Smashing the Plateau

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Daria Rudnik is a Team Architect and Executive Leadership Coach — and the author of Clicking, a practical framework for building high-performing teams that don't depend on the leader to function. A former Chief People Officer and ex-Deloitte professional with 15 years of international experience in tech and telecom, she has helped leaders across six continents navigate financial crises, wars, and COVID-19. Today she works with executives and HR leaders who are building teams that can perform — and hold together — in an AI-driven world.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build high-performing teams and a resilient independent career that doesn't depend on institutional support.

Daria and I discuss:

What drew Daria to entrepreneurship after a fast-rising corporate career [03:41]
Why a corporate job is no longer the safe choice [05:15]
What independents get wrong about building a team [08:45]
Why shared understanding is the foundation of every strong team [09:56]
The role of well-designed processes in making delegation work [10:28]
The five elements of high-performing teams from her book Clicking [12:48]
How Daria navigates plateaus and keeps moving forward [15:13]
Why optimism and perseverance are non-negotiable for entrepreneurs [16:05]
How to build a peer support network outside of corporate [18:18]
What makes a community worth being part of [20:20]
Why building a parallel career is the smartest first step [21:37]

Learn more about Daria at https://dariarudnik.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariarudnik/.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

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Bou is a leadership consultant who helps his clients discover how to bring out the best in themselves and others. He designs and delivers customized leadership development workshops for executive teams around the globe, and also has a thriving executive and life coaching practice.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to trust your inner knowing and use community to navigate the complex decisions that come with building an independent career.

Bou and I discuss:

The difference between conceptual and non-conceptual knowing [00:04:48]
How the Cynefin framework explains why analysis alone fails in a complex world [00:19:06]
Why leaving corporate can feel like both a terrifying leap and a profound relief [00:08:13]
The biological reason hierarchy creates fear and stress [00:09:31]
Why community is indispensable for sense-making when the path isn't clear [00:23:06]
What Bou wishes someone had told him when he first went solo [00:28:00]

Learn more about Boudewijn at https://www.spimanagement.com/.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

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With more than 25 years of experience in global publishing, Shanta Inshiqaq has built a career leading international sales, marketing, distribution, and strategic growth initiatives for major publishing organizations. She has held senior leadership roles at companies including Penguin, Bloomsbury Publishing, Baker & Taylor, and Columbia Business School Executive Education.

Drawing on decades of corporate leadership, relationship building, and market expansion expertise, she now advises publishers and authors through Inshiqaq Global, helping clients navigate growth, partnerships, and industry strategy with practical insight and a global perspective.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how decades of insider experience in a specialized industry can become the foundation for a consulting business built on access, relationships, and trust.

Shanta and I discuss:

How Shanta's career in publishing began — and why it didn't start the way she planned [02:07]
Why her career grew through relationships and reputation rather than job applications [04:32]
What it means to be a "starter-upper" and why she kept getting tapped for new roles [11:39]
What changed when she left corporate life to run her own business [13:00]
Who her ideal clients are and what she helps them do [15:38]
How she decides what to say yes and no to as a new business owner [19:04]
The role of trusted peers and a small circle of thinking partners [20:40]
Her mission to stop gatekeeping and unravel the publishing matrix for clients [23:32]

Learn more about Shanta at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanta-inshiqaq and www.inshiqaqglobal.com.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

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Matthew Neill Davis is an attorney and entrepreneur who led his solely owned firm, Davis Business Law, through over 1,000% growth over ten years, making it one of the very rare law firms ever to make the Inc. 5000 list. With over twenty-five years of experience helping business leaders with their legal and entrepreneurial matters, Davis now teaches them how to deal with their vulnerabilities so they can capitalize on their opportunities through his firm's proprietary Strong Protected Business System.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to grow a professional services business beyond referrals by building digital marketing muscles and surrounding yourself with the right people.

Matthew and I discuss:

What led Matthew to leave his firm and practice solo [02:26]
Why he started a law firm after six years on his own [02:53]
How he grew his firm through digital marketing [04:03]
His approach to cracking new markets [05:19]
Why measuring qualified leads matters more than traffic [08:17]
How he learns digital marketing without outsourcing it [09:09]
His thoughts on AI and the future of digital marketing [13:34]
How he approaches decision-making with his leadership team [16:36]
The frameworks and books that guide his thinking [17:24]
Where he goes for peer support and trusted advice [18:54]
His suggestions for solos who haven't found their tribe yet [21:03]

Learn more about Matthew at:

https://davisbusinesslaw.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/davisbusinesslaw

https://www.facebook.com/davisbusinesslaw

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

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https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Derek Fredrickson is an American entrepreneur based in Paris and the founder of The COO Solution, a firm that embeds fractional COOs into founder-led businesses as the trusted second-in-command — the bridge between vision and execution. For the better part of two decades, he has helped business owners scale to seven- and eight-figure levels while reclaiming their freedom. His team serves clients across the U.S., the UK, and Europe. Outside of work, he skis the French Alps and pursues a lifelong mission to master French wine.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how embedding a fractional COO into your business can bridge the gap between vision and execution while freeing you to lead at a higher level.

Derek and I discuss:

How Derek transitioned from Wall Street to entrepreneurship [01:41]
What it felt like to leave corporate life and redefine his identity [02:52]
How Derek discovered his zone of genius was running other people's companies [06:14]
The identity shift of going from COO to CEO of his own firm [06:39]
How Derek decides what to say yes and no to [08:01]
How to navigate unexpected plateaus in your business [09:34]
Why focusing on one client avatar unlocked more traction [11:19]
What makes The COO Solution different from matchmaking or placement services [14:44]
The role of emotional intelligence in COO leadership [17:17]
Why experience-based peer communities matter more than advice [18:35]

Learn more about Derek at https://thecoosolution.com/.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

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Larry Kesslin is an executive coach and business strategist and the author of his fourth book, The Joy Molecule. He focuses on the human side of growth, believing that sustainable success starts from within. His work sits at the intersection of business, philanthropy, and spirituality, guiding others to build meaningful relationships, create impact, and experience more joy in life and work. His mission is to help people connect with themselves, connect with others, and connect to the resources they need to leave the planet better than they found it.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn why smart, driven people often end up unhappy despite outward success, and what it actually takes to build a thriving business as an independent professional.

Larry and I discuss:

Why high performers in corporate often carry the heaviest load [10:27]
What caused Larry to leave a promising corporate career [06:07]
The hidden cost of scarcity thinking for new entrepreneurs [17:49]
The Five Dots business development system [18:59]
Why building strategic advisor relationships matters more than selling [19:39]
The enough equation and why comparison kills joy [11:51]
Why scarcity is a mental state, not a reality [22:28]

Learn more about Larry at http://www.5-dots.com/.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Monica Maltzman is the author of You Are the Prototype: Own Your Too Much in a World That Wants Less and an advisor on human-centered work. She works with professionals at critical moments in their careers — when their influence is expanding, their authority is being challenged, or their work environment is quietly eroding their clarity and ability to hold their ground.

After 15+ years leading global teams across corporations, government, startups, and technology, she identified a pattern most organizations overlook: the hidden human cost created by the way work is experienced day to day.

Her work helps people build trust-based influence and reduce the human cost of how they work — so they can stay, grow, or leave from a place of clarity, not pressure.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to identify the real problem keeping you stuck — and how to move forward from a place of clarity, not pressure.

Monica and I discuss:

Monica's career journey and transition out of corporate [02:48]
Why organizations create corporate refugees [03:45]
Her decision to leave Apple and go independent [04:22]
The two distinct groups Monica works with [08:00]
Why most stuck people are solving the wrong problem [09:33]
A client story: building a product nobody could onboard [10:36]
How leaders lose their voice in difficult environments [12:28]
Plateaus Monica has faced and overcome [14:36]
The role of trusted peers and thinking partners [16:37]
One piece of advice for early-stage corporate refugees [18:53]

Learn more about Monica:

Your Next Move Strategy Session with Monica Maltzman: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/7RHUL93T9EPGE

Website: http://monicamaltzman.com/

You Are The Prototype: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G275NNB8

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamaltzman/

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Trippe Steven Fried is a business lawyer and consultant with the "outside-the-box" belief that attorneys can actually add value to the ventures they represent.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a legal and consulting practice that clients actually want to engage with — and how to apply the same principles to your own independent business.

Trippe and I discuss:

How Trippe landed on his current business model [03:44]
Why nobody wants what he's selling — and how he solved it [05:02]
How to communicate your value proposition around wants, not needs [07:34]
What separates successful involuntary entrepreneurs from those who struggle [12:00]
How professionals can collaborate without a formal arrangement [14:08]
How trusted thinking partners shaped Trippe's success [18:41]
The future of businesses formed by involuntary entrepreneurs [17:32]

Learn more about Trippe at http://www.olyverapp.com/.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Camille L. Miller is the Founder and Visionary behind the Soul Professional® Movement, a global initiative redefining success for purpose-driven professionals. She has built an international community spanning 6 continents and 48+ countries, bringing together leaders and visionaries committed to aligning their work with who they truly are.

A three-time Amazon bestselling author, Camille's work explores the intersection of purpose, business, and leadership. Through her writing, speaking, and community building, she is leading a new conversation around authentic success. Her mission is simple: to help others bring their gifts to the world and create a lasting impact.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a purpose-driven community that outlasts you and operates beyond your personal involvement.

Camille and I discuss:

What led Camille to start the Soul Professional Movement [03:38]
How Camille's prior business experience shaped her approach [05:08]
The evolution from a coffee club to a global community [07:06]
The shift from a paid to a free community model [10:01]
How Camille learned to lead instead of do [08:23]
The biggest hiring mistakes she made and what she learned [15:29]
What it means to build a double bottom line organization [20:00]
How Camille finds thinking partners as a pioneering CEO [23:36]

Learn more about Camille at her:

Website:https://www.soulprofessional.com/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillelmiller/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@camillelmiller

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Federico Malatesta is the founder of FM Transformational Coaching™, a practice that integrates executive insight, leadership frameworks, and lived experience to explore how identity evolves through change. His background includes 15 years in oil and gas, culminating as Chief Investment Officer responsible for a $40B capital program. He is also a serial entrepreneur and writes the newsletter "Almost Everything Is Context." In 2022, Malatesta founded The Artha Ranch in Texas, which functions as both a coaching space and a working reined cow horse ranch.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a business rooted in lived experience, personal values, and the wisdom that only comes from navigating major life transitions.

Federico and I discuss:

What led Federico to leave his dream job and pursue entrepreneurship [03:27]
How watching a documentary changed the direction of his life [05:00]
What horses reveal about leadership and communication [06:07]
Why every person — and every horse — requires a different approach [08:15]
How Federico structured his boutique coaching business around a chosen lifestyle [12:13]
Why solo entrepreneurs must stay connected to community to grow [15:35]
What Federico means by "almost everything is context" [18:14]

Learn more about Federico at https://www.federicomalatesta.com/podcast/smashingtheplateau

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Glenn is a professional economist and management consultant who specialises in local and regional economic development. After leaving a senior public sector role in 2013, Glenn has worked as a freelance consultant with local, regional, and national government in the UK, and over the past two years has ramped up his online presence, developing online business ideas — aiming to commercialise his knowledge in new ways whilst maintaining the social purpose of improving economic prosperity for localities and communities. Glenn is a member of Smart Passive Income.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a distinctive consulting brand and create your own breakthrough as an independent expert.

Glenn and I discuss:

What prompted Glenn to become independent [02:36]
How Glenn differentiated himself in a competitive consultancy market [06:37]
How Glenn developed his brand as a visible expert [08:46]
The tension between financial realities and staying focused [14:49]
How Glenn uses his peer network to make strategic decisions [18:07]
How Glenn's definition of success has evolved [20:11]
The role of community and thinking partners in business growth [23:06]

Learn more about Glenn at https://www.economicdevelopment.world

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

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Miki Feldman Simon, MSc, PCC, is an executive coach, global business leader, speaker, and author of CORE Leadership: A Four-Step Framework to Lead Yourself, Grow Your Influence, and Amplify Your Impact. Over her three-decade career, she has held leadership roles in marketing, operations, and HR across multiple industries and guided organizations through growth and successful acquisitions. In her coaching, she helps leaders align values and actions to lead with greater clarity and influence. Known for her warmth, sharp insight, and candor, she blends behavioral science with practical tools that drive lasting change.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how leading yourself first can transform the way you show up as a leader and build deeper influence with the people around you.

Miki and I discuss:

Miki's non-linear career journey across Israel, Australia, and the US [02:56]
How unexpected career breaks shaped her leadership philosophy [05:28]
Why leadership starts with leading yourself [12:26]
The CORE framework: Clarify, Operationalize, Reflect, Evaluate [13:19]
How habit stacking builds intentional leadership [15:42]
Understanding self-talk and limiting beliefs [17:21]
The gap between intentions and impact [19:18]
Real results leaders experience through the CORE framework [20:31]
The role of curiosity and psychological safety in community [23:39]

Learn more about Miki at https://mikifeldmansimon.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikifeldmansimon/

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Eliene Augenbraun was a science and medical journalist for two decades and has since turned her attention to teaching and coaching scientists and physicians on how to communicate better. She is also launching a podcast about intergenerational trauma called The Aspen Forest. Over the course of her career, she has led many creative teams and built technical spaces like studios and labs.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how reframing professional challenges as civil rights issues can become the foundation of lasting leadership and business success.

Eliene and I discuss:

How Eliene's varied career path came together [02:14]
The moment that redirected her entire career [04:00]
Why the shiny coin isn't always the best coin [08:32]
How reframing problems as civil rights issues changed outcomes [10:02]
What business really is [13:36]
Learning financial literacy as a scientist [14:31]
The most important thing you can do when starting out [16:45]
What role trusted peers and thinking partners play [20:15]
Why your partners need to believe in you, not like you [22:09]
What Eliene is building now [22:41]

Learn more about Eliene at https://www.the-communicationclinic.com/

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Carl Smith is a community builder and philosophical futurist focused on helping agency leaders connect, grow, and thrive. As the leader of The Bureau, he has hosted and attended over 500 workshops, talks, and masterminds, gaining a front-row view of how agency leadership is evolving. His upcoming book, Built to Change: Designing The Agency of Tomorrow, explores AI, shifting client dynamics, and the reinvention of knowledge work. Based in Florida, Carl runs long miles, studies the future of work, and writes about leadership and second chances.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build community, embrace the future of knowledge work, and thrive as an independent entrepreneur in a rapidly changing landscape.

Carl and I discuss:

Carl's career journey and how he stumbled into community building [02:17]
How Carl found his passion for The Bureau [04:41]
What kinds of businesses qualify as agencies [07:32]
The loneliness of leadership and how community solves it [11:45]
The future of knowledge work and AI's impact [13:23]
Why domain expertise is your greatest competitive edge [17:00]
What true community really means [21:16]
One piece of advice for entrepreneurs in career transition [22:15]

Learn more about Carl at https://thebureau.community/.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Jennifer Sifert is an author, leadership mentor, and shamanic guide who supports experienced entrepreneurs navigating identity shifts and growth plateaus. A former Chartered Professional Accountant, she left her six-figure corporate career to build a purpose-led business rooted in strategic clarity and embodied authority. Jennifer helps entrepreneurs rise into sustainable, high-level leadership by refining judgment, stabilizing uncertainty, and activating prosperity through embodied authority, while navigating the isolation and decision fatigue that often accompany purpose-led growth.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to break free from high-functioning autopilot and step into fully activated leadership through presence, inner work, and conscious entrepreneurship.

Jennifer and I discuss:

How Jennifer's corporate career was holding her back [02:20]
Why selling for yourself is harder than selling for an employer [02:54]
What toxic environments really are and how they affect you [04:55]
How becoming present can change the way you lead [09:03]
The difference between high functioning and fully activated leadership [13:23]
Why entrepreneurs avoid looking at their numbers [17:39]
How money and currency are connected to your presence [19:28]
The first step to becoming more conscious and present [21:24]
How community accelerates your growth and activation [24:10]

Learn more about Jennifer at:

https://www.youtube.com/@jennifersifert

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifersifert/

https:// www.facebook.com/jennifer.sifert.3

https://www.instagram.com/jennifersifert/

https://jennifersifert.kartra.com/page/Life-Force-Starter-Kit

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Dave Cohen is a multi-BAFTA-winning BBC writer who has spent four decades as one of the most successful contributors to the British comedy scene. As a stand-up, he started the Comedy Store Improv Group with Mike Myers and Paul Merton. He has written for top BBC shows and is the main lyricist for smash-hit show and movie Horrible Histories. He has since become one of the most respected coaches of new comedy writers, and his new podcast, The Shakespeare Mindset, is all about how to succeed in an uncertain world.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a lasting solo career by embracing structure, mindset shifts, and the timeless wisdom of Shakespeare.

Dave and I discuss:

Dave's career journey from journalist to comedian [02:02]
How uncertainty shaped his approach to new ventures [03:21]
Key strategies for evaluating a new project [04:33]
What generates long-term business success as a solo entrepreneur [05:47]
The challenges of maintaining structure when working alone [07:26]
Advice for those transitioning from employment to freelance [09:09]
The importance of work-life boundaries as a freelancer [10:31]
Why mastering your craft matters more than ever [09:35]
How lying to yourself can make dreaded tasks bearable [14:45]
The origin of The Shakespeare Mindset podcast [17:02]
What Shakespeare teaches us about thriving in uncertain times [19:09]
Why going it alone is a myth — even Shakespeare didn't do it [23:27]

Learn more about Dave at https://www.davecohen.org.uk/.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

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Deb Coviello, known as The Drop-In CEO™, has a superpower for lowering the temperature and elevating conversations with empathy and patience. As a speaker, author, podcaster, and consultant, she teaches C-Suite leaders how to establish a Lift, Light, Lead environment and create calm amidst chaos or crisis.

She is the author of The CEO's Compass: Your Guide to Get Back on Track and The New CEO Playbook: Stop Chasing Results and Start Pursuing Peace of Mind. Her long-running podcast, The Drop-In CEO, is in the top 1.5% globally among Apple Podcasts.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to find your sweet spot as an entrepreneur and make better decisions to build a fulfilling and sustainable business.

Deb and I discuss:

How Deb's business has evolved over seven years [02:26]
What differentiates the Drop-In CEO approach [03:43]
How to find the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, and who you serve [06:17]
The three qualifiers for career fulfillment [08:46]
Why we look for external validation and what to do instead [10:12]
How to flip your priorities to make better decisions [11:41]
The differences between corporate and entrepreneurial decision making [13:49]
How to build feedback loops as a business owner [17:05]
Advice for someone earlier in their entrepreneurial journey [20:50]

Learn more about Deb at her:

Website:https://dropinceo.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahacoviello/

Drop in CEO Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-drop-in-ceo/id1498953914?ls=1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IlluminationPartnersLLC/

Twitter: https://x.com/DropinCEO

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dropinceo/

YouTube:https://bit.ly/47GgMdn

The CEOs Compass Your Guide to Get Back on Track on Amazon:https://bit.ly/OrderCEOCompass

Free Gift:https://dropinceo.com/gift

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Debi Wimberley is a survivor of decades of chronic pain and lung disease who turned her challenges into entrepreneurship and quality health advocacy. With a background in medical technology, oncology, and hospital work, as well as experience at Digital Equipment helping develop networking technology, she now empowers individuals and professionals through education, collaboration, and resilience — showing how limitations can be transformed into meaningful work and impact.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to reclaim your health, your identity, and your purpose by embracing curiosity and collaboration.

