Podcasts about sustainable growth

Send us a textIn this New Year's episode, Kendra Corman gets candid about why she's heading into 2026 tired, excited… and fiercely committed to one word: no. After a 2025 defined by “forge” (building, growing, expanding), a family crisis and an overload of opportunities forced her to re-evaluate sustainability, boundaries, and what it really takes to preserve creative focus.Kendra shares the behind-the-scenes story of her year—what went right, what went sideways, and why the systems and people you build now are what save you later. What 2025 Taught Kendra About Growth and OverloadKendra went into 2025 with momentum, capacity, and big goals—and hit them hard.A strong first quarter with focused, energized work timeA goal of 25 speaking gigs that turned into 35+ eventsMovement on major business projects, including a second edition of her bookA huge personal “yes”: becoming a full-time assistant professor at Rochester Christian UniversityThe Moment Everything ChangedA serious fall and ICU stay for Kendra's mom pulled her into months of caretaking and travel.What stood out most wasn't just the disruption—it was the proof that what she'd built actually held up:Her assistant (Carol) triaged inboxes, managed tasks, and kept clients supportedSystems like Asana and strong relationships prevented a total business collapseThe experience reinforced how vital support structures are—even for solopreneursKendra realized: capacity isn't just about time. It's about what you've built to hold you when life happens.When “Forge” Turned into “Fracture”Even with major wins, Kendra stretched too far.Weeks with multiple speaking events, including one with four in a single weekDrift from a 4–5 day workweek back to 7 daysFeeling like she was working constantly but not moving forwardBook revisions stalled, and recovery time evaporatedThe truth she landed on: success without boundaries becomes burnout in disguise.Why “No” Is Her Word of the Year (Again)Kendra revisits a tool that once helped her escape burnout in 2022: saying no first.So in 2026, “no” is back as the guardrail.Her challenge to listeners:Block vacations nowProtect pre- and post-travel buffersPut the important stuff on the calendar before it gets crowded outKey TakeawaysSystems and support are what keep your business stable when life interrupts.Saying yes is exciting—but on Looking to leverage AI? Want better results? Want to think about what you want to leverage?Check and see how I am using it for FREE on YouTube. From "Holy cow, it can do that?" to "Wait, how does this work again?" – I've got all your AI curiosities covered. It's the perfect after-podcast snack for your tech-hungry brain. Watch here

Ever notice how spending money in your business can feel strangely loaded, like you're supposed to know the “right” number, the “right” time, or the “right” formula, even though no one ever actually taught you how to make those decisions? In this episode, I'm joined by Kickstart Accounting CEO and co-founder Danielle Hayden for a grounded, refreshing conversation that takes the pressure off your finances and puts clarity back in the driver's seat. Danielle breaks down the psychology behind spending, the expense categories every entrepreneur should understand, and the simple percentages that make decision-making feel less emotional and more strategic. We talk about navigating different seasons of life and business, why permission to invest is often the turning point for growth, and how to shift from “I'm not a money person” to “I can absolutely learn this.” If you've been craving structure, confidence, or a healthier relationship with your numbers, this episode will help you see spending as a tool, not a test, and step more fully into your CEO role. Today you'll hear:02:48 – How Danielle's journey from corporate CFO to entrepreneurship reshaped her mission around helping women feel empowered with their money05:48 – The hidden money narratives entrepreneurs bring into business and why so many feel intimidated by their numbers06:48 – Why reducing expenses isn't the path to profitability and how spending should reflect your actual goals08:48 – The major business spending categories explained (plus the healthy percentage ranges to aim for)10:48 – When to invest in expert support, how to use operating costs to buy back time, and what shifts as you approach six figures12:48 – A real client case study showing how spending evolves across growth, personal life changes, and different business seasons15:48 – The power of quarterly planning and why long-term goals must stay flexible in a changing world17:48 – The most common limiting belief around money and Danielle's reframe that helps entrepreneurs stop seeing finances as a personal flaw19:48 – How the 48-Hour Rule keeps you from impulse investing and brings your decisions back into alignment20:48 – Danielle's non-negotiable business expense (and why no entrepreneur regrets hiring the right help)21:48 – Her top recommended money resources and the advice she'd give her younger entrepreneurial self CONNECT WITH DANIELLE:Website: http://www.kickstartaccountinginc.comInstagram: @kickstartaccounting 

Life + Business Audit: How to Create Clarity, Alignment, and Sustainable GrowthAs the year winds down, it's easy to feel reflective, overwhelmed, or unsure of what needs to change next. In this episode of The Floral CEO Podcast, Jeni walks you through a powerful life and business audit designed to help you gain clarity, reduce burnout, and intentionally shape the next chapter of your business and life.This isn't about judgment, shame, or “fixing” yourself.It's about seeing clearly, reclaiming your energy, and choosing alignment over chaos.Why a Life + Business Audit MattersYour business does not exist in a vacuum.If your life feels heavy, chaotic, or unsupported, your business will eventually reflect that.In this episode, Jeni shares why:Your business cannot “save” your lifeMoney alone doesn't fix misalignmentSustainable success starts with clarity, boundaries, and honest reflectionThis audit helps you step out of reaction mode and into intentional CEO leadership.Part 1: Where Are You Right Now?1. Energy AuditTake an honest look at where your energy is going — and where it's being drained.Rate each area on a scale of 1–10:WorkdaysClient interactionsCreative workHome lifeMental loadPhysical energyAnything consistently under a 5 deserves attention — not guilt.2. Time AuditAsk yourself:Where is my time actually going?What feels busy vs. what moves the needle?How much of my time is reactive vs. intentional?Break your time into categories:Revenue-producing workAdmin / busyworkMarketingFamily & personal lifeScrolling / numbingRest (real rest)Then ask:Is my time aligned with my priorities — or just my habits?3. Money AuditThis is where many business owners avoid looking — and where clarity is most powerful.Reflect on:What did I actually pay myself?What parts of my business are profitable?What looks “successful” but pays terribly?Where am I leaking money (including time)?Ask the big question:Am I building a business that supports my life — or one that requires sacrifice without return?Part 2: What's Not Working Anymore?4. Tolerance AuditFinish these sentences honestly:“I'm tolerating __________.”“I keep putting up with __________.”“I know this isn't working, but I haven't changed it.”What we tolerate becomes our standard.5. Alignment AuditAsk yourself:Does my business reflect who I am now — or who I used to be?If I built this business today, would I build it the same way?Is my business aligned with my values, family life, health, creativity, and nervous system?Small misalignments add up over time.6. Identity AuditShift from:“I'm trying to…”to“I am someone who…”Ask:Who have I been acting like I am?Who do I want to become?What does that version of me say yes to?What does she stop doing?Identity shifts drive behavior change.Part 3: What Needs to Change?7. Subtraction Before AdditionBefore adding anything new, ask:What can I remove?What can I simplify?What am I done tolerating?Growth doesn't always mean more — often it means less, done better.8. Focus Audit: The 3–Thing RuleChoose:3 business priorities3 life prioritiesAsk:If I focused only on these, would my life and business improve?Everything else can pause, be delegated, or simplified.9. Support AuditYou are not meant to do this alone.Ask:Where do I need support?What am I carrying that isn't mine?Who helps me think bigger?Who holds me accountable?Support might look like systems, boundaries, therapy, coaching, or community.Part 4: How Do You Move Forward?10. Micro-Momentum PlanningInstead of fixing everything, ask:What's one 15-minute change I can make this week?One boundary I can set?One system I can tighten?Small shifts create big identity changes.11. Future You Check-InAsk:What will future me thank me for changing now?What would make next year feel lighter?Your body often knows before your mind does.12. Decision Filter Going ForwardEvery opportunity should pass through:Does this align with my values?Does this support my energy?Does this move me toward my goals?Am I saying yes out of fear or intention?If it's not a clear yes, it's a no or not right now.Final ThoughtsYou are allowed to:Change your mindWant something differentBuild a business that feels good and pays you wellChoose alignment over hustleYour life matters just as much as your business.Join the Goal Planning Party

88: 5 Hard Truths That Changed My Design Business in 2025 (And What You Need to Know Before Next Year)SHOW NOTES:In this episode of The McClain Method Podcast, John McClain asks: are you running a beautiful design business that feels chaotic behind the scenes? This year-end reflection episode is for interior designers who are ready to work smarter, not harder.In this episode, I'm sharing 5 business lessons that transformed my interior design business in 2025 and the practical strategies you can implement right now to build a more profitable, sustainable design firm.WHAT INTERIOR DESIGNERS WILL LEARN:LESSON 1: Business Pivots for Interior Designers Why scaling back on design projects actually grew my business. Learn how to identify what you're doing out of habit vs. alignment, and why reinvention is strategic CEO thinking.LESSON 2: Rest as a Business Strategy for Creatives How a 2-month sabbatical brought more clarity than years of hustling. Discover the "do later" list method that reduces overwhelm and protects your creative energy.LESSON 3: Using AI in Your Interior Design Business Best practices for AI tools without losing your brand voice. Why starting with pen and paper matters, and how to blend AI efficiency with authentic communication.LESSON 4: Delegation Strategies for Design Business Owners Master "diligent delegating" for team members and AI tools. Learn why poor results usually mean unclear instructions, and how to onboard effectively for better outputs.LESSON 5: Sustainable Growth for Interior Designers Why quarterly goals beat yearly overwhelm. Redefine growth beyond revenue with systems, pricing clarity, client boundaries, and business confidence all count.FREE BUSINESS PLANNING TOOL FOR DESIGNERS: Download my Start, Stop, Continue Guide—the quarterly reflection framework I use to stay aligned and profitable.

