maverick's push toward AI and computed radiography shows how Alberta companies can set the pace instead of just keeping up.2026 Title Sponsor
Here's something most people miss: when your body thinks it's in danger, it shuts down the systems you need most for healing. Digestion stops. Detoxification slows. Immunity takes a backseat. That's where Jodi Cohen comes in. She's spent years helping over a hundred thousand clients understand that your sense of smell is a direct line to the part of your brain that controls your safety gauge. In this episode, she breaks down how essential oils work topically on the vagus nerve to flip the switch from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest. We get into lymphatic drainage, why that clavicle area is the bottleneck everyone overlooks, and how simple at-home tools can support recovery without making life harder. Whether you're preparing for surgery or just trying to calm your system down, this conversation gives you practical ways to work with your body instead of against it. Connect with Jodi Cohen: Jodi's book: Essential Oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body: 5 Steps to Calm Anxiety, Sleep Better, and Reduce Inflammation to Regain Control of Your Health: https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Oils-Boost-Brain-Heal/dp/1984858602/ Jodi's book Healing with Essential Oils: How to Use Them to Enhance Sleep, Digestion and Detoxification while Reducing Stress and Inflammation: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Essential-Oils-Detoxification-Inflammation/dp/0998534609/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Vibrant Blue Oils: https://vibrantblueoils.com/ IN THIS EPISODE WE'LL: Discover how your nose can reset your nervous system in under one second using safety-signaling scents Learn why the clavicle area is the critical bottleneck for lymphatic drainage and how to open it up at home Understand how chronic stress keeps your body stuck in survival mode and blocks healing, detoxification, and immunity Explore topical essential oil application on the vagus nerve to activate parasympathetic nervous system function Break through common barriers to post-surgical recovery with simple, effective lymphatic support techniques CHECK OUT THESE EPISODES: Episode 114: The Lymphatic Secrets Everyone Should Know with Kelly Kennedy: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-114-the-lymphatic-secrets-everyone-should/id1678143554?i=1000705663014 Episode 119: The Truth About Breast Implant Illness and Holistic Recovery with Dr. Tania Ash and Andi Lew: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-119-the-truth-about-breast-implant-illness/id1678143554?i=1000711298739 Links and Resources Let's Connect Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/breast-implant-illness/id1678143554 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1SPDripbluZKYsC0rwrBdb?si=23ea2cd9f6734667 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drrobertwhitfield?_t=8oQyjO25X5i&_r=1 IG: https://www.instagram.com/breastimplantillnessexpert/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertWhitfield Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-whitfield-md-50775b10/ X: https://x.com/rob_whitfieldmd Read this article - https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness/breast-implant-illness Shop: https://drrobssolutions.com SHARP: https://www.harp.health NVISN Labs - https://nvisnlabs.com/ Get access to Dr. Rob's Favorite Products below: Danger Coffee - Use our link for mold free coffee - https://dangercoffee.com/pages/mold-free-coffee?ref=ztvhyjg JASPR Air Purifier - Use code DRROB for the Jaspr Air Purifier - https://jaspr.co/ Echo Water - Get high quality water with our code DRROB10 - https://echowater.com/ BallancerPro - Use code DRROBVIP for the world's leader in lymphatic drainage technology - https://ballancerpro.com Ultrahuman - Use code WHITFIELD10 for the most accurate wearable - https://www.ultrahuman.com/ring/buy/us/?affiliateCode=drwhitfield
In Episode 305 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down why most ideas never make it into the world — not because they are bad, but because people wait too long to act. Drawing from his own experience launching businesses, programs, communities, and podcasts in under three months, Kelly explains the concept of inspired action: acting while clarity, energy, and excitement are present instead of waiting for confidence, certainty, or fear to disappear. He challenges the belief that clarity comes before action and makes the case that clarity is created through movement.The episode explores the two fears that quietly kill momentum — fear of failure and fear of success — and explains why overwhelm, not fear, is usually the real blocker. Kelly walks listeners through a simple, practical framework for taking inspired action one step at a time, using real examples from his latest project I Used to Work There. The message is clear and timely for January: confidence is built through proof, momentum silences fear, and the fastest way to bring ideas to life is to take the next obvious step today.Key Takeaways: 1. Most ideas fail not because they are bad but because people wait too long to act on them.2. Confidence does not come before action it is built through action and proof.3. Clarity is not something you find by thinking it is created by doing.4. Inspired action means moving while energy and excitement are present before fear can negotiate you out of it.5. Fear of failure and fear of success lead to the same outcome hesitation and hesitation kills momentum.6. Overwhelm is usually the real blocker not fear and it comes from trying to see the whole picture at once.7. You do not need to eat the whole elephant you only need to take the next obvious step.8. Small immediate actions compound quickly and turn ideas into reality faster than overplanning ever will.9. Momentum silences fear and motion creates confidence far more effectively than motivation.10. Every step taken becomes proof and the more proof you build the quieter imposter syndrome becomes.Don't forget to follow The Business Development Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode. If you're enjoying the show, leaving a rating or sharing it with someone who would get value from it makes a huge difference and helps the podcast reach more leaders and entrepreneurs around the world.2026 Title Sponsor