Debi and I discuss:

How Debi's career journey led to her health crisis [02:20]
Why curiosity is the key to making pivots in life and work [04:01]
How listening to your body improves decision-making [07:07]
The role of the endocannabinoid system in health and well-being [07:32]
How collaboration shapes Debi's work and business [10:00]
What the Effective Cannabis Newsletter is and how it started [11:21]
How Debi built a business despite significant health limitations [12:35]
How to find and vet the right thinking partners [17:03]
Advice for corporate refugees on finding collaborators [19:40]

Learn more about Debi at:

https://Effectivecannabis.com

https://Effectivecannabisnewsletter.com

https://www.instagram.com/debiwimberley

https://www.brainzmagazine.com/executive-contributor/debi-wimberley

www.youtube.com/@effectivecannabis

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

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Gary Ireland is a New York City–based employment attorney representing executives in transition, start-ups, and small businesses, with a particular focus on women leaders. He serves as outside general counsel to Maxus Systems, whose founder patented "virtual reality," recognized by Popular Mechanics as one of the "15 Patents That Changed the World."

He advises innovative companies on protecting their interests while pursuing strategic growth. Gary has secured impactful civil rights and discrimination victories, including a jury verdict with punitive damages against a municipality for repeated police beatings and a federal age discrimination win affirmed by the Second Circuit. He also led a $25 million beach renourishment initiative protecting public shoreline and private homes. Beyond the courtroom, Gary developed, and alongside the Ireland family and a broad coalition of supporters, helped lead the successful campaign to open the Boy Scouts of America — now the gender-neutral Scouting America — to girls, expanding opportunities to more than 170,000 young women.

The Ireland family story, featured in the Daily Mail, is now being developed into a feature film. Gary welcomes introductions to filmmakers and producers interested in creating an impactful and commercially successful project.

A graduate of Columbia University and New York Law School, Gary serves on the board of the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, where he teaches a program he developed, Relentless Advocacy. He also coaches in the leadership program at Columbia Law School.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a coalition around a cause, stay relentless in the face of obstacles, and lead with purpose in both business and life.

Gary and I discuss:

Gary's mission as an attorney and advocate [02:57]
How his daughter Sydney's scouting journey began [03:52]
The obstacle Sydney faced in joining the Boy Scouts [06:10]
How they built a coalition to create change [14:43]
The role of community and elected officials in their advocacy [15:41]
What it takes to sustain resilience over the long term [10:48]
Advice for leaders facing complex decisions and heavy obstacles [22:25]

Learn more about Gary at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/article-12907335/amp/sydney-ireland-fought-nine-years-boy-scouts-movie.html

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

View Details

Joe brings over 20 years of experience in technology and specializes in cybersecurity awareness for small businesses.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to protect your small business from cyber threats and how to transition from corporate employee to entrepreneur.

Joe and I discuss:

Joe's career journey in technology [01:41]
Why Joe started his own business [02:42]
How Joe decided on his business model [04:52]
What Joe knew about courses and community [05:30]
Surprises when rolling out courses and community [06:24]
How to know when a course is good enough to release [07:34]
Decision making as an entrepreneur vs. employee [08:55]
Lessons learned from choosing the wrong platform [10:16]
Finding support resources for decision making [11:27]
Navigating the ups and downs of business [13:12]
How Joe defines success as an entrepreneur [15:23]
How to identify and avoid phishing attacks [18:23]
How to find your community as an entrepreneur [19:53]

Learn more about Joe at https://www.cybersmartresource.com.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau is a podcast for experienced independent leaders who have left corporate roles to build sustainable, expertise-based businesses.

Each episode features a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation about what changes when you no longer have the infrastructure of an organization behind you.

We explore judgment, decision-making under uncertainty, growth plateaus, identity shifts, and the role of trusted thinking partners in sustaining long-term success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of peer perspective.

Join a live guest session and connect with experienced professionals navigating similar challenges:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Stay connected to the conversation.

Get new episodes, reflections, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

View Details

Kirsten is a business strategist and outsourcing expert with a decade of experience helping entrepreneurs take control of their finances and scale with confidence. She has guided countless business owners through the process of hiring and working with Bookkeeping Virtual Assistants, giving them the tools and systems they need to understand their numbers and make smarter financial decisions. Her work through the Love Your Profit program focuses on simplifying bookkeeping, reducing financial stress, and helping business owners build the support teams that allow them to thrive.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build confidence through financial clarity and strategic delegation to scale your business.

Kirsten and I discuss:

What is behind becoming a business strategist and outsourcing expert [01:50]
Why understanding your numbers builds confidence [03:26]
How to protect and build your confidence as an entrepreneur [05:35]
Key things corporate refugees can do to make their business thrive [07:41]
Examples of entrepreneurs who left corporate and succeeded [10:02]
How to determine when it's time to pivot [12:22]
Data versus intuition in business decisions [14:03]
Working yourself out of your business as a growth strategy [15:51]
What Kirsten helps people outsource and why [16:58]
Stories of entrepreneurs who outsourced bookkeeping [18:27]
The importance of community and peer support [21:56]

Learn more about Kirsten at:

YouTube:https://youtube.com/@sixfigurebusinesscoaching

Website:https://sixfigurebusinesscoaching.com/

Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/SixFigureBusinessCoaching

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/kirsten.graham.3517

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirstengrahamsfbc/

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sfbizcoaching/

Tiktokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@sfbizcoaching?_t=ZS-90tUPiAZqvl&_r=1

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Jane Wesman, founder of Jane Wesman Public Relations, Inc., is one of the country's top experts in book publicity and marketing with an impressive track record of creating national bestsellers, particularly in the areas of business, leadership, and personal growth. The author of Dive Right In - The Sharks Won't Bite, Jane is also a mentor and advisor to entrepreneurs and startups. A strong believer in giving back, Jane currently serves as co-president of the nonprofit organization Women's Media Group.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build an authentic marketing foundation that attracts clients without draining your energy.

Jane and I discuss:

Jane's involvement with NAWBO and Women's Media Group [03:02]
Why marketing feels like an energy leak for many entrepreneurs [03:41]
The importance of building an authentic website as your foundation [05:25]
Why you can't do everything in marketing and must choose strategically [06:06]
The problem with trying to be something for everyone [07:01]
Why LinkedIn and newsletters are essential for consultants [08:08]
How to integrate your website, LinkedIn, and newsletter [08:39]
Why you need to go narrow and go deep with your expertise [09:41]
How Jane stayed focused on book marketing and said no to other opportunities [11:17]
Using outside services and building a team for marketing [13:06]
Other marketing channels: speaking, podcasts, and guest articles [14:58]
The importance of consistency in marketing [15:36]
Why everyone needs a team, even solopreneurs [16:23]
The value of being involved in nonprofit organizations [20:09]
Leadership lessons Jane learned from volunteer work [21:00]
Why being a member isn't enough—you need to join committees or boards [23:31]
Jane's key message: start with your website and be consistent [25:23]

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Nina is a LinkedIn™️ Brand Builder and Content and Engagement Strategist for Creators, Coaches, and Consultants. She works with service-based entrepreneurs and visual artists to develop strategies and create digital content that helps them grow their businesses organically on LinkedIn.

Nina is a "recovering" film producer and documentary filmmaker. She has worked on Emmy award-winning documentaries, including one she produced, Abraham's Children.

Nina is a visual artist and loves spending time in her native Switzerland with her owner, Tigger, an 11-pound Dachshund mix who has her well-trained.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use LinkedIn Live to build your brand and grow your business without the weekly commitment of a podcast.

Nina and I discuss:

What is LinkedIn Live [04:04]
The technical setup process for LinkedIn Live [05:47]
What format to use for your LinkedIn Live shows [08:37]
What doesn't work as a LinkedIn Live strategy [10:00]
The differences between LinkedIn Live and podcasts [13:18]
Strategies for interacting with your audience [17:21]
How to foster community interaction during LinkedIn Live [20:15]
Repurposing LinkedIn Live content into conversation highlights [22:04]

Learn more about Nina at https://clockwiseproductions.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-froriep/.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Curtis McCullom helps CEOs, founders, and entrepreneurs eliminate the blind spots that have silently held them back since childhood—unlocking greater income, confidence, and personal freedom. Through his LGET Mindset™ framework (Learn, Grow, Expand, Transform) and powerful modalities like NLP, Mental Emotional Release® (MER), and Hypnotherapy, he facilitates reprogramming subconscious blocks for deep, lasting transformation.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to break through invisible ceilings by reprogramming subconscious blocks for deep, lasting transformation.

Curtis and I discuss:

Curtis's career journey from financial services to mindset coaching [02:22]
What triggered his transition from financial services [04:02]
Why executive coaching wasn't enough [05:09]
The difference between conscious and subconscious behavior [05:20]
How the LGET framework was created [06:55]
Curtis's ideal client and invisible ceilings [08:26]
An example of breaking through relationship blocks [09:15]
How to acknowledge problems without identifying with them [11:00]
The importance of diaphragmatic breathing [12:20]
The one-day mindset reset process [14:00]
The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneur [15:22]
Why undervaluing your worth is common [17:25]
The biggest blocks people face [18:44]
Curtis's personal story about sabotaging success [19:36]
How peers and community help overcome blocks [22:30]

Curtis would love to offer your audience two powerful resources at a special rate:

From Anxious to Aligned: The Anxiety Reframe Kit — normally $297, but available to your listeners for just $27. This proven system helps flip anxiety into clarity, confidence, and focus in minutes. Bespokehpcanxietyreframe.bespokehpc.com/home

Discover & Align: 60-Minute Breakthrough Session — normally $500, but available to your listeners for only $97. In this personalized session, Curtis helps uncover core values, reveal hidden blind spots, and realign mindset so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Bespokehpcvaluesdiscovery.bespokehpc.com/home

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

View Details

Madeleine Niebauer is a seasoned executive with two decades of experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Madeleine spent five years as a Chief of Staff at Teach For America. She loved the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the work and the ability to truly leverage a leader's time so they could be more productive and successful. She knew many leaders could benefit from this service on a part-time basis, which inspired her to launch VChief.

Prior to joining TFA, Madeleine was a strategy consultant for foundations and nonprofit organizations at The Bridgespan Group. Earlier in her career, Madeleine managed a tutoring center with SCORE! Educational Centers and served in the Peace Corps in Ivory Coast.

Madeleine earned a BA with honors from Stanford University and an MBA from Columbia Business School. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her three children, who all share her love of globetrotting, camping, and family fun.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a scalable service business that doesn't depend on you doing all the work.

Madeleine and I discuss:

Madeleine's career journey and what prompted her to start VChief [02:28]
How she experienced product market fit in real time [03:57]
The decision to not take on more clients herself [05:01]
Shifting from technician to CEO [06:41]
When she decided to build a company instead of being a solopreneur [09:02]
How long it took to reach financial sustainability [10:23]
Her approach to marketing beyond her network [11:27]
The support she brought on along the way [13:29]
Hiring fractional and part-time help strategically [14:25]
The trigger for rapid growth after COVID [18:46]
Her experience with community and peer groups [20:19]
How to stop being the bottleneck in your business [23:32]

Learn more about Madeleine at https://www.vchiefs.com

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

View Details

Janice began her career as a teacher, was a corporate trainer for many years, and have now found her niche in coaching business owners to network at a world-class level. For the past several years, she has owned her own business. She is committed to showing others how to grow their businesses and training them to build and sustain solid relationships with past, present, and future customers to lead to more sales and more referrals.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build authentic business relationships through sustainable daily habits and strategic LinkedIn networking.

Janice and I discuss:

The power of long-term relationships in business [02:54]
How to overcome overwhelm when balancing client work and business development [04:04]
The importance of finding your rhythm with relationship building [06:17]
Creating sustainable habits for LinkedIn engagement [06:46]
Using greeting cards and gifts to nurture relationships [07:09]
Daily practices that transform networking results [08:21]
How to evaluate and accept LinkedIn connection requests [10:17]
Strategies for meaningful LinkedIn outreach [14:44]
Starting conversations without jumping to the sales pitch [16:29]
Using creative conversation starters to build rapport [17:04]
Why loyalty is at the heart of community and relationships [20:02]
How to be sincere and avoid the numbers game on LinkedIn [23:04]

Learn more about Janice at https://www.janiceporter.com andlinkedin.com/in/janiceporter

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Jane Hyun is the leading authority for leveraging culture and differences to drive innovation. Often called an "interpreter," she has been a trusted coach for over 20 years to thousands of leaders at Fortune 500 companies including PepsiCo, Clorox, Merck, and USGA, as well as schools and nonprofits, guiding their growth by building their cross-cultural capability. She is the pioneering author of Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Leadership Toolkit for Asians and the co-author of Flex: The New Playbook for Managing Across Differences. Through her Cultural Fluency in Leadership Project, Jane enjoys helping leaders forge stronger teams by closing the gaps that get in the way of growth and collaboration.

She has been featured on CNN, CNBC, and NPR and has written for Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, and The Wall Street Journal on the topics of culture, career development, and onboarding. As a sought-after speaker, Jane has keynoted at Microsoft, ESPN, the International Coaches Federation (ICF), and the Conferences for Women. Recently, Jane received the Marshall Goldsmith 50 Leading Global Coaches Award as the #1 Coach for Cultural Fluency and the NAAAP Vision 100 Award.

Her life's calling is to help others flourish in their workplaces and in their communities.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a meaningful, sustainable consulting practice by leveraging cultural fluency and staying true to your values.

Jane and I discuss:

Jane's career journey from corporate to consulting [03:02]
How Jane developed her cultural fluency specialty [05:27]
Assessing and improving cultural fluency in leaders [08:32]
How Jane's business has evolved over 20 years [12:31]
The importance of saying no to the wrong clients [14:45]
The role of community and peer support in business growth [17:42]
Integrating personal and professional life as an entrepreneur [19:35]
The strategic importance of rest and self-care [22:11]
Seeing growth as an iterative process [24:00]

Learn more about Jane at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-hyun/, https://www.instagram.com/janehyun_author/, and https://substack.com/@janehyun429198.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Christina Holloway is an executive coach and leadership strategist known for helping professionals build influence, communicate with confidence, and advance without losing themselves in toxic or high-pressure workplaces. She has coached leaders across major global companies, and her insights have been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, and HuffPost. Through her YouTube channel and workshops, Christina provides practical tools for career clarity, courageous communication, and stepping into leadership with authenticity and power.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to maintain your power during career crises, negotiate from a position of strength, and build a thriving business based on authentic leadership.

Christina and I discuss:

Her career journey and becoming a corporate refugee in 2001 [02:33]
The story of being let go without notice and working a full day after termination [03:13]
How to prepare for and respond to a crisis [08:44]
Managing emotions to maintain power in critical moments [10:23]
Staying solution-focused during difficult negotiations [12:52]
Working as a contractor for 13 years and the transition to remote work in 2001 [07:28]
How her experience shaped her coaching business philosophy today [16:27]
Her journey from chief of staff to executive coach [19:22]
The role of community, collaboration, and peer support in business growth [21:03]
Why trusted relationships are essential for entrepreneurs [23:00]
Avoiding the trap of staying stuck in endless to-do lists [23:30]

Learn more about Christina athttps://www.youtube.com/@ChristinaHolloway1205/

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Jim coaches product management in startups, growth-stage companies, and Fortune 100s. He's a Silicon Valley founder with over two decades of experience, including an IPO and a buyout. These days, he coaches product leaders and teams to find product-market fit and accelerate growth across a variety of industries and business models. Jim graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Computer Science and currently lectures at both Stanford and University of California, Berkeley in product management.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the AI era in product development and build a sustainable coaching practice around your unique expertise.

Jim and I discuss:

Jim's career journey from building products to coaching [01:59]
The importance of curiosity and ambition in product management [06:07]
The benefit of having a dedicated product management coach [09:33]
How AI tools are reducing friction in finding the right product [11:55]
The exciting opportunities for companies that adopt AI tools effectively [14:32]
Why internal transformation is the key competitive advantage [17:18]
Advice for professionals building a consulting business [21:03]
How peer relationships enhance transformation [24:41]
Helping people navigate the turmoil of adopting new AI technologies [25:53]

Learn more about Jim athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmorrisstanford/ and https://productdiscoverygroup.com

__________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

__________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

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Bou is a leadership consultant who helps his clients discover how to bring out the best in themselves and others. He designs and delivers customized leadership development workshops for executive teams around the globe. Bou also has a thriving executive and life coaching practice. With his wife, Riva Greenberg, he supports people who live with diabetes. He lives in Brooklyn, NY.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn why community is essential for solo entrepreneurs and how it can transform both your well-being and your bottom line.

Boudewijn and I discuss:

Why community is so important to Boudewijn [02:25]
The kinds of communities Boudewijn has experienced [05:11]
How collective intelligence helps navigate complexity and uncertainty [06:36]
The practical outcomes of being part of a community [08:43]
Why interdependence is more accurate than independence [09:43]
How community increases profitability by a factor of three to four [11:25]
The financial impact of compassionate support through neurobiological co-regulation [13:10]
What makes communities different from corporate structures [15:03]
The importance of psychological safety in community [18:01]
How community provides both wellbeing and advancement [20:27]
Why now is the most critical time to be part of a community [23:01]

Learn more about Boudewijn at www.spimanagement.com

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

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Paige Arnof-Fenn is the founder and CEO of global branding and digital marketing firm Mavens and Moguls, based in Cambridge, MA. Her clients include Microsoft, Virgin, The New York Times Company, Colgate, venture-backed startups, as well as nonprofit organizations. She graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Business School. Paige serves on several boards, is a popular speaker and columnist who has written for Entrepreneur and Forbes.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a thriving knowledge-based business by making authentic connections and staying true to your values.

Paige and I discuss:

What caused Paige to become an entrepreneur [02:23]
How Paige decided on her business model [13:04]
Who Paige's ideal clients are [05:59]
How to navigate AI tools without losing your brand's authentic voice [08:18]
What makes it challenging to build a sustainable knowledge-based business today [09:48]
The importance of making friends before you need them [15:07]
How to build your reputation with every conversation [17:06]
What makes it easier than ever to start a knowledge worker business [18:32]
The do's and don'ts of connecting with others in community [21:20]
Why quality over quantity matters in building your brand [23:28]

Learn more about Paige at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigearnoffenn and www.mavensandmoguls.com

__________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

__________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

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Kenneth Gorfinkle is a clinical psychologist and owner of Common Sense Therapy, a private psychotherapy practice in Manhattan. His career transitioned from decades of work with medical patients in hospitals to a full-time private practice in 2016. As his own practice slowly winds down, he finds himself caring for many individuals at the late stages of their careers. Retirement has become an outmoded idea, now that there are myriad ways to stay engaged in meaningful work.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate late-career transitions while maintaining your sense of identity, purpose, and self-worth beyond the paycheck.