This episode explores why the way you end the year has a direct impact on how you perform, lead, and grow in the year ahead, especially if you are a high performing founder, executive, or consultant who wants sustainable success without burnout.For years, I used to close the year by moving straight into planning mode. I refined goals, adjusted priorities, and prepared the roadmap for the year ahead, but I rarely took the time to consciously finish the year I had just lived. Everything looked successful externally, yet internally the cycle still felt incomplete.In this episode, I share a leadership reflection practice I call The Finish Line. It is a year end integration process that helps you:• reflect on the past year with clarity and intention• release unfinished emotional and cognitive weight• prevent burnout from carrying into the next year• align your priorities before setting new goals• strengthen your leadership presence and resilience• transition into the new year feeling grounded and focusedWe explore the hidden cost of rushing from one year into the next, why many high performers skip the last mile of the year, and how intentional reflection supports wiser decision making, healthier pacing, and more sustainable growth.You will also hear the 3 step Finish Line process I use with my clients to complete the year consciously so that the next one begins with alignment, clarity, and renewed energy.If you are looking for a leadership approach that blends performance, meaning, emotional awareness, and reflective growth, this conversation will help you start the year stronger, without repeating patterns of over extension or pressure driven planning.

Don't get to the end of this year wishing you had taken action to change your business and your life.Click here to schedule a free discovery call for your business: https://geni.us/IFORABEDon't miss an upcoming event with The Institute: https://geni.us/InstituteEvents2026Shop-Ware gives you the tools to provide your shop with everything needed to become optimally profitable.Click here to schedule a free demo: https://info.shop-ware.com/profitabilityTransform your shop's marketing with the best in the automotive industry, Shop Marketing Pros!Get a free audit of your shop's current marketing by clicking here: https://geni.us/ShopMarketingProsShop owners, are you ready to simplify your business operations? Meet 360 Payments, your one-stop solution for effortless payment processing.Imagine this—no more juggling receipts, staplers, or endless paperwork. With 360 Payments, you get everything integrated into a single, sleek digital platform.Simplify payments. Streamline operations. Check out 360payments.com today!In this episode, Lucas and David are joined by Wayne Marshall, CEO at the Institute for Automotive Business Excellence. Wayne shares his journey from industry vendor and business owner to leading the Institute, emphasizing the importance of succession planning and building a strong foundation for long-term success. The conversation highlights the value of investing in people, fostering industry-wide collaboration, and creating an exceptional customer experience through attention and hospitality.00:00 Letting Go to Empower Growth05:51 "Building a Strong Foundation"14:54 "Embracing Change in Business Ownership"18:48 "Business Growth and Advice"24:29 Pitching to Decision-Makers Only27:43 Switching to a Smaller Bank36:25 Investing in People for Growth39:19 "Supporting Growth and Opportunity"47:11 "Collaboration, Communication, and Growth"51:27 Sports, Passion, Pressure, and Mistakes58:38 Stressful Car Troubles01:00:04 "Turning Issues Into Opportunities"

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Charlie Gaudet discuss:Moving beyond hard work toward sustainable growthEscaping the founder-centered business modelOutperforming talent using systems Protecting time as the highest-leverage asset Key Takeaways:Hard work eventually becomes a liability when it replaces strategy, systems, and recovery. Sustainable growth requires designing the business so it scales without destroying the founder's health or capacity.Businesses stall when the founder becomes the bottleneck for decisions, delivery, and growth. Long-term scale only happens when systems and teams replace heroic individual effort.Top performers win not because they work harder, but because their systems reduce variation and create consistency. Documented, measurable processes turn small improvements into repeatable, compounding gains.Return on Time matters more than effort, activity, or hours worked. Delegation, automation, and pricing strategy free leaders to focus on high-impact thinking instead of constant execution. "They have to look at ROT, which is return on time… Where are they spending the time, and how do they maximize their time?… Raise your rate… leverage AI… More and more attorneys are able to get more done in less time when they can leverage AI in the right way." —  Charlie Gaudet Check out my new show, Be That Lawyer Coaches Corner, and get the strategies I use with my clients to win more business and love your career again. Ready to go from good to GOAT in your legal marketing game? Don't miss PIMCON—where the brightest minds in professional services gather to share what really works. Lock in your spot now: https://www.pimcon.org/ Thank you to our Sponsor!Rankings.io: https://rankings.io/ Ready to grow your law practice without selling or chasing? Book your free 30-minute strategy session now—let's make this your breakout year: https://fretzin.com/ About Charlie Gaudet: Charlie Gaudet is the author of “The Predictable Profits Playbook: The 7- and 8-Figure CEOs' Guide to Generating Consistent and Sustainable Growth“ (voted #1 Book on Sales & Marketing by Indie Excellence) and host of The Beyond 7-Figures Podcast.The International Business Times called him “The Go-To Business Coach for 7- and 8-Figure Businesses” and perhaps the “busiest sales coach in the US.“GritDaily said Gaudet is: “regarded in entrepreneurial circles as one of the top coaches for helping entrepreneurs surpass the seven and eight-figure mark.”Yahoo Finance referred to him as: “The CEO Whisperer.”CEO Weekly said he was one of the top 10 “Innovative CEOs to Follow.”And he's listed at the top of several “Best Business Coach”  lists.He's been an entrepreneur since the age of 4, created his first multi-million dollar business at 24, and has helped others generate millions with his strategies.He's received numerous awards and recognition (including founding a company named as “One of the Best Seed Stage Companies” by Ernst & Young), received his Certificate of Leadership Development from The US Army War College and has his business advice featured around in the world – including Inc., Forbes, Salesforce, Success, Entrepreneur, and Fox Business – as well as on podcasts and radio.He was named one of American Genius's Top 50 Industry Influencers.He trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (two gold medal finishes) and is a 3-time wrestling state champion. He lives in Florida with his beautiful wife, three adorable kid-preneurs, and one badass dog. Connect with Charlie Gaudet:  Website: https://predictableprofits.com/  Connect with Steve Fretzin:LinkedIn: Steve FretzinTwitter: @stevefretzinInstagram: @fretzinsteveFacebook: Fretzin, Inc.Website: Fretzin.comEmail: Steve@Fretzin.comBook: Legal Business Development Isn't Rocket Science and more!YouTube: Steve FretzinCall Steve directly at 847-602-6911 Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

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In this episode of So You Want to Be a Real Estate Agent, host Meredith Fogle welcomes first-time guest and rising listing agent Tommy Weaver, who shares the story of how he built a thriving business by focusing on what most agents overlook: the leads already in front of them.From revitalizing old leads and strengthening sphere connections to maximizing every listing through circle dialing, buyer-looking campaigns, and expired outreach, Tommy breaks down how he creates new opportunity from every closed deal—even in a challenging market. His practical, no-fluff approach is a blueprint for agents who want to stop spinning and start converting.

In this celebratory 100th episode of Enterprise.ing®, President and CEO of Enterprise Financial Services Corp, Jim Lally, returns to the podcast to share leadership insight on Enterprise Bank & Trust's steady expansion across the U.S. Jim discusses what it means to adopt a sustainable growth mindset rooted in consistency, trust and relationship-driven decision making. The views expressed by Enterprise.ing® presenters or guests are those of the presenter or guest and not, necessarily, of Enterprise Bank & Trust or its affiliates. All content, related materials and third party website links are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement by Enterprise Bank & Trust. Enterprise Bank & Trust does not make any warranty, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and specifically disclaims any legal liability or responsibility for accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information presented. Enterprise Bank & Trust is not under any obligation to update or correct any materials or content provided in connection with this podcast. All statements and opinions are subject to change without notice. ©2025 Enterprise Bank & Trust. All Rights Reserved.