In Episode 304 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Ryan Crittenden, a strength-based coach, Army veteran, and founder of XL Coaching and Development, to kick off the new year with a powerful reframe on growth, leadership, and self-belief. Ryan breaks down why coaching is not about fixing what's wrong, but about drawing out what's already there, helping people understand and use their natural strengths instead of fighting against them. Through stories from his military service and his transition into leadership coaching, Ryan explains how belonging, clarity, and self-awareness are often the missing pieces for leaders who feel stuck, burned out, or out of control.This conversation is especially timely for anyone heading into a new year feeling pressure to reinvent themselves or overhaul their entire life or business. Kelly and Ryan explore how real growth starts with one small step, not massive overcorrection, and how understanding your strengths can unlock better decision-making, stronger leadership, healthier relationships, and more sustainable success. Whether you're a founder, sales leader, entrepreneur, or emerging professional, this episode offers a grounded, practical way to reset your mindset and build the year ahead around who you actually are, not who you think you're supposed to be.Key Takeaways:1. Coaching works best when it draws out what is already inside you instead of trying to fix you.2. Great leaders create belonging in simple moments and those moments can change everything for someone.3. When life feels out of control the first move is not a massive overhaul it is one small step toward clarity.4. You do not need someone to fix you you often need someone to listen so you can think clearly again.5. Strengths based development starts with what is right with you and turns that into repeatable performance.6. CliftonStrengths reveals natural talent patterns and your job is to build them into real strengths through awareness and action.7. Knowing who you are not is just as valuable as knowing what you are good at because it helps you partner build systems or delegate.8. Most people perform better when they feel part of creating the solution so keep asking better questions instead of forcing answers.9. Big goals can overwhelm you into doing nothing so shrink the focus to the next step and let momentum do the rest.10. When teams share a common language for strengths and energy they collaborate faster trust more and stop misreading each other.2026 Title Sponsor
Every January starts with fresh goals and big intentions, and then life hits, momentum fades, and by February most people are restarting again. In this New Year's Eve episode, Kelly breaks down what momentum actually is, why it matters, and how to build it in a way that lasts, not with hype or burnout, but with consistent weekly actions that compound over time. He reframes momentum as simple forward motion, the stacking of small and significant wins, and shows how consistency is what creates the “overnight success” people think is luck.Kelly then delivers a practical momentum playbook you can apply immediately: write 15 to 20 goals by hand, create an early win by finishing one task you have been avoiding, and make the Move the Needle list a weekly non negotiable. He challenges work life balance in favor of work life coherence and lays out the habits that keep momentum alive, consistency over intensity, repeatable weekly processes, fewer priorities, tracking small wins, launching early, protecting your calendar, and staying in motion while others pause, so when the year truly starts for everyone else, you are already moving.Key Takeaways: 1. Momentum is not motivation or luck, it is simple forward motion created by consistently completing the right tasks week after week. 2. Small wins matter more than big bursts of effort because progress compounds when you keep stacking completion over time. 3. Consistency will always outperform intensity because extreme effort is temporary but repeatable action builds lasting results. 4. Writing goals down by hand dramatically increases follow through and forces clarity on what actually matters. 5. Momentum accelerates when you create early wins by finishing something you have been putting off. 6. Weekly focus beats daily chaos when you commit to a Move the Needle list and prioritize only the highest impact actions. 7. Processes create momentum while random tasks drain it, because rhythm removes decision fatigue. 8. Reducing priorities increases results since momentum dies when everything feels urgent. 9. Tracking progress builds belief, and belief fuels momentum even when results are still forming. 10. The people who win long term keep moving when others pause, downshifting if needed but never fully stopping. 2026 Title Sponsor