Ken and I discuss:

The differences between mid-career job loss and late-career transitions [03:02]
The advantages of gradually winding down versus stopping abruptly [04:36]
How accumulated wisdom and experience add value in later career stages [06:04]
Connecting your identity to your wisdom rather than your work [08:00]
The fear and anxiety people face when approaching retirement [09:14]
Strategies for finding meaning beyond work [11:34]
How to address financial fears and planning [13:37]
Ways to transition your business model as you wind down [18:51]
The importance of community and intentional friendships [24:06]

Learn more about Kenneth at www.commonsensetherapy.com

__________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

__________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Ann Vanino is a career and new directions coach and author whose passion is collaborating with her clients to create the life they want to live. Prior to coaching, Ann enjoyed a 21-year career in the environmental, health, and safety field, including running New York City's 24-hour chemical emergency response team, responding to over 600 emergencies a year. Ann authors a weekly blog, Opening, and a monthly newsletter, Working Happy, guiding readers to work that leaves them happy at the end of the day.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn what it takes to reinvent yourself when the path forward isn't clear and how vulnerability builds true resilience.

Ann and I discuss:

Ann's non-linear career journey from Asian history to environmental studies [02:05]
How she became the leader of NYC's chemical emergency response team [04:14]
Navigating male-dominated environments as a young woman [06:17]
Leading without formal authority when people don't listen [08:29]
What triggered her transition to entrepreneurship [10:14]
Hitting the glass ceiling and recognizing it wasn't her fault [11:31]
Starting Williams and Vanino environmental consulting firm [12:36]
The rainmaker and operator business partnership dynamic [13:33]
Taking the leap from security-conscious family to coaching [16:48]
Joining the founding board of International Coach Federation in LA [20:20]
Her husband's illness and passing in 2022 [20:35]
Navigating life alone on two acres in wildfire country [21:56]
The dramatic wildfire evacuation during her home sale [25:00]
The connection between vulnerability, community, and resilience [29:13]
Getting comfortable with change as a key to a fulfilling life [32:34]

Ann authors a weekly blog and a monthly newsletter called Working Happy, guiding readers to work that leaves them happy at the end of the day.

Learn more about Ann at: https://annvanino.com, https://annvaninoauthor.com, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/annvanino/

__________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

__________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Susan M. Barber is a leading visibility coach who transforms quiet high achievers into visible and influential leaders so they can confidently position themselves for new opportunities. With over 25 years of experience in leadership roles at Kraft Heinz, she has a deep understanding of the challenges corporate leaders face. Susan is the author and podcast host of The Visibility Factor and author of Your Journey to Visibility Workbook. Her mission is focused on empowering leaders to show their value and be seen for their true talent.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the key differences between starting a business and running one, and how to build a sustainable enterprise by focusing on what truly moves the needle forward.

Susan and I discuss:

The main differences between starting a business and running a business [03:17]
What metrics move the needle forward [04:40]
Why the choice that scares you the most is the one you should pick [06:33]
Things Susan decided not to do and why [08:00]
How to avoid the trap of perfectionism [10:21]
Key strategies for visibility that help your business [11:22]
Common challenges clients face around fear and imposter syndrome [12:51]
How to demonstrate capability without having done the exact thing before [14:25]
The role of community, collaboration, and peer support in growth [16:21]
One thing a corporate refugee can do today to move forward [19:21]
Susan's Your Journey to Visibility Workbook [21:49]

Learn more about Susan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanbarbercoaching/ and https://susanmbarber.com

__________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

__________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/news

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Nina is a LinkedIn™ featured brand builder and a content and engagement strategist for creators, coaches, and consultants.

She collaborates with service-based entrepreneurs to develop strategies and create digital content that enable them to grow organically on LinkedIn.

Nina is a recovering producer and documentary filmmaker. She’s seen it all — from the early days of independent features to national TV commercials, corporate mega-shows, and Emmy Award–winning documentaries, including Abraham’s Children, which she produced.

Nina is from Switzerland. She owned 11-pound Dachshund mix who has her well trained.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to spot the right time to pivot, how to use AI without losing your authenticity, and simple LinkedIn routines that build real relationships instead of noise.

Nina and I discuss:

Nina’s career journey and pivots from filmmaking to online coaching and video marketing [00:02:19]
The pivot from video production to focusing on organic LinkedIn strategy [00:04:03]
Techniques to listen for market changes and when to consider a pivot (including AI) [00:05:38]
How to acknowledge AI in your messaging without chasing every shiny thing [00:08:44]
The LinkedIn shift from a social graph to an interest graph — why engagement now drives visibility [00:11:00]
The power of a consistent commenting practice and why you can post less but comment more [00:11:53]
Nina’s “list of 25” tactic for regular, strategic engagement [00:12:59]
Why commenting builds meaningful relationships (and comment etiquette to avoid “bro marketing”) [00:13:47]
Organizing LinkedIn outreach: engagement groups, spreadsheets, and simple CRMs [00:16:51]
The role of community in business growth and the inspiration/accountability it provides [00:19:32]
Ideal community size for meaningful connection (Nina’s sweet spot: 30–100) [00:21:41]
Questions to ask when choosing the right community for your transition (size, topic, demographics, geography, founder) [00:23:08]
Where to find Nina’s resources (Five Steps to a Perfect LinkedIn Post; Nine Steps to a Near-Perfect LinkedIn Profile) and how to connect with her [00:25:48]

Learn more about Nina at https://clockwiseproductions.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-froriep/

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Dr. Gregory T. Obert is a clinical psychologist and the founder and CEO of the Royal Oasis Psychotherapy Institute, a premier telehealth practice delivering elite, discreet, evidence-based psychotherapy. He brings over 15 years of experience helping thousands navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. He specializes in veterans’ issues, PTSD treatment, and fostering resilience through personalized, holistic care. Additionally, he is the author of The Man on the Bench, a novel about hope amid loss, and the host of the podcast Meditations by Gregory T. Obert, featuring guided meditations for wellness.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to move from structure to self-direction—reframing fear, narrowing your focus, pricing with confidence, and using real community to shorten your path to traction.

Gregory and I discuss:

Why Gregory chose to start his own practice [05:18]
Why many keep private practice as a side gig—and the bigger opportunity [05:46]
The two biggest barriers: fear of variable income and insurance constraints [07:20]
Referrals, pipelines, and the internal conflict about charging [10:47]
A simple first step to strengthen your pricing mindset [13:44]
The hidden knowledge gap: marketing, visibility, and “putting yourself out there” [15:12]
Differentiation through a few clear specialties (and why it works) [17:50]
Community as a necessity: one hour > months of Googling [20:04]

Learn more about Gregory and receive premium psychotherapy at www.royaloasispi.com.

Follow him on social media:

Website:https://gregorytobert.com/

Locals: https://drgregorytobert.locals.com/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/drgobert

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@docgobert

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregorytobert

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGOBERT

Libsyn: https://meditationsbygto.libsyn.com/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/meditations-by-gregory-t-obert/id1168490615

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0esz5sbFAeAmJzPp5NJbz9

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Melanie focuses on practical data science and AI. Her career highlights include driving client outcomes at Petsch Analytics, LLC—her data science consultancy; designing and building custom applications with generative AI and large language models, incorporating humans in the loop, at Palantir Technologies; modeling and analyzing truly big data at the New York Stock Exchange; writing quantitative research and a book on commodity investing at Goldman Sachs; teaching at Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA); and serving on the Mechanical Engineering Advisory Council at Purdue University.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to reframe uncertainty, communicate value clearly, and turn vague requests into staged projects that produce quick wins.

Melanie and I discuss:

Melanie’s career journey and pivotal transitions [01:54]
How the 2008 crisis led to launching her consultancy and landing an eight-year anchor client [03:21]
Employee vs. consultant mindsets and why she’s ambivalent about the labels [05:24]
Teaching students to handle ambiguity and have honest client conversations [07:40]
Why open, candid dialogue can be easier as a consultant [09:37]
A mindset shift for corporate refugees to attract the next right clients [13:47]
Identifying your highest-value skills and applying them to modern needs like generative AI [14:13]
Communicating with nontechnical stakeholders and using mockups to align quickly [16:50]
“That’s not my data” — using anomalies to improve data quality and trust [18:05]
Feedback that matters and the power of meeting audiences where they are (data dictionary story) [19:08]
The networking story of earning an eight-year client by not hiring someone [21:24]
Human-first relationships vs. transactional interactions [23:30]
How to connect with Melanie [24:29]

Learn more about Melanie at http://www.petschanalytics.com/.

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Michael Himmelfarb is the founder of HG Partners, a consulting firm that advises growing tech companies on monetization and go-to-market strategy. He developed a unique consulting model that combines the advantages of AI with the human superpowers of creativity, empathy, and experience to deliver high-impact results in as little as 48 hours. A former GM of a $200M Nielsen business and a five-time tech CXO, he is passionate about teaching consultants how to leverage AI without losing the human trust advantage. His blog, Reframing Forward, explores the future of AI-enhanced business and work.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use value-based pricing, quick-win offers, and authentic relationship-building to stand out, earn attention, and convert conversations into paid work in a risk-averse market.

Michael and I discuss:

Michael’s path from corporate leadership to independent consulting [01:49]
A clear one-sentence offer grounded in value-based pricing [06:24]
How to capture attention with show-don’t-tell executive summaries and easy-to-buy offers [07:11]
Why trust beats automation: using AI with human oversight (and a cautionary math example) [10:47]
Practical advice for consultants struggling to convert interest into revenue [12:12]
A simple LinkedIn strategy: thoughtful comments that spark real conversations [12:49]
Community, collaboration, and helping others as a growth engine [14:23]
Drawing the line between giving value and getting paid (share in the upside) [15:52]
Cutting through noise: do your own work, use AI for augmentation, quantify outcomes [17:15]
Shaping the offer: transactional, advisory, recurring, or loss leader—staying flexible [18:54]
An agile, iterative approach to prompts and analysis for better AI outcomes [20:51]
The long game of relationships and radical transparency [21:40]
Where to explore more of Michael’s ideas and connect [23:12]

Learn more about Michael at: www.Hg-partners.com, https://reframingforward.substack.com, and linkedin.com/in/michaelhimmelfarb

Thank you to our sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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Jonny Cooper spent 12 years as a professional musician, touring the world as a pianist before realizing he didn’t want to be broke forever and transitioning into sales. He gained experience selling home improvements, houseboats, hot tubs, and holidays, among other ventures, before building a financial services firm from scratch and scaling it to £10.2 million in turnover prior to selling it to a PLC.

He then spent a decade in corporate consulting, working with clients such as Aston Martin, Optical Express, Argos, and many others. In 2017, he launched Everyone Hates Marketing, growing it into a 7,500-member Facebook community, and went on to train over 1,200 coaches, therapists, and consultants to launch their own online businesses. In May 2024, Jonny launched CIB to help consultants secure lucrative corporate engagements, and he now works exclusively with a select group of individuals within the CIB community.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your experience for corporate consulting success and develop a mindset for continuous growth.

Jonny and I discuss:

How Jonny navigated career pivots, from music to financial services to consulting [01:42]
The pivotal moment that pushed Jonny to seek new opportunities [01:58]
Lessons in scaling and selling a service-based business [04:22]
Why consultative selling is critical for landing corporate clients [10:31]
The questions you should ask to connect with decision makers [11:10]
How to use data-driven insights to break through the noise and win contracts [14:23]
The role of community and peer support for consultants [18:16]
How to build intentional, high-value communities [20:45]
The importance of maintaining a growth mindset in your entrepreneurial journey [22:32]
Jonny’s advice for adapting to new challenges and technologies [23:15]

Learn more about Jonny athttps://cib.global/.

Thank you to Our Sponsor:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

______________________________________________________________

About Smashing the Plateau

Smashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who’ve left corporate life to build something of their own.

______________________________________________________________

Take the Next Step

• Experience the power of community.

Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:

https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest

• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.

Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:

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David Jenyns is a serial entrepreneur, systems devotee, and founder of SYSTEMology, a company dedicated to helping business owners worldwide scale and streamline their operations. With over 20 years of experience in franchising, digital marketing, and business strategy, Jenyns has established himself as a trusted leader in the industry.

After successfully systemizing his own digital agency in 2016, Jenyns turned his attention to helping others achieve the same level of success. He founded SYSTEMology, which offers a proven seven-step process for managing clients and implementing systems in businesses. Today, his mission is to empower business owners to work on their businesses, not in them.

Through his workshops, keynote addresses, and his podcast, Business Processes Simplified, Jenyns has helped thousands of business owners achieve exponential growth and success. He is a passionate advocate for leveraging systems to simplify and streamline business operations, and his commitment to excellence has earned him the trust and admiration of clients and peers alike.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to harness systems thinking and the power of AI to free yourself from daily operations and build a business that truly works for you.

David Andrew and I discuss:

The story behind his new book, Systems Champion [00:03:16]
How AI rapidly transformed his business and team [00:03:32]
The critical role of the “systems and AI champion” [00:05:21]
How to spot and develop systems champions in your organization [00:06:10]
The soft skills that matter most for systems champions [00:10:58]
The challenge of decision-making in times of rapid change [00:15:34]
Ways systems champions help leaders make better decisions [00:17:55]
The power of community for systems professionals [00:19:41]
Why systems-driven businesses are better for everyone [00:21:16]

Learn more about David at: https://www.systemology.com/ and https://www.systemology.com/mediakit/

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Todd Cherches is the CEO and co-founder of BigBlueGumball, a NYC-based leadership and executive coaching firm. He is a member of Marshall Goldsmith’s “MG 100 Coaches,” a three-time award-winning adjunct professor of leadership at NYU, a lecturer on leadership at Columbia University, a TEDx speaker, and the author of the groundbreaking book, "VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life."

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage relationships, community, and visual thinking to build a thriving business after leaving the corporate world.

Todd and I discuss:

What led Todd to start his own business [02:47]
Key challenges in balancing business development and client work [03:32]
The importance of relationships and community for business growth [04:21]
How teaching, speaking, and content creation fuel relationship building [05:22]
Keeping relationships warm over time—especially for introverts [06:36]
Using LinkedIn to nurture your network [06:36]
The power of metaphors, analogies, and visual leadership for entrepreneurs [10:16]
Four ways to communicate ideas visually [11:14]
How visual thinking helps corporate refugees stand out [15:53]
Becoming a resource for organizations in a VUCA world [16:55]
Todd’s “four G’s” philosophy for leadership and community [22:14]
How to start building your network and why it’s never too late [24:19]

Learn more about Todd at:

https://www.toddcherches.com/

https://www.amazon.com/VisuaLeadership-Leveraging-Visual-Thinking-Leadership/dp/1642933376

https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcherches/

Thank you to our sponsor:

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VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life

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Thomas M. Jones is a psychotherapist, author, musician, and founder of an innovative technique, The Paradox Process, designed to rapidly transform negative feelings into powerful knowledge and insight—essentially, how to change your life by learning to direct your mind. In the world of medicine, his approach would be described as renegade; however, the proof is inarguable.

Jones has been highly successful in his work for the last 50 years, with a clientele that includes CEOs, television journalists, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning performers, doctors, musicians, artists, health coaches, social workers, psychologists, and business professionals across the globe.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to recognize and overcome internal obstacles, set meaningful goals, and harness the support of a community on your entrepreneurial journey.

Thomas and I discuss:

The origins and evolution of the Paradox Process [00:02:41]
Why traditional therapy felt limiting—and how Thomas innovated beyond it [00:03:00]
How the Paradox Process helps you break through blocks and limiting beliefs [00:08:32]
Real-life examples of shifting the internal narrative for success [00:09:55]
Key mindset shifts for “corporate refugees” transitioning to entrepreneurship [00:12:44]
Recognizing and honoring your uniqueness as an entrepreneur [00:13:02]
The importance of setting goals and building a history of success [00:16:10]
How to handle emotions and setbacks as you build your business [00:18:01]
The critical role of community, feedback, and accountability [00:21:00]
Practical encouragement for following your dreams and taking action [00:23:19]
Where to learn more about Thomas and The Paradox Process [00:24:08]

Learn more about Thomas at:

Paradoxprocess.org/gift

Paradoxprocess.org/mondays

Thank you to our sponsor:

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Kevin Perlmutter is the Chief Strategist and Founder of Limbic Brand Evolution, a brand strategy and neuromarketing consultancy that puts emotional insight at the center of how brands attract and retain customers. He’s also the author of BRAND DESIRE: Spark Customer Interest Using Emotional Insights.

Kevin works with business and brand leaders to create stronger connections between their brand and the people they want to reach, serving as a behavioral science-rooted brand consultant and customer-centricity work session facilitator. He guides the development of more effective methods for brand evolution and customer engagement.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how emotional insight can transform your brand and why understanding what motivates your customers leads to authentic, lasting success.

Kevin and I discuss:

What led Kevin to start his own consultancy [02:25]
The bold steps and challenges of launching with no clients [03:52]
Aligning values in business and choosing the right clients [06:26]
Why persuasion-based brand strategy is outdated [08:03]
The concept of shared emotional motivation [12:00]
How customer feedback shaped a client’s unique brand identity [11:05]
Why emotional benefits drive brand loyalty [14:00]
The impact of current global challenges on brand decision-making [15:00]
How leading brands like Ben & Jerry’s maintain values and spark loyalty [18:12]
The value of community in business growth [19:42]
Advice for corporate refugees on leveraging their network and feedback [21:03]
The importance of listening to others to define your value [21:58]

Learn more about Kevin at:

https://www.BrandDesireBook.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinperlmutter/

https://www.LimbicBrandEvolution.com/

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After more than 20 years in the corporate world, Suzanne Mau-Asam has seen it all—the good, the bad, and the “we’re not sure what’s happening here.” But here’s the thing: she doesn’t stop at quick fixes or standard solutions. As a sociologist, certified somatic coach, learning and development specialist, and embodied leadership expert, Suzanne brings a level of depth that most programs don’t even touch.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the leap from corporate professional to thriving entrepreneur and community builder.

Suzanne and I discuss:

How Suzanne’s career evolved from hospitality to sociology and beyond [01:59]
Why she started her business and a community simultaneously [03:41]
The importance of “going all in” as an entrepreneur [07:36]
The challenges and rewards of building a business from scratch [08:31]
How to pivot your strategy and offerings as your business grows [09:36]
Creating ecosystems and multiple revenue streams for business health [18:21]
The power of collective intelligence and learning in community [20:00]
Why you should “move before you’re ready” and seek out supportive communities [21:46]

Learn more about Suzanne at https://www.doors-open.nl/corporate-sociology/ and https://www.doors-open.nl/embodied-leadership/

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Liisa Reimann, the founder of Two i Copy, helps business owners stand out with personality-packed words that sell. She’s been featured in Women’s Journal and uses the DiSC and StoryBrand frameworks to craft copy that truly connects. Whether it’s done-for-you, DIY, or something in between, Liisa helps brands finally sound like themselves!

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use authenticity and community to build a successful, fulfilling business—especially if you’re transitioning from corporate life.