Success does not eliminate pressure. It often multiplies it.Once you experience a win, the fear shifts from “what if I fail?” to “what if I can't do it again?” In this episode, I unpack why success can feel heavier than failure, how emotional attachment to outcomes distorts clarity, and why many people end up running in place even while working hard.We explore how open loops, unfinished commitments, and mental clutter quietly drain focus, energy, and momentum. I share why learning to detach emotionally from outcomes is not about becoming numb or disconnected, but about creating enough objectivity to take better action. When everything feels personal, every fluctuation feels like failure.You'll learn how to:Detach your identity from results so one miss doesn't spiral into self-doubtClose open loops that create constant mental taxationCut through noise, distractions, and unnecessary commitmentsSay no with intention so yes actually means somethingMeasure progress beyond a single KPI or narrow definition of successBuild systems, structure, and infrastructure that support sustainable growthWe also talk about why sustainability must come before scalability, how discipline fills the gap when motivation fades, and why progress often comes from doing less, more intentionally, instead of chasing everything at once.This episode is a reminder that clarity creates momentum, simplicity creates leverage, and consistent execution is what turns intention into real results.Close the loops. Cut the noise. Get to work.Beyond The Episode Gems:Subscribe To My New Weekly LinkedIn Newsletter: Strategize. Market. Grow.Buy My Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business: StrategizeUpBook.comDiscover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformSupport The Podcast & Connect With Troy: Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/ReviewsFollow Troy's Socials @FindTroy: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, TikTokSubscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel For Strategy Videos & See Masterclass EpisodesNeed Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com 

More money. More time. Or both.If what you offer helps people get one or both, demand should not be the problem. When it is, the issue is rarely the product. It is how the value is communicated. The problem is most businesses bury that value under features, specs, and what I call “knowledge vomit” and then wonder why buyers do not move.In this episode, I break down why marketing fails when it cannot clearly validate outcomes. Buyers do not struggle with features or specs. They struggle with confusion. If your message does not quickly show how you help them make money, save time, or both, they will move on, even if what you offer is genuinely strong.We walk through how value gets buried under “impressive” language, why clear always beats clever, and how small disconnects in messaging and experience quietly erode trust and revenue. This is not about hype or shortcuts. It is about making the value obvious at every touchpoint.In this episode, you will learn how to:Translate features into outcomes buyers actually care aboutClarify whether your offer makes money, saves time, or does bothSimplify messaging so decision makers instantly understand the valueFix marketing that looks polished but fails to convertImprove customer experience through small, intentional momentsAlign product, marketing, and leadership around one clear value storyThis episode is for founders, marketers, product leaders, and decision makers who are tired of guessing why marketing is not working. If your marketing cannot clearly prove value, you will not win. When it can, growth becomes more predictable, more sustainable, and far less complicated.Beyond The Episode Gems:Subscribe To My New Weekly LinkedIn Newsletter: Strategize. Market. Grow.Buy My Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business: StrategizeUpBook.comDiscover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast NetworkGet Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your BusinessGrow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM PlatformSupport The Podcast & Connect With Troy: Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/ReviewsFollow Troy's Socials @FindTroy: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, TikTokSubscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel For Strategy Videos & See Masterclass EpisodesNeed Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

You've created this amazing specialization, you're excited about it, and then it's time to launch. Suddenly your brain starts screaming: "Wait, what if this isn't right? What if nobody wants this? What if I picked wrong?" If you've ever felt paralyzed by doubt right before putting yourself out there, you need to hear this.Here's what's actually happening: your nervous system is taking normal launch nerves and turning them into evidence that you're not ready. But there's a difference between "this is scary and new" versus "this genuinely doesn't align with me." In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly how to tell the difference between nerves and misalignment, why your experience already counts (even without the fancy title), and how to move forward without being paralyzed by the fear of picking wrong.Key Points Covered:✨ Three questions to ask yourself to distinguish between protective fear and actual misalignment✨ Why discounting your experience because you haven't used a specific title yet is keeping you stuck✨ The truth about specialization: it's not a tattoo, and pivoting is strategy, not failure

Wondering what your marketing agency is actually doing, and whether it's truly bringing new clients through the door?In this episode of the Grow Your Clinic podcast, we unpack the must-know foundations clinic owners need before handing over a single marketing dollar. We break down the core definitions that shape every campaign - what a real conversion is, how to calculate your Client Acquisition Cost, why Lifetime Value matters, and what ROI should realistically look like for your clinic. You'll learn how to set clear expectations, ask the right questions, and avoid the common misalignment that leads to wasted spend and disappointing results.We also explore how to build a transparent, collaborative relationship with your agency, one where reporting is simple, next steps are clear, and both sides are accountable. If you want marketing that genuinely delivers new clients, not just pretty reports, this conversation will give you the clarity and confidence to get it right.Need to systemise your clinic? Start your free trial of Allie! https://www.allieclinics.com/ In This Episode You'll Learn: 

If you have ever wondered why you feel maxed out no matter how hard you work, this episode is going to land in your body in the best way.In this Moms Who Build conversation, Mariah talks with sustainable growth strategist and systems expert Hannah Findysz, who helps CEO moms streamline their businesses so they can scale without sacrificing family life. As a mom of a toddler and the wife of a firefighter, Hannah knows exactly what it feels like to build a business in unpredictable seasons.Hannah shares how she rebuilt her business from burnout, why so many moms think systems are a quick fix, and what is actually causing you to feel scattered and stretched thin. This episode is honest, eye opening, and full of clarity for any mom who wants her business to feel lighter, simpler, and more sustainable.In this episode, you'll hear:Why so many moms feel maxed out and what is actually underneath itThe surprising reason tools like Dubsado or HoneyBook are not the answerHow to know if you are hiring a VA too earlyWhat sustainable systems really look like in a mom led businessHow Hannah balances entrepreneurship with toddler life as a shift family momConnect with Hannah:Instagram: @hannah_findyszWays to Connect Outside the Podcast Follow CEO & Founder on Instagram: @mariahstockman Follow Made for Mothers on Instagram:@madeformothers.co Join the Virtual Village: A community and monthly membership for business owning mamas! Special promo for our podcast listeners, get 20% off your first quarterly enrollment with code TWENTYOFF at https://www.madeformothersco.com/membership SHOP CEO MAMA MERCH designed just for business-owning mamas https://shopmadeformothers.com/

Are you updating your Instagram bio for the millionth time, trying to figure out if you're an OBM, VA, or project manager? Every time you say one of those titles, it feels like wearing someone else's clothes that don't quite fit. You pick "OBM" because it sounds legit, but then clients expect you to do everything, and half of it you don't even want to do.Industry labels like OBM and VA are just buckets. They're helpful for LinkedIn searches, but they don't communicate your actual value or attract the clients who need what you're brilliant at. In this episode, I'm breaking down why trying to fit yourself into these generic labels is killing your business, how it's attracting the wrong clients, and exactly how to create your own positioning that makes you the obvious choice for your ideal clients.Key Points Covered:✨ Why industry labels are descriptive, not prescriptive, and how using generic terms attracts generic expectations✨ The real reason you're burnt out: you're attracting clients who want everything when you only love doing specific things✨ How to create your own positioning that makes your ideal clients say "this is exactly what I need" (plus a real client transformation story)