In this very special episode of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jake Gold, one of the most influential architects of Canadian music and the longtime manager behind The Tragically Hip. Jake takes listeners behind the curtain on what a music manager actually does, not as a hype man, but as the CEO of a complex business where touring, deals, team decisions, merchandising, data, and long term career strategy all run through one leader. He shares the moment he first saw The Tragically Hip live and knew instantly they had to be signed, plus how conviction, detail obsession, and a willingness to say no are what separate career building from chasing quick wins.This conversation is packed with crossover lessons for founders, CEOs, and business developers, especially around standards, positioning, and being relentlessly curious as the market changes. Jake breaks down why the music industry is bigger than ever, why direct to consumer and data matter, and why the barrier to entry being low does not change the one truth that decides everything: you still have to be great. Kelly also acknowledges the human side of legacy, including the grief the country felt around Gord Downie, and Jake shares how he stays grounded and sustainable across decades in a 24/7 industry, while hinting at meaningful plans ahead for what comes next.Key Takeaways: 1. You will know greatness when you feel it and it is an involuntary response, not a logical checklist. 2. Great careers are built by setting the real bar and realizing what “next level” actually looks like the first time you witness it. 3. A great manager is basically the CEO of the band's company, overseeing every revenue stream, cost, and decision with the artists as the board. 4. Sustainable performance comes from ruthless time protection: knowing when not to get involved, saying no, and avoiding time wasters. 5. If you do not believe in what you represent, you will eventually get bored and move on, so belief is the fuel of long term excellence. 6. The small stuff is the big stuff: details matter because this is the whole business and you do not get paid unless it works. 7. There is no plan B if you want career level outcomes, and if the artist or founder loses belief, the manager cannot save it. 8. Curiosity is a competitive advantage: keep learning, keep reading, and bring new ideas to the table even when you are the most experienced person in the room. 9. Data and direct fan connection are core now, and the winners will understand audiences, demographics, and DTC relationships better than ever. 10. In a world where anyone can publish, the filter is still the same: you have to be great, the cream rises, and longevity is the real proof. Connect with Jake Gold and learn more about his work:The Management Trust (Official Site)https://mgmtrust.ca/Jake Gold on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-gold-92046030/If you know you are built for more, you belong in The Catalyst Club. It is a private, high trust community for founders, business developers, and next generation leaders who want real connection, real support, and real momentum.Join us today: https://www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub
In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, Scott Love speaks with Kelly Kennedy, executive business development coach and host of The Business Development Podcast, about what it really means to “open doors for rainmakers.” Kelly reframes business development as the disciplined art of creating interest and securing face-to-face meetings—not closing deals or running marketing campaigns. He introduces his concept of “meeting math”: start with your revenue goal, determine the average value of a new client, estimate your close rate from qualified meetings, and back into the exact number of meetings you need per year and per month. Because meetings are the only part of the sales process a BD professional can truly control, Kelly argues that success should be measured in high-quality meetings, not just revenue, and that this clarity gives rainmakers confidence and focus. Kelly then walks through how to build a repeatable door-opening system. Instead of chasing only the biggest “tippy-top” companies, he recommends targeting the next tier down and the service providers that support them—often better, stickier clients with more realistic expectations. He urges firms to identify their ideal buyer personas (presidents, procurement managers, operations leaders, etc.), then use tools like LinkedIn to build targeted lists and send personalized connection requests and introductions. Kelly stresses the importance of separating roles—door-opening BD, proposal/sales, and account management—so nothing falls through the cracks, and he closes with three action steps: block 3–5 hours weekly for pure BD, define your ideal buyers by title in each vertical, and make direct contact via phone and email while always asking for the meeting. Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/FJtovnbYvRo ----------------------------------------
Join us for a FLASHBACK FRIDAY: On this episode of The Beats with Kelly Kennedy, Dr. Al Danenberg joins me to talk about the lifestyle changes he made at age 66 to lose over 35 pounds and get off of 7 medications he was told he would have to take for life. He shares his experience of going from being on his death bed with an incurable disease to being told months later that he has no visible cancer cells throughout his entire body. We explain the purpose of dental plaque, what happens when you have improper gut bacteria, and the impact stressors have on the body.