Liisa and I discuss:

How Liisa’s cover letter launched her copywriting career [00:02:46]
What inspired her to become an entrepreneur [00:05:00]
The challenges women executives face when marketing themselves [00:09:00]
Why social media and marketing language feel uncomfortable for many [00:11:42]
Navigating mindset hurdles like imposter syndrome and self-promotion [00:14:31]
How Liisa supports clients with tough love and accountability [00:15:16]
Building trust and community as a solopreneur [00:17:33]
The critical role of mentorship and learning from others [00:20:28]
What Liisa would (and wouldn’t) change about her journey [00:21:29]

Learn more about Liisa at twoeyecopy.com, linkedin.com/in/liisareimann, and facebook.com/groups/writewordsthatsell

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Tim Ash is a recognized authority on evolutionary psychology, persuasion, and digital marketing. He is a sought-after international keynote speaker, executive advisor, and the bestselling author of several books, including Primal Dating, Unleash Your Primal Brain, and Landing Page Optimization.

As the CEO and co-founder of a digital optimization agency, Tim helped create over $1.2 billion in value for leading companies.

He has been cited by Forbes as a Top 10 Online Marketing Expert and by Entrepreneur Magazine as an Online Marketing Influencer to Watch.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how your closest relationships impact your business success and actionable strategies to build a strong support system as an entrepreneur.

Tim and I discuss:

Why your partner is the most significant influence in your entrepreneurial journey [00:00:00]
The evolutionary psychology behind modern relationships [00:03:35]
The myth of lifelong monogamy and its business implications [00:06:34]
Why relationship challenges are often the biggest hurdles for entrepreneurs [00:05:09]
How to structure your personal and business life for long-term success [00:09:41]
The importance of explicit exit planning in both business and relationships [00:11:26]
How division of labor at home mirrors successful business partnerships [00:14:00]
What to do when your personal relationship is tenuous [00:14:44]
Mindset adjustments for men and women to improve connections [00:16:23]
Why community involvement matters and how gender differences play out in business groups [00:21:03]
Key advice for women entrepreneurs and executives [00:23:32]
Why reality-based relationship strategies lead to more happiness [00:25:17]

Learn more about Tim at PrimalBrain.com and TimAsh.com.

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Shandra is the CEO of The Transit Lounge, working with women who want to grow their service-based side businesses into profitable, thriving ventures in part-time hours.

She’s an award-winning marketing director, professional results coach, Money Breakthrough coach, podcast host, and co-author of the international bestselling book, Elevate Your Success.

Following a diagnosis of severe adrenal fatigue in 2014, Shandra became passionate about supporting women to be their own boss—so they can earn great money doing work they love, without burning out.

She helps them achieve this through private coaching and her 30-day online course called Marketing Mojo.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, build confidence, and find the right community to support your business journey.

Shandra and I discuss:

Shandra’s journey from radio and corporate roles to entrepreneurship [02:19]
How burnout led her to realign her work with her values [03:21]
Why she chose to focus on service-based side businesses for women [04:42]
The advantages of solo businesses versus partnerships [07:12]
The most common challenges women face in building a business [10:07]
Strategies to overcome client acquisition, time management, and self-doubt [12:17]
The power of community and peer support for entrepreneurs [14:19]
Trends in flexible work, side businesses, and multiple income streams [18:43]
How Shandra invests in her own growth and support network [24:02]
Where to connect with Shandra and access her resources [25:50]

Learn more about Shandra at https://thetransitlounge.com/.

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David is the founder of Strategy Shift. He’s worked with more than 50 CEOs and hundreds of other C-suite executives to design bold strategies, supercharge their leadership, and transform their cultures in 20 countries. He’s a contributor to Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, and Strategy+Business, and a guest lecturer at London Business School. He is a former senior partner at Strategy&, PwC.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn actionable strategies for navigating major career transitions and aligning your work with your values and aspirations.

David and I discuss:

What prompted David to leave his senior partner role and start something new [01:48]
The role of personal needs and values in career decisions [04:13]
How to adopt a strategic approach to career pivots [04:56]
The importance of building a supportive, challenging network [06:24]
Why making small decisions can energize bigger changes [07:21]
The value of not rushing your transition [08:15]
How to navigate career strategy in times of chaos and complexity [10:38]
Advice for consultants facing indecision and radio silence from clients [14:21]
What CEOs and leaders really need from consultants today [16:24]
How to tap into and nurture a community of thinking partners [20:19]
Where to find David’s resources and get in touch [22:57]

Learn more about David at:

• Strategy Shift: https://strategyshift.co.uk/

• Profile: https://strategyshift.co.uk/founder/

• Newsletter: https://davidlancefield.com/newsletter/

• Courses: https://strategyshift.co.uk/courses/

• Writing: https://davidlancefield.com/writing/

• Lancefield on the Line Podcast: https://davidlancefield.com/lancefield-on-the-line/

• https://strategyshift.co.uk/media/

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Jeffrey Hayzlett is a global business celebrity, primetime TV and podcast host, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. As Chairman and Founder of the C-Suite Network, he connects executives and entrepreneurs to foster business growth. A former Fortune 100 CMO, he is known for his bold, no-nonsense approach to leadership, marketing, and innovation. Hayzlett has appeared on major media outlets, sharing insights on scaling businesses and driving change. With decades of experience, he inspires leaders to think big, act bigger, and make a lasting impact.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to thrive as an entrepreneur during times of chaos and rapid change.

Jeffrey and I discuss:

Why resilience matters for business success [00:02:41]
How to adapt and move forward during uncertainty [00:04:28]
What causes indecision and how to overcome it [00:04:47]
The importance of human connection and community [00:09:13]
How technology and AI are changing communication [00:11:05]
Ways to stay visible and deepen relationships [00:13:25]
Why engagement is a top challenge for companies [00:16:00]
Key ingredients for building a successful community [00:18:26]
The path to becoming a recognized thought leader [00:20:04]
The value of standing out—even if it means having haters [00:21:37]

Learn more about Jeffrey at https://c-suitenetwork.com/.

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Katie Wilson is the founder of Serious Moonlight Consulting, a sales and marketing leader helping tech and retail companies achieve sustainable growth. After leaving Big Tech—following 15 years at Google as Head of Sales—she has helped a variety of startups, companies, and individuals untangle and demystify their sales and marketing processes.

She has been a featured speaker for @Google Talks, Wonder Women Tech, the Business Narrative Podcast, and Innovation Women. Her writing and expertise have been featured by THE BOARD and Fortune. She serves on the advisory boards of Wonder Women Tech and UCSB’s Women in Leadership. Katie is known for her unique blend of creative and analytical thinking, and she loves to teach people that sales is not a dirty word.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to clarify your consulting niche, leverage your experience, and make your business development both manageable and effective.

Katie and I discuss:

What prompted Katie to leave corporate and start her own consulting business [01:58]
The surprises and challenges of managing time and business logistics [03:00]
Why focusing on a single channel is critical at the start [03:55]
How Katie leveraged her experience at Google for consulting success [06:18]
The importance of narrowing your niche and developing clear offerings [08:00]
Standardized vs. bespoke client work [10:00]
How to educate clients on what they really need [11:00]
Portraying your expertise and building trust in the sales process [13:00]
Katie’s unique blend of creative and analytical skills [14:00]
Essential elements for long-term client success [16:00]
How Katie uses content and community for visibility and growth [19:00]
The value and structure of consulting communities [22:00]
One actionable step for corporate refugees considering entrepreneurship [24:00]

Learn more about Katie at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiemotzwilson

https://www.seriousmoonlightconsulting.co

https://www.instagram.com/seriousmoonlightconsulting

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Chuck Cooper is the President of WhiteWater Consulting, an HR advisory firm that helps small and midsize businesses maximize their people potential. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) and author of the best-selling book The Family Business Blueprint, Chuck guides owners through succession planning, leadership transitions, and legacy building. With a passion for aligning people strategies with business goals, Chuck brings a unique blend of insight, empathy, and practical experience to every conversation—making complex transitions feel both possible and purposeful.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about succession planning, legacy building, and the emotional transitions that come with running and eventually letting go of a business.

Chuck and I discuss:

The backstory to WhiteWater Consulting [01:58]
Lessons from real-life experience and its impact on consulting [04:48]
The importance of being coachable and agile [05:58]
Navigating client relationships and defining your ideal prospect [06:36]
The power of saying no to non-ideal clients [08:17]
Why succession planning is often avoided and why it matters [09:00]
How identity and daily activity can delay necessary business transitions [10:41]
Getting clear on goals for business transition [12:35]
Critical steps in succession planning [14:20]
The role of peer groups in navigating succession [15:08]
Major career mistakes and recovery through community and mentorship [16:29]
The value of a personal board of directors and going deep with community [20:11]
Advice for corporate refugees starting their own business [22:00]
Why self-awareness and emotional intelligence are crucial for entrepreneurship [22:17]

Learn more about Chuck at:

https://whitewaterconsulting.net

https://chuckcooper.info

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-cooper1

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David Shriner-Cahn’s weekly advice program has been named by Forbes as a Podcast To Power Up Your Ultra-Lean Business. David has also been recognized as an Entrepreneur That Will Change The Way You Communicate by Inc. Magazine.

He is the podcast host and community builder behind Smashing the Plateau, an online platform offering resources, accountability, and camaraderie to high-performing professionals who are making the leap from the corporate career track to entrepreneurial business ownership.

Starting your own business is hard enough without having to go it alone. Smashing The Plateau is David’s solution to the problems that keep entrepreneurs up at night. As he likes to say, “With the help of people just like you in our community, you’ll be able to do more of what you love and get paid what you’re worth.”

In today’s milestone episode of Smashing the Plateau, David celebrates 800 episodes by sharing the most powerful insights, memorable stories, and actionable advice from inspiring entrepreneurs who have transitioned from corporate careers to building businesses they love.

David discusses:

Overcoming fear and uncertainty when leaving a secure job [01:00]
Rebuilding your professional network and leveraging old connections [02:00]
Specializing and finding your niche for business growth [03:08]
Pricing your services and charging what you’re worth [04:00]
Maintaining self-accountability to stay focused and motivated [05:02]
Avoiding burnout and integrating work and life for creativity [06:00]
Building authentic sales and marketing relationships [07:00]
Leveraging community for support and solutions [08:00]
Embracing continuous learning and asking for help to break through plateaus [09:00]
Taking imperfect action and starting before you’re ready [09:59]
A heartfelt thank you and inspiration for the future [10:23]

Learn more about David and Smashing the Plateau at https://smashingtheplateau.com/ and connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidshrinercahn/.

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Jerry is a rusted business advisor and mentor to small businesses, with over 60 years of experience as a corporate executive and entrepreneur. Co-founded six businesses with a primary emphasis on industrial products and services, and with both domestic and international experience. Has served on multiple outside boards in both for-profit and non-profit entities.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to overcome the loneliness of solopreneurship, foster trust and respect in a peer community, and adapt to rapid change as a business owner.

Jerry and I discuss:

Why solopreneurs need support and community [00:02:08]
The challenges of loneliness after leaving corporate life [00:03:16]
How to build trust and respect in peer groups [00:05:07]
The importance of group dynamics and fit [00:08:14]
How solopreneurs can adapt to rapid change [00:11:00]
The difference between noise and trends [00:14:00]
The balancing act between focus, distraction, and life [00:15:58]
Stories of solopreneurs navigating challenges [00:17:19]
The role of luck and hard work in business success [00:21:33]

Learn more about Jerry Weinstein at www.NewYorkCity.score.org

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“The problem I see is that "sales" has become a word that both businesses and individuals shy away from. Why? Because it has become disconnected from a deep understanding of the value relationship between businesses and their customers. My mission is to help people bridge that gap—to demystify what sales really is, so that everyone can improve their sales performance and success.

If you’ve ever thought that good sales figures are the result of some secret sales magic, let me start showing you otherwise”.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to overcome your fear of sales, build genuine client relationships, and design a sales process that fits your style and business.

Frances and I discuss:

The real meaning of sales and how to reframe your mindset [02:11]
Lessons from Frances’s diverse career in hospitality, IT, and consulting [02:49]
Why industry knowledge isn’t as important as people skills [05:15]
The importance of being yourself—and getting over yourself—in sales [06:31]
How to recognize and break negative sales mindsets [10:48]
Demystifying sales by focusing on the client’s buying journey [14:07]
How to map your sales process to your best clients [17:36]
Building resilience and learning from failure [20:20]
The role of community in developing your value proposition [21:31]
Finding like-minded collaborators to support your clients [23:11]
Where to find more of Frances’s resources and expertise [24:12]

Learn more about Frances at https://www.metisan.com.au and her book: moresaleslessmarketing.com

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Karl is a certified Executive Coach, Leadership, Team, and Organization Development Consultant, and international speaker with over 25 years of corporate experience. He holds a PhD in Organizational Psychology and has authored three books: The How and Why: Taking Care of Business with the Enneagram (now in its third edition), Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision (available in English, Spanish, French, and Greek), and Explicit Expectations: The Essential Guide & Toolkit of Management Fundamentals.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to successfully transition from corporate life to a thriving solopreneur career and the vital role of relationships and community in long-term business growth.

R. Karl and I discuss:

Why he left a successful corporate career to become a solopreneur [00:02:04]
The biggest surprises after leaving employment [00:04:20]
How he created structure and flexibility as a solopreneur [00:06:01]
The importance of leveraging your network [00:09:48]
Work-life integration vs. work-life balance [00:11:00]
How social and volunteer activities can lead to business opportunities [00:11:36]
When companies seek external consultants and coaches [00:15:04]
Trends in leadership development and organizational consulting demand [00:16:48]
Practical strategies for successful client engagements [00:18:31]
How communities of practice support entrepreneurs [00:19:40]
The most important step a corporate refugee can take today [00:21:34]
Why you can’t do it alone—and the power of asking for help [00:22:11]

Learn more about R. Karl at:

www.performandfunction.com

https://linkedin.com/in/rkarlhebenstreit

The How and Why: Taking Care of Business with the Enneagram:

https://a.co/d/afDU79r

Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision, English version:

https://a.co/d/jgt0uxr

Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision, Spanish version:

https://a.co/d/fnRvn9o

Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision, French version:

https://a.co/d/068uRvGv

Nina and the Really, Really Tough Decision, Greek version:

https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?Np4TNouttaDLgprAMd5jNl7hC1DjYrBMeWmJc4jIJYl

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Porschia Parker-Griffin has coached hundreds of executives and professionals to accomplish their goals. She has experience as a director and business consultant in the financial industry, helping companies unlock millions of dollars in potential hidden within their organizations.

Porschia earned her master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia. She served as an Associate Training Coach for the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching and is recognized as a Career Expert and Top Voice by LinkedIn. Porschia also hosts the Career 101 Podcast.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to respond to volatility, uncertainty, and change in the workplace—and how to turn setbacks into new opportunities.

Porschia and I discuss:

How VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity) is affecting organizations and individuals [02:17]
What professionals and consultants can do to make progress in challenging times [06:25]
Where to look for new opportunities in today’s business landscape [08:22]
How AI and technology are shaping new career paths [08:45]
The essential role of communication and consistency for consultants [15:12]
Why planning (not “winging it”) is critical for new entrepreneurs [16:39]
How Porschia’s Brave Bird Career Alliance helps professionals succeed [18:20]
A success story of transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship [20:24]
Tips for diversifying your offerings to meet client needs [22:03]

Learn more about Porschia at:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/64512733

https://www.youtube.com/@flyhighcoaching382

https://www.facebook.com/FlyHighCoaching

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Ahsan Karim is the founder of Momentum Club, a micro-coaching community that helps professionals and entrepreneurs take consistent action with clarity and peace of mind. He is also the founder of Light Vision Group, a digital strategy and consulting agency that supports purpose-driven businesses and nonprofits with operations, finance, and digital growth. With over two decades of experience spanning corporate IT, education, nonprofit leadership, and digital marketing, Ahsan blends real-world strategy with daily accountability. Through daily emails, premium coaching, and practical tools, he helps high performers stay focused, execute with intention, and grow sustainably.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to step out of a stable corporate identity and build momentum as an entrepreneur, using daily habits, accountability, and community support.

Ahsan and I discuss:

What sparked Ahsan’s move from corporate to entrepreneurship [02:15]
The influence of family background on his entrepreneurial path [03:26]
Why he chose digital marketing and how he learned the ropes [04:07]
How Ahsan reinvented himself and the importance of ongoing learning [05:26]
The challenges of finding structured support outside of corporate life [07:04]
How community and accountability shaped his business decisions [09:24]
The decision to niche down and its impact on his consulting business [10:23]
What inspired the creation of Momentum Club [11:40]
Daily actions that help Ahsan stay focused and effective [15:14]
The value of celebrating small wins and maintaining perspective [18:51]
Key advice for professionals transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship [20:05]
The role of community in building and sustaining momentum [22:03]

Learn more about Ahsan at https://substack.com/@momentumc

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Sally A. Curtis, founder of the award-winning Monetise Your Content, helps legacy-focused leaders become easy to consume and inevitable to buy from. Best known for turning books into two years’ worth of bite-sized content that extends their brand essence, she creates reusable assets that amplify visibility, build authority, and deepen audience connection.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you’ll learn creative strategies to turn your expertise into a thriving content engine that extends your influence and drives business growth.

Sally and I discuss:

How Sally’s career evolved from business development to content repurposing [01:28]
The serendipitous moments that led to her business niche [02:06]
The process of turning books and videos into hundreds of content assets [03:32]
Why listening to others and adapting is key to uncovering your strengths [05:59]
How to reverse-engineer your content from your sales goals [07:35]
Using a book’s structure to create a strategic content plan [08:36]
Building a sustainable and consistent content rhythm [10:24]
Mapping content themes and types to your business and sales cycles [12:26]
Differences in content strategy for individuals vs. corporations [15:52]
How to tailor messaging for multiple decision-makers in corporate sales [17:19]
Using community and networking for business growth [20:14]

Learn more about Sally at https://sallyacurtis.biz/content-monetization-catalyst-page

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Thomas Bertels is a business transformation expert on a mission to make work more productive, valuable, meaningful, and impactful. He has three decades of experience helping companies—from start-ups to Fortune 5—transform how work gets done.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to overcome an identity shift when leaving a long corporate career and build a business that delivers lasting results for yourself and your clients.

Thomas and I discuss:

Why leaving a decades-long career can feel like an identity crisis [01:43]
The most important mindset shift when going solo [02:48]
How to create routines and structure for success [03:28]
Managing expectations and accepting imperfection [04:08]
The power of narrowing your niche and building a signature framework [07:09]
How Thomas helps leaders and teams boost productivity [10:22]
Where opportunities and resistance show up in organizational change [14:03]
The importance of community—whether you’re solo or part of a team [18:59]
Practical examples of harnessing team energy for solutions [20:10]

Learn more about Thomas athttps://linktr.ee/purposeworks

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Bob Goodwin is the President of Career Club, dedicated to helping organizations and professionals unlock their full potential. As a LinkedIn Top Voice and a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, he is a recognized expert in career development, leadership, and organizational performance. Bob hosts The Work Wire with SHRM CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., as well as Career Club Live, where he interviews Fortune 500 executives. As an executive coach, he helps senior leaders enhance performance, increase leadership impact, and gain career clarity—transforming cultures and driving lasting success.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate economic and political chaos, build resilience, and future-proof your business or career.

