Podcasts about Small business

"And I realized I had bought into someone else's definition of what success looked like and even career path. And I find that so many people do that. And so we're living a life that someone else designed for us. And my whole thing is just determine what's important to you and then find a career that enables you to do that." Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this Alumni Spotlight, Dan pulls up a chair with Carlos Hidalgo — keynote speaker, executive advisor, and author — who spent years building and running the company he co-founded before walking away to design a life and career on his own terms. That decision opened doors. Fellow executives started calling to ask how he did it — because they were miserable. Carlos built an advisory practice, wrote a book, and started gaining traction as a speaker. Then, right after joining The Speaker Lab, he suffered a stroke. A brain bleed with a 50% mortality rate. Seven days in a hospital bed. About eight weeks derailed. He came back, caught up, and graduated from the program in April. The experience sharpened everything: his message, his sense of urgency, and his willingness to do the daily work most speakers skip. In this conversation, Carlos breaks down the exact moves he's making to build his pipeline — from the digital audit that revealed he was positioning himself three different ways on his own website, to the warm network strategy that turned 100 messages into real conversations and real opportunities. He talks about his "power hour" habit, why he held his fee when a past client pushed back on price, and what it actually looks like to grind through the messy middle of building a speaking business. The stage, as Carlos puts it, is the cherry on top. Whether you're just getting started, rebuilding after a setback, or deep in the daily grind wondering if any of it is going somewhere — this one will remind you that the work compounds. You'll learn: Why Carlos walked away from the company he co-founded — and what fellow executives kept asking him afterward How he and his wife use a "mental whiteboard" to pressure-test big life decisions (and how that landed them in the Adirondacks) What happened when a stroke hit right after he started with The Speaker Lab — and how he caught up and graduated that April What TSL's digital audit uncovered about his website and positioning, and how he fixed it in about a week The warm network move: how he turned roughly 700 real LinkedIn relationships into speaking opportunities with 100 targeted messages His "power hour" — one daily hour of cold outreach and follow-ups, tracked and consistent Why a seventh follow-up finally landed a response and what that tells you about persistence and pipeline How he stays "always ready" with his messaging locked, full-day availability built into his fee, and a referral-first mindset when he's not the right fit Why he held his fee when a previous client passed on two events over cost — and the long-game math behind that decision The one-small-change-per-day approach to redesigning your career without blowing everything up And much, much more! "So I just started to call that list and I didn't go out and say, do you have any opportunities? What I said was, here's what I'm doing and I'm building this. Here's my message. Here's who I work with. If you know of anybody who wants or needs a speaker, I would love an introduction. And if there's any way I can help you, please let me know." Are you building your speaking business around your own definition of success — or someone else's? Take the free Speaker Business Assessment and find out where you actually stand. Episode Resources: Speaker Business Assessment Carlos Hidalgo MySpeakerFee Apple Podcasts Spotify See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Jarvis Archer, founder of Business Reset, discusses the current state of small business debt in Australia with the ATO recently indicating that small business debts are still on the rise. Tune in to hear about: The implications of Payday Super and what effect this may have on business debts. The biggest risk factors affecting business viability at the moment. The importance of businesses seeking proactive advice early.

Learn how automating your savings, investments, bills, and other financial habits can simplify your money management, reduce stress, and give you greater peace of mind.

How are you measuring your overall impact as an owner or leader of your company? Is it profit? Is it lives impacted? Is it time off? Our guest today is Andy Clark, who shares with us his whole PIE system for operating a small business. TODAY'S WIN-WIN:Having an operating system is more important than the one you choose.LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:This episode is sponsored by Zoho, https://www.zoho.com/franchise/Schedule your free franchise consultation with Big Sky Franchise Team: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/You can visit our guest's website: https://thewholepiesystem.com/Connect with our guest on social:https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkandy8/https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-whole-pie-system/ABOUT OUR GUEST:Andy Clark is the bestselling author and business strategist behind The Whole PIE System™, a framework that helps small business owners build companies that are more Profitable, Impactful, and Enjoyable to own and operate. The system is often referred to as “Moneyball-thinking for your business.”Andy has worked with business owners across North America to streamline operations, strengthen teams, and create businesses that grow sustainably without burning them out. His philosophy is direct: structure creates freedom, and small changes can unlock massive results.This episode is powered by Big Sky Franchise Team. Big Sky Franchise Team is consistently recognized as one of the best franchise consulting firms in the world, helping entrepreneurs franchise their businesses through a proven 3-Step franchise process rooted in ethical principles, hands-on guidance, and customized deliverables.  If you are ready to talk about franchising your business you can schedule your free, no-obligation, franchise consultation online at: https://bigskyfranchiseteam.com/. The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any business decisions. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, Big Sky Franchise Team, or our affiliates. Additionally, this podcast may feature sponsors or advertisers, but any mention of products or services does not constitute an endorsement. Please do your own research before making any purchasing or business decisions.

In this episode, Forbes Riley shares her inspiring journey from a shy, insecure girl to a successful entrepreneur and fitness icon as she built a billion-dollar enterprise. She discusses overcoming trauma, embracing new challenges in her 60s, and building a thriving online business with her family.See you back here on Wednesday, September 9 to listen the full episode!Send us Fan MailSupport the showRemember to subscribe for the next episode. Show Partner: ComingAlive PodcastProduction.comMusic Credits: Copyright Free Music from Adventure by MusicbyAden.

Milwaukee is expanding the lighting category again in 2026. A couple notable new lights shown this year at PIPELINE are the usb-c rechargeable clip light and flat flashlight. Hayley Stamerra, product manager at Milwaukee Tool talks all things lighting in this week's episode. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

A joint venture government contract can survive a protest if the owner understands exactly how their ownership split and mentor-protégé status hold up under federal rules. David Rambhajan walks through the real difference between a teaming agreement, a subcontract, and a joint venture, then tells the story of a $6 million New Orleans project that got protested because a competitor challenged his eligibility as a service-disabled veteran owned business working with a large mentor firm. Rather than waiting on the review, David called the contracting officer directly, laid out his 51 percent ownership and SBA mentor-protégé compliance, and kept the award. The episode breaks down when each partnership structure applies and why compliance details, not luck, are what protect a bid once someone protests it. CHAPTERS 00:00 Why teaming agreements exist on federal work 01:50 Teaming agreements versus subcontracting 03:00 Staying in compliance with a teaming agreement 05:50 What a joint venture actually is 06:22 Mentor protege joint ventures and the SBA 8a program 07:22 The 6 million dollar project gets protested 08:22 The call that saved the contract 09:32 Closing thoughts on partnering to scale   Market Intelligence gives you the federal opportunities, agency signals, recompete intel, and pursuit briefs that tell you not just what contracts exist, but which ones to chase and how to win them. Sign up for free Daily Alerts and get opportunities delivered to your inbox before the day starts.

Mark talks with Arthur Beisner about small business sales, valuations, acquisitions, and exit planning.