Tired of being told your cellulite, stiffness, and pain are "just aging"? It's time for the truth about your lymph and fascia! In this episode of Menopause Mastery, Dr. Betty Murray and fascia expert Kelly Kennedy dismantle everything you thought you knew about cellulite, aging, and what your body is capable of. If conventional medicine has left you feeling hopeless or you're searching for answers beyond "it's your hormones," this conversation will change your life. Discover: - Why cellulite is trapped fat in fascia (not an age problem) - Why your lymphatic system is the lowest common denominator of all healing - How fascia is literally the fabric of your body formed from light in the womb - Why movement isn't optional if you want to feel good in midlife and beyond - How menopause changes collagen, fascia, and mobility - Top 5 red flags your lymph is stagnant - Two practices to support your lymph starting today - How a 75 year old reversed terminal fibrotic cellulitis in 21 days Plus, Dr. Betty and Kelly get honest about bioidentical hormones (when they help, when they don't, and why Kelly's approach is radically different), the myth that you can't move lymph if you have cancer, and why the products you're using to "feel good" (scented candles, perfumes, yoga pants) are actually making you sicker. If you're a woman struggling with cellulite, hormone imbalance, sleep issues, rashes, headaches, or chronic pain that nobody can figure out, this episode hands you a roadmap to reclaim your energy, mobility, and confidence! Connect with Dr. Betty Murray ● Betty Murray Website: https://www.bettymurray.com/ ● Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbettymurray/ Links ● Menrva Telemedicine: https://gethormonesnow.com/ ● FREE Hormone Quiz: https://bit.ly/3wNJOec ● Living Well Dallas: https://www.livingwelldallas.com/ ● Hormone Reset: https://hormonereset.net/ More from the Podcast: Subscribe to #MenopauseMastery for weekly episodes on women's health, hormones, and functional medicine → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwONPdSvb2-YYY74VhD-XBw Listen on Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/menopause-mastery/id1607369247 Listen on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/0tNsjm32CZNXSgSFEwS3uH Thank you for listening to Menopause Mastery. Empowering your health journey, one episode at a time.
In this powerful Remembrance Day episode, Kelly Kennedy reflects on the legacy of his grandfather, a man shaped by courage, humility, and service, and explores the timeless truths that still define human connection today. Through the lens of personal history and Dale Carnegie's century-old wisdom, Kelly reminds us that while our tools have evolved from typewriters to smartphones, from face-to-face meetings to AI, the fundamentals of who we are have not. Our desire for understanding, empathy, belonging, and trust remains unchanged, and those who remember how to connect on a deeply human level will always lead the way.This episode bridges the past and present, showing that in business and life, success is never about the newest technology, it's about mastering the oldest skill in the world: authentic human connection. Drawing from history, psychology, and lived experience, Kelly offers timeless lessons that prove our humanity isn't a weakness in the digital age, it's our greatest advantage.Key Takeaways: 1. The tools we use will always evolve, but the fundamentals of human connection never change.2. Technology can enhance communication, but it can't replace genuine empathy or trust.3. Authentic relationships are built on listening, understanding, and caring — not automation.4. Success in business still comes down to people choosing people they like and believe in.5. The wisdom of the past remains relevant because human nature hasn't changed.6. Dale Carnegie's teachings on kindness, respect, and curiosity are more powerful now than ever.7. Human connection is the greatest differentiator in a world filled with noise and competition.8. To move forward, we must remember and honor the lessons that brought us here.9. Leadership is not about control or efficiency, it's about humanity and connection.10. In every era — past, present, or future — our greatest advantage will always be being human.If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.
Tired of being told your cellulite, stiffness, and pain are "just aging"? In this powerful episode of Menopause Mastery, Dr. Betty Murray and fascia expert Kelly Kennedy expose the real connection between fascia, lymph, and healing. Learn why cellulite isn't about age, how stagnant lymph affects everything from pain to energy, and the simple practices that can help you feel vibrant again.