Bob and I discuss:

How chaos and indecision impact consultants and professionals [02:20]
Why building a robust business pipeline is essential [03:21]
The difference between qualitative and quantitative value [04:40]
How to communicate your value to decision-makers [05:53]
What employers are doing in times of uncertainty [08:05]
Strategies for thriving during volatility and ambiguity [11:16]
Investing in the future and smart marketing strategies [13:00]
Building corporate and personal resilience [15:16]
The role of community in fostering innovation and support [21:09]

Learn more about Bob at https://career.club/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobgoodwincareerclub/

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Matt is a lifelong entrepreneur, a software developer since age seven, and the founder of over 30 startups. A world traveler who has visited more than 70 countries, he hosted and produced “Places to Go” for Amazon Prime. He holds a commercial pilot’s license, a real estate broker’s license, and is a musician with over 30 published songs. A GIA-certified gemologist, black belt in Karate and Aikido, scuba diver, and photographer, Matt is a U.S. expat splitting his time between Colombia and Switzerland. He’s also a proud father to a pilot and a firefighter.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn what it really takes to transition from employee to entrepreneur, navigate ups and downs in business, and create lasting client loyalty.

Matt and I discuss:

Lessons from early work experiences and rapid advancement [00:01:46]
The difference between employee and entrepreneur mindsets [00:04:01]
How setting and evolving goals drives success [00:04:55]
Navigating ups and downs, from the 2008 crisis to COVID [00:05:44]
Adapting business models and finding new income streams [00:06:17]
The power of treating clients with genuine care [00:08:29]
Building loyalty and relationships that endure transitions [00:10:09]
Standing out by offering a “concierge” approach [00:19:29]
How to leverage community, stay lean, and find support [00:16:22]

Learn more about Matt at https://theamericano.com

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Prosper Taruvinga is the founder of Live Long Digital, where he helps coaches and consultants scale from six to seven figures with ease and flow. A Zimbabwean-born entrepreneur based in Australia, Prosper blends digital strategy with heart, helping experts stop relying on algorithms and build profitable, enjoyable businesses they love.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to embrace unexpected opportunities, the importance of owning your media, and how building the right community can transform your business success.

Prosper and I discuss:

Prosper’s journey from Zimbabwe to Australia and into digital marketing [00:01:54]
The role of mentorship and models in shaping career paths [00:05:02]
How Prosper turned being fired into a business opportunity [00:04:01]
Navigating economic uncertainty and adaptability [00:05:53]
Why owning your media is crucial for entrepreneurs [00:10:12]
The tools and platforms Prosper uses to grow his business [00:12:41]
Why he transitioned from working with restaurants to coaches and consultants [00:15:04]
The biggest mistakes coaches and consultants make—and how to fix them [00:17:50]
How to clarify your message and identify your target market [00:18:58]
The transformative power of community in business and life [00:21:36]
Prosper’s thoughts on collaboration and leveraging collective strengths [00:22:00]

Learn more about Prosper at https://onlineprosperity.com.au/

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Wagner Denuzzo is the author of Leading to Succeed, a book on essential skills for the new workplace. He is currently a consultant and coach at his own firm. Previously, he served as the VP and Global Head of Leadership Development at IBM, as well as the VP and Head of Capabilities for the Future of Work at Prudential Financial.

He is a seasoned leader in organizational development, human capital strategy, and leadership transformation, with over two decades of experience across global enterprises, consulting firms, and startups.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to effectively transition from corporate roles to entrepreneurship and the importance of collaboration in achieving success.

Wagner and I discuss:

Wagner's journey from humble beginnings in Brazil to a successful corporate career [02:16]
The pivotal moment that led Wagner to become an entrepreneur [04:41]
The role of community in organizational success [07:13]
How to leverage personal experiences for professional growth [10:04]
The significance of listening in consulting engagements [13:14]
The importance of shared leadership and collective purpose [20:12]
Strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur [22:48]
Insights on building effective teams through the lens of quantum physics [25:10]

Learn more about Wagner athttps://a.co/d/azLLRXK.

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Nathan Tanner is an executive coach who helps CEOs, founders, and high-impact leaders scale themselves and their companies. He's coached leaders from companies including Electronic Arts, EA, LinkedIn, Lyft, and Google. Prior to becoming a full-time coach, he held several HR executive roles, including leading the HR team at DoorDash.

Nathan has served as an advisor at Y Combinator and has written for Forbes, Inc., and Fast Company. He's an IRONMAN triathlete, holds an MBA from BYU, and lives with his wife and their four children in southern Utah.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate career transitions and build meaningful relationships that enhance your leadership journey.

Nathan and I discuss:

The unexpected path of Nathan's career journey [01:48]
Insights on pursuing a career in finance and HR [03:27]
The importance of finding your passion [05:24]
How to identify the right business model for your skills [08:00]
The distinction between the external and internal aspects of leadership [10:14]
Why trust is essential in coaching relationships [12:46]
Techniques for building connections with decision-makers [15:07]
The role of community in personal and professional growth [18:48]

Learn more about Nathan athttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CVJWJR3H?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100 and https://nathantanner.substack.com/

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Dorie Clark has been named three times as one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50. She is a keynote speaker and teaches executive education at Columbia Business School.

She is also the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game, Entrepreneurial You, Reinventing You, and Stand Out, which was named the #1 Leadership Book of the Year by Inc. magazine. A former presidential campaign spokeswoman, she writes frequently for the Harvard Business Review. Learn more at dorieclark.com.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the challenges of moving from a corporate environment to building your own business.

Dorie and I discuss:

The top tactical challenge for transitioning professionals [02:20]
The emotional hurdles of leaving a corporate job [04:15]
Strategies for effective business development [06:27]
The importance of community during your transition [07:25]
How to market yourself as an expert [10:32]
The role of content creation in establishing credibility [18:36]
The significance of social proof in building your reputation [19:16]
Dorie’s recommended resources for aspiring entrepreneurs [27:16]

Learn more about Dorie athttps://www.dorieclark.com/subscribe.

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Lyndsay Dowd is a speaker, founder, author, coach, podcast host, and disruptor. She is an accomplished leader and decorated seller who has successfully managed large, diverse, high-performing sales teams over the last 25 years, 23 of which were spent climbing the ranks at IBM. Lyndsay was also a featured guest lecturer at Harvard University.

In creating her company, Heartbeat for Hire, she has devoted her career to transforming leadership by building irresistible cultures and implementing modern leadership practices to achieve the best results from teams. She has been featured in Fortune Magazine, HR.com, Authority Magazine, ABC, NBC, FOX, and more than 90 podcasts. Lyndsay is a two-time author of both “Top Down Culture” and a contributing author to the anthology “Voices of Women.” She also hosts the globally ranked podcast, Heartbeat for Hire, which is in the top 5%, and is a frequent guest speaker on live and recorded shows.

Today, she is the Chief Revenue Officer for Intry, where they are merging the best of technology with the best of humanity to help job seekers and those in transition land the jobs of their dreams.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from a corporate career to entrepreneurship and build a successful business model with your expertise.

Lyndsay and I discuss:

Lyndsay’s journey from IBM to entrepreneurship [02:01]
The inspiration behind Heartbeat for Hire [04:14]
How to build a culture that drives results [05:46]
Strategies for effective leadership in today’s world [08:35]
The importance of investing in yourself during transitions [09:15]
How she became a speaker [10:20]
The role of community in personal and professional growth [16:15]
Insights from her forthcoming book [21:11]

Learn more about Lyndsay at:

https://www.instagram.com/lyndsaydowdH4H

https://www.facebook.com/LyndsayDowdH4H

https://www.tiktok.com/@lyndsaydowdh4h

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9asGvE8Ks4XjR2UNwNmKDw

https://heartbeatforhire.com/

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She has an innate curiosity, which she has leveraged to build business relationships and teaches others how to do the same. Her passion lies in working with people who want to grow their businesses through relationship marketing and networking—and she accomplishes this using both online and offline strategies. LinkedIn training is a significant part of Janice’s business. She believes that all business professionals need to have a magnetic LinkedIn profile and that LinkedIn is THE platform for attracting new clients, strategic partners, and referrals.

Staying connected and nurturing relationships come next, and Janice shows clients how to implement a "tangible touch" follow-up system to achieve that.

Janice truly values the friendships and business relationships she cultivates, and when she meets someone new, she is always thinking, "How may I support you?"

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your relationships and effectively use LinkedIn to expand your professional network.

Janice and I discuss:

Janice's journey from teaching to entrepreneurship [01:18]
The challenges she faced transitioning to self-employment [02:47]
The importance of networking and follow-up [06:54]
How Janice utilized the Chamber of Commerce for business growth [09:20]
The role of LinkedIn in building relationships [10:36]
Strategies for effective communication on LinkedIn [13:44]
The significance of consistency in social media engagement [20:32]
How to protect and nurture your community connections [21:57]

Learn more about Janice at www.janiceporter.com and connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/janice-porter.

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Jane Wesman is the creative force behind the public relations agency that bears her name. An expert in book marketing and publicity, she is the author of Dive Right In - The Sharks Won't Bite: The Entrepreneurial Woman's Guide to Success, which has been called "a clear and concise blueprint for the tasks of operating a business" by The New York Times. Wesman is a hands-on strategist who is deeply involved in every project that her company undertakes.

Her articles on marketing and entrepreneurship have appeared in such media outlets as CEO World, American Bookseller, Inc., and entrepreneur.com. Wesman served as President of the New York City chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners for four years and is currently on the board of the Women's Media Group. Her videos about book publicity and marketing can be viewed on YouTube at Book Marketing Pro.

Jane and I discuss:

The top challenges faced by corporate refugees transitioning into entrepreneurship [02:33]
How to clearly define your service offerings [04:13]
The importance of finding and understanding your niche [04:54]
Strategies for building a targeted marketing plan [08:38]
The role of cash flow in sustaining your business [10:04]
Creative ways to structure your service offerings [12:20]
The impact of AI on consulting practices [15:30]
The value of community support for entrepreneurs [20:01]

Learn more about Jane athttps://www.wesmanpr.com.

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Jason Resnick helps Course Creators, Digital Product Creators, and Coaches double their revenue from their email lists in 90 days without using email as a blunt tool to broadcast to everyone. This approach addresses the unclear path they have for converting subscribers into customers, allowing them, as business owners, to build a business designed around the life they want to live.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage email marketing to create sustainable business growth.

Jason and I discuss:

Jason's journey from web developer to email marketing expert [01:50]
The importance of aligning your business with your lifestyle goals [03:40]
How to build genuine connections with your audience through email [06:45]
Common pitfalls in email marketing that entrepreneurs face [09:10]
Techniques for optimizing email campaigns for better results [12:45]
The role of community in building your business [17:10]
Jason’s philosophy on saying no to projects [18:19]
Tips for nurturing your email list effectively [20:38]

Learn more about Jason at https://nurturekit.co/13pt-checklist?utm_campaign=stress-free-signup&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=smashing_the_plateau&utm_content=feb

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Simon Robinson is one of the pioneers of customer experience, having co-authored the world’s first article on customer experience strategy in 1995. In the 1990s, he served as the business development manager responsible for smartphones at British Telecom (BT Cellnet/O2) and was a co-founder of Genie Internet, one of the UK’s first startup unicorns developed inside BT Group.

He is the Worldwide CEO of Holonomics, an international keynote speaker, and a bestselling author, including Designing Customer Experiences with Soul: How to Build Products, Services, and Brands that People Genuinely Love (2024).

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to redefine customer experience by integrating the concept of 'soul' into customer interactions.

Simon and I discuss:

The definition of customer experience and its key components [00:02:09]
Common misconceptions organizations have about customer experience [00:03:23]
The importance of understanding customer experience history [00:05:00]
How to align departments for improved customer experience [00:06:56]
The evolution of customer experience from human-computer interaction [00:08:02]
The impact of AI and digital interactions on customer experience [00:10:52]
The shift towards a more humanized approach to business [00:11:56]
The role of community in building effective customer experiences [00:24:04]

Learn more about Simon at:

Medium: https://medium.com/@srerobinson

Amazon: https://a.co/d/0jeQgFO

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/srerobinson1/

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Renee Frojo has spent over 20 years helping businesses tell impactful stories. As the founder of A Good Reputation, Renee combines her journalism background with her passion for entrepreneurship to help purpose-driven startups, founders, fractional leaders, and freelancers uncover and share the stories that resonate most.

Renee's relatable stories have earned her nearly 10,000 followers on LinkedIn. Through her signature approaches—Your Story is Your Strategy, which demonstrates how to build trust through personal storytelling, and Build it Publicly, a framework for overcoming the fear of vulnerability—Renee equips her clients to connect with the right audience, inspire action, and amplify their success.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to harness the power of storytelling to build trust and connect authentically with your audience.

Renee and I discuss:

Renee's lifelong passion for entrepreneurship [01:50]
Her journey from journalism to entrepreneurship [03:06]
The evolving landscape of personal branding [06:12]
Challenges faced by professionals in the digital age [07:43]
The importance of storytelling in marketing [10:12]
Building authentic connections through personal storytelling [12:59]
The role of community in business success [19:28]

Learn more about Renee at https://www.instagram.com/reneelynnfrojo/ and https://x.com/frojofeed.

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Michael F. Schein ghostwrites books that make business leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs famous in their fields. He is the founder of the marketing and consulting company MicroFame Media, and some of his clients have included Lockton, eBay, Magento, the University of Pennsylvania, the United Methodist Publishing House, LinkedIn, and Citrix, to name a few.

His writing has appeared in Fortune, Forbes, Inc., Kitces, Business Insider, Psychology Today, and the Huffington Post, and he is a speaker for international audiences, spanning from the northeastern United States to the southeastern coast of China. His book, "The Hype Handbook: 12 Indispensable Success Secrets From the World’s Greatest Propagandists, Self-Promoters, Cult Leaders, Mischief Makers, and Boundary Breakers," published by McGraw Hill, is available wherever books are sold.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to harness the power of strategic marketing and ghostwriting to become a recognized thought leader.

Michael and I discuss:

Michael's journey from copywriting to marketing consultancy [02:18]
The concept of becoming a "micro celebrity" [06:10]
The importance of having a book to establish expertise [07:00]
Overcoming the fallacy of scale in business [08:12]
The impact of community on professional success [16:34]
How to balance intuition and external advice [18:00]
Michael's insights on thinking like a scientist to find your niche [21:35]

Learn more about Michael at https://microfamemedia.com and https://michaelfschein.com.

Contact Michael directly at:

Email: mfs@microfamemedia.com
Phone: (917) 273-9885

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Jeannie Dougherty is a money expert and mental fitness guide who can help you rewire your money brain and make your money work for you.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to break free from stressful money cycles and harness a positive money mindset.

Jeannie and I discuss:

The power of believing you are more than your money [00:00:24]
Understanding the emotional aspects of financial decisions [00:03:03]
The concept of the "money brain" and its impact on behavior [00:07:02]
Practical steps to change your financial narrative [00:09:06]
The importance of taking actionable steps to improve cash flow [00:10:28]
Shattering your own glass ceiling in business [00:12:55]
Building a supportive community for financial success [00:18:21]
Jeannie’s mission with the caregiver conference [00:20:43]

Learn more about Jeannie at https://globalmoneycoach.com.

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Scott went from being gainfully employed to bankrupt to experiencing a breakthrough. In 2015, after 27 years of top-level leadership in a national multimillion-dollar family business, the door slammed shut, and Scott found himself a 50-year-old without a career. After a period of dark days and months, he knew he had to rebuild and rediscover his identity. Through trial and error, mistakes, and victories, Scott became proficient at problem-solving and executing a plan.

He began to experience the joy of his newly discovered freedom. He is doing what he loves and earning a living doing it. This experience has given Scott a unique vantage point to understand the life of business owners or executives who are facing a transition in their careers and don’t know what their next act looks like.

Scott has dedicated his hero's journey to helping others transition from executive to freelancer. He has honed the skills and methodology to reach clarity more quickly and accelerate progress.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to break free from living by default and design a fulfilling life.

Scott and I discuss:

Scott's journey from gainfully employed to bankrupt to breakthrough [01:36]
The impact of the 2008 financial collapse on his career [03:12]
Discovering the importance of identity beyond career roles [05:45]
How to transition from living by default to living by design [07:58]
The six hallmarks of a fantastic fourth quarter [10:02]
Strategies for iterating and executing a new life plan [12:34]
The role of community in navigating transitions [15:10]
Tips for finding the right support network [18:25]

Learn more about Scott at https://www.servingstrong.com/join.

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Jahmaal Marshall is a corporate wellness advocate and leader who reshapes work cultures to prioritize mental health. With a 12-year track record, he equips executives and HR professionals with strategies to combat burnout and stress, teaching them how to have more energy and increase their focus and drive to thrive both professionally and personally.

Through consulting and coaching programs, Jahmaal addresses deep-seated challenges such as constant stress, feelings of doubt, worry, and work-life imbalance. His solutions foster healthier work environments, yielding more present, energized employees and a more robust bottom line for the company.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to create a supportive workplace culture that prioritizes mental health.

His early career and the progression to a corporate wellness advocate [00:01:55]
The impact of personal experiences on his professional mission [00:03:09]
Transitioning from government work to in-depth counseling [00:04:10]
The signs of overworking and its long-term effects on health [00:07:07]
The development of his Rewire and Renew framework [00:08:39]
How personal crises influenced his professional perspective [00:09:17]
The transformative effect of setting boundaries in professional life [00:15:37]
His approach to content creation and community building on LinkedIn [00:12:15]

Learn more about Jahmaal at:

(Burnout Mini-Course): https://jahmaalmarshall.podia.com/https-jahmaalmarshallpodiacom-the-burnout-mini-course?coupon=SMASHTHEPLAT2025

(Discovery Call): https://calendly.com/listenthenspeak/30min

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Alison Ver Halen majored in English and Psychology without realizing she was obtaining the perfect degree for content marketing. It wasn't until a few years after she graduated, when a family friend asked her to write blog posts for his law firm, that she realized she could make money doing what she loves.

Fast forward to today, and Alison is still writing blog posts, as well as website landing pages and emails. She also integrates SEO and marketing strategy into the content she writes to give her clients the best chance of attracting, engaging, and converting their ideal clients.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transform your passion for writing into a successful business.

Alison and I discuss:

How Alison stumbled into content marketing as a career [01:54]
The importance of talking about your passion [02:05]
Finding your community and networking effectively [03:38]
The evolution of Alison's business model [06:01]
The significance of SEO and marketing strategy in content creation [09:11]
How to track what works and what doesn't in your business [10:31]
The role of consistent content creation in building trust [13:00]
Tips for professionals struggling with content creation [14:54]
The importance of distribution channels for your content [16:21]
Alison's approach to leveraging YouTube and podcasts [18:00]

Learn more about Alison at:

https://avwritingservices.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@alisonverhalencontentmarketer

https://www.amazon.com/Content-Marketing-Made-Alison-Halen-ebook/dp/B09YL7K6XY/ref=sr_1_9

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Tammy Gooler Loeb is an executive leadership and career coach, speaker, and facilitator with expertise in leadership, team development, organizational culture, communication, and career transitions. For over two decades, she has enjoyed supporting clients across a wide variety of sectors and industries.