In this short segment of the Revenue Builders Podcast, we revisit the discussion with Susan Lucia Annunzio, author and CEO of the Center for High Performance. Backed by the world's first global quantitative study on accelerated growth, Lucia reveals the single biggest differentiator of companies that grow profitably over the long term: how they treat their people.She introduces the concept of Return on Brainpower—the idea that organizations unlock disproportionate performance when they allow their smart people to think, challenge assumptions, and interpret intent rather than simply follow orders. Through research insights and real-world leadership examples, the conversation explores how leaders can shift from transactional management to transformational development, empowering people to deliver results beyond expectations.KEY TAKEAWAYS[00:00:52] The real driver of long-term profitable growth is how companies treat their people.[00:01:13] Even the best strategy fails when employees aren't empowered to think for themselves.[00:02:35] “Return on Brainpower” is a leadership metric that fuels performance and innovation.[00:03:00] Micromanagement prevents people from using their full cognitive capacity.[00:04:40] The #1 global growth differentiator: treating smart people like they're smart.[00:05:33] Commander's Intent enables employees to interpret purpose, not just follow steps.[00:07:30] Leaders must adapt to inner-directed vs. outer-directed personality wiring.[00:08:23] Psychological safety determines whether people speak up or stay silent.QUOTES[00:00:52] “How companies make money that lasts comes down to how human beings at your corporation are treated.”[00:01:13] “A great strategy without allowing people to use their brains will never maximize its potential.”[00:02:35] “The secret to success is return on brainpower.”[00:03:00] “Companies leave money on the table because they don't allow people to challenge assumptions.”[00:04:40] “My boss tells me what to do, not how to do it.”[00:04:14] “The best leaders develop people so well that they don't need them anymore.”[00:08:23] “Show your thinking—not ask the boss for theirs.”Listen to the full conversation through the link below.https://revenue-builders.simplecast.com/episodes/leadership-generational-insights-and-the-power-of-people-with-susan-lucia-annunzioEnjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox:https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0Check out John McMahon's book here:Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/1K7DDC4Check out Force Management's Ascender platform here: https://my.ascender.co/Ascender/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of "The Free Lawyer," host Gary interviews Eric Ritter, CEO of Digital Neighbor and digital marketing professor, about law firm growth through effective SEO and branding. Eric shares his journey into legal marketing, the importance of defining an ideal client, and how law firms can stand out in a crowded market. They discuss AI's impact on legal marketing, the value of continuous learning and coaching, and practical strategies for work-life balance. Eric emphasizes building authentic brands and sustainable marketing systems, offering actionable advice for lawyers seeking fulfillment and long-term success.Eric Ritter is the CEO & Founder of Digital Neighbor, a nationally recognized SEO and digital marketing agency specializing in law firm growth. With over a decade of experience, Eric is a leading authority in legal marketing and AI-driven client acquisition. Known as "The SEO Sommelier," he simplifies complex digital strategies to drive growth for law firms.Eric is an adjunct professor at the University of South Florida, teaching digital marketing. He has also been featured in Authority Magazine, Search Engine Watch, and Porch. He hosts The Search Bar Podcast and leads Sip & Search, a networking series for attorneys.In addition to his professional work, Eric is actively involved in the community, serving on multiple nonprofit boards in the Tampa Bay area.Eric's Journey into Legal Marketing (00:02:10) The SEO Sommelier Concept (00:03:07) Myth 1: The Ideal Client Profile (00:04:28)SEO Focus and Resource Allocation (00:06:11)Standing Out in a Crowded Market (00:06:56) Myth 2: All Cases Are the Same (00:09:08) Consistency and Lawyer Involvement in Marketing (00:10:48) Digital Neighbor's Differentiation (00:12:44) Teaching and Staying Current (00:13:46) AI's Impact on Digital Marketing (00:15:06) The Future of Digital Marketing (00:16:58) Answer Engine Optimization (00:20:17) Sustained Law Firm Growth vs. Burnout (00:21:15) The Value of Coaching and Professional Development (00:22:44) Lawyer Fulfillment and Avoiding Burnout (00:24:19) First Steps for Established Law Firms (00:25:04) Work-Life Balance and Delegation (00:26:16) Recharging and Hobbies (00:28:02) Transformation Through Marketing (00:29:44)Would you like to learn what it looks like to become a truly Free Lawyer? You can schedule a complimentary call here: https://calendly.com/garymiles-successcoach/one-one-discovery-callWould you like to learn more about Breaking Free or order your copy? https://www.garymiles.net/break-freeYou can find The Free Lawyer Assessment here- https://www.garymiles.net/the-free-lawyer-assessment

In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Renee Hastings, Founder of Executive Help Now, to explore how effective delegation can unlock sustainable growth for Black entrepreneurs. From her early roots in Madison to building a thriving global virtual assistant agency, Renee shares strategies for streamlining operations, trusting the process, and leading with intention. Perfect for solopreneurs, small business owners, and anyone ready to grow smarter—not harder. Unite. Empower. Ignite. Thank you for tuning into the RISE Urban Nation Podcast, where we go beyond conversation to fuel a movement of unity, empowerment, and transformation across the Black and Pan-African community. Each episode dives deep into the stories of entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers shaping culture, business, and legacy. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, a leader in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, the show blends storytelling with strategy to help you amplify your voice, grow your brand, and lead with purpose. Why Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation? ✨ Inspiring Stories: Learn from influential Black and Pan-African leaders making an impact.

Do you ever catch yourself saying "I'm just good at planning" or "I just see the big picture"? If you're downplaying what comes naturally to you because it feels too easy, you're hiding the exact thing your ideal clients are desperately searching for.Most service providers think they need to offer everything, strategy, implementation, daily management, to be successful. But here's what actually happens: you end up burnt out, doing work you hate, and attracting clients who want all the things instead of the one thing you're brilliant at. In this episode, I'm breaking down why you keep talking yourself out of your zone of genius (what I call your unique magic), and exactly what to do about it so you can build a business around what you actually love.Key Points Covered:✨ Why the thing you're calling "just something" is actually your most valuable skill, and how to own it✨ The truth about industry labels and why you don't have to fit yourself into what an OBM or VA is "supposed" to do✨ How specializing in your zone of genius attracts premium clients who specifically want what you're brilliant at (plus a real client example) 

If you've been looking at your audience lately — your email list, your downloads, your Instagram following — and thinking, “It's just not big enough,” this episode is your gentle reset.Today, I'm sharing an archived audio I originally recorded for my private client podcast. It's a quiet reminder that the size of your audience has never been the thing that determines your success… the root system of your business does.Inside, I share a story about repotting one of my new plants (yes, your girl is officially a plant mama

Send us a textIn this episode of Imperfect Marketing, host Kendra Corman sits down with Dr. Christiane Schroeter — marketing professor, wellness advocate, and TEDx speaker — to explore how intentional, bite-sized actions can help entrepreneurs and professionals create lasting change without burnout.Dr. Schroeter shares her journey from a fascination with advertising in Germany to teaching marketing, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the U.S., blending her academic expertise with her passion for wellness. Together, she and Kendra dive into how mindful, structured habits — what Dr. Schroeter calls petite practices — can transform not only your business but your life.

If your business feels "fine" but not fulfilling, you might be stuck in what Lori calls the Uplevel Gap - that quiet in-between space where your success has outgrown your systems, but you haven't yet built the structure for what's next. In this episode of The Midlife Business Academy, Lori walks through the "Uplevel + Expand" phases of her TRUE Framework - showing you how to align your growth with your values, simplify your systems, and stretch into your next level of visibility and impact without adding more hustle. You'll learn how to recognize when your business no longer fits, the difference between busy growth and aligned expansion, and how to build a business that supports the life you actually want to live. In this episode, you'll learn: • How to recognize when it's time to uplevel • The difference between growth and expansion • What to eliminate, refine, and elevate before you scale • The mindset shift from "more" to "meaningful" • How to create capacity for sustainable success • Why expansion is less about doing more and more about allowing more If your business feels 'too full' but not fully aligned, let's talk.  Book a Profitable Path Alignment Call and I'll help you identify what to trim, what to refine, and what to elevate so you can expand sustainably—on your terms.      

Economic growth in China has slowed over the past 2-1/2 years although Beijing has undertaken numerous fiscal measures to stimulate growth, encourage investment, prop up the property market and restore consumer confidence. Listen to Chi Lo, Global Market Strategist, and Chief Market Strategist Daniel Morris, as they discuss the government's efforts to steer the economy back on to a path of sustainable growth.For more insights, visit Viewpoint: https://viewpoint.bnpparibas-am.com/Download the Viewpoint app: https://onelink.to/tpxq34Follow us on LinkedIn: https://bnpp.lk/amHosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode of the Drop in CEO podcast, host Deb Coviello welcomes Joe Bockerstette, Managing Partner at Business Enterprise Mapping. Joe shares his journey from engineering to consulting, angel investing, and leading transformative workflow improvements for organizations. Together, they discuss the realities of process management, the challenges of change leadership, and practical advice for business leaders seeking sustainable growth and peace of mind. Episode Highlights: [1:00] Joe Barker’s career journey: from engineering to consulting and angel investing [9:00] The realities and risks of angel investing for entrepreneurs and investors [17:00] Mapping business processes: identifying “red clouds” and driving organizational change [24:30] Real-world example: Transforming a marketing firm’s operations and achieving peace of mind Joe Bockerstette is the Managing Partner of Business Enterprise Mapping in Phoenix AZ., a professional services firm delivering transformative workflow improvement. He has more than 30 years’ experience as a CEO, business consultant, and private equity/angel investor. Joe was previously a Consulting Partner with PwC, co-founded a private equity firm, Equity Management Group and was the first Managing Partner of the Main Street Venture Fund, an angel pledge fund in Indiana. Joe holds a BS degree in Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and an MBA from Xavier University. He has served as a director on a variety of public, private, and non-profit boards and has co-authored three books, Attracting an Angel, How to Get Money from Business Angels and Why Most Entrepreneurs Don't, Time Based Manufacturing and Red Cloud Road, How Strategic Process Management Drives Competitive Advantage. Company Website: www.businessmapping.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bockerstette-86875a17 For more information about my services or if you just want to connect and have a chat, reach out at: https://dropinceo.com/contact/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Soulpreneur Scaling Stories, I'm tackling one of the most frustrating challenges VAs and OBMs face: when people love what you offer but vanish when it's time to sign. You've tweaked your services, rewritten your sales page, maybe even lowered your prices—and yet clients who say they're interested disappear at contract time.So what's really going on? Is it your offer? Your audience? Or is there a deeper misalignment you haven't identified yet?In this solo episode, I'm walking you through a clear framework to evaluate whether the problem is your offer, your audience, or a mismatch between the two. You'll learn how to read the signals your business is sending so you can make informed, confident decisions instead of endlessly second-guessing yourself.Key Points Covered:✨ The 4 essential questions to evaluate if your offer solves a pressing problem clients actually feel right now✨ Why tangible outcomes matter more than describing what you do—and how to reframe your services for clarity✨ The critical difference between aspirational and reactive clients (and why your messaging must match)✨ How to validate your offers through real conversations—including the exact 4 questions to ask✨ Why sometimes your offer is perfect but you're talking to people who can't afford it yet (and what to do about it)✨ The step-by-step process to realign your offer and audience without burning everything to the groundIf you've been stuck in a loop of tweaking offers, changing pricing, and rewriting bios, hoping this time it will work—this episode will give you the clarity you need to move forward strategically.Send us a textThank you for being a part of the Soulpreneur Scaling Stories community!