Codie Sanchez is an entrepreneur, investor and author. How do you make your business work for you instead of constantly working for your business? Stepping back is often mistaken for putting in less effort, but what if your company could operate better with less dependence on you? How do you build a business that runs smoothly without your constant involvement, and what steps can you take to make that possible? Expect to learn the truth about getting rich, why most business owners need to step back rather than dive in more, how to get the most out of your staff, whether you will be able to trust AI to run your business or not, why suffering feels so productive, how to relinquish control of your business for the best outcomes and much more… Sponsors: See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: ⁠https://chriswillx.com/deals⁠ Timestamps: (00:00) The Biggest Lie About Getting Rich (02:45) Should You Start Your Own Business? (05:37) Why Codie Turned Down Richard Branson (07:35) When Responsibility Is Really Just Ego (08:44) The Evolution Every Business Owner Goes Through (15:45) How to Get the Best From Your Staff (19:49) When Does an Owner Know to Relinquish Control? (28:40) Is AI Important for Small Businesses? (37:42) The Secret to Finding Great Employees (41:59) The Biggest Hiring Mistakes to Avoid (43:24) The Best Questions to Ask Candidates (56:53) How Does Slowing Down Affect Your Identity? (01:05:50) How to Approach the Hard Conversations (01:08:21) The Jobs Founders Need to Stop Doing (01:11:31) Are Pricing Problems Really Confidence Problems? (01:18:01) When Should Founders Start Paying Themselves More? (01:27:56) How to Move Into an Owner Role (01:31:26) What's Next for Codie? Extra Stuff: Get my free reading list of 100 books to read before you die: ⁠https://chriswillx.com/books⁠ Try my productivity energy drink Neutonic: ⁠https://neutonic.com/modernwisdom⁠ Episodes You Might Enjoy: #577 - David Goggins - This Is How To Master Your Life: ⁠lnkfi.re/SN-Goggins⁠ #712 - Dr Jordan Peterson - How To Destroy Your Negative Beliefs: ⁠lnkfi.re/SN-Peterson⁠ #700 - Dr Andrew Huberman - The Secret Tools To Hack Your Brain: ⁠lnkfi.re/SN-Huberman⁠ - Get In Touch: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx⁠ Twitter: ⁠https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast⁠ Email: ⁠https://chriswillx.com/contact⁠ - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join the Conversation at 303-477-5600 or text 307-200-8222. Monday-Friday, 3 pm-6 pm MT. https://RushToReason.com HOUR 1 From Dry Skin to Dramatic Weight Loss, Rethinking What Healthy Aging Looks Like. Is America's weight-loss revolution about to change your life? John Rush dives into the GLP-1 medication craze, revealing what's really happening behind the headlines and sharing personal insights from his astonishing 125-pound transformation. Discover the truth about keeping weight off for good—and what the future might hold for your health, your shopping habits, and beyond. What's the real cost of living in Colorado's extreme climate? Ann Mattingly-Lowe exposes the skincare mistakes that could leave you worse off—and shares her Colorado-crafted solutions for surviving the altitude, sun, and dryness. One simple product could transform your skin. Paul Pruitt of Sharks joins John to pull back the curtain on the exploding GLP-1 industry. Is this miracle drug a game-changer, or just another costly quick fix? Get the inside scoop on insurance, muscle loss, and whether these meds are your ticket to lasting change—or a dangerous dependency. Guests 14:17 — Ann Mattingly-Lowe — https://GenerationsSkincare.net 31:52 — Paul Pruitt, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer, Sharks — https://sharxplan.com HOUR 2 The Case for Capitalism & Why Small Business Is a Threat to Big Government. Labor Day is around the corner, but have you ever wondered what's really at stake for American opportunity? John Rush and Richard Battle reveal why small business is the ultimate disruptor—and how anyone can reinvent their future in the U.S. Their conversation could change the way you see entrepreneurship, your money, and the freedom you might be losing without realizing it. Then Sunny Kutcher of Young Americans Against Socialism faces off with John in a no-holds-barred debate: capitalism or socialism—which path leads to prosperity, and which to disaster? Real stories, hard truths, and a challenge to everything you thought you knew about success and control. A dating app stirs up controversy: Should your COVID vaccination status dictate your love life? John Rush digs deep into the science, the fear, and the surprising social consequences behind the headlines. Are we letting old divisions control new relationships? Guests 1:08 — Richard Battle — https://richardbattle.com 27:58 — Sunny Kutcher, Young Americans Against Socialism — https://yaas.org HOUR 3 Socialism Is Rising, But Will Americans Buy What It's Selling? CO's New Winter Traction Rules. Scott Greer, author of White Pill, joins John Rush to expose the real forces behind America's socialist surge. Is the country ready for a radical shift—or about to face a harsh economic wake-up call? Don't miss this deep dive into the future of American politics. Next, discover the hidden rule that could catch Colorado drivers off guard this winter. John breaks down the new traction law—especially for front-wheel-drive vehicles—and reveals the costly surprises awaiting those who aren't prepared for the mountain roads. Scott Garliss of Bent Pine Capital uncovers what's really driving today's economy. From the hidden pitfalls of AI-driven growth to international tensions, this segment reveals what the headlines aren't telling you—and what it means for your wallet. Then, John exposes a shocking social-media trend that could be shaping kids in ways parents never imagined. Are you sure you know what your child is seeing online? Guests 1:08 — Scott Greer — https://www.highly-respected.com/ Book —https://passage.press/products/whitepill 27:04 — Scott Garliss — https://www.bentpinecapital.com/

In this episode of The Influence Factor, Alessandro Bogliari chats with Danny Farris, Senior Director of Content for the San Francisco 49ers, to explore how NFL teams use social media, storytelling, and fan engagement to strengthen their brands and connect with audiences. Danny shares key marketing moments, effective content strategies, and his perspective on the trends shaping the future of sports marketing.

Send us Fan MailArtificial intelligence has transformed the way businesses create content, but has it also made marketing less human?In this episode of Joey Pinz Discipline Conversations, Joey sits down with marketing strategist Jiun Liao, founder of Lobo Media Marketing and host of the Anti-Viral Podcast, to explore why authentic relationships still outperform algorithms, automation, and endless content creation.Jiun shares his philosophy of Human Marketing—the belief that businesses grow through trust, meaningful conversations, and genuine connection rather than manipulation, advertising tricks, or chasing viral moments. From growing up in Ecuador before the internet to building businesses in Canada, he explains why slowing down, telling better stories, and focusing on people creates lasting success.The conversation also explores AI's role in marketing, the surprising lessons learned from publishing a print magazine in 2026, why businesses abandon relationships when they start marketing, and how discipline allows entrepreneurs to stay true to their values in a rapidly changing digital world.

What happens when a Realtor goes from feeling nervous about social media to confidently marketing herself online?In this #GetSocialSmart Academy Spotlight, I sit down with longtime Academy member Debbie Teeter, a Realtor serving Metro Atlanta, the surrounding suburbs, and North Georgia.Before joining the Academy, Debbie was relatively new to social media and had tried marketing services that automatically posted content for her. But she realized something was missing – she wasn't getting the traction, engagement, or connection she wanted.That's when she decided to take a more hands-on approach to her social media marketing.In our conversation, Debbie shares how the #GetSocialSmart Academy has helped her build confidence, improve her marketing, and continue learning as social media platforms and tools evolve.We talk about:✨ How Debbie went from feeling nervous about social media to posting consistently ✨ Why automated, generic social media content wasn't working for her ✨ How ongoing education helped build her confidence as a Realtor ✨ Why she attends #CoffeeWithKatie almost every week ✨ How she uses the Academy's monthly content calendars and carousel ideas ✨ Why Canva Camp is one of her favorite Academy events each year ✨ The value of Masterclasses, replays, workbooks, and ongoing training ✨ Why community and accessibility matter when learning social media ✨ Debbie's advice for Realtors considering joining the AcademyOne thing I especially love about Debbie's story is that it's a reminder that you don't need to grow up with social media to become great at it. You can learn, practice, build confidence, and find a marketing style that feels like you.Ready to get smarter and more confident with your social media marketing?

S6:E76 Security is ultimately a promise of trust. So what happens when that trust gets broken? Karim Toubba has had to answer that question in circumstances few CEOs would choose. He joined LastPass as their CEO only months before the company experienced a significant and highly publicized 2022 security breach. In this candid conversation, Karim acknowledges that LastPass initially communicated too slowly and explains the systemic changes, transparency, investment and cultural work required afterward. Queue up this episode of Small Business Stories for a conversation that goes well beyond passwords. Because the threat itself is changing. Karim says AI is producing a meaningful productivity advantage for small businesses, but it is simultaneously allowing malicious websites and other threats to be generated at much greater velocity. Employees are also adopting AI applications faster than many organizations can establish policies around what data those applications should be allowed to access. If people don't trust you, reassuring them that you're trustworthy isn't enough. If customers cannot see credible evidence supporting what you say, they'll increasingly turn to third-party communities and other sources to interpret your credibility for themselves. And if inaccurate or incomplete information about your organization remains unchallenged, the external interpretation of your company can begin separating from the reality inside it. That's where Karim's cybersecurity experience intersects powerfully with Dr. LL's work on misinterpretation risk.