This episode of The Business Development Podcast dives deep into the power of focus and intentional action through Kelly Kennedy's proven weekly framework, Move the Needle. Kelly reveals how most people spend their weeks reacting to chaos instead of directing their energy toward what truly matters. Drawing from the Pareto Principle and Dr. Gail Matthews' goal-setting research, he shows how writing down just five to ten high-impact priorities each Monday can double your effectiveness and eliminate wasted effort. Through personal stories and practical tools, Kelly explains how consistent focus on the right 20 percent of tasks creates exponential results — not by working harder, but by working smarter.In this inspiring and grounded episode, Kelly reminds listeners that Move the Needle isn't just for business — it's for life. He challenges you to include goals that strengthen your family, health, and relationships, emphasizing that everything is interconnected: when one area struggles, the rest follows. With passion and clarity, he calls for progress over perfection, consistency over intensity, and impact over busyness. The episode closes with an invitation to join a community of leaders inside The Catalyst Club, where accountability, connection, and growth come together to help you keep moving the needle every single week. Key Takeaways: 1. Focusing on the right 20% of actions creates 80% of your results — the Pareto Principle in motion.2. Writing your goals down doubles your chance of achieving them; it's science-backed focus at work.3. Mondays are for direction, not reaction — take 10 minutes to plan what truly matters.4. Your Move the Needle list isn't a to-do list; it's an *impact list* designed to build momentum.5. Accountability turns intentions into commitments; share your list and let it be seen.6. Progress beats perfection — even one or two meaningful wins a week compound over time.7. Consistency is the secret weapon; the system only works if you keep showing up every week.8. Writing goals by hand programs your brain to prioritize and recognize opportunity.9. Work, home, and health are connected — when one slips, the others follow.10. Move the Needle is about living intentionally — making every week, and every action, truly count.This Week's Challenge:Write down your own Move the Needle list — five to ten actions that would make this week a win. Post it somewhere visible, share it with a peer, and review it next Monday.If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.
In Episode 286 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with transformational coach and finance expert Jenn Bieri, founder of The Practice Space, to explore what it truly means to redefine success without losing yourself. Jenn shares her powerful journey from scaling a global tech startup from 40 to 400 employees and leading $20 million in capital raises, to realizing that achievement without alignment comes at a cost. Her story is one of courage, clarity, and transformation—showing what happens when you trade burnout for balance and ambition for authenticity.Together, Kelly and Jenn unpack the real challenges leaders face behind closed doors: the exhaustion, the guilt, and the endless pursuit of “more.” They discuss how mindfulness, emotional awareness, and intentional boundaries can shift the way we lead and live. This episode is a reminder that success isn't about how far you can push—it's about how true you can stay to yourself while you rise.Key Takeaways: 1. Success without alignment eventually leads to burnout, no matter how high you climb.2. Leaders often forget that they need emotional and physical care just as much as their teams do.3. Slowing down and creating space often produces more clarity and creativity than constant action.4. True balance requires intentional boundaries—your time and energy deserve structure.5. Ambition can be healthy, but only when paired with mindfulness and self-awareness.6. Fulfillment comes from aligning your career and lifestyle with your values, not external validation.7. Redefining success means unlearning the belief that worth is tied to productivity.8. Fear is natural when stepping away from comfort, but courage creates transformation.9. Sustainable leadership starts with nervous system regulation—rest is a strategy, not a luxury.10. The ultimate freedom comes when you choose to thrive, not just survive, in your work and life.The Practice Space is where high-performing leaders learn to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build success that feels balanced, intentional, and deeply human.Learn More: https://thepracticespace.co/If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.
In this Halloween Special of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with the legendary Jim Harold — the original paranormal podcaster and host of Jim Harold's Campfire. With over 20 years in the business and millions of listeners worldwide, Jim shares how a lifelong fascination with the unexplained became one of the most successful independent podcasting careers in history. Together, they explore what it means to believe, the power of storytelling, and why people from every corner of the world are still drawn to share their mysterious, unexplainable experiences.From ghosts and cryptids to UFOs and the mysteries of consciousness itself, this conversation goes far beyond the paranormal. Jim opens up about the lessons learned from two decades behind the mic, the evolving podcasting industry, and his belief that “the universe is not only stranger than we understand — it's stranger than we can understand.” A powerful, reflective, and fittingly eerie episode that reminds us curiosity is what keeps the human spirit alive.Key Takeaways:1. Belief doesn't require proof, and you can respect skepticism while still leaving room for mystery and wonder.2. The power of storytelling connects us across generations, cultures, and beliefs more deeply than facts ever could.3. Authenticity builds longevity; being real and consistent is what sustains a creative career.4. Curiosity fuels creativity and keeps your content fresh and engaging.5. Respect your guests' truth; empathy creates more meaningful conversations than confrontation.6. Persistence beats perfection, and consistency over time creates lasting success.7. Follow your fascination because what genuinely interests you often becomes your greatest work.8. Podcasting is about community, not celebrity; shared stories build loyalty and impact.9. The unknown keeps us humble and open to growth by reminding us how little we truly know.10. Legacy is built through consistency, showing up again and again until your work speaks for itself.If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.