In this episode of The Women On Top, Valerie Lynn sits down with Dylan Jahraus, powerhouse Etsy seller, coach, and former corporate leader, for a deeply honest conversation about ambition, resilience, and building a life on your own terms.Dylan opens up about what pushed her to walk away from the corporate path and how she turned a simple Etsy shop into a multi-seven-figure business. She shares the real challenges behind the highlight reel, the role community played in her growth, and the mindset shifts that helped her navigate doubt, burnout, and big leaps.Together, Valerie and Dylan dig into the strategies that actually move the needle in e-commerce, from understanding customer behavior to staying ahead of trends, and why consistency still outperforms perfection. Dylan also talks about the personal “why” that fuels her, the legacy she hopes to leave for her daughters, and the quiet power of choosing flexibility, freedom, and self-trust.This episode is equal parts tactical and deeply human, offering practical steps for aspiring entrepreneurs and heartfelt encouragement for anyone ready to chase a bigger vision.Chapters00:00 – The Journey Begins: From Corporate to Etsy Success 02:53 – Building an Empire: Overcoming Challenges & Customer Relations 05:58 – E-Commerce Explained: Strategies That Actually Work 09:13 – Understanding Customer Needs: The Key to Longevity 12:09 – Trends & Market Research: Staying Ahead 14:50 – Facing Doubts: The Importance of a Strong “Why” 18:03 – Creating a Legacy: Personal Stories & Motivations 20:52 – The Power of Flexibility: Owning Your Time 23:58 – Saturation & Strategy: Standing Out in a Crowded Market 26:04 – The Power of Consistency 27:40 – Practical Strategies for Sustainable Growth 30:16 – Understanding Digital Products 31:22 – Aligning Skills With Your Business Ideas 33:17 – Finding Fulfillment in Entrepreneurship 36:11 – Building Confidence Through Action 37:38 – How Long It Really Takes to See Success on Etsy 39:13 – Learning From Mentors 40:43 – Balancing Business & Family 43:04 – Dreaming Bigger: Future Aspirations & GrowthConnect with Dylan:  The Ultimate Etsy Course: https://dylanjahraus.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanjahraus/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeO8Gmc2B-3G2fgcFnRR4Xw Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/etsy-seller-success-tips-for-starting-growing-and/id1647518076Connect with The Women On Top: Follow The Women On Top Podcast on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts. Subscribe for more empowering conversations and stories! Website: https://thewomenontop.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@thewomenontop⁩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewomenontoppodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-lynn/

In this episode of the Look Forward Podcast, our new rotating host Molly Mintz makes her debut to explore the dynamic landscape of Africa's economy with authors from out latest Look Forward Journal "Look Forward: Unlocking Africa" and S&P Global Rating's experts Roberto Sifron-Arevalo, Samira Mensah, and Elijah Oliveros Rosen. Discover how Africa's abundant natural resources and youthful demographics present unprecedented investment opportunities, while also facing challenges in infrastructure, debt sustainability, and climate change. Join us as we delve into the crucial role of credit ratings in enhancing financing strategies for sustainable development, and learn how domestic capital markets can drive economic growth. We also discuss the upcoming S&P Global Africa Summit, aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders to address the continent's financial hurdles. Tune in for insights that will equip you to navigate the complexities of Africa's evolving markets and seize future opportunities!

Welcome to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast! In today's episode, we're joined by Leslie Ewing  to discuss Driving Change in Canada's Plant-Based Industry: Insights from Plant Based Foods of Canada.With over twenty-five years of experience in the consumer-packaged goods sector, Leslie Ewing has been instrumental in shaping Canada's plant-based foods industry. As Executive Director of Plant-Based Foods of Canada (PBFC), she has built one of the first globally recognized plant-based organizations, creating a farm-to-fork membership that fosters collaboration, research, and industry growth. Under her leadership, PBFC has become a unified voice for manufacturers, ingredient companies, VCs, brokers, distributors, and retailers, driving market expansion and consumer adoption. Leslie was key in establishing the Plant-Based Foods Global Alliance, working alongside international partners to align efforts and support the plant-based sector worldwide. She also led the launch of Canada's first National Plant-Based Food Week, creating a platform to showcase the industry's innovation and potential. A firm believer in data-driven decision-making, she champions the use of market insights and consumer research to inform industry strategies and strengthen advocacy efforts. In addition to her leadership in the plant-based sector, Leslie has extensive experience advising and driving strategic growth for small to mid-sized companies through her own consulting company. She has worked as both an outside expert and an executive for hire, helping businesses refine their strategic direction, navigate market challenges, and accelerate growth. Her past leadership roles include Program Director for the Nutrition Facts Education Campaign, a pioneering public-private partnership with Health Canada, and Executive Director of the Confectionery Manufacturers Association of Canada. She is passionate about driving innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth in the plant-based sector.Plant Based Foods of Canada's Socials:Website: www.plantbasedfoodscanada.caLinkedin: Plant Based Foods of CanadaInstagram & Facebook: plantbasedcanLeslie Ewing's Socials:LinkedIn:  leslieeewingPlant-Based Canada's Socials:Instagram  (@plantbasedcanadaorg)Facebook (Plant-Based Canada, https://m.facebook.com/plantbasedcanadaorg/)Website  (https://www.plantbasedcanada.org/)X / Twitter @PBC_orgBonus PromotionCheck out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you'll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2025 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.Thank you for tuning in! Make sure to subscribe to the Plant-Based Canada Podcast so you get notified when new episodes are published. This episode was hosted by Stephanie Nishi RD, PhD.Support the show

Feeling like your business runs you instead of the other way around? In this episode, we share the four workflow systems that separate thriving service businesses from those stuck in reactive mode.We break down the exact framework our clients use to reclaim hours every week, eliminate the constant "what did I forget?" anxiety, and finally build a business that doesn't require them to be on call 24/7. No fancy tools or huge team needed, just smart structure that actually sticks.Key takeaways:The four workflow types every growing business needs (and which one to start with)How recurring workflows eliminate the "Did I do that?" mental drainWhy your projects keep ending in chaos (and the phase-by-phase structure that fixes it)The event workflow that makes you look professional while staying focused on connectionHow to create a content rhythm that builds trust without last-minute stressSimple steps to document, automate, and delegate your workflows effectivelyReal transformation stories from coaches who implemented these systemsWith your workflows running smoothly, the next step is filling your pipeline consistently. Join our free two-day workshop, The Expert's Edge: LinkedIn Content That Closes Deals (Nov 24–25, 12–1 PM EST) and master the content approach that keeps your calendar booked with ideal clients.Reserve your spot now: The Expert's Edge Workshop: LinkedIn Content That Closes Deals

Ever lie awake at 11 PM wondering if you should just shut your business down? You're making money, clients seem happy, but internally you feel exhausted and disconnected from work that used to light you up.If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.In this solo episode, I'm breaking down the difference between business failure and business evolution - and why confusing the two can lead you to walk away from something that just needs to shift.Sometimes what feels like failure is actually your business nudging you toward growth. The trick is learning how to tell the difference.Key Points Covered:✨ Why exhaustion makes you confuse temporary discomfort with permanent failure✨ The three reflection questions that reveal whether you need to quit or evolve✨ How to identify if your problem is emotional (burnout) or structural (offer misalignment)✨ The difference between craving rest versus needing reinvention✨ A real client story: from "I want to burn it down" to clarity and confidence✨ How evolution shows up as discomfort, disinterest, and sometimes irritation with work you used to loveThe Three Questions to Guide You:Do I still care about the impact of my work?Am I craving rest or reinvention?Is the problem emotional or structural?If you're sitting here unsure about whether to walk away or evolve what you're doing, that's exactly what I work through with my 1:1 clients inside of Expansion. The very first phase, Illuminate, is all about getting crystal clear on what you actually want - because you cannot make good decisions about your business when you don't know what you're building toward.Most of my clients come in thinking they need to completely start over. But after Illuminate, they realize they just need clarity on where they're going and permission to evolve.Send us a textThank you for being a part of the Soulpreneur Scaling Stories community!