This week Megan Lynch takes us to Complete RV Service & Body Shop and visits with owners Bob Barks & his daughter Kim Barks.

S6:E76 Security is ultimately a promise of trust. So what happens when that trust gets broken? Karim Toubba has had to answer that question in circumstances few CEOs would choose. He joined LastPass as their CEO only months before the company experienced a significant and highly publicized 2022 security breach. In this candid conversation, Karim acknowledges that LastPass initially communicated too slowly and explains the systemic changes, transparency, investment and cultural work required afterward. Queue up this episode of Small Business Stories for a conversation that goes well beyond passwords. Because the threat itself is changing. Karim says AI is producing a meaningful productivity advantage for small businesses, but it is simultaneously allowing malicious websites and other threats to be generated at much greater velocity. Employees are also adopting AI applications faster than many organizations can establish policies around what data those applications should be allowed to access. If people don't trust you, reassuring them that you're trustworthy isn't enough. If customers cannot see credible evidence supporting what you say, they'll increasingly turn to third-party communities and other sources to interpret your credibility for themselves. And if inaccurate or incomplete information about your organization remains unchallenged, the external interpretation of your company can begin separating from the reality inside it. That's where Karim's cybersecurity experience intersects powerfully with Dr. LL's work on misinterpretation risk.

“Constancy of purpose says we're in, we're locked, we're going until we get to a point where we have sufficient data or an understanding of what we're doing that we need to make a change.”Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this episode, Dan sits down with TSL alumnus Bill Englehaupt — founder of Auditology and a 30-plus-year veteran of financial services audit. Bill works with CPA firms and Fortune 500 internal audit teams to root out what he calls “the hidden factory”: the invisible, below-the-line work that quietly eats organizations alive.Bill's speaking business had been dormant for months. Then he submitted a proposal for a national conference in Las Vegas, got the nod, and walked into a breakout room with more than 200 people — his first talk back after a long dry spell. He's also an author twice over: his first book, Managing the Hell Out of Your Audit, became the springboard for Auditology, and his brand-new second book, The Productive Auditor, just hit Amazon. He didn't wait for anyone to hand him credibility. He stacked proof: one book, one webinar, one talk at a time.Whether you're trying to crack the chicken-and-egg problem of getting booked without a track record, wondering if writing a book is worth the time, or just trying to stay consistent when outreach feels like shouting into the void, this conversation is packed with real-world tactics from someone building it right now.You'll learn:What “the hidden factory” is and how Bill turned a 30-plus-year audit career into a speaking nicheHow he landed a 200-person breakout session at a national conference after months of his business being dormantWhy writing a book gave him “a platform to stand on” — and why you don't actually need one to get startedThe chicken-and-egg problem: what to do when event applications ask for experience you don't have yetHow webinars for continuing-education content providers became his lower-barrier proof engineHow to turn one strong talk into a demo reelDan's five-week contact strategy and why most responses come from email three, not email oneWhy Bill calls the book “an avoidance activity” — and how to catch yourself dodging the real workW. Edwards Deming's concept of “constancy of purpose” and what it means for speakers chasing shiny objectsThe 30-day win Bill is actually chasing — human-to-human contact, before any bookingAnd much, much more!“Well, for a speaker, it's just stick to your plan, right? I think that's the one main thing. You know, if you've got your power hour, get your power hour going. If you're, you know, having trouble getting your follow-ups going, stick to the plan.”Ready to stop guessing and start building your own proof-stacking plan? Take the free Speaker Business Assessment and find out exactly where you stand.Episode Resources:Speaker Business AssessmentBill EnglehauptMySpeakerFeeApple PodcastsSpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We catch up on missed time with a market trip recap that turns into hard-earned lessons on travel choices, health curveballs, and why certain “small” comforts matter when you're working on the road. Then we pivot from surgery and recovery realities to the excitement and nerves of stepping into a bigger live-selling stage with Array in Florida.Visit www.WesleyTurnerLiving.com to find so much more about all the things we do! Find The Podcast At Whosdrivingpodcast.comFollow Steven on Instagram at @Keepinupwithstevenand follow Wesley on Instagram at @WesleyTurnerLiving.  Shop our online store at TheNestedFig.Com  Find The Nested Fig on Instagram at @TheNestedFig We mentioned The Nested Fig App in this episode. You can Tap Here to get our app and join our live sales 

What if you could reclaim 10+ hours a week without working harder, waking up earlier, or finally finding the perfect productivity system? Grab my free 10-episode series, The $100K Method, for the systems that let me build a business that doesn't need me in every corner of it: https://www.gillianperkins.com/100k-method-signupDelegation sounds simple: hire help, hand things off, get your time back. In reality, it often creates more questions and more management, unless you build the right structure around it. This week I'm joined by Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, one of the top US-based executive assistant agencies. Gina's spent the last decade pairing highly skilled EAs with busy founders and executives, and she doesn't just treat delegation as an outsourcing task. She teaches leaders how to build trust, transfer real ownership, and create accountability so their business runs better without them doing everything.In This Episode, I Cover:Why delegating a task doesn't automatically buy you your time backThe one habit that turns a hire into a task-doer instead of a real partnerWhy the first 30 days with a new hire matter more than any month afterThe exact three questions Gina uses to hand off a project and make it truly theirsWhat a US-based executive assistant actually costs, and how that compares to overseas VAs and solo freelancersHow to tell early whether you've hired the wrong person for the roleSpecial Offer for Work Less, Earn More ListenersReceive 5 free hours of service added to your first full month of work with Athena Executive Services (AES) — a $275 value! Just mention this offer during your first call with them.Connect with Gina Cotner: Website: https://www.athenaexecutiveservices.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/athenaea/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aes_executive_assistantsGrow Your Online Business: Free training, Small Business 101: https://gillianperkins.com/free-training-small-business-101/ The $100K Method (free 10-episode podcast series): https://www.gillianperkins.com/100k-method-signupConnect with Gillian: Website: https://gillianperkins.com Instagram: @GillianZPerkins

How do you build a smart social media strategy if you don't know what's already working?Before you decide to post more, jump onto another platform, or completely overhaul your content strategy, take a step back and audit your social media presence.In this podcast, I'm sharing a simple social media audit you can do to understand where you are now, what needs updating, what content is performing, and where you should focus your time moving forward.You'll learn:

What does it take to go from working as a candy store cashier to becoming a global CEO? In this episode, Christina Lecuyer sits down with Steve Felder, a seasoned business leader who has lived in seven countries and led organizations across 23 markets in industries including shipping, logistics, and cybersecurity. Steve shares the unexpected twists that shaped his career and the lessons he's learned about the power of relationships, staying adaptable, and remaining open to opportunities. Now redefining success through entrepreneurship, travel, and personal well-being, Steve opens up about building a life on his own terms—including his popular “One Week, One City” LinkedIn travel series. This is a conversation about taking chances, staying curious, and creating a definition of success that evolves with you. About Steve Felder Steve Felder is a global executive, board advisor, investor, and former multinational CEO with 25+ years of leadership experience across North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Having lived and worked in seven countries and led businesses across 23 markets, Steve specializes in growth, transformation, international expansion, and building high-performing organizations. Most recently, he served as President of ZIM Canada, following 17 years with Maersk in senior leadership roles across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Today, Steve advises companies, boards, and investors across industries including cybersecurity, AI, aviation, sustainability, logistics technology, and M&A. He holds an MBA from the University of South Africa and completed executive education at INSEAD. Connect with Steve on LinkedIn If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a comment on iTunes CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA! Instagram LinkedIn Christinalecuyer.com Book a Free Clarity Call Book Christina For Your Next Workshop