In Episode 284 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Adam Kimmel, an engineer with 12 global patents who made the leap from technical leadership to business development strategist. Together, they explore why so many technical professionals struggle to thrive in business development—and how to turn analytical precision into authentic human connection. Adam shares his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, unpacking the mindset shifts that allow technical experts to succeed in client-facing roles while maintaining integrity, clarity, and depth in their communication.The conversation dives into the intersection of engineering, marketing, and trust-building in an AI-saturated world. From using content and video as tools of authenticity to mastering the art of simplifying complex ideas, Adam reveals how to create real impact in a space often dominated by noise. This episode is a masterclass for engineers, consultants, and technical leaders who want to connect their expertise to opportunity and grow beyond the technical into true business development mastery.Key Takeaways: 1. Technical expertise alone doesn't translate to business success; connection and clarity are what bridge the gap.2. Authentic communication builds trust faster than polished marketing ever can.3. AI is a great thought partner but can't replace human insight, depth, or emotional nuance.4. Engineers and technical experts already have the analytical skills needed for BD; they just need to learn emotional context.5. Storytelling is the most effective way to translate complex technical ideas into client understanding.6. Video is the new frontier for authenticity; people want to see and hear the real person behind the expertise.7. Repetition, feedback, and iteration are the keys to getting comfortable with video and public communication.8. Content should start from one strong cornerstone piece like a white paper or interview and be repurposed into multiple formats.9. Brand trust comes before conversion; no one buys until they believe you understand their problem.10. The best business development professionals don't sell; they educate, simplify, and connect.If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.
In Episode 283 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down one of the toughest truths in business: why free almost always fails. Drawing on lessons from early mentor Kevin Pydde and his own entrepreneurial journey, Kelly explores how undercharging and giving too much away can quietly destroy your business. He shares the mindset and pricing framework that helped him build Capital Business Development and The Business Development Podcast from the ground up, teaching that consistent, predictable revenue, not commissions or goodwill, sustains long-term success.Kelly also exposes the hidden cost of free, showing why clients who don't pay rarely commit or transform. From coaching to community building, he reveals that every time you remove the price tag, you remove the value. This episode is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs and creators alike: if you want your work to matter, you have to charge for it. Because in the end, free isn't generosity, it's a loss for everyone.Key Takeaways: 1. You have to look after your family first, your business second, and yourself third because everything is interconnected.2. Consistent, predictable revenue keeps a business alive while commissions are just pennies from heaven.3. Know your real costs because your time is only a fraction of what it truly takes to run your business.4. Price for value, not hours, since clients pay for results and outcomes, not time spent.5. Confidence in your pricing is essential because the first sale you make is always to yourself.6. Free almost always fails because when people do not pay, they do not show up or commit.7. A token price beats no price since even a small investment creates ownership and engagement.8. Free is not generosity because it devalues your work and trains others to undervalue it too.9. Discount strategically, not emotionally, by rewarding loyalty or early adoption, never desperation.10. Charging fairly is not selfish because it builds the foundation that allows you to create real impact.Building a business can be lonely, especially when it feels like no one around you truly understands the pressure, the grind, or the dreams that drive you. That's why I created The Catalyst Club — a private community where entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals connect with peers who actually get it.Inside The Catalyst Club, you'll find genuine support from people walking the same path. We share wins, tackle challenges, and grow together through weekly live events like Coffee with Rockstars, Catalyst Sessions, and Workshops. It's real conversation, accountability, and encouragement from people who know what it takes to build something meaningful.If you're ready to stop doing it alone and start growing alongside others who understand the journey, join us today at KellyKennedyOfficial.com/thecatalystclub. Because success feels lighter when you're surrounded by people who carry the same fire.