In this episode, recorded at the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly in Riyadh, I chat with Amanda Bernstein, Seychelles' new Minister for Tourism and Culture—who stepped onto the global stage barely a week after taking office. She talks about her excitement, her vision for Seychelles' tourism, and the key role culture and sustainability will play in her plans.  In this dialogue, Minister Bernstein discusses the government's renewed focus on cultural authenticity, women's leadership, and youth empowerment within the sector, while outlining her commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and long-term resilience.  

In this episode of the Second in Command Podcast, guest host Sivana Brewer sits down with Matthew Rathje, Chief Operating Officer of TrueNorth Companies and long-time member of the COO Alliance.From starting in payroll and claims management to leading operations for a $165M insurance and professional services firm, Matt shares his journey of scaling from the ground up, balancing structure, culture, and human leadership. He offers practical insights on bringing clarity and accountability to fast-growing organizations, structuring meetings that actually move the needle, and building trust without falling into “artificial harmony.”Matt also opens up about navigating personal and professional adversity, from weathering the 2020 derecho storm that destroyed his family's home, to leading through COVID-19, and how those experiences shaped his leadership philosophy rooted in humility, collaboration, and optimism.Timestamped Highlights[00:01:20] – Matt's journey at TrueNorth and how he helped the company grow from a local firm to a $165M organization.[00:05:16] – Lessons from moving between individual contributor and leadership roles.[00:07:00] – How TrueNorth's leadership transition inspired a more unified executive vision.[00:09:20] – Preparing to step into the COO role and finding mentors in the process.[00:10:44] – Why Matt joined the COO Alliance and what he learned from peers in other industries.[00:13:00] – Building clarity and accountability through RIMs and RIOs (Relatable Impact Metrics & Objectives).[00:15:00] – Starting TrueNorth's organizational health journey with Patrick Lencioni's Table Group.[00:17:34] – How Lencioni's framework helped the team prioritize what's most important right now.[00:18:46] – Team effectiveness workshops and how vulnerability-based trust builds healthy organizations.[00:20:35] – How to identify “artificial harmony” and address it before it erodes team commitment.[00:24:32] – Balancing collaboration with decisive leadership.[00:26:03] – Structuring meetings for clarity, speed, and results.[00:29:40] – How personal adversity (a devastating storm) strengthened Matt's leadership perspective.[00:33:54] – Leading with empathy, gratitude, and perspective through crisis.[00:38:52] – Building trust and vulnerability across teams.[00:40:31] – Strengthening the CEO-COO relationship and defining complementary strengths.[00:42:42] – Using Vivid Vision to align the entire company around purpose and feeling.[00:46:14] – Launching The TrueNorth Way: the company's roadmap for a world-class client experience.Resources & MentionsThe Apple Experience by Carmine GalloUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraMeetings Suck by Cameron HeroldThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni (and the related Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team framework)About the GuestMatthew Rathje is the Chief Operating Officer of TrueNorth Companies, a Midwest-based insurance and professional services firm dedicated to protecting and maximizing its clients' assets, resources, and opportunities.Since joining TrueNorth over a decade ago,...

In uncertain times, leaders at all levels can learn from what the world's leading CEOs are doing to protect their companies from risk and forge a path forward. In this Future of Business series, IdeaCast hosts Alison Beard and Adi Ignatius interview four chief executives from different industries and geographies to better understand where global business is going. In this episode, Alison speaks with Sim Tshabalala, the CEO of Standard Bank. He explains how his childhood in apartheid South Africa informed his decision to go into finance, why purpose drives the company's approach to everything from strategy to customer service, and the role he believes businesses like his must play in promoting sustainable growth.

This episode is sponsored by AlixPartners The Disruption Matters special podcast miniseries is back for its fourth season, and this year, leading industry experts will discuss how private markets can still deliver growth, despite the headwinds of a revolution in tech, geopolitics and global markets. All season long, we've argued that PE firms need to pursue growth even in times of uncertainty and volatility. But in our final episode of the year, we're clarifying that not all growth is created equal. The right kind of growth is cost-effective and sustainable. We explore the threats to sustainable growth, the need to shape growth strategies around exit routes, how buy-and-build strategies can go awry, and how to pause a growth strategy without stalling the company's progress. Guests include Jason McDannold, co-lead of the PE practice at AlixPartners; Halvor Horten, partner at Bain Capital; Jennifer Fox Bensimon, a managing director on the co-investment team of Partners Capital Investment Group; Emanuela Cisini, a partner, co-head of operational improvement and head of Mideast and Asia at Investindustrial; and Burak Kiral, a partner and managing director with AlixPartners.

In this episode of the Everyday Business Problems podcast, Dave Crysler sits down with Josh Notes, serial entrepreneur, CFO, and dealmaker, to unpack how financial storytelling connects the dots between operations, cash flow, and sustainable growth. Together, they explore how leaders can use numbers to forecast what comes next, make smarter decisions, and unlock opportunities hiding in plain sight. What You'll Discover: What financial storytelling really means and how it ties operations to financial health. Why so many growing businesses struggle with cash flow visibility, and how to fix it. The difference between a bookkeeper, controller, and CFO, and when you need each one. Why neglecting finance limits your creativity and flexibility as an entrepreneur. How forecasting tools and rolling projections help you make confident, informed decisions. Why collaboration between operations, finance, and sales creates real momentum. The truth about scaling, leveraging debt, and knowing when it's time to bring in help.

This week, Mike sits down with Jay Sapovits, the founder and President of Ink'd Stores, a thriving $5 million e-commerce company that powers over 1,000 online swag stores for brands like DoorDash, Crocs, and Penn Entertainment. Jay opens up about his turbulent journey—from explosive early success and devastating loss to rebuilding his life and business from the ground up. The conversation explores Jay's struggle with gambling addiction, the painful collapse of his first ventures, and how entering recovery became the foundation for lasting personal and professional transformation. He shares how humility, perseverance, and a focus on "winning the moment" helped him turn setbacks into stepping stones toward success. Jay also dives into the evolution of his swag business, emphasizing the importance of ownership, customer service, and speed in e-commerce. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-awareness, and small, consistent wins. The episode closes with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: leverage your network, take small steps, and never lose sight of the sacrifices required to achieve your dreams. IN THIS EPISODE:

Ideas don't turn into impact on excitement alone. They need structure, ownership, and trust. We sit down with Mark, an IP advisor and blockchain compliance expert, to unpack how intangible assets—patents, trademarks, copyrights, code, data, and even carbon credits—quietly drive growth while shaping risk across industries.We dig into the hidden engine of value that most founders overlook: dormant IP. Mark walks us through practical IP audits that surface what you already own, from unique processes and datasets to brand equity you can license or franchise. He explains why mindset comes first, then market size and timing, and how that sequence determines whether you defend aggressively, collaborate through licensing, or wait for the right moment. On the Web3 front, we challenge the myth that crypto is lawless. Clear names, protected code, and compliant launches build the trust that filters copycats, supports valuation, and attracts serious capital.Sustainability threads through the conversation as we explore carbon markets and climate finance. Carbon may be intangible, but the credits and systems around it require rigorous legal frameworks. Mark shares how IP strategy supports climate tech adoption —from discovery to cross-border licensing—scaling faster than opening new offices. We also dive into brand stewardship beyond the certificate: monitoring registries, enforcing quickly, and using licensing to expand with lower risk. Along the way, we look ahead to more innovative tools—AI assessing brand strength, interoperable IP revenue tracking, and policy incentives for climate-aligned inventions.If you're building at the edge of tech or climate, this is your playbook for turning the invisible into compounding advantage. Hear how to protect before you launch, design risk into your roadmap, and monetize the assets you already have. Subscribe, share with a founder who needs this, and leave a review with the one IP question you want answered next.Send us a textSupport the showCheck out "Protection for the Inventive Mind" – available now on Amazon in print and Kindle formats.

In this inspiring episode of The Entrepreneurial You Podcast, host Heneka Watkis-Porter engages in a powerful conversation with Ife Badejo, the dynamic founder and CEO of Islandpreneur International, a movement dedicated to empowering Caribbean entrepreneurs to build sustainable, innovation-driven businesses. What You'll Learn in This Episode How to transform challenges into entrepreneurial opportunities The story behind Islandpreneur and its mission to empower Caribbean entrepreneurs The importance of collaboration and community in business growth How creativity and digital tools can drive innovation and empowerment Practical ways to lead with purpose and resilience in uncertain times Why mindset and adaptability are key to global success COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Now it's time for one of my favourite parts of the show — Community Connection! This is where I get to hear directly from you — our incredible listeners and members of the Grace to Grow Mentorship and Training community. I absolutely love these moments because they remind me that what we're building together goes far beyond the conversations here — it's about growth, faith, and shared purpose. We recently wrapped up the graduation of Cohorts 5 and 6 of the Grace to Grow Mentorship Programme during our LeadercastKingston event, and I continue to be so moved by the reflections shared from our community. Today's message comes from Tioney Walters, who said: “This program is such a gem and is truly what God wants you to be doing, Miss Heneka. I was literally in the audience, and tears came to my eyes. I love everyone in this program so much, even the ones I haven't met yet. I am so happy to be a part of such a movement and sisterhood. Just continue to shine, Mrs. Porter, and lead with grace.” Thank you so much, Tioney. Your words truly touched my heart. This right here is what community is all about — faith, connection, and sisterhood rooted in purpose. I'm deeply grateful for you and all the phenomenal women continuing to grow together in grace and leadership.