Employer health care costs have risen 70% over the last decade while wages have grown just 30%. Kirat Kharode, CEO and Founder of HealCo, joins the Startup Junkies Podcast's Fuel Accelerator health tech series to break down why self-funded employer health plans are becoming unsustainable, and how HealCo's governance layer helps route employees to lower-cost, high-quality care before costs spiral.In this episode:Why self-funded health plans are under more scrutiny than everThe site-of-entry problem driving up specialty care costsHow HealCo's governance and routing model worksWhat a real cost-savings diagnostic looks like for employersWhy Northwest Arkansas is fertile ground for this kind of infrastructureThis episode is part of our Fuel Accelerator series⏱️ Chapters: 00:18 – Welcome & the Fuel Accelerator health tech cohort00:42 – Meet Kirat Kharode, CEO & Founder of HealCo01:00 – 20 years inside hospital C-suites 01:26 – Inside the self-funded health plan landscape 02:07 – Why costs are outpacing wages 03:06 – Site of entry: where health costs really start 04:02 – Specialty care and the $15K vs. $50K cost divide 05:33 – HealCo's origin story and validation lab 06:36 – Building the governance layer and how employees benefit 09:06 – Sponsor: RISE Arkansas 09:33 – Validating the model & where self-funded care is headed 11:48 – HealCo's 5-year vision, case studies & broker demand 15:49 – Why Northwest Arkansas, plus advice for CFOs 18:50 – Connect with Kirat + episode wrap-up—Connect with Kirat & HealCo

People across Chicago are working multiple jobs just to afford basic necessities, while neighborhood small businesses are being priced out by skyrocketing licensing fees, software taxes, and crushing property taxes.   In this episode of Eyes Wide Open, host Nick Thompson sits down with Laura Yepez, longtime Wicker Park Inn owner and candidate for Chicago's 1st Ward Alderwoman. costs.    However, mainstream news channels keep our attention glued to national political theater—distracting us from the reality that our local alderpersons hold direct power over our wallets, streets, and communities. We unpack why the true cost of existing is pushing families out of the city, how City Hall ignores mom-and-pop operations in favor of private equity chains, and what authentic, constituent-first leadership looks like when everyday residents decide to fight back.   In this episode, you will learn: ✅Why local municipal politics impacts your daily finances ✅Why neighborhood safety is far more important than national news. ✅How escalating property taxes and licensing fees are driving independent Chicago small businesses to the brink. ✅ The reality behind Chicago's historic move toward a fully elected school board ✅How corporate private-equity chains masquerade as local neighborhood spots to extract community wealth. ✅The core differences between responsive, present constituent service and entrenched political complacency. ✅Why working-class families and young adults face an existential affordability crisis in modern urban centers. ✅ What Laura Yepez will bring to Chicago as Alderwoman Chapters   0:00 - The Reality of Working Multiple Jobs Just to Exist 2:21 - Meet Laura Yepez: Small Business Owner and 1st Ward Candidate 5:36 - Why Small Businesses Rally: COVID Fallout & Lack of City Support 9:32 - The Rising Cost of Existing and Doing Business in Chicago 11:11 - What Does an Alderperson Actually Do for Your Community? 14:59 - Taking on an Incumbent: Why Local Representation Must Change 19:49 - Redefining Authentic Leadership Through Service and Mentorship 22:33 - The Modern Urban Affordability & Housing Crisis 26:00 - Property Taxes, Rent Hikes, and the New Elected School Board 33:26 - The Broken American Dream: Corporate Layoffs and Surviving the Squeeze 47:10 - Contrasting the 1st Ward Race: Advocacy, Identity, & Small Business Focus 54:50 - The Ground Game: Door-Knocking, Petitions, and Upcoming Election Deadlines 1:00:35 - Nick Thompson on Moving Past Reality TV & Staying Authentic   About Guest  Laura Yepez is a longtime Chicago resident, community advocate, 1st Ward Democratic Committeewoman, and the owner of the historic Wicker Park Inn for over 22 years. With a deep background in entrepreneurship, local chambers of commerce, and local school councils, she is running for 1st Ward Alderwoman to bring responsive, constituent-focused leadership and small-business advocacy to City Hall. Our Mission Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing. Find Laura Yepez here:   Website: https://www.yepezforchicago.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yepezforchicago/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yepezforchicago_/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yepezforchicago  Stay at the Wicker Park Inn: https://www.wickerparkinn.com/    Find Nick Thompson here: Nick Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/    UCAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/       YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/        UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/      Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com   

Getting a government small business certification can take months and cost real money—but having the certification does not mean contracts will suddenly start coming your way. The real question is not simply, “Which certification can I get?” It is: “Which certification helps the government buy what I sell?”-----------------------------------------------------

The 50-per-cent tariffs from the U.S. that came into effect on Aug. 22 are hitting a long list of goods — everything from cosmetics and toiletries, to electronics, clothing, and chemicals. For Canadian small businesses selling to the U.S., the levies are having a big impact already; a 50-per-cent tariff means that, for example, a wedding dress that costs $1,000 will now cost $1,500 overnight. A survey from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business this summer, found that 40 per cent of its members would be affected by the tariffs; some expect to lose at least half of their revenue. Today, we hear from small business owners across Canada to get a sense of how they're getting caught up between the U.S. tariffs and Canadian countertariffs. Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is your small business stuck at a plateau? In this episode, Rachel breaks down how business coaching helps small business owners get unstuck, covering the strategic side (what to sell, who to work with, where to focus your time) and the mindset side (imposter syndrome, confidence, and follow-through). Learn the signs it's time to hire a business coach, what coaching typically costs, and how the right coach helps you finally work ON your business instead of just in it. Support the showRegister now for the free SEO class - https://www.etchedmarketing.com/registration-seo-class  My free resources are here- https://www.etchedmarketing.com/freebies  Want to work with me 1:1? https://www.etchedmarketing.com/marketing-consulting   Join me in Simple SEO Content -https://www.etchedmarketing.com/yes Join Simple Podcast SEO and learn how to grow your show quickly and easily in the self-study podcast SEO program. - https://www.etchedmarketing.com/enroll My favorite marketing tools (affiliate links) Podcast recording and editing - DescriptPodcast hosting - BuzzsproutEmail Marketing - Active CampaignMarketing Website Analytics - Clicky SEO Tool - Ubersuggest     Do you have a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast? Ask it here -  https://forms.gle/Fbrqpmss6gxUnaMj7

Growing your podcast doesn't have to mean chasing listeners all over the internet. Today, I'm sharing the condensed version of the podcast SEO presentation I gave at the Empowered Podcasting Conference... a 3-step strategy that attracts the right listeners while you're offline. You'll learn where podcast search actually looks, the one-time optimizations that quietly work around the clock, and the 10-minute habit that helps new listeners find every episode you publish. Take Your Next Step:Podcast Roadmap: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com/roadmap50+ Podcasters Launch Club: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com/clubA free consultation: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com/consultSend me your podcasting question: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com/questionThis episode was produced by me, The Podcast Teacher! Contact me at Hello@ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Send us Fan MailBonus episode # 102: If you started your business to build something meaningful, here's the uncomfortable question: are you creating an asset or creating another job for yourself? I'm wrapping up my limited small business series by zooming out from the daily grind and stepping into a CEO mindset, without the corporate fluff. This is about changing how we think so our decisions create a stronger company six and twelve months from now, not just a smoother week.I break down the difference between the owner-operator perspective and the CEO perspective, then walk through five practical focus areas you can apply immediately. We talk about setting real strategy instead of vague goals, choosing three or four priorities for the next year, and using financial numbers to make better calls on hiring, equipment, marketing, and new products. We also get real about leverage: stopping the habit of doing everything yourself, delegating or outsourcing intelligently, and building basic systems so your business doesn't depend on what's stored in your head.Please connect with me on:1. Instagram: stephen.mclain2. Twitter: smclainiii3. Facebook: stephenmclainconsultant4. LinkedIn: stephenjmclainiiiFor more resources, please visit Finance Leader Academy:  financeleaderacademy.com.Support the showStephen is an experienced Finance Professional and Leader who offers fractional CFO services and development opportunities. Please visit his LinkedIn profile or Finance Leader Academy for more information.The views and information shared on The Finance Leader Podcast are intended solely for educational and informational purposes. They do not constitute financial, accounting, tax, legal, investment, or other professional advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified professional before making decisions related to your specific circumstances. 