Tammy is the author of the award-winning book, Work from the Inside Out: Break Through Nine Common Obstacles and Design a Career That Fulfills You. She hosts a biweekly podcast, Work from the Inside Out, featuring professionals who have transitioned their careers to more meaningful and satisfying work.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to redefine career success and find happiness in your professional life.

Tammy and I discuss:

The evolving definitions of career success and happiness [02:34]
The impact of remote and hybrid work on career fulfillment [03:29]
How to find balance between personal and professional lives [05:10]
The importance of control over work environments [06:51]
Challenges faced by new leaders in today’s organizations [10:27]
Strategies for finding support in leadership roles [13:15]
The value of community in overcoming leadership challenges [19:00]

Learn more about Tammy at:

https://www.instagram.com/tammygoolerloeb/

https://www.facebook.com/TammyGL/

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John Neral is an executive and career transition coach who helps mid-career professionals find a job they love or learn to love the job they have. He is also an author, speaker, and host of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast. When he’s not working, John is a professional bowler who continues to compete on the PBA Regional Tour.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the importance of storytelling and stability for career advancement in a rapidly evolving job market.

John and I discuss:

The current challenges facing mid-career professionals [02:05]
Why stability is a primary concern in today’s economy [04:48]
The importance of telling your story effectively [06:30]
How to use evidence-based metrics to demonstrate your value [08:15]
Techniques for keeping interviewers engaged [11:10]
Strategies for leveraging your network effectively [14:20]
The significance of personal boundaries for professional well-being [17:35]

Learn more about John at:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnneral/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@johnneralcoaching

Instagram - https://instagram.com/johnneralcoaching

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Philip VanDusen is a branding consultant serving SMBs and entrepreneurs based in New Jersey, USA. As a thought leader, Philip shares his expertise in marketing, design, and entrepreneurship on YouTube to his 295k subscribers, in the Brand•Muse newsletter, the Bonfire mastermind community, and on the Brand Design Masters podcast.

Philip has led creative teams in both global branding agencies and global corporations — serving as VP of Design for PepsiCo and Old Navy, and as Executive Creative Director at the iconic branding firm Landor Associates. Past clients include a host of Fortune 100 companies.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover how to navigate significant career changes and master the art of branding from a seasoned expert.

Philip and I discuss:

His reflections on what he might have done differently in his career [00:00]
How he transitioned from a corporate role to entrepreneurship [02:13]
The concept of career being more like a web than a ladder [02:52]
Starting out in branding and the progression to where he is now [03:42]
The importance of experiential learning over formal education in some fields [04:58]
Dealing with imposter syndrome and the fear of uncertainty [06:18]
The shift from working in real life to digital environments and adapting to new technologies [08:42]
Advice for corporate refugees transitioning to their ventures [10:02]
Establishing credibility and authority when starting new [11:39]
The vital role of community in supporting career transitions [12:35]
The importance of visual branding and consistency across platforms [14:01]
How to start building a personal brand even before fully defining your services [16:35]
Exploring the potential of digital content to attract and retain clients [21:06]

Learn more about Philip VanDusen:

WEBSITE

https://www.philipvandusen.com

BONFIRE MASTERMIND:

https://philipvandusen.com.com/bonfire

BRAND•MUSE NEWSLETTER

https://www.philipvandusen.com/muse

CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING

https://philipvandusen.com/oneonone

BRAND CONSULTING

https://philipvandusen.com/brand-consulting

https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipvandusen/

YOUTUBE

https://www.youtube.com/c/philipvandusen

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Jon Leland has been a media innovator for over 40 years, including serving as the founding director of creative services for the USA cable TV network. He has led video production and creative services companies for over 30 years.

Currently, Jon is the host and producer of the Video Mojo video podcast and the creative director of the boutique marketing agency ComBridges, which delivers content, social media, and video marketing services, as well as AI creativity consulting. Jon's passion is supporting people in living more creatively and joyfully through his latest venture, the Creativity Sandbox Community.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the critical role of community and networking in sustaining a business, and how AI can be harnessed to fuel creativity and innovation.

Jon and I discuss:

His journey from an employee to a media innovator and entrepreneur [00:21]
How community and networking supported his career transition [03:48]
The critical role of AI in creativity and marketing today [06:36]
The evolution of his business and the multiple pivots over the years [08:01]
The concept of "following the juice" and finding your passion [18:04]
How to harness AI effectively for creative processes [18:29]
Advice for corporate refugees looking to start their own business [24:08]

Learn more about Jon at https://play.combridges.com.

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Blair began his career in New York at the HarperCollins Speakers Bureau, a business he never knew existed. From there, he had the privilege of leading the Hachette and Simon & Schuster Speakers Bureaus for GTN (now UTA Speakers), before moving west to work with Keith Ferrazzi (author of "Never Eat Alone"). He served as his chief of staff for over three years and learned how keynote speaking can be strategically positioned for corporate coaching and consulting while also studying at UCLA Anderson.

After a few temporary roles during his last year of business school, he returned to the Speakers Bureau world post-graduation. However, after signing and establishing talent, growing and scaling valuable assets and businesses for bosses with nothing to show for it after leaving, he had had enough.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the intricacies of the speakers bureau industry and how to leverage speaking engagements for business growth and personal success.

Blair and I discuss:

His journey from working at traditional speakers bureaus to founding his own firm [00:21]
What initially drew him to the speakers bureau industry [01:49]
The business model behind speakers bureaus and how they operate [03:00]
His decision to pursue an MBA and how it influenced his career [04:11]
The challenges of working under restrictive leadership and the push towards entrepreneurship [07:50]
The strategic positioning of keynote speaking in business development [00:43]
How his business model differs from traditional speakers bureaus and the focus on holistic client management [11:18]
Advice for corporate refugees on leveraging speaking engagements [13:39]

Learn more about Blair at https://calendly.com/bbn-cm/new-client-call.

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Philippa Levenberg is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sable Strategy, a senior-level strategic communications firm specializing in PR and reputation management for corporations, nonprofits, and trade associations. The firm was recently named to Inc. Magazine's 2024 "Best in Business" list. Philippa’s career has focused on leveraging digital, social, and paid media strategies to build employer brands, develop thought leadership programs, engage advocates, navigate crises, and shape policy outcomes.

Prior to founding Sable, she led and grew digital media practices and products at several agencies, including a leading global public affairs firm within Publicis Groupe. She is based in the D.C. area.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your experiences to build a resilient business and lead with impact in the evolving landscape of public relations.

Philippa and I discuss:

Why resilience is key in entrepreneurship [00:00]
How Philippa's bi-continental life shaped her approach to business [02:12]
Transitioning from journalism to PR and the evolution of media [03:07]
The importance of digital and social media strategy in crisis communication [04:33]
The flawed model of big agency PR and the creation of Sable Strategy [05:44]
Empowering women in the workplace and the importance of senior-level consultancy [07:22]
The role of partnerships in entrepreneurship and the support systems that matter [10:21]
Lessons from the initial months of starting Sable Strategy and recognizing opportunities [10:59]
The impact of COVID-19 on women in the workforce and entrepreneurship [21:44]

Learn more about Philippa and her work at https://www.sablestrategy.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippalevenberg/.

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Debra Eckerling is a goal strategist, workshop leader, and award-winning author and podcaster on a mission to change goal culture both inside and outside the workplace. As the creator of

The DEB Method for simplified goal-setting, Debra works with individuals, teams, and businesses on personal and professional projects, networking strategies, and book proposal development. She hosts the GoalChatLive/GoalChat and Taste Buds with Deb podcasts and is the author of "Your Goal Guide" and "52 Secrets for Goal-Setting and Goal-Getting."

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Debra Erling, a goal strategist, workshop leader, and award-winning author and podcaster, has developed a systematic approach to setting and achieving goals in both personal and professional spheres.

Debra and I discuss:

How Debra's journey in corporate communications led her to her current role as a goal strategist [00:38]
The common pitfalls professionals encounter in goal setting and how to overcome them [01:01]
Debra's DEB Method for goal setting simplified and how it can align your personal and professional aspirations [01:25]
The importance of having personal goals in the workplace and how it contributes to overall fulfillment [06:50]
The steps to correctly set goals using the DEB Method: Determine your Mission, Explore your Options, Brainstorm your Path [09:38]
How networking and building community play crucial roles in achieving one's goals and in business development [16:23]
The impact of having multiple roles and identities on professional growth and networking [04:36]

Learn more about Debra at:

https://52Secretsbook.com

https://thedebmethod.com/blog

https://www.amazon.com/Your-Goal-Guide-Planning-Achieving/dp/1642501506

https://www.amazon.com/52-Secrets-Goal-Setting-Goal-Getting-Focused/dp/168481717X

https://youtube.com/@thedebmethod

https://linkedin.com/in/coastbunny

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Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals (Goal Defining, Productivity, Work from Home)

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Liz Steblay is sometimes referred to as "the Yoda of solopreneur success." She isn’t small, green, or ancient, but she has mentored thousands of self-employed professionals, helping them realize their dreams of becoming solo entrepreneurs. With decades of experience in building her own solopreneur career, including the creation of two thriving businesses that serve independent consultants, Liz recently published her bestselling book, "Succeeding as a Solopreneur: Six Keys for Taking the Leap, Winning Clients, and Building Wealth."

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the essential keys to success as a solopreneur, including how to conquer fears, build thriving client relationships, and effectively set your consulting rates.

Liz and I discuss:

The importance of pedigree and confidence in setting consulting rates [02:04]
How Liz transitioned from corporate employment to successful self-employment [02:57]
The significance of proactive outreach and maintaining relationships [03:18]
Key strategies to vanquish fear, uncertainty, and doubt as a solopreneur [04:35]
The importance of being known for something specific within your field [10:14]
How to negotiate and present your rates confidently [07:59]
The crucial role of professional setup and appearance in consulting success [15:45]
Strategies for effective taxation and wealth building for solopreneurs [21:00]

Learn more about Liz and her work at http://www.SixKeys.info and http://www.IndependentConsulting.org.

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Dr. Carla Fowler is an MD, PhD, and elite executive coach. For the last decade, she has been a secret weapon for scores of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other senior leaders. Carla’s unique approach combines the latest research in performance science with timeless best practices to help top performers level up and achieve their goals.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to make bold career transitions, leverage your existing skills in new ways, and maximize your performance through strategic coaching.

Carla and I discuss:

Her early realization that the traditional medical career path wasn't for her [00:02:19]
The critical role of challenges and how they shaped her career decisions [00:02:57]
Insights into her transition from medicine to elite executive coaching [00:05:37]
The importance of autonomy and designing a multifaceted life [00:05:10]
How she navigated the early days of establishing a coaching practice [00:17:26]
The strategic decisions not to pursue further formal education in coaching [00:12:45]
Techniques for building a successful personal business and brand [00:20:21]
The value of networking and personal connections in business development [00:17:26]

Learn more about Carla at https://www.thaxa.com/p/smashing-the-plateau.

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Holly Jean Jackson is a Revenue and Performance Consultant, Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, and founder of Business Builder Throw Down. Her career spans technology, communications, organizational change, public relations, and content strategy.

She has dedicated over 12 years to helping business leaders get their groove back physically, mentally, and emotionally. She led a Local to Global Policy Initiative to influence future leaders' impact on communities. Fun Fact: Holly played first chair clarinet at Carnegie Hall and is a black belt in karate.

In her Peak Performance Blueprint, she takes a holistic and logistical approach to success. After all, one can’t have massive success in business without a life of equal or greater success.

Business owners hire her to master the art and science of real success because most lack direction, action, and results. She helps define and design a business roadmap for impactful visibility, intentional profitability, and endless sustainability.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from corporate instability to building a successful consulting business through resilience and strategic community building.

Holly and I discuss:

What led Holly to start her own business [01:26]
Why top performers get laid off [02:13]
The difference between being a consultant and an employee [04:45]
How to find and refine your niche [06:55]
The importance of defining success on your own terms [10:59]
How to tactically and financially prepare for a business transition [14:12]
The role of community in achieving business success [16:16]

Learn more about Holly at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyjjackson/

https://www.facebook.com/hollyjeanjackson

https://www.instagram.com/coachhollyjeanjackson/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ElvJLGqpJ2ThA9utJCqMg

www.hollyjeanjackson.com

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Monika started Mastermind Mentoring in 2023 after spending 23 years in the high-tech consulting world, where she focused on solving customer problems through technical innovation, growth strategy, and client relationship management. The entrepreneurial path found her when life threw her a curveball, and her position was eliminated. During that time of transition, she felt a heartfelt calling to pursue a path of service to others and became an intuitive life coach and healer.

Now, she focuses on helping women become successful by reconnecting with their essence and inspiring greater awareness of the empowerment that comes from embodiment.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from a corporate environment to a fulfilling life of coaching and personal growth.

Monika and I discuss:

What led Monika to embrace change after her corporate career ended [00:02:13]
Differences between working within large enterprises and nimble startups [00:04:08]
How a profound health diagnosis prompted Monika’s journey toward self-discovery and healing [00:06:19]
The impact of emotional and internal healing on personal growth [00:08:21]
Techniques Monika used to trigger self-healing and remission [00:12:33]
How Monika leverages community and authenticity for personal and professional development [00:18:00]
Advice on maintaining openness and questioning everything to unlock new possibilities [00:20:26]

Learn more about Monika at:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastermind-mentoring/

Website: https://mastermind-mentoring.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mastermindmentoring/

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Kellan is the ultimate alchemist for entrepreneurial growth, a bestselling author of 20 books, and the founder of "Your Ultimate Life." Kellan helps entrepreneurs move mountains, melt barriers, and mobilize superpowers to achieve their dreams.

Kellan's personal journey includes battles with depression and addiction. Now, he is committed to helping 300 million people create income and impact in the world by discovering, developing, and serving with their skills, gifts, and life experiences.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to integrate purpose, prosperity, and joy to live your ultimate life.

Kellan and I discuss:

His journey from personal challenges to ultimate life success [00:58]
The role of money in creating impact [04:49]
Dispelling common myths about wealth [05:14]
Harnessing personal skills, gifts, and life experiences [08:31]
The power of consistency over content [13:01]
Strategies for overcoming self-doubt [13:59]
Kellan's daily proactive practices [17:35]
How community enhances growth and success [22:43]

Learn more about Kellan at https://kellanfluckigermedia.com and https://yourultimatelife.ca.

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Dr. Corinna Freitag is an Executive Coach, Advisor, and Speaker with over 30 years of expertise in natural and human sciences, spanning university, industry, and continuing education. She coaches STEM professionals to overcome workplace challenges so that they look forward to Mondays again.

She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and is certified as an Executive Coach. She has lived in different countries and worked globally for over 18 years in the automotive and chemical industries, in various positions with colleagues ranging from the shop floor to Senior Vice Presidents.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from the corporate world to a fulfilling career in coaching.

Corinna and I discuss:

What led Corinna to become a coach [03:01]
How Corinna integrated her scientific and human skills [04:34]
Her experiences transitioning to self-employment [06:03]
Challenges faced while building her own business [07:43]
Who her ideal clients are [07:30]
Strategies for breaking patterns that hold professionals back [08:47]
The role of positive intelligence in coaching [09:27]
Her personal growth and learning journey [06:53]
Advice for others considering a career transition [13:20]

Learn more about Corinna at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcorinnafreitag/; http://www.corinnafreitag.de ; http://www.calendly.com/corinnafreitag/60min ; https://www.positiveintelligence.com/.

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Jessica Lackey is a strategy and operations advisor who blends business strategy, practical application, and a human-centric approach to create sustainable businesses. With a background in corporate leadership, McKinsey & Company consulting, and a Harvard Business degree, Jessica knows a thing or two about hustle culture and what it feels like to judge success by the bottom line at all costs.

Now, she combines her deep experience in consulting, Fortune 500 operations leadership, and coaching to help businesses grow without sacrificing the well-being of their clients, team, and community.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a sustainable business without sacrificing wellbeing.

Jessica and I discuss:

Jessica's journey from corporate to entrepreneurship [02:07]
The concept of enterprise thinking [02:58]
Jessica's career transition to life coaching [06:05]
The role of relationships in business success [10:32]
Challenges in the first and second years of a new business [19:40]
The power of community connections [22:23]

Learn more about Jessica at:

Website: https://www.jessicalackey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicalackey_consulting/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lackey/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jslackey

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Diana has spent the last 20 years in SaaS. She has expertise in sales, customer success, Six Sigma, and service delivery. She is currently the Senior Director of Transformation at Kantata. As a leader, Diana is passionate about leveraging emotional intelligence in the workplace to drive meaningful outcomes, and she speaks and coaches on this topic.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate career changes by harnessing emotional intelligence and mindset shifts.

Diana and I discuss:

The challenge of balancing passions and professional commitments [02:31]
Strategies for overcoming the fear of pausing a project [04:00]
How a mindset shift can create new opportunities [06:42]
Tools and frameworks that aid in decision-making [07:14]
The impact of reduced casual conversations in a remote work environment [10:29]
How personal values align with professional roles [13:00]
Diana’s thoughts on future career paths and passions [16:09]

Learn more about Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaacuna/.

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Deb Coviello is an accomplished author, podcast host, and leadership expert in quality and operational excellence, known as the CEO Whisperer. Deb uses her 30 years of experience to help CEOs and C-suite leaders of tomorrow find peace of mind by providing solutions to their technical business issues and elevating their teams. Her book, "The CEO's Compass," is a go-to guide for navigating challenges and achieving lasting success.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from corporate work to entrepreneurship and the importance of community in navigating business challenges.

Deb and I discuss:

Her entrepreneurial journey and starting Illumination Partners [02:22]
Building a personal brand and the need for sales and marketing skills [04:00]
How to determine when to stay the course or pivot [06:12]
The role of self-reflection and daily routines in success [08:21]
Expanding into a media company and creating content [11:00]
Targeting C-Suite leaders in her business strategy [14:25]

Learn more about Deb at https://dropinceo.com.

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Bou is a leadership consultant who helps his clients discover how to bring out the best in themselves and others. He designs and delivers customized leadership development workshops for executive teams around the globe. Bou also has a thriving executive and life coaching practice. Together with his wife, Riva Greenberg, he supports people living with diabetes. He resides in Brooklyn, NY.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about navigating solo entrepreneurship in a turbulent environment using practical, data-driven strategies.

Bou and I discuss:

The importance of building on personal experience and podcast insights [00:00:00]
Challenges faced by solo entrepreneurs after corporate careers [00:00:47]
Overview of the SMASH system [00:03:40]
The five elements of the SMASH framework [00:04:17]
The role of thinking partners and community collaboration [00:07:08]
Common challenges like marketing and staying relevant [00:10:45]
How our book addresses entrepreneurial challenges [00:13:31]

Learn more about Boudewijn at https://www.spimanagement.com/.