A warmer world is here. Now what? Listen to Shocked, from the University of Chicago's Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and hear journalist Amy Harder and economist Michael Greenstone share new ways of thinking about climate change and cutting-edge solutions: https://lnk.to/shockedpodcastFD!thepie

Heidi Sturrock is a Search Marketing Advisor and Funnel Fixer with 24 years of experience in paid search, working independently with brands and agencies to optimize ad performance on Google, YouTube, and Microsoft. She is recognized for her proven track record of building high-performing campaigns and her expertise in leveraging automation, AI-driven strategies, and holistic, multichannel marketing to drive business growth even in challenging markets.In this episode…In a landscape where ad budgets are tighter and performance metrics are under the microscope, brands are under pressure to prove what's really driving growth. With platforms like Facebook and Google often competing for credit, how can marketers ensure they're not cutting off the very traffic that fuels their conversions?According to Heidi Sturrock, a veteran Search Marketing Advisor and Funnel Fixer, true sustainable growth happens when Facebook and Google ads work together, not in isolation. She highlights that Facebook's top-of-funnel awareness campaigns directly influence Google's bottom-of-funnel conversions, creating an ecosystem that drives long-term performance. Heidi emphasizes the importance of incrementality testing, modern campaign structures, and understanding automation's role in scaling efficiently. By aligning paid search and social strategies, brands can maintain momentum even when the market shifts and avoid the costly mistake of cutting off key demand channels.In this episode of Truth About Social Ads, host Jason Smith sits down with Heidi Sturrock to discuss how integrated Facebook and Google ad strategies unlock sustainable growth. They explore the importance of multi-touch attribution, why automation should be approached with caution, and how brands can test incrementality before slashing budgets. Heidi also shares insights on adapting to AI-driven ad changes while staying true to brand integrity.

Geoengineering and Sustainable Growth: Technological Pathways to Climate Restoration. Gaia Vince discusses technological methods for restoring the planet, including ocean fertilization, which involves artificially adding iron to boost algae growth that would suck out carbon dioxide. Another technique is enhanced weathering, sprinkling rocks like olivines onto agricultural fields or beaches; these rocks naturally bind with atmospheric carbon dioxide, locking the carbon away. Further options include exciting geoengineering ideas like placing reflective bubbles on the ocean surface to increase the planet's albedo. Regarding economic strategy, Vince argues against "negative growth" and instead emphasizes the need to decouple economic growth from environmental destruction, noting that some economies are already beginning to successfully disassociate growth from environmental pollution and carbon emissions.

Electricity prices are the biggest economic issue in the New Jersey governor's race, which is perhaps next month's most closely watched election. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic candidate and frontrunner, has pledged to freeze power prices for state residents after getting elected. Can she do that? On this week's episode of Shift Key, Rob talks to Skanda Amarnath, the executive director of Employ America, a center-left think tank that aims to encourage a “full-employment, robust-growth economy.” He's also a nearly lifelong NJ resident. They chat about how New Jersey got such expensive electricity, whether the nuclear construction boom is real, and what lessons nuclear companies should take from economic history.Shift Key is hosted by Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap, and Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University. Jesse is off this week.Mentioned: How Electricity Got So ExpensiveNew Jersey's Next Governor Probably Can't Do Much About Electricity Prices, by Matt Zeitlin for HeatmapPreviously on Shift Key: The Last Computing-Driven Electricity Demand Boom That Wasn'tMeta lays off 600 workersAmazon lays off 14,000 workers--This episode of Shift Key is sponsored by …Hydrostor is building the future of energy with Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage. Delivering clean, reliable power with 500-megawatt facilities sited on 100 acres, Hydrostor's energy storage projects are transforming the grid and creating thousands of American jobs. Learn more at hydrostor.ca.A warmer world is here. Now what? Listen to Shocked, from the University of Chicago's Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and hear journalist Amy Harder and economist Michael Greenstone share new ways of thinking about climate change and cutting-edge solutions. Find it here.Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Creating an Actionable Customer-Centric Company Culture  Shep interviews Sean Crichton-Browne, co-founder of Market Culture and co-author of The Human Culture Imperative. He talks about how organizations can drive business success by focusing on building a customer-centric culture of empowered employees.  This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:    What's more important, happy customers or happy employees?  How does starting with the end goal of happy customers encourage better customer service?  What role does leadership play in creating a strong culture of customer-centricity?  How can a company's internal culture directly impact the quality of the customer experience?  How does employee engagement influence customer loyalty and retention?  Top Takeaways:    Whenever you're working to improve customer experience, it helps to begin by picturing how you want your customers to feel at the end. Imagine what you want the customer's experience to be. Work backward from your goal, which is happy and loyal customers, and figure out what is needed at every level of the organization to achieve it.  Happy employees create happy customers, but flipping this idea on its head can create great results for your organization as well. Making customers happy can actually make employees feel better about where they work.  It leads to a better work environment that motivates and engages employees.  When customers are satisfied with the product or service, employees don't have to respond to as many complaints or stressful situations, which makes their jobs more enjoyable and fulfilling. Happy customers often give positive feedback, creating a sense of pride for everyone on the team and encouraging even better service. Listen to your customers. Ask them what they want and what's important to them. When you focus on understanding and meeting those needs, you create a connection between leadership, employees, and customers.  Empowering employees, especially those who deal directly with customers, improves the customer experience. When staff can act quickly to solve issues or offer solutions, without always needing a manager's okay, problems get fixed faster, and customers feel seen, heard, and valued.  The stories told inside a company, whether big or small, have a lasting impact on culture. When employees hear about coworkers going the extra mile for customers or leaders making decisions that put customers first, they inspire similar behavior that can be operationalized for consistency.  Plus, Sean shares more "golden nuggets" from his latest book, The Human Culture Imperative. Tune in!  Quote:   "Put the customer at the center of the business and focus on their satisfaction. Because if we don't have a customer, we don't actually have a business."  About:    Sean Crichton-Browne is the co-founder of Market Culture, a company dedicated to helping organizations understand and implement customer-centric cultures. He is the co-author of The Human Culture Imperative: The Leader's Playbook for Innovation and Sustainable Growth.  Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Simply operating America's buildings uses more than a third of the country's energy. A major chunk of that is temperature control — keeping the indoors cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Heating eats into families' budgets and burns a tremendous amount of fuel oil and natural gas. But what if we could heat and cool buildings more efficiently, cleanly, and cheaply? On this week's episode of Shift Key, Rob and Jesse talk to Dulcie Madden, the founder and CEO of Dig Energy, a New Hampshire-based startup that is trying to lower the cost of digging geothermal wells scaled to serve a single structure. Dig makes small rigs that can drill boreholes for ground source heat pumps — a technology that uses the bedrock's ambient temperature to heat and cool homes and businesses while requiring unbelievably low amounts of energy. Once groundsource wells get built, they consume far less energy than gas furnaces, air conditioners, or even air-dependent heat pumps. Shift Key is hosted by Robinson Meyer, the founding executive editor of Heatmap, and Jesse Jenkins, a professor of energy systems engineering at Princeton University. Jesse is an adviser to Dig Energy.Mentioned:Dig EnergyTechCrunch: “Geothermal is too expensive, but Dig Energy's impossibly small drill rig might fix that”Princeton University's Geo-Exchange SystemJesse's downshift; Rob's downshift. --This episode of Shift Key is sponsored by …Hydrostor is building the future of energy with Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage. Delivering clean, reliable power with 500-megawatt facilities sited on 100 acres, Hydrostor's energy storage projects are transforming the grid and creating thousands of American jobs. Learn more at hydrostor.ca.A warmer world is here. Now what? Listen to Shocked, from the University of Chicago's Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth, and hear journalist Amy Harder and economist Michael Greenstone share new ways of thinking about climate change and cutting-edge solutions. Find it here.Music for Shift Key is by Adam Kromelow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kate Assaraf is a serial entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Dip Sustainable Hair Care, building a 7-figure beauty brand without Amazon, big-box retailers, or influencer gimmicks. Kate is also a Forbes columnist, and a mom of two who proves that entrepreneurship and motherhood can coexist without burnout—by prioritizing presence, purpose, and smart business choices. Kate has been featured in Allure, Cosmopolitan, Modern Salon, and The Unwash, was named NJ's Mompreneur of the Year (2024), and was honored as a “Woman of Courage” by Insigniam Quarterly. She's passionate about helping other moms in business build profitable brands without sacrificing their families, values, or sanity.