You Don't Need to Push Harder: Creating Capacity in Your Business with Lissy DonovanWhat if the thing holding your business back isn't your strategy?What if you simply don't have the capacity to implement it?Think about how many business owners start their day: wake up, grab the phone, check the email, answer the DMs, scroll for a minute, solve a problem, and we're working before our feet even hit the floor.Then the actual day begins.Clients need us. Employees need us. There are decisions to make, fires to put out, services to deliver—and somewhere in there, we're also supposed to find the time and energy to actually grow the business.In this episode of The Visibility Podcast, I'm joined by Lissy Donovan, business strategist, ICF PCC coach, and Certified Pumpkin Plan Strategist who specializes in working with therapists, physical therapists, medical practice owners, and other service-based business owners.Lissy has spent 16 years working with small business owners and eight years coaching around burnout recovery and capacity building. She's helped business owners grow 3–10x while creating businesses that don't require them to remain the single point of failure.And today, we're talking about capacity.Not another productivity hack.Not “drink more water.”Not “just hire someone.”We're talking about what it actually takes to create enough space—in your life AND your business—to think, make better decisions, implement the strategy, and build something that doesn't require every ounce of you.In this episode, we talk about:How your capacity as a human directly affects your capacity as a business ownerWhy constantly operating in reactive mode makes it difficult to growThe hidden cost of starting your day immediately responding to everyone elseWhat rest actually looks like for an entrepreneurWhy creating more capacity requires intentional actionThe uncomfortable truth that creating capacity may take MORE time and effort upfrontWhy waiting for business to “calm down” usually doesn't workHow to start creating space to work on your business instead of constantly working in itWhat happens when the owner becomes the single point of failureHow better capacity can lead to better strategy, better decisions, and ultimately a stronger businessHere's the truth:You probably aren't going to wake up one morning and magically have more time.Your inbox isn't going to empty itself. Your clients aren't going to stop needing you. And your calendar isn't suddenly going to hand you three uninterrupted hours to figure out the future of your business.At some point, we have to intentionally create that space.And Lissy gives us some fantastic places to start.https://www.lissydonovan.com/Join the newsletterYouTubeInstagramWant to strengthen your local visibility with LESS of your capacity?Grab my FREE Google Business Profile workshop. I'll show you what to do, where to do it, and how to optimize your profile so that when people in your community are searching for what you offer, your studio has a better chance of showing up.

With 20 years of major record label executive experience, Mike worked during the first half of his career in promotion, marketing and branding at Epic Records (Sony Music) and Republic Records (Universal Music Group).  Prior to that, he held multiple positions in the independent world doing promotion at Artemis Records and Glassnote Records. In 2010, he founded Type One Management with his wife Ali.  Mr. Nazzaro has been instrumental in breaking the careers of Taylor Swift, Tinashe, Colbie Caillat, The Fray, Natasha Beddingfield and Amy Winehouse and more, selling over 75 Billion digital singles combined.  In 2022 Mike & his wife Ali opened Laughing Horse Coffee in Harrison, NY which has served over 25,000 customers.  He is focused on the growth of Laughing Horse cafes and direct to consumer.  

A coalition representing hundreds of independent grocers is suing New York City over Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan to open five city owned grocery stores, arguing the taxpayer backed stores could put neighborhood businesses at a disadvantage. WNYC and Gothamist reporter Karen Yi looks at what the lawsuits challenge, how the city is defending the plan and whether the experiment could ultimately help lower costs for both shoppers and small grocers. Got any questions, comments or story ideas? Send us a message at NYCNow@WNYC.org. Photo by Kendall Rodriguez/Newsday RM via Getty Images Additional Notes: Mamdani's plan for cheaper groceries could hurt minority grocers, lawsuit says⁠ TikTok is the new 311: New Yorkers tag Mayor Mamdani on social media for help⁠ Late start to school year puts NYC parents in a childcare crunch⁠ NJ, NY cosmetology schools to teach twists and turns of Black hair, to root out bias⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Larry O'Connor sits down with David From of Americans for Prosperity — host of the American Potential podcast — for a Small Business Month conversation that starts with a tribute to Dolly Parton as one of the great American entrepreneurs and ends with the roadblocks strangling small business owners. David From tells the story of Colin Raby, a Louisiana farmer merging AI with agriculture, and Chris Thomas, an Ohio veteran who handed his employees a 30-40% raise after the Trump tax cuts. Plus the Mike Rowe statistic about the trades that stopped David cold. Nominate a small business owner at https://www.AmericaBuildsFreedom.comBecome a Townhall VIP member with promo code "LARRY": https://townhall.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bridget Way spent nearly two decades in the trenches of tax season before asking one question that reshaped her entire business: what if doing great work didn't have to mean burning out?A CPA based in the mountains of Colorado, Bridget rebuilt her firm around AI after a disconnected family trip to Utah during COVID convinced her there had to be a better way to work — one where technology creates more capacity while preserving the relationships that make the job meaningful.In this conversation, Bridget and Joe cover:• The funeral story about her grandfather (also an accountant) that reshaped how she saw the profession• Why she calls herself a "QuickBooks desktop warrior" and how cloud accounting changed everything• The panic-call moment in Utah that triggered her shift to boundaries and automation• How she quantified saving 500 hours in year one of using AI• Why she believes AI won't replace small accounting firms — and how she uses it as a "personal assistant" instead• The generational shift in accounting culture (Gen X grind vs. Gen Z boundaries)• How "firing" the wrong-fit clients gave her freedom• What her grandfather — an old-school Enrolled Agent who refused computers — might think of her AI-powered practice todayBridget is the author of Upskill or Out: AI, Small Business, and the New American Dream — part personal story, part practical guide to using AI to build a stronger, more sustainable business.Learn more about Bridget at https://www.upskillorout.com.Chapters00:00 – Intro: Bridget's journey from tax-season burnout to AI-powered firm00:23 – Meet Bridget Way, CPA and author of *Upskill or Out*01:01 – The story of her grandfather's funeral and its impact02:23 – Seeing her grandfather, the accountant, in a new light03:17 – Young Bridget: marketing major turned numbers person04:10 – What is an Enrolled Agent vs. a CPA?05:01 – Confessions of a "QuickBooks desktop warrior"06:12 – The rise of cloud accounting and alternatives to QuickBooks07:01 – Transferable skills and the post-COVID hiring shift07:59 – The Utah trip: the moment everything changed09:36 – Realizing "I don't have to work 16-hour days"09:55 – Changing the business model — and the client fallout11:37 – The AICPA Vegas conference "tech awakening"13:15 – First AI experiment: cleaning up a messy client file14:40 – The automation hack that saves the most time and money16:44 – How she quantified saving 500 hours in year one17:45 – Why AI won't replace small accounting firms18:31 – Using AI as a "personal assistant" to punch above her weight19:30 – Bundling in HR and other adjacent services for clients20:12 – The post-COVID accountant shortage and AI stepping in21:09 – Are Gen Z accountants embracing AI and boundaries?22:34 – AI absorbing the "mundane" work so people don't have to22:54 – Gen X banter: adapting through the pre/post-internet era23:22 – How Millennials and Gen Z reshaped work-life boundaries24:52 – Does tax season still get "crazy" in her practice?25:43 – The ski trip during tax season story26:15 – Handling clients who think "a computer is doing my taxes"27:47 – "You know you've made it when you can fire clients"29:09 – Redefining success: time and presence over the corner office30:27 – "You're less edgy during tax time now" — her kids notice the change32:04 – What would her grandfather think of her AI-powered practice today?33:42 – Where to find Bridget's book and close