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Bou is a leadership consultant who helps his clients discover how to bring out the best in themselves and others. He designs and delivers customized leadership development workshops for executive teams around the globe. Bou also has a thriving executive and life coaching practice. Along with his wife, Riva Greenberg, he supports people living with diabetes. He resides in Brooklyn, NY.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to successfully manage the emotional and psychological challenges of entrepreneurship after a corporate career.

Bou and I discuss:

The importance of self-care for effective leadership [00:00]
Bao’s transition from quality management to leadership coaching [03:02]
How the pandemic reshaped Bao’s coaching practices [04:00]
Navigating changes and embracing emergence in business [08:13]
Strategies for responding to unforeseen challenges [09:48]
The role of AI and tech evolution in the modern job market [12:05]
Key components of the upcoming book on transitioning to solo ventures [17:55]
Importance of managing energy and time effectively [20:19]

Learn more about Boudewijn at https://www.spimanagement.com.

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Shahrina Ankhi-Krol, Esq. is a distinguished attorney and the founder of Ankhi-Krol Law. Founded in 2012, Ankhi-Krol Law has become a leading legal service provider that caters exclusively to the needs of startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs all over the country. The firm's areas of practice are Business, Contract, Trademark, and Copyright Laws.

Shahrina has presented legal topics at countless business conferences, expositions, educational institutions, and on Law and Crime. She has also appeared on CNN, FOX, NBC, and CBS. She is a nine-time Rising Star Super Lawyer, a recognition given to no more than 2.5% of attorneys in each state, each year.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, Shahrina Anki Krol shares her valuable insights on the common legal challenges faced by new business owners. We delve into the importance of creating formal business entities, the crucial role of well-drafted contracts, and the significance of networking for business growth. Shahrina also discusses the impact of artificial intelligence in the legal field.

Shahrina and I discuss:

What it means to be a corporate refugee [02:23]
Shahrina's journey from working at law firms to starting her own practice [03:23]
The importance of creating a formal business entity [08:26]
How to choose a memorable and trademarkable business name [12:04]
Crafting effective contracts to protect your business [13:27]
Methods to resolve disputes amicably [16:00]
Utilizing artificial intelligence in legal strategies [18:33]
Tapping into community to foster business success [20:53]

Learn more about Shahrina at instagram.com/ankhikrollaw, facebook.com/ankhikrollaw, http://twitter.com/ankhikrollaw.

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Gloriana Teh is the founder and owner of Claritas Consulting & Coaching. She equips leaders and organizations so their people and projects can thrive. Claritas Consulting & Coaching provides strategy and talent management consulting services to organizations, along with leadership and career coaching services.

Prior to consulting, Gloriana was responsible for process development and optimization for a large specialty chemicals company. She pivoted from process development to people development after over 20 years of corporate experience.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to develop essential soft skills for leadership and team success.

Gloriana and I discuss:

What prompted Gloriana to transition from engineering to consulting [00:02:27]
The role of soft skills in technical teams [04:31:8]
Defining and understanding soft skills [00:05:11]
The importance of human interaction for team collaboration [00:05:44]
Initial consulting experiences and challenges [00:05:55]
Designing and implementing a data visualization tool [00:07:17]
Why digital transformation projects often fail [00:07:42]
Applying core concepts across different disciplines [00:09:09]
The impact of feedback and quick success on her consulting journey [00:09:39]
Connecting personal strengths to business development [00:10:18]
Identifying the ideal client and solving their problems [00:11:35]
Upcoming opportunities and projects [00:12:17]
The significance of emotional intelligence in leadership [00:13:00]
Advice for transitioning from corporate to solo entrepreneurship [00:16:03]
The importance of networking and community support [00:18:13]

Learn more about Gloriana at https://claritas.harrisonassessments.com/.

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Steven Lewis is a copywriter who draws on decades of experience in journalism and marketing to position experts as the obvious choice for their ideal clients.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to effectively communicate your expertise and position yourself for success as a corporate refugee.

Steven and I discuss:

Steven's journey from law to copywriting [01:45]
The mistakes businesses make in positioning [06:27]
The importance of understanding your target market [10:00]
What people actually value in a service provider [14:32]
How understanding your value can affect pricing [18:51]
The role of community in personal and professional growth [24:11]

Learn more about Steven at https://taleist.agency/guides/the-landing-page-checklist/

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As a productivity and profitability expert, Kayvon helps entrepreneurs and business owners make consistent progress and generate momentum.

In a world where information overload and execution shortages are rampant, he helps his clients implement the right growth strategies, in the right way, at the right time. Zero fluff. Just progress.

Although he is a valuable resource to many, his specialty is working with coaches and consultants. Dr. Kayvon has been creating frameworks for improving both INCOME and IMPACT since 2006.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the keys to running a profitable coaching or consulting business.

Kayvon and I discuss:

The importance of first impressions and personal branding [02:02]
Why Kayvon chose to focus on coaches and consultants [04:11]
Essential steps to run a profitable coaching business [05:26]
How to view your service as a product [07:47]
The connection between commodities and products in business transactions [10:17]
Overcoming internal and external obstacles to growth [12:35]
The role of community and masterminds in business success [20:00]
Balancing learning and execution for growth [18:36]

Learn more about Kayvon at https://simplifyprofits.com/allcourses.

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After nearly two decades in the corporate world, Jessica founded the educational media company Penguin Connective to create greater equality and opportunity in hard-to-navigate areas, including future readiness, foster-to-adopt, and transitioning to adulthood. She is the creator of AI Explorer Society and a ChatGPT for Teachers course that is currently serving over 1,800 educators from around the world. She lives near Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and their five kids.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the journey from corporate life to entrepreneurial success, and how diversification can solidify financial security.

Jessica and I discuss:

What motivated Jessica to leave her corporate career [02:23]
The impact of her connective tissue disorder diagnosis [06:08]
The importance of diversifying income streams [08:00]
How she built Penguin Connective and its impact on educators [13:26]
The role of AI in education and how it can be used ethically [14:34]
Jessica's strategy for expanding her network through collaboration [11:29]
Her focus for the upcoming year with AI Explorer Society [15:33]
The value of community for entrepreneurs [16:36]
Tips for corporate refugees to advance in their business [17:50]

Learn more about Jessica at https://www.aiexplorers.io/.

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Troy Larson has over 40 years of software development and technical management experience, including five years at Amazon as a Solutions Architect.

In 2022, Troy founded The Unique VA Experience, a Filipino-based coaching company that has trained nearly 300 VAs, providing opportunities for Filipinos who are looking to change careers and for stay-at-home parents looking to enter the workforce.

In 2023, Troy launched The Developer's CEO Newsletter, building on his 40 years of experience, focused on the unique challenges faced by software developers who are running a small business or looking to start their own business.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your technical expertise to create impactful coaching programs and newsletters.

Troy and I discuss:

Troy's journey from a Commodore 64 to founding his own business [02:33]
The motivation behind launching the Unique VA Experience in 2022 [03:15]
The challenges faced and lessons learned in the VA coaching realm [04:00]
The significance of embracing uniqueness in career coaching [04:49]
Structuring monthly internship programs for VAs [05:20]
The iterative process and unexpected successes, like the bootcamp initiative [07:00]
Harnessing community for entrepreneurial support and development [08:00]
The benefits of using OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) in a community context [11:00]
The public accountability effect of OKRs and the peer pressure involved [12:56]
What corporate refugees can learn from using OKRs to achieve their goals [16:12]

Learn more about Troy at https://troylarson.com/.

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Tina Collura is an award-winning Productivity and Business Development Coach who leverages over 14 years of entrepreneurial expertise to drive businesses from surviving to thriving. Through personalized consultations, she helps business owners develop growth models that secure deals and triple entrepreneurs' income swiftly.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the challenges solopreneurs face when transitioning from corporate careers to successful entrepreneurship.

Tina and I discuss:

Common struggles for solopreneurs [00:02:00]
The importance of self-marketing and networking [00:02:27]
Developing the right mindset and discipline [00:04:00]
Steps to initiate and test your business model [00:04:33]
Running pilot sessions and gathering feedback [00:05:45]
Building confidence and the value of persistence [00:07:00]
Differences in selling as an entrepreneur [00:08:30]
The impact of building strong relationships [00:09:32]
Tina's career journey and key learnings [00:10:48]
The significance of community for entrepreneurs [00:17:00]

Learn more about Tina at https://hihello.me/p/abf99156-04af-433a-abbc-44ceeddcfcb7.

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Ahsan Karim is a business strategist and founder of Light Vision Group. His company helps businesses generate more revenue with online marketing.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the journey of transitioning from a corporate career to becoming a successful entrepreneur and the importance of building an online presence.

Asan and I discuss:

What triggered Asan's interest in being an entrepreneur
His first experience as an entrepreneur
How he learned marketing
His ideal client for Light Vision Group
The role of community in entrepreneurship
Upcoming projects to help entrepreneurs enhance their online presence

Learn more about Asan at https://lightvisiongroup.com/.

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Erin Marcus is the founder and CEO of Conquer Your Business, an international company helping driven entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve the financial and emotional freedom they need to build a business and life they’re proud of.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to unlearn corporate habits and develop a mindset for entrepreneurial success.

Erin and I discuss:

The necessary unlearning process from corporate to entrepreneurship
Utilizing corporate skills like delegation in small business
The importance of risk tolerance and testing in the marketplace
Overcoming ego and adapting to creating your own path
The significance of mindset in achieving business goals
Strategies for dealing with financial and self-worth challenges
The role of community and networking in entrepreneurial success

Learn more about Erin at:

Conquer Your Business | Erin Marcus | Business Consulting

Instagram (@erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinmarcusconqueryourbusiness/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erin.marcus.3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLFD-aM6LmA10FQ

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Thomas Bertels is a management consultant and business transformation expert on a mission to make work more productive, valuable, meaningful, and impactful. He has more than 25 years of experience helping companies across a range of industries, from startups to Fortune 5, transform how work gets done. Thinkers360 has recognized Thomas as a Top 50 Thought Leader on the Future of Work and Design Thinking.

Before starting Purpose Works in 2021, Thomas was a founding partner at OXYGY/Valeocon. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Aon Consulting and ABB.

Thomas has written several books and numerous articles on work design, process improvement, business transformation, and organizational learning. His latest book is Fixing Work: Designing Jobs Employees Love (Greenleaf Book Group). He is also the host of the Work Matters podcast, where he explores in conversations with thought leaders and executives what leaders can do to fix work.

Thomas and I discuss:

Thomas’s motivation for writing his latest book
Why Thomas chose to write a business fable
The process of writing an allegory
Differences between writing an allegory and a traditional business book
The impact Thomas hopes his book will have
The connection between the book and Thomas’s business
Challenges Thomas foresees for thought leaders today
What successful consultants do differently
How Thomas would start his consulting business today
Basic principles of the work design framework
The role of community in achieving professional success

Learn more about Thomas Bertels at:

Homepagewww.purpose.works
Book Sitewww.fixing-work.com
Newsletter purposeworks.substack.com
Diagnosticwww.mymojo.works
Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@WorkMatterspodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasbertels/, https://www.linkedin.com/company/purpose-works-consulting

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Jason Willis-Lee is a popular translator trainer and has given presentations on various business topics aimed at freelance translators and interpreters for ProZ, BP, CIOL, and Training for Translators. He co-founded the Collaborative Networking Translation Project, Medico-legal Translations (www.medicolegaltranslations.com). As a solopreneur, he recently launched a podcast called 'How to Find More Direct Clients,' aimed at early career professional linguists, and he uses his professional expertise to run the 'How to Find More Direct Clients' online course."

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the evolving landscape of the translation industry and leverage your expertise to build a successful business.

Jason and I discuss:

What motivated Jason to go solo
The transition from generalist to specialist
The difference between being self-employed and entrepreneurial
How Jason stretches himself through entrepreneurship
Navigating the challenges in the translation industry
The importance of leveraging AI and technology
The role of community in business growth
Personal branding and its significance for freelancers

Learn more about Jason at https://entrepreneurialtranslator.com/training-for-translators/.

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After 25 years as a creative professional, Wayne founded Resonant Pixel Company just three years ago. The business experienced some early rapid growth, but it wasn't the business Wayne wanted. He has since transitioned the company into productized services, helping small businesses leverage the Squarespace platform to go from having an informational brochure-ware website to a transactional growth engine.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from rapid early growth to a business model that aligns with your values and goals.

Wayne and I discuss:

How Wayne transitioned from unemployment to starting his business [03:00]
Realizing the need to change his initial business model [04:49]
Narrowing the focus and shedding off certain technologies [06:00]
The importance of building processes and hiring [05:43]
How to design effective business processes [09:01]
Wayne's approach to hiring and testing new hires [10:48]
Examples of unexpected wins in hiring [12:43]
The benefits of having a subscription-based revenue model [19:00]
Wayne’s ideal client profile [20:00]
Future plans and goals for Resonant Pixel Company [21:42]
The importance of being part of a community like Smashing the Plateau [22:46]

Learn more about Wayne at: https://resonantpixel.co/

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Kyle Walbrun is the Founder and CEO of EfficientAide, an assistant company. He is deeply passionate about helping professionals work effectively and proficiently through a proven process of delegation. Throughout his career, Kyle has partnered with a broad range of business leaders, strategizing on how to buy back their time and eliminate worry.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover the strategies behind Effective Delegation with Kyle Walbrun, the founder and CEO of Efficient Aid. Kyle shares his expertise on enabling professionals to work more effectively and proficiently through a systematic approach to delegation.

Kyle and I discuss:

The challenges corporate refugees face when transitioning to entrepreneurship
How to overcome the hesitation of letting go and start delegating
Assessing costs and the return on investment (ROI) of delegation
The types of tasks business leaders should delegate first
A transformative story of a client who mastered delegation
How Kyle utilizes thought partners and community to excel in his business
Where listeners can learn more about Kyle and Efficient Aid

Learn more about Kyle at http://www.EfficientAide.com.

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Phillip Brown is the founder of Blue Pit, Inc., a software consulting firm dedicated to improving business process automation. Throughout his career, Phillip has forged impactful partnerships with renowned organizations, including Disney, Harley Davidson, and NASA, leveraging his expertise to revolutionize their operations.

His dedication lies in empowering mid-sized enterprises that grapple with challenges such as over-budget projects, organizational chaos, and high employee turnover. By implementing intuitive processes, Philip helps businesses regain control over their project management, supercharge their return on investment, and cultivate a work environment that attracts and retains top talent.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn strategies for scaling your business effectively and creating a sustainable and attractive company culture.

Phillip and I discuss:

The transition from employee to entrepreneur
Tackling the unique challenges faced by mid-sized businesses
The art of foreseeing potential issues and implementing change management
Strategies for fostering effective communication within teams
The importance of building a consulting business based on relationships
Leveraging networking and conferences for business development
The role of AI and automation in crafting efficient business processes
How community and communication can propel business success

Learn more about Phil at www.bluepit.com.

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Ron Desi, a full-time freelancer on Fiverr, has just crossed the million-dollar threshold. He is a video content creator and professional spokesperson, who has also started an off-Fiverr agency offering video services to law firms aiming to attract clients through video. Previously, he worked as an IT consultant and directed a university MBA program.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, Ron Desi will share how he transformed his career from IT consulting and academia to crushing the million-dollar revenue.

Ron and I discuss:

Ron's journey to becoming a freelancer and the slow start on Fiverr
The decision to leave his full-time job and the safety nets he created
The strategies that led to his success, including finding a niche with low competition
The importance of collaboration and joining communities to enhance business growth
The reasons behind focusing on video services for law firms
Ron's vision for his business and the advice he offers to corporate refugees

Learn more about Ron's journey and connect with him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rondesi/.

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Dr. Carla Fowler is an MD, PhD, and an elite executive coach who has been a secret weapon for scores of CEOs, entrepreneurs, and other senior leaders for the last decade. Carla's unique approach combines the latest research from performance science with timeless best practices to help top performers level up and achieve their goals.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage your expertise to make significant career pivots and build a successful business model as an executive coach.

Carla and I discuss:

Why Carla chose a non-linear career path
The realization that led her to pivot from medicine
Embracing high performance outside of traditional systems
Dealing with resistance and misunderstandings from others
Why she decided against structured coaching programs
How brutal focus helps in building a business
Networking strategies for building a new career
The challenge of selling as a new entrepreneur

Learn more about Carla at www.thaxa.com and https://www.thaxa.com/p/smashing-the-plateau.

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Dr. Mira Brancu is a consulting and coaching psychologist specializing in leadership identity development and in building adaptive, cohesive, high-performing teams. She is also an Associate Professor, the author of "The Millennials Guide to Workplace Politics," a "Psychology Today" columnist for the blog series "A New Look at Women’s Leadership," and the host of "The Hard Skills" internet radio show and podcast. Her award-winning social impact firm, Towerscope, focuses on empowering and elevating women in leadership within the education and innovation industries.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about the intricacies of leadership and identity, especially the challenges women face in the corporate sphere and the liberating journey of defining your career and leadership path.

Dr. Mira and I discuss:

The link between job titles and personal identity
The freedom and creativity in starting your own business
The experience of high achievers leaving the corporate world
The challenge of separating personal identity from job roles
Navigating leadership ambivalence among high-potential women
Deciding whether to continue on the leadership track
The impact of societal expectations on career decisions
Strategies for tuning out unhelpful advice from others
Adjusting to a sudden lack of structure after a career change
Tips on joining and engaging with communities

Learn more about Dr. Mira Brancu at http://www.gotowerscope.com/ and join the Tower Scope Leadership Academy for a special offer.

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Ral West, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience, is a multifaceted entrepreneur respected in both the tourism industry and multifamily real estate circles. She is recognized for founding successful businesses, authoring courses, and contributing to various boards. She is also a philanthropist and dynamic speaker. Additionally, she is the founder of Ral West: Livin' The Dream and the creator of a course for entrepreneurs titled “Overcome Overwhelm: Create a Smooth Running Business with Less Stress.”

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover how to overcome the challenges of entrepreneurship and create a thriving business with less stress. Ral West, a dynamic entrepreneur with over 40 years of extensive experience, joins us to offer her wisdom on navigating the complex journey of business ownership.

Ral and I discuss:

Why high achievers tend to feel overwhelmed and how to counteract it
The paradox of saying no to increase profitability
The critical role of prioritizing and focusing for business success
Strategies for matching your passions with a business model that relieves market pain
How to leverage your existing network and find mentors when starting a business
The importance of creating systems to streamline business operations
Real-world examples of systems Ral has implemented in her businesses
Ral's inspiration for helping other entrepreneurs at this stage of her life
How to effectively utilize communities and mentorship when venturing into new territories
Ral’s personal approach to lifelong entrepreneurship and continuous learning

Learn more about Ral at https://www.ralwest.com/.

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Kathy Oneto is an executive and life-work coach committed to helping individuals find success on their terms in both their professional and personal lives. As the founder of Sustainable Ambition and the host of the Sustainable Ambition Podcast, she guides clients to discover motivation in their careers, construct their future life and work arcs, and manage their efforts towards greater resilience and sustainability. In her diverse portfolio career, Kathy also serves as a strategy executive, aiding organizations in cutting through ambiguity and gaining the clarity needed to progress and take sustainable actions.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leave your corporate career and develop a sustainable model that brings fulfillment and success on your own terms.