How do you turn a personal frustration into a $75 million brand—with no experience in the industry? In this episode of Leaders of Transformation, host Nicole Jansen interviews Justin Baer, founder of Collars & Co., who transformed a simple idea—a dress-collar polo shirt—into one of the fastest-growing luxury menswear brands in America. With no background in fashion and a long history of entrepreneurial experiments (and failures), Justin shares how he built a multimillion-dollar brand through relentless action, rapid testing, and the courage to launch imperfect ideas. His story of Shark Tank success and partnership with Mark Cuban reveals how persistence, timing, and customer feedback can turn a simple product into a household name. You'll learn: How to identify business opportunities from everyday frustrations Why “done” is better than “perfect” when launching a new product The power of storytelling and viral marketing (including the TikTok video made by his daughter) How to scale fast while staying true to your brand vision What it takes to go from side hustle to a $75 million business in just three years If you're an entrepreneur, innovator, or aspiring business leader, this conversation will inspire you to take action—before you feel ready—and trust the process of learning, testing, and growing along the way.

Have you been pushing through life, from one milestone to the next, with little rest in between?If so, you're not alone. In the early years of establishing a private practice, ambition often outweighs quality of life and self-care, but it doesn't have to be that way, and it definitely doesn't have to stay that way...During this coaching episode, I help Kellie explore what life can look like now that she has moved out of survival mode, built stability in her private practice, and shifted into a space where she's actually living and beginning to thrive.Kellie reflects on her upbringing, which focused on doing the right thing and being perfect rather than exploring what truly brought her happiness, and recognizes she's now at a place where she's giving herself space to explore and discover what it is she loves and actually wants to do.If you've spent your life trying to get through one thing just to make it to the next thing, constantly hustling, unable to slow down, yet always just scraping by, but you see yourself working towards being in a different place -- one where you're living and thriving -- this conversation is for you. Together, Kellie and I discuss creating opportunities for curiosity, taking personal time to explore what Kellie's interests might be, and setting boundaries within her client schedule to facilitate the freedom she desires. Tune in for more ideas on how to start to enjoy the stability that you've built in your business and shift into the next phase of life. Shifting Mindsets: Survive To Thrive with Curiosity (00:08:34) Thriving Through Mentorship and Giving Back (00:11:56) Exploring Personal Passions for Fulfillment and Joy (00:14:42) Curiosity and Present Mindset for Fulfillment (00:25:32) Rooted Foundation for Sustainable Growth (00:27:37) Embracing Mindful Curiosity for Self-Discovery Prioritizing Self-Care Through Setting Work-Life Boundaries (00:14:32) "What do I love? What brings me life? What is not about other people's opinions or judgments? It's just like, well, what do I want to do?" - Kellie Murry Kellie reflects on how the anxious part of her occasionally overbooks her day, leaving her without a break and feeling exhausted. Linzy uses the metaphor of a tree to illustrate the importance of having firm roots for growth and expansion, suggesting that stability is key to thriving. Ultimately, slowing down and embracing self-compassion helps improve your quality of life and discover your values and passions in this new phase of success. Action Steps to Help You Shift from Surviving to Thriving: Reflect on your current practice. Are you still in survival mode with anxiety and fears running your daily schedule? Or have you begun to shift toward boundaries and more personal time? Start daydreaming about what the next five years COULD look like. Begin to envision and write down your desires and some actions that can help get you there. Set boundaries to protect your time, energy, and well-being. Determine the number of clients per day that you can see without compromising your needs. Make self-care a priority in your daily routine. Ensure you have time for curiosity, self-exploration, and personal growth alongside your professional responsibilities. Take time to get to know yourself and what truly lights you up. Allow yourself to explore your passions and interests outside of work to enhance your quality of life. While it's important to have ambitious goals for your practice, remember to enjoy the present moment and make life rich and meaningful now. Find a balance between...

The Hidden Key to Sustainable Growth High achievers are taught to "raise the bar" — to outdo their best performance and push harder for the next goal. But what if that approach is actually what's keeping you stuck in cycles of leadership burnout, frustration, and exhaustion? The problem is that the "raise the bar" model only focuses on your ceiling — your best. It completely ignores your floor. It puts all the focus on having to overachieve what you've already done without recognizing the biggest opportunity in front of you. But what happens after years of operating that way? At some point, the effort it takes to beat your best starts to outweigh the return. You're putting in more hours, more thought, more energy, but the results start to flatten out. You might hit the goal, but it costs you peace of mind, presence, or health to maintain it. In this episode, Blake shares a concept that will completely shift how you approach growth – something that has helped create sustainable success and inspire personal growth for executives. She explains why the more you can shorten the depth & duration of your most challenging moments, the higher everything else rises. And it rises with far less effort. You'll learn how to identify & remove the hidden misalignments that drain your energy and slow your growth and discover how to create more momentum, impact & peace without pushing harder or "doing more." Because when you raise your floor, you're not just increasing your capacity. You're reclaiming your energy, your clarity & your peace of mind.   Episode Highlights   The Problem with "Raising the Bar"  [01:15] - Why the traditional achievement model leads to burnout  [02:00] - What happens after years of pushing harder  [02:45] - The hidden cost of always beating your best   The Power of Raising Your Floor  [03:30] - Why your lowest lows determine your long-term success  [04:15] - How sustainable success comes from minimizing friction  [05:00] - Research on burnout & productivity loss in the workplace   What Stops Us from Raising the Floor  [06:30] - The wrong questions we ask when we feel stuck  [07:15] - Shifting from "what's in my way" to "what do I need to operate at my best"  [08:00] - Real coaching example: identifying energy drains in 10 minutes A Real-Time Coaching Story  [08:45] - How one leader transformed her relationship with her boss  [09:30] - Using your body & emotions as data, not judgment  [11:00] - The pattern of misalignment & how it shows up everywhere   How to Start Raising Your Floor Today  [12:30] - A simple exercise to identify your top 2-3 energy drains  [13:30] - Recognizing the difference between flow & friction  [14:15] - How small shifts create powerful change   Powerful Quotes "Your long-term success, growth, and well-being are not determined by your highest highs. They're actually determined by your lowest lows." —Blake Schofield "Our emotions and what's happening in our energy, they're just data. They're not showing you a weakness in who you are or a judgment of who you are. They're just information your body is sending you." —Blake Schofield "Most people spend their lives trying to beat their best. But leaders who truly thrive learn to minimize their worst and optimize based on how they're naturally wired to thrive." —Blake Schofield   Resources Mentioned Drained at the end of the day & want more presence in your life? In just 5 minutes, learn your unique burnout type™ & how to restore your energy, fulfillment & peace at www.impactwithease.com/burnout-type/  The Fastest Path to Clarity, Confidence & Your Next Level of Success:  executive coaching for leaders navigating layered challenges. Whether you're burned out, standing at a crossroads, or simply know you're meant for more—you don't have to figure it out alone.  Go to impactwithease.com/coaching to apply! Ready to Future-Proof Your Leadership?  Let's explore what's possible for your team.  Whether you're navigating rapid growth, culture change, or quiet disengagement…we can help with our high-touch, root-cause focused solutions that are designed to help grow resilient, aligned & empowered leaders who navigate uncertainty with confidence and create impact without burning out,  go to https://impactwithease.com/corporate-training-consulting/

Is artificial intelligence just another shiny toy for marketers, or is it the key to unlocking true agility and sustainable growth in today's turbulent landscape? Agility requires not only rapid adaptation to change, but also the ability to anticipate future trends and proactively adjust strategies. This means leveraging data and technology, like AI, in ways that empower marketers to make smarter decisions, faster. Today, we're going to talk about how AI-driven consumer intelligence can help marketers navigate the current era of socioeconomic uncertainty and drive meaningful ROI. Many are looking for solutions to evolving challenges, from inflation's impact on consumer behavior and evolving data privacy laws to demonstrating actual ROI and connecting with target audiences. AI presents a powerful opportunity to meet these needs head-on. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Bryan Gernert, CEO at Resonate. About Bryan Gernert Bryan Gernert is CEO at Resonate. A proven business leader, Bryan Gernert has led businesses through periods of significant transformation and growth. He has applied his management expertise to businesses in several industries, with emphasis on information technology and services.Before joining Resonate, Bryan served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Americas for Cybertrust. In the five-year period leading up to the sale of Cybertrust to Verizon for approximately $500 million, Bryan's region more than doubled its annual revenues from $36 million to $80 million. He was an instrumental player on the executive team that orchestrated, negotiated and completed the transaction with Verizon.Previously, at Digex, Incorporated, a global web hosting and managed services provider, Bryan grew a start-up company into a business with an annual revenue run rate of $240 million. During his tenure, he helped Digex raise over $1.3 billion through an IPO and secondary offering and was part of the team that sold Digex to WorldCom in a $5.7 billion transaction. Bryan Gernert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-gernert-28824b/ Resources Resonate: https://www.resonate.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company