What would a Libertarian actually do if elected to Congress? Brian Lambert says Washington needs less power, Americans need more freedom, and the government needs to get out of your wallet. Josh Martens sits down with Brian Lambert, a Navy veteran and Libertarian candidate for Florida's 14th Congressional District, to break down his campaign and political philosophy. Lambert explains why he left the Republican Party, why his campaign centers on "your money, your freedom, your vote," and how he approaches federal spending, veterans' care, healthcare, war, surveillance, small business, and taxes. They dig into some of the biggest libertarian fights in American politics: • Cutting federal spending and returning education to local control • Protecting veterans while questioning America's military interventions • Getting government and insurance bureaucracies out of healthcare decisions • Ending warrantless mass surveillance and pushing back on Flock cameras Plus, Lambert explains why constitutional limits should come before political convenience and why reducing the IRS could give Americans more financial freedom. Subscribe or follow Good Morning Liberty, like the show, comment with your biggest disagreement, and share this conversation with someone tired of the two-party system. If you listen on a podcast app, leave us a rating and review.   https://www.brianlambertforcongress.com/   00:00 Meet Brian Lambert 00:45 From the Navy and GOP to Libertarianism 03:30 Your Money, Your Freedom, Your Vote 06:45 $40 Trillion in Debt and Federal Spending 10:45 Veterans, the VA, and Alternative Care 14:15 War, Congress, and the Constitution 19:15 Getting Government Out of Healthcare 24:45 Breaking the Two-Party Mindset 26:30 Flock Cameras and Government Surveillance 29:45 Small Business and Federal Regulation 31:45 The Constitution-First Test 32:00 Taxes, the IRS, and Financial Freedom   LINKS Join GML: https://www.joingml.com GML Bio Link: https://gml.bio.link All GML Links: https://www.goodmorningliberty.us/links Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr_8o0dDOX8DxO_Wwxu6WYhhA Watch Host Favorites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr__Zu40RL7mWxCuOOe54zgy2 Join the Fed Haters Club: https://www.goodmorningliberty.us/fedhatersclub Martens Minute: https://martensminute.podbean.com/ Brian Lambert for Congress: https://brianlambertforcongress.com  

Our annual trip to Milwaukee PIPELINE is always great fun. This year we talked all things Packout with product manager Nick Trawicki. Packout was first released in June of 2017. Since its launch, Packout has expanded to literally hundreds of products that are mostly intended to save us time on and off the job site. Text the guys your ideas & feedback! Send us your feedback or topic ideas over on our social channels!Eric Aune @mechanicalhub Andy Mickelson @mick_plumbNewsletter sign up: https://bit.ly/MH_email

Search is the optimal word. Customers will very rarely tell you that they are leaving, and why they are leaving. You have to go find the information, filter it, investigate, and then fix it. The cost to reinvent a lost customer is far too expensive to do on a routine basis. The road to customer loyalty is paved by not making the same mistake twice. Your future is an four R (RRRR) proposition. Retain. Repeat. Refer. Reap.Support the show

On this episode of Vitality Radio, Jared pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run an independent supplement company. Vitality Nutrition is celebrating 49 years in business, but 2026 has brought manufacturing delays, supply chain challenges, and some frustrating out-of-stocks. Jared explains why staying independent and debt-free matters, why Vitality is transitioning to new manufacturers, and why he refuses to compromise ingredient quality just to make production easier. You'll also hear a special limited-time offer for you loyal listeners. It's an inside look at the business of supplements and where Vitality Nutrition is headed next. Products:25% off all products from this COLLECTION: https://vitalitynutrition.com/collections/first-25 for the first 10 days after this show airs! Use code: first25 Rebuild Functional Beef Bone Broth ProteinNow Foods Monk FruitAdditional Information:573: Protein Showdown: Whey, Collagen, Bone Broth, Plant Based, and Beyond! Visit the podcast website here: VitalityRadio.comYou can follow @vitalitynutritionbountiful and @vitalityradio on Instagram, or Vitality Radio and Vitality Nutrition on Facebook. Join us also in the Vitality Radio Podcast Listener Community on Facebook. Shop the products that Jared mentions at vitalitynutrition.com. Let us know your thoughts about this episode using the hashtag #vitalityradio and please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!Just a reminder that this podcast is for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the podcast. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The advice given is not intended to replace the advice of your medical professional.This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

A growing gap between artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and effective data governance is reshaping the operational landscape for managed service providers (MSPs) and IT service providers. Industry data cited by GTIA's Data and AI Interest Group indicates that while 97% of providers have adopted AI, only 20% have implemented governance frameworks sufficient to extract value or mitigate risk. This structural mismatch is driving increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities and forcing MSPs to revisit internal decision-making, especially regarding data integrity and platform selection. Supporting this trend, a Federation of Small Businesses report found 86% of organizations in the UK are struggling with AI and data governance adoption, often uncertain about where to begin. Hollie Whittles, co-founder of Purple Frog Data, described practical barriers: many businesses believe their data is clean and structured but are routinely confronted with evidence of significant inconsistencies and errors during implementation. The cost of remediation and governance, including board-level buy-in, can climb to tens of thousands of pounds, highlighting the substantial upfront investment required before AI can deliver reliable business value. Operational vulnerability is further magnified by ease-of-use pitfalls and vendor relationships. MSPs lacking in-house data engineering or readiness tools frequently misjudge the scale and complexity of cleaning and securing client data estates. Whittles warned of scenarios where consultants, through careless or uninformed data modelling (such as over-exposing HR data in reporting tools), inadvertently increase both cyber and confidentiality risks. Some firms approach the problem by retaining all data and tooling within clients' own cloud tenants, shifting data residency and associated risks directly to clients, but raising new questions of contractual clarity and due diligence. For MSPs and IT leaders, these developments reinforce the need for explicit governance structures, clear contractual provisions regarding data handling, and internal upskilling rather than relying solely on third-party expertise. Short-term revenue can be lost to competitors willing to bypass governance, but there's an increased long-term risk of error, replacement, or regulatory sanction. Effective governance not only requires financial investment, but also consistent participation from leadership to avoid operational blind spots and to ensure client obligations—and liabilities—are clearly defined and managed. Supported by: ProofpointGoTo (LogMeIn)

Enjoy this special feed drop of our sister show "In This Economy?!" Canadian small businesses are a big part of the economy. And like the rest of us, they're dealing with more tariffs as the trade war with the US heats up again, with Canadian counter tariffs set to take effect next month. It's the latest economic hit coming from south of the border, just as businesses were seeing a degree of recovery from the pandemic. Host Kris McCusker speaks to Brad Poulus, lecturer in the Entrepreneurship Department at The Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. They discuss how these latest levies could hit small businesses, if the government is doing enough to help them, and if there are any potential new trade opportunities for them abroad. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Recorded at the 2026 Florida SBDC Small Business Success Summit, host Tom Kindred speaks with Florida State Representative Tiffany Esposito, who represents House District 77 in Lee County. Representative Esposito shares how her background in economic development and leadership at Southwest Florida Inc. led her into public service. She discusses the essential role small businesses play in Florida's economy and explains why reducing unnecessary regulations, supporting job creation, and maintaining a business-friendly environment remain important priorities. The conversation also explores Florida's strong network of resources for entrepreneurs, including chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, colleges and universities, SCORE, and the Florida Small Business Development Center Network. Representative Esposito emphasizes the importance of small business owners taking time to work on their businesses—not only in them—and recognizes the entrepreneurs attending the summit for investing in their own professional development and long-term growth. Tune in to hear a state and local perspective on entrepreneurship, economic development, and the policies and partnerships helping Florida's small businesses succeed.