In Episode 281, Kelly Kennedy delivers a powerful reminder that in a world moving faster than ever, adaptability isn't optional—it's the skill that defines whether we thrive or fade. He shares how resisting change once held him back, from pushing against early CRM systems to realizing that fear of new ideas only slows progress for everyone involved. Using Apple as a case study in self-disruption, Kelly shows how the most successful leaders and companies evolve intentionally—choosing to innovate before they're forced to.Kelly challenges listeners to stop fearing change and start seeking it, revealing how the information age has given way to the intelligence age powered by AI. He outlines clear, practical steps to embrace adaptability, face fear, and lead with purpose in times of rapid transformation. The message is clear: adaptability isn't about reacting to change—it's about causing it, while it's still your choice to do so.Key Takeaways: 1. Adaptability isn't reacting to change, it's causing it before you're forced to.2. The information age is over — those who cling to old rules will get left behind.3. Fear of change is natural, but it's usually just the fear of what we can't yet see.4. The other side of change is always better, even if it's invisible from where you stand.5. Resisting progress doesn't protect us — it holds everyone back.6. Apple's success came from self-disruption; they chose to evolve while it was still their choice.7. In the AI era, adaptability isn't optional — it's the new literacy.8. Systems and processes still matter, but only if they evolve with you.9. Growth begins when you stop defending comfort and start seeking change.10. The people who win the future will be the ones who adapt faster than fear can stop them.If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.
In Episode 280 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Jason Michaud, founder and CEO of Stardust Technologies, to explore the coming Space Boom of 2036—a defining moment that could reshape global economies, industries, and human potential. Jason shares his mission to make space accessible for everyone while warning that Canada and much of the world are not prepared for what's coming. From helping pioneer the world's first Indigenous space agency to collaborating on THEIA, a lunar analog habitat designed to simulate life beyond Earth, Jason and his team at Stardust are leading a bold vision for humanity's next frontier.Together, Kelly and Jason unpack why the world isn't ready—from outdated education systems and short-sighted policy to the urgent need for infrastructure and leadership in the new space economy. This conversation is a wake-up call for innovators and entrepreneurs everywhere: the next great race has already begun, and the decisions we make in the next decade will determine who thrives in the new age of space.Key Takeaways: 1. The next great economic shift is already on the horizon — the Space Boom of 2036 will redefine how nations and industries operate.2. Most of the world, including Canada, is not prepared for the coming wave of innovation, infrastructure, and opportunity that space will demand.3. Space exploration is no longer limited to governments; it's becoming a commercial and entrepreneurial frontier that rewards vision and action.4. Education systems need to evolve now to prepare the next generation for space-focused science, engineering, and business leadership.5. Canada has the talent and potential to be a leader in space, but only if it invests early and builds the ecosystem to support it.6. Collaboration between Indigenous communities, governments, and private companies can create a more inclusive and ethical space future.7. The development of analog habitats like THEIA is critical for preparing humans to live and thrive beyond Earth.8. The companies and countries that move first in the next decade will define the standards, technology, and culture of the new space economy.9. Making space accessible for everyone isn't just a dream — it's an urgent necessity for long-term human progress and survival.10. The countdown has already begun; those who wait for the future to arrive will be left behind when the new space race takes off.If you're ready to grow alongside other driven entrepreneurs and business leaders, join The Catalyst Club—a private community built on support, growth, and connection for people serious about building something that lasts.If you've been looking for a place to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who truly get it, I think you'll love it.
In Episode 277 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy takes you inside a true David vs. Goliath battle as he fights for the 2025 Signal Awards in the Business category. As the only Canadian and the only independent finalist up against billion dollar networks like Wondery, iHeart, and Amazon, Kelly reveals how underdogs can rally support and compete with giants. He shares the exact playbook he is using: creating awareness through posts, driving action with direct outreach, scaling with email, amplifying through media, and most importantly trusting community to carry the fight. Along the way you will learn the pitfalls to avoid, the importance of gratitude, and why clarity and simplicity turn support into real action.Now Kelly needs his community more than ever. With just one week left to vote, your support will decide the outcome. It takes only ten seconds to cast your vote, and every share amplifies the fight. If this podcast has ever inspired you, taught you, or helped you move the needle in your business, this is the moment to give back. Vote now for The Business Development Podcast in the Business category of the Signal Awards at vote.signalaward.com. Voting is open until October 9th. Vote and share to create a tidal wave of support and help David defeat a giant.Key Takeaways: 1. Awareness is only the first step — posts create visibility but they don't guarantee action.2. Direct outreach drives results — personal messages cut through the noise and spark real movement.3. Clarity matters — a single link and simple instructions remove friction and boost support.4. Equip your community — give them shareable assets, captions, and graphics so helping you is easy.5. Media amplifies your story — but only if you frame it with a compelling narrative worth telling.6. Gratitude fuels momentum — thank people personally and publicly to deepen connection and trust.7. Don't confuse numbers with commitment — likes and comments are not the same as votes or sales.8. Respect boundaries — pushing too hard or spamming can damage relationships you've worked to build.9. At some point you must let go — after doing everything in your power, trust your community to carry it forward.10. Underdogs win with people, not budgets — community is the greatest differentiator against giants.