CONTENTS THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 8-25-2026COVER OF FANTASTIC MAGAZINE OCTOBER 1961Liz Peek, columnist for The Hill and Fox News, discusses the surprising resilience of the American economy, noting that small businesses are reporting strong hiring and profitability growth based on broad National Federation of Independent Business and Bank of America data. While consumer spending remains robust, recent data reveals a K-shaped economy, where higher-income homeowners spend extensively on renovations while lower-income consumers trade down at Walmart. Rising interest rates present a critical challenge, slamming the housing market and significantly increasing interest payments on the massive national debt. Lastly, the administration's tariff conflict with Canada is criticized as a major, highly unfortunate, and economically damaging political mistake. (1)Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, evaluates the Treasury's initial tranches of secondary sanctions targeting entities trading with Iran, including firms in China and the UAE. Although these measures stop short of targeting major Chinese banks, they provide President Trump with leverage ahead of his Washington summit with Xi Jinping. Within the Middle East, Schanzer warns that regional powers are hedging their bets. Saudi Arabia may be negotiating a separate peace with the Houthis and Iran, which could undermine US sanctions. Additionally, the US controversially rescinded Syria's state sponsor of terror status following the rapid rise of former al-Qaeda commander Ahmed al-Shara. (2)Mary Kissel, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and former Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State, analyzes Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, asserting that its success relies on penalizing large Chinesefinancial institutions. However, Beijing holds significant economic and military leverage over the US, including export controls on critical minerals. Regarding North America, Kissel describes the escalating trade war with Canada as a "loser's game" driven by domestic politics. She stresses that the 50% tariffs on essential materials like Canadianaluminum and auto parts disrupt deeply integrated supply chains. Consequently, this trade conflict severely harms ordinary consumers and threatens Republican control of key Senate seats in critical border states of Maine and Michigan. (3)Colonel Jeff McCausland, US Army (Retired) and Visiting Professor at Dickinson College, warns that the US foreign policy process has collapsed under President Trump, who relies on personal loyalty over expert advice. This is illustrated by Trump's sudden decision to reduce joint US-South Korea military exercises without notifying allies. McCausland argues this undercuts South Korea while offering concessions to a nuclear-armed dictator, Kim Jong-un, who actively supplies weapons to Russia for the Ukraine war. Furthermore, he criticizes the "economic D-Day" against Iran as highly insincere given key delays in sanctioning China, and strongly condemns the trade war against Canada, a loyal ally with a rich military history. (4)Gregory Copley, editor of Defense & Foreign Affairs, argues that the US sanctions regime against Iran is strategic signaling that makes Washington look weak, as it ignores China's trade dominance and threatens relations with India. He also views the Canadian trade dispute as a strategic failure that weakens the NORAD treaty and forces Canada to act independently in the Arctic. This unpredictability has alienated European allies, who are now bypassing the US to negotiate directly on Ukraine. Additionally, Copley analyzes post-Petro Colombia, detailing how the energetic new president faces massive domestic security issues, narco-trafficking networks, and the grounding of critical disaster relief aircraft under sanctions. (5)Thaddeus McCotter, former US Representative from Michigan and columnist for American Greatness, details the severe political and economic fallout of Trump's trade war with Canada, noting that insulting rhetoric like the "51st state" remark has politically boosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He explains that border states like Michigan and Maine share deep commercial integration, meaning 50% tariffs will directly harm their local economies. This unvetted policy blindsided senior Republican legislators, including Susan Collins, who openly opposed the tariffs and avoided a campaign rally with Vice President Vance. Ultimately, McCotter warns that these tariffs jeopardize critical Senate seats in highly contested swing states, giving rival Democrats a very major campaign advantage. (6)Judy Dempsey, Senior Scholar in Berlin for the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, with co-host Thaddeus McCotter: Dempsey describes European Baltic and Nordic leaders flocking to Kyiv, yet warns that "moral outrage" lacks a cohesive strategic plan to negotiate an end to the war. She highlights the rising prominence of the pro-Russian, far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in state elections. Interestingly, an ideological rift has emerged as radical AfD factions in East Germany sour on MAGA due to Trump's policies on Iran. McCotter delivers a severe critique of the MAGA-AfD relationship, arguing MAGA should never have "played footsies" with neo-Nazis, and asserting the AfD is fundamentally aligned with Vladimir Putin rather than the United States—their temporary embrace of MAGA merely a superficial attraction. Although West Germans have abandoned historical sentiments toward Russiadue to the Ukraine invasion, East Germany remains deeply split, harboring lingering sentimental pro-Russian views and separate post-unification cultural dynamics. (7)Note: segment 7 came with a separate co-host block for McCotter, so I've folded his critique into the single paragraph after Dempsey's material — flag me if you'd rather run his commentary as its own standalone file.

Liz Peek, columnist for The Hill and Fox News, discusses the surprising resilience of the American economy, noting that small businesses are reporting strong hiring and profitability growth based on broad National Federation of Independent Business and Bank of America data. While consumer spending remains robust, recent data reveals a K-shaped economy, where higher-income homeowners spend extensively on renovations while lower-income consumers trade down at Walmart. Rising interest rates present a critical challenge, slamming the housing market and significantly increasing interest payments on the massive national debt. Lastly, the administration's tariff conflict with Canada is criticized as a major, highly unfortunate, and economically damaging political mistake. (1)