Episode 275 of The Business Development Podcast flips the script on imposter syndrome, showing why it isn't a red flag but a clear indicator that you're leveling up. Kelly Kennedy unpacks why this feeling shows up right before your biggest breakthroughs and why it's actually a compass pointing you toward growth and success.In this episode, you'll uncover 10 powerful indicators that prove you're on the right path, plus practical strategies to reframe self-doubt into fuel. From anchoring in your wins to shifting your focus toward service and taking action anyway, this conversation will help you embrace imposter syndrome as a guiding light on your journey.Key Takeaways:1. Imposter syndrome isn't a red flag — it's proof you're stepping into new levels of growth.2. Feeling out of place usually means you're exactly where you're supposed to be.3. The greatest breakthroughs often happen right after the loudest self-doubt.4. Self-doubt shows you care enough to measure yourself against excellence.5. Being nervous is a sign that the stakes are meaningful and worth pursuing.6. When opportunities start coming to you, it's a signal of your rising influence.7. Growth requires shedding old strategies that no longer fit your current level.8. The louder your inner critic gets, the brighter the spotlight on your success.9. Confidence is built through action — moving forward proves you belong.10. Borrow belief from others until your own confidence catches up.We've just completed the Podcast Playbook series and are back in the regular flow of The Business Development Podcast. And one last ask — we've been named a finalist in the 2025 Signal Awards, and we need your vote in the Listeners Choice category. Every vote counts and you can support us here: Vote for The Business Development Podcast If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.
In episode 270, Kelly Kennedy welcomes Laura Gabor — co-founder and COO of Ecologicca, founder of What in the Tech, angel investor, and one of The Peak's Emerging Leaders in Tech for 2024. Laura shares her journey from her immigrant roots to becoming a leader in the Canadian tech ecosystem, highlighting the pivotal experiences that shaped her as an entrepreneur and investor. From early lessons in resilience to her first angel investments, she offers a candid perspective on the challenges of building companies, raising capital, and staying true to your vision.Throughout the conversation, Laura unpacks the realities of fundraising: the misconceptions about being “too early,” the dangers of vague feedback, and the sheer persistence it takes to survive 200+ investor conversations before landing a “yes.” She also speaks openly about gender inequities in tech, the importance of inclusive leadership, and the need for stronger accountability in pay and funding. Her unfiltered insights serve as both a warning and a guide for founders — blending honesty, encouragement, and practical strategies for navigating the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.Key Takeaways: 1. Fundraising often takes 200+ conversations before one “yes” — persistence is everything.2. Feedback like “you're too early” can kill great companies — be mindful of the weight your words carry.3. Founders must learn to filter advice; not all advice is good advice, and context matters.4. Women continue to face inequities in both pay and funding — leaders must be accountable for change.5. Angel investors need proper education too — bad investing knowledge harms founders and ecosystems.6. Building a strong support system or “village” is critical to thriving as an entrepreneur.7. Career paths don't need to follow a straight line — resilience and adaptability open new doors.8. Transparency and clarity are essential when raising capital — vagueness erodes trust.9. Founders should trust their gut as much as the data — instinct is part of good leadership.10. Legacy isn't just about business success; it's about creating impact, equity, and opportunities for others.Support Laura's work with Ecologicca & What in the Tech by engaging with the content, sharing it with your network, and amplifying the stories of women and underrepresented voices in tech. Learn more about Ecologicca: https://www.ecologicca.com/Learn more about What in the Tech?: https://www.whatinthetech.co/If you're ready to go further on your business development journey, join us inside The Catalyst Club. It's where founders, entrepreneurs, and business leaders come together to share wins, tackle challenges, and grow alongside a supportive community that understands the grind. Inside, you'll find live sessions, expert insights, and a network built to help you move the needle in your business and your life. You don't have to do this alone — your community is waiting.
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