After a small business in Nantucket posted a “no influencers” sign in its store, some creators accused those with anti-influencer sentiments of sexism. Culture journalist Kat Tenbarge explores how the term “influencer” has long been used to belittle and dismiss women creators, and why male creators often avoid the same scrutiny. Stock image by agrobacter/E+ via Getty Creative Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of the podcast is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of California. The state's economy is struggling, homelessness is on the rise, and the cost of living is skyrocketing. Amidst all this chaos, the California Energy Commission has just approved new rules that will limit the number of tires sold in the state by 70%. But what's behind this decision, and what does it mean for Californians?The speaker dives into the world of tire regulations, speaking with industry leaders and experts to get to the bottom of the issue. From the potential impact on the economy to the effects on the environment, this episode covers it all. The speaker also shares personal anecdotes and stories from listeners who are feeling the effects of the state's policies firsthand.One of the key takeaways from this episode is the need for accountability and transparency in government decision-making. The speaker highlights the lack of consideration for the working class and small business owners, who are often the ones most affected by these kinds of regulations. The episode also touches on the importance of preserving California's history and culture, particularly in the face of gentrification and urban development.If you're interested in learning more about the tire ban and its implications for California, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's insightful analysis and discussion. With a mix of expert opinions, personal stories, and hard-hitting commentary, this episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about the future of the Golden State.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can video help you build more confidence, visibility, and connection in your real estate business?In this #GetSocialSmart Academy Spotlight, I sit down with longtime Academy member and North Jersey real estate broker associate Betti Russo to talk about her journey with social media, video marketing, confidence, and building a recognizable personal brand.Betti shares the story of one of her first Facebook Lives – when I encouraged her to step outside during one of our Napa Masterminds, hit the LIVE button, and just go for it. That one moment helped change the trajectory of how she showed up online.Today, Betti says people regularly tell her, “I see you everywhere.” Her consistency on social media and video has helped her become more visible in her North Jersey community, get more involved locally, teach others, and even walk into listing appointments with greater confidence.In this conversation, we talk about:* How Betti went from being afraid of video to confidently showing up on camera* Why video builds skills that go far beyond social media* How consistency can make you more recognizable in your local market* Why authenticity matters more than looking or sounding “perfect”* How social media can help Realtors build stronger relationships* The importance of community, connection, and continuing education* Why Betti has remained a #GetSocialSmart Academy member for years* How the Academy helps real estate professionals keep up with an ever-changing marketing landscapeOne of my favorite reminders from this conversation: Your clients already know what you look and sound like. You don't need to become someone else to succeed on video. You just need to get comfortable being YOU.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Travis T. Wade. A seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of corporate experience. His company THE GUARDIAN is a private security corporation with three separate divisions: Armed & Unarmed Uniformed Security Officers, Personal Protection, and Private Investigations. Serving the Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina states. Their mission is to maintain a strict and unwavering code of ethics with our employees, clients and community; To provide the most qualified, dedicated and professional officers that represent both the client and THE GUARDIAN. And to establish and maintain the most effective security services available. THE GUARDIAN is dedicated to providing the highest level of integrity available in the field of Security Management and Protective Services. We hire and train our people to be the most professional and qualified officers in the industry. Talking Points.1. The transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship 2. Transitioning from NY to ATL 3. Current Company Guardian Security Management Inc. 4. Taking a company from a mom and pop operation to a corporation 5. Working with the competition 6. Operating multiple businesses7. The importance of Human Resources for a small business8. The transition from corporate to entrepreneurship9. You company’s mission is to maintain a strict and unwavering code of ethics with your employees, clients and community; 10. To provide the most qualified, dedicated and professional officers that represent both the client and THE GUARDIAN. 11. And to establish and maintain the most effective security services available.12. We hire and train our people to be the most professional and qualified officers in the industry.13. Each work independently, supporting the other to provide our clients with a cohesive security programa. Armed & Unarmed Uniformed Security Officersb. Personal Protectionc. Private Investigations. Most recently serving as the FVP Head of Human Resources at Carver Federal Savings Bank. Known for strategic leadership, Travis has excelled in developing and executing HR strategies aligned with organizational goals. His expertise spans succession planning, talent management, change management, organizational development, performance management, and compensation. In his previous role, Travis led a team supporting 125 employees, demonstrating strategic partnership with division executives for effective workforce planning. He implemented a talent calibration process, fostering the identification and development of high potentials. Travis managed all aspects of HR, from recruiting to diversity initiatives, and redesigned the department to align with evolving business needs. Travis’s impact extends to compensation, where he introduced incentive targets and designed innovative programs, including Management Equity Stock Award and Annual Incentive Programs. His commitment to culture management is evident through defining Core Values, enhancing company culture with workshops, and initiating recognition programs like the Carver Core Value awards and “Women’s in Business” Recognition program. His dedication to employee development is reflected in the creation of the Leadership Pathways program, incorporating Graduate Leadership, Middle Management Leadership, and Diversity and Inclusion training. As Travis takes command of The Guardian Security Management, his wealth of experience and commitment to strategic HR leadership promise a positive impact on our organization.Armed with a bachelor's in business administration from Queens College, Travis brings a solid educational foundation to his role. His professional journey is marked by significant certifications, including Professional in Human Resource (PHR) and SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). These credentials underscore Travis’s commitment to excellence in the HR field, ensuring a high standard of expertise and best practices in his leadership. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Travis T. Wade. A seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of corporate experience. His company THE GUARDIAN is a private security corporation with three separate divisions: Armed & Unarmed Uniformed Security Officers, Personal Protection, and Private Investigations. Serving the Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina states. Their mission is to maintain a strict and unwavering code of ethics with our employees, clients and community; To provide the most qualified, dedicated and professional officers that represent both the client and THE GUARDIAN. And to establish and maintain the most effective security services available. THE GUARDIAN is dedicated to providing the highest level of integrity available in the field of Security Management and Protective Services. We hire and train our people to be the most professional and qualified officers in the industry. Talking Points.1. The transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship 2. Transitioning from NY to ATL 3. Current Company Guardian Security Management Inc. 4. Taking a company from a mom and pop operation to a corporation 5. Working with the competition 6. Operating multiple businesses7. The importance of Human Resources for a small business8. The transition from corporate to entrepreneurship9. You company’s mission is to maintain a strict and unwavering code of ethics with your employees, clients and community; 10. To provide the most qualified, dedicated and professional officers that represent both the client and THE GUARDIAN. 11. And to establish and maintain the most effective security services available.12. We hire and train our people to be the most professional and qualified officers in the industry.13. Each work independently, supporting the other to provide our clients with a cohesive security programa. Armed & Unarmed Uniformed Security Officersb. Personal Protectionc. Private Investigations. Most recently serving as the FVP Head of Human Resources at Carver Federal Savings Bank. Known for strategic leadership, Travis has excelled in developing and executing HR strategies aligned with organizational goals. His expertise spans succession planning, talent management, change management, organizational development, performance management, and compensation. In his previous role, Travis led a team supporting 125 employees, demonstrating strategic partnership with division executives for effective workforce planning. He implemented a talent calibration process, fostering the identification and development of high potentials. Travis managed all aspects of HR, from recruiting to diversity initiatives, and redesigned the department to align with evolving business needs. Travis’s impact extends to compensation, where he introduced incentive targets and designed innovative programs, including Management Equity Stock Award and Annual Incentive Programs. His commitment to culture management is evident through defining Core Values, enhancing company culture with workshops, and initiating recognition programs like the Carver Core Value awards and “Women’s in Business” Recognition program. His dedication to employee development is reflected in the creation of the Leadership Pathways program, incorporating Graduate Leadership, Middle Management Leadership, and Diversity and Inclusion training. As Travis takes command of The Guardian Security Management, his wealth of experience and commitment to strategic HR leadership promise a positive impact on our organization.Armed with a bachelor's in business administration from Queens College, Travis brings a solid educational foundation to his role. His professional journey is marked by significant certifications, including Professional in Human Resource (PHR) and SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP). These credentials underscore Travis’s commitment to excellence in the HR field, ensuring a high standard of expertise and best practices in his leadership. #STRAW #BEST #SHMS Money Making Conversations Master Class with Rushion McDonald is America's premier entrepreneurship, business leadership, financial literacy, and wealth-building podcast featuring successful entrepreneurs, executives, founders, celebrities, and industry experts sharing actionable insights for professional and financial success. Business Podcast Entrepreneurship Small Business Business Growth Financial Literacy Wealth Building Black Entrepreneurs Minority Business Leadership Executive Leadership Business Funding Marketing Strategies Personal Development Startup Advice Sales Training CEO Interviews Founder Stories Professional Development Economic Empowerment Business Success Networking Brand Building Innovation How to start a business Small business funding Entrepreneur success stories Business leadership podcast Wealth building strategies Black entrepreneur podcast Minority business development Marketing for small businesses Business growth strategies Startup funding opportunities Executive leadership training Financial literacy education Success mindset podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“You can't get through it if it's not real.”Welcome back to The Speaker Lab Podcast! In this alumni speaker connection episode, Dan sits down with Robin Blair — an ordained minister, award-winning speaker, singer, and media producer who spent decades inside network television and radio before walking away from it all to pursue ministry and professional speaking.Robin's career arc reads like a Hollywood pitch: TV shopping host on network television, then a key player in the first children's radio network to go national, then co-founder of a children's television production company. She and her team created a live-action, puppet, and music children's show, made four pilots, and sold the show to Animal Planet. But at the New York City Toy Fair in the 1990s, she watched an executive preview a show being imported from the UK and announce to the room that one-year-olds were now advertising targets. That moment gutted her. Shortly after, discouraged with the direction of the industry, she answered a call to ministry and headed to seminary — all the way through to a doctorate.After a couple of decades preaching from the pulpit, Robin has stepped back from congregational ministry to build a professional speaking business. Her body of work, Digital Discipleship Matters, takes a faith orientation to the digital culture we all live in — helping families discern media rather than making an enemy of it. And she's working through a mindset shift that will sound familiar to a lot of speakers: moving from speaking for little or nothing to truly valuing the expertise she brings.You'll learn:How Robin's decades inside network TV, radio, and children's media became her strongest speaking credentialWhy your past career detours are qualifications, not wasted timeWhat “digital discipleship” means and how Robin carved out a speaking niche from itThe mindset shift from speaking for free (or nearly free) to getting paid what your message is worthWhy Robin created a family discernment tool as the key to unlocking hesitant audiencesDan's advice on finding the smaller group who desperately need your message instead of trying to reach everyoneWhy slow, relational trust-building beats aggressive outreach — especially when you're just startingHow to handle silence after a pitch (hint: it's normal, even when it stings)Robin's approach to treating the internet as a mission field for her messageThe difference between having something important to say and assuming everyone wants to hear itAnd much, much more!“What I'm bringing has value to people for their lives and for generations of their lives. And it's perfectly okay to receive compensation for that.”Are you sitting on years of hard-won expertise — but still struggling to turn it into a speaking business that actually pays? Take the free Speaker Business Assessment and find out exactly where you stand.Episode Resources:Speaker Business AssessmentRobin BlairMySpeakerFeeApple PodcastsSpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sahra S. Halpern.

Listen and subscribe to Money Making Conversations on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, www.moneymakingconversations.com/subscribe/ or wherever you listen to podcasts. New Money Making Conversations episodes drop daily. I want to alert you, so you don’t miss out on expert analysis and insider perspectives from my guests who provide tips that can help you uplift the community, improve your financial planning, motivation, or advice on how to be a successful entrepreneur. Keep winning! Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Sahra S. Halpern.