Kathy and I discuss:

What inspired Kathy to step out of the corporate world and embrace entrepreneurship
How her vision of entrepreneurship evolved over time
The real meaning of sustainable ambition and how it can be a game-changer
Kathy's journey of building a sustainable ambitious life
Strategies for professionals who want to craft a fulfilling, long-term career
The importance of community as a "force multiplier" in your career

Learn more about Kathy at

Website: http://SustainableAmbition.com

Sustainable Ambition Podcast: http://SustainableAmbition.com/podcast or https://bit.ly/sustain-pod

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-oneto/

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Robbie Hardy knows how to navigate the maze of the entrepreneurial journey—and she wants to help you do the same. She can guide you through the highs and lows, from your first major mistake to your first sale. She understands because she's been there.

A New Englander by birth and an "entrepreneurologist" by trade, Robbie Hardy is an author, experienced investor, and entrepreneur with extensive startup and board experience.

In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, Robbie Hardy, an adept entrepreneur and mentor, talks about her journey from a disenchanted corporate employee to a successful business founder and a passionate advocate for women's mentorship in business. Dive into Robbie's story to reveal how she found her true calling in the twists and turns of entrepreneurship.

Robbie and I discuss:

The discomfort that led Robbie to leave the corporate world
Launching her own business and securing her previous employer as her first client
The rollercoaster of starting and selling a software company
Utilizing corporate connections to fuel her entrepreneurial ventures
Robbie's mission to mentor women and help them find their voice
The dynamics of effective mentorship and its transformative power
Robbie's advice for corporate refugees seeking to venture into entrepreneurship

Learn more about Robbie at https://www.robbiehardy.com/.

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Wendy Ellin is a highly sought-after speaker, author, and consultant. Her #1 bestselling book, "Working From Home…How’s That Working For You?" continues to catch the attention of organizations that want to ensure their employees are able to work with less stress and more job satisfaction, no matter where they work. Her insights into having basic foundational organization systems are shared in her presentations with irreverence, humor, and a level of passion that motivates her audience to TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION!

Wendy has helped companies like The Home Depot, JCB, American Cancer Society, Spelman College, Cox Communications, Autotrader, PWC, and many more to ensure their people stay engaged, deliver their best work, and have a life outside of work. She believes that when your people win, everyone wins.

Wendy talks about real-life challenges that all busy professionals experience, such as email overload, being on time (or not), reasonable expectations for getting things done, self-defeating behaviors, and much more. It is from Wendy's 20-plus years in the corporate arena, where she drew on her own successes by working smart, not hard, that inspired her to develop Wendy Ellin’s 3P Academy—a toolbox that fuels radical productivity, peak performance, and a renewed sense of peace of mind.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, we delve into the systems and strategies Wendy has developed to make working from home a stress-free and satisfying experience, which are essential for entrepreneurs and professionals in the current climate.

Wendy and I discuss:

Her transition from advertising sales to productivity consulting [00:28]
What inspired her to write her best selling book [01:48]
How to set up a successful work-from-home environment [06:28]
Organizing physical and digital workspaces for maximum efficiency [07:12]
The importance of systems in productivity (S-Y-S-T-E-M) [08:07]
Wendy's life-changing car accident and its impact on her mission [04:58]
Using speaking engagements to grow a business and create an impact [04:08]
The role of community and sharing in overcoming organizational challenges [12:24]
Wendy's approach to dealing with disorganization and stress at work [10:25]

Learn more about Wendy at https://linkedin.com/in/wendyellin and www.wendyellin.com.

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Kelly Whitaker (she/her) is an LA-based communication specialist, speaker, and head of Kelly Convos. Her dynamic and singular approach empowers conflict-averse leaders and individuals to confidently and compassionately conduct difficult conversations in service of personal growth and lasting problem-solving.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover the strategies for successful communication that can transform your leadership and resolve conflicts effectively.

Kelly and I discuss:

Her altruistic motivations and diverse career path leading up to her current role [00:01:00]
The importance of communication skills across different social spheres [00:02:00]
Deliberate focus on conflict resolution and the needs it addresses [00:03:31]
A methodology for conducting difficult conversations and finding solutions [00:05:01]
How recruitment experiences shaped her approach to communication [00:06:39]
The decision to transition from employee to entrepreneur [00:08:40]
The impact of effective communication on leadership and team dynamics [00:10:19]
The value of interpersonal communication in a digital age [00:16:39]
Networking and community building to enhance personal and professional growth [00:19:40]

Learn more about Kelly at her website www.kellyconvos.com and follow her on Instagram @kellyconvos.

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Throughout her career in business management and psychology, Dr. Pelletier has spearheaded the dialogue on crucial issues of leadership resilience and work performance. Drawing on her extensive background in the corporate, insurance, governance, and public sectors, she brings an international perspective and unique expertise to leadership. She is a practicing leadership psychologist and executive coach with over 20 years of experience and holds a Ph.D. and an MBA from the University of British Columbia.

Marie-Helene is a member of the Global Clinical Practice Network of the World Health Organization and a past director on the boards of the Canadian Psychological Association and the International Association of Applied Psychology. She has presented, authored, and co-authored numerous industry and academic publications and has won several academic and industry awards. In 2024, Dr. Pelletier published her award-winning book, "The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health."

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, we explore the critical role of mental resilience when making the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship.

Dr. Marie-Helene and I discuss:

What motivates career changes and transitions [00:21]
Strategies for successful career transitions [00:56]
The influence of mental health in shifting from corporate to business ownership [02:00]
Enhancing supply to meet increased demands during transitions [03:26]
The significance of relationships and community in building resilience [14:39]
How to strategically plan for resilience in business [20:12]

Learn more about Marie-Helene at www.theresilienceplan.com and receive the free worksheets: https://drmarie-helene.com/free-resources-sign-up/

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Erika Wasserman, Your Financial Therapist, is one of 70 Certified Financial Therapists who work with clients to shift their mindset and develop new beliefs around money that lead to freedom, choices, and opportunities for clients all around the world.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the transformative power of financial therapy and how it can help you navigate through life's transitions, gain control over your money, and align your finances with your values.

Erika and I discuss:

Her journey from corporate America to financial therapy [00:15:24]
How our relationship with money affects life transitions [00:00:35]
The importance of controlling and communicating about finances [00:01:13]
Strategies for aligning spending with values [00:05:17]
Overcoming fear during financial transitions [00:07:09]
Building a personal "board of directors" [00:08:36]
The role of community in financial empowerment [00:21:52]

Learn more about Erika at:

https://yourfinancialtherapist.com/

https://www.instagram.com/yourfinancialtherapist/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikawasserman/

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Amy Posner is a seasoned online entrepreneur and business coach who helps digital creative freelancers build breakthrough businesses.

Over her 30-year career, Amy launched six successful businesses and mentored thousands of freelancers to success. She empowers freelancers to grow the business they want by teaching them the skills they need to attract the right clients – in her Complete Breakthrough Freelancer course and as co-host of the Business Badassery podcast.

In her free time, you’ll find Amy adventuring around the Pacific Northwest, hiking, gardening, and making a ruckus!

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you’ll discover insider strategies to innovate in your industry and position yourself as a thought leader.

Jane and I discuss:

The pivotal moments that propelled Jane into thought leadership [00:56]
Strategies Jane uses to maintain innovation in her industry [03:22]
Jane’s approach to overcoming common industry challenges [06:18]
Key habits and networks that support ongoing success [08:24]
The role of mentorship and continuous learning in Jane’s career [11:05]
How Jane leverages social media to amplify her message [14:02]
Future trends Jane predicts will affect the industry [17:39]
Upcoming projects and collaborations Jane is excited about [20:45]

Learn more about Jane at https://amyposner.com/podcast.

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Damien Schreurs, a former engineer with 18 years of experience working for a Fortune 500 US company with an R&D facility in Luxembourg, initiated EasyTECH as a side hustle in 2013 to explore entrepreneurship while maintaining a steady income. In September 2016, Damien left his 9-to-5 job to provide Apple training and consultancy services in Luxembourg.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Damien transitioned from his corporate career to entrepreneurship, gaining control over his time and dedicating himself to his family and work.

Damien and I discuss:

The trigger that led to his decision to quit his nine-to-five job [01:09]
Why he started his business as a side hustle and his experience with part-time work [01:09]
Adjusting his financial goals and saving strategy to facilitate his transition [04:05]
The role of patience and impatience in making the move to full-time entrepreneurship [02:53]
How community and networking were instrumental in shifting his business from B2C to B2B [14:10]
The strategic decisions and personal reflections that guided him to focus on B2B training [16:29]
His experience with mentorship and the impact of COVID-19 on his business evolution [18:04]

Learn more about Amy at https://macpreneur.com, https://macpreneur.com/smashing, and https://macpreneur.com/youtube.

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Holly Jean Jackson is a Revenue and Performance Consultant, Speaker, Podcast Host, Author, and Founder of Business Builder Throwdown. Her career encompasses a range of fields including technology, communications, organizational change, public relations, and content strategy.

With over 12 years of experience, she has been instrumental in helping business leaders rejuvenate their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Holly Jean has spearheaded a Local to Global Policy Initiative, influencing the impact of future leaders on communities. A fun fact about her: Holly Jean has performed as the first chair clarinetist in Carnegie Hall and holds a black belt in karate.

Her Peak Performance Blueprint offers a comprehensive and pragmatic approach to success, recognizing that monumental business achievements require a life that is equally or more successful.

Business owners engage her services to master the art and science of genuine success. Many lack direction, take insufficient action, and see lackluster results. Holly Jean steps in to help define and design a business roadmap that ensures impactful visibility, intentional profitability, and unfailing sustainability.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you'll learn about Holly Jean's journey from multiple layoffs in corporate America to becoming a successful entrepreneur and finding the balance and respect that she desired in her professional life.

Holly Jean and I discuss:

The pattern of layoffs and health challenges in her corporate career [00:42]
Acknowledging a need for appreciation and a push towards entrepreneurship [01:00]
The dehumanization of layoffs in large companies [01:44]
Transitioning to a consultancy role and how it differs from employment [05:03]
Establishing a more respectful and balanced consultant-client relationship [06:14]
Holly Jean's process of finding her consulting niche [08:15]
The impact of COVID on her business strategy [10:46]
How to strategically pivot your business for growth [11:37]
The importance of niching down your target market [12:00]
Leveraging personal achievements and passions to build your business [13:52]
The significance of internal validation over external comparison [14:12]
Tactical advice for transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship [16:32]
The critical role of community and support in building a successful business [21:07]

Learn more about Holly Jean at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyjjackson/

https://www.facebook.com/hollyjeanjackson

https://www.instagram.com/coachhollyjeanjackson/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3ElvJLGqpJ2ThA9utJCqMg

www.hollyjeanjackson.com

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Alan Heymann excels at coaching fellow introverts, helping them discover their superpowers in an extroverted world. He has coached leaders from 32 countries across four continents. His diverse clientele includes individuals from Fortune 50 corporations, nonprofit organizations, public utilities, and various levels of government—federal, county, and municipal.

Alan is the author of "Don't Just Have the Soup: 52 Analogies for Leadership, Coaching, and Life." His extensive experience spans over two decades in public, government, and nonprofit communications, where he has led teams of sizes ranging from two to over 100 people. Motivated by his own career transformation, which was facilitated by an executive coach, Alan established Peaceful Direction in April 2019.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about Alan's journey from a communications expert to a respected executive coach and successful business owner.

Alan and I discuss:

His career transformation inspired by executive coaching [00:44]
Navigating complexities in his most challenging role [02:29]
The unforeseen benefits of coaching for career development [03:00]
Serving a diverse range of clients across the economy [03:40]
Adapting coaching methodologies to suit client needs [04:28]
Transitioning from corporate employment to entrepreneurship [05:39]
The practicalities and psychology of running your own business [07:00]
The importance of cash flow and financial management [09:16]
Alan's approach to growing his business and client base [10:06]
Balancing personal preferences with market demand [11:01]
The business development aspect of coaching [13:31]
Building a coaching business and the challenges faced [14:26]
Utilizing community and networks for business growth [23:22]

Learn more about Alan at https://www.peacefuldirection.com

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Diana File founded DF Analytics to instill rigor and accountability in DEI efforts worldwide. As a research and organizational psychologist, she has devoted 15 years to refining her proprietary data science methodologies, driving impactful results for Fortune 500 corporations, startups, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and small businesses globally.

Diana leverages data science to enable companies to cultivate highly diverse and inclusive teams that excel in productivity, collaboration, and profitability. Her proprietary analytical methods reveal the underlying neuroscientific factors that determine success or failure. She then translates these assessments into actionable strategies, leading cross-functional implementation throughout the organization. This comprehensive approach ensures companies remain at the forefront of the evolving generational and cultural landscapes affecting both employees and customers.

As a former consultant for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Diana has redefined decision-making processes within complex hierarchies and has led pioneering global research on fostering the resolution of intractable conflicts. Her breadth of expertise encompasses workforce analytics, team development, project management, organizational effectiveness, conflict resolution, and research on best practices.

Diana is a sought-after workshop leader and keynote speaker, contributing to prestigious institutions such as Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Columbia University School of Professional Studies, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, National Libraries of Medicine, HR Leadership Forum, and various industry associations.

She earned her B.A. in Psychology, graduating cum laude from Yale University, and holds an M.A. in Psychology from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Diana is proficient in English, Hebrew, and Russian.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn from Diana File how to bring accountability to DEI efforts using data science.**

Diana and I discuss:

Her journey from a child immigrant facing intolerance to a DEI leader [00:47]
How Diana's personal mission shaped her career path [01:31]
The importance of addressing systemic inequities through organizational psychology [01:59]
Her groundbreaking research in trauma recovery and conflict resolution [02:19]
The birth of DF Analytics and its mission [03:37]
The pivotal year of 2020 for DEI and how that shaped her business [05:18]
Why certain industries like healthcare, technology, and financial services focus on DEI [07:14]
How Diana uses her coaching approach to build business relationships [08:50]
Overcoming the fear of rejection in business development [12:32]
The business model behind DF Analytics and working with a diversified team of consultants [16:37]

Learn more about Diana at www.dfanalytics.co and https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-file

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Jessica Mehring is a strategic consultant for technology companies, a published author, and holds an M.A. in Communication. Through her graduate academic work, she has closely examined the impact of generative AI on strategic communication and is exploring how storytelling fosters empathy and helps us connect in a modern context. When she's not working to infuse tech marketing with more humanity, she can be found researching the intersections of art and science, creativity and data, and communication and innovation.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leverage storytelling to make your marketing resonate with your audience and build a successful consulting business that can change the way technology is perceived and utilized.

Jessica and I discuss:

How Jessica's passion for writing and storytelling shaped her career [00:01:59]
The pivotal moment that led her to entrepreneurship [00:04:11]
Her approach to creating high-performing content for tech companies [00:08:18]
The role of storytelling in establishing customer connection [00:11:14]
Jessica's advice for corporate refugees on using storytelling in their businesses [00:13:56]
The significance of community in Jessica's entrepreneurial success [00:22:18]

Learn more about Jessica at https://www.horizonpeakconsulting.com/jessica/.

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Gina Cotner is the CEO of Athena Executive Services, a firm that pairs virtual executive assistants across the United States with swamped and successful entrepreneurs and executives. Her team of high-caliber executive assistants works part-time from home, taking many tasks and projects off the plates of successful people, leaving them free to spend their time where they are most needed.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transition from a secure corporate job to founding and scaling a company that aligns with your personal values and lifestyle.

Gina and I discuss:

Her initial decision to leave IBM and her corporate life behind [00:00:38]
The journey from planning to open a martini lounge to becoming an entrepreneur [00:02:59]
How Gina faced and overcame financial fears during a divorce [00:05:10]
The inception of Athena Executive Services and its growth [00:07:54]
Strategies for dealing with disappointment and the importance of keeping it simple [00:15:19]
Building a business that thrived during the pandemic [00:11:00]
The benefits of community and networking in business development [00:19:08]

Learn more about Gina with Athena Executive Services on social media to stay updated on latest insights and offerings:

Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/AthenaVirtualAssistants]

Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/athena_executive_services]

YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@athenaexecutiveservices5248]

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/athena-executive]

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Introducing Tyler Martin: a Business Coach and CPA with a talent for growing businesses. He escalated a staffing firm to $25 million a year and expanded a CPA firm to 200 clients in just five years. Tyler's unique strength lies in his hands-on business experience — he's not just a coach. He has personally built and sold successful companies. Specializing in service businesses with revenues of $1-15 million, Tyler provides practical, actionable guidance to help them grow. He is the ideal mentor for business owners eager to develop their enterprise.

Tyler Martin is a seasoned CPA and business coach with a knack for helping businesses flourish. With his firsthand experience in growing a staffing firm to $25 million and building a CPA firm from scratch to 200 clients in just five years, Tyler understands the ins and outs of business growth. Moreover, having sold successful companies of his own, Tyler brings a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to his role as a mentor to service businesses with revenues between one to $15 million.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the waters of business growth and deal with the challenges of being a corporate refugee starting from scratch.

Tyler and I discuss:

His transition from CPA to entrepreneurship and why he took the leap [00:01:13]
Building his own CPA firm and acquiring 200 clients in five years [00:01:33]
Strategies for lead generation and client selection [00:03:06]
The significant pivot from business coaching to providing CFO services [00:09:23]
Overcoming the fear of investing money into seemingly sinking ships [00:15:25]
The balance between proactive business modeling and reacting to emergent opportunities [00:07:07]

Learn more about Tyler at www.thinktyler.com.

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Erica Holthausen is the founder of Catchline Communications, where she provides consultants with essential tools to develop and share a body of work that enhances their authority, boosts their visibility, and creates new opportunities. Leveraging her background as a freelance writer and editor, Erica assists her clients in selecting topics, pitching ideas, composing articles, and securing publication in prominent industry trade journals and business magazines, such as Harvard Business Review, Inc., and Entrepreneur.

In this episode, Erica and I discuss:

Her unexpected career transition from law to communications [00:00:54]
The role of mentorship in her professional development [00:06:18]
Erica's advice on asking questions and being open to help [00:07:47]
Overcoming doubt and the power of trusting oneself [00:10:03]
The evolution of her business, Catch Line Communications [00:15:41]
How she pivoted her services to meet the consultants' needs [00:15:58]
The creation of her group program and the upcoming community [00:17:34]
The importance of community for entrepreneurs [00:20:11]
One actionable step for corporate refugees moving towards entrepreneurship [00:22:59]

Learn more about Erica at Catchline Communications at https://linktr.ee/catchline and connect with her on LinkedIn.

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As the CEO of Sales Maven, Nikki Rausch possesses a unique ability to transform the often misunderstood process of "selling."

With over 25 years of experience in selling, Nikki is now hired by entrepreneurs and small business owners who seek her expertise to learn how to sell successfully and authentically.

Nikki is the author of three books, all of which are available on Amazon. She also hosts the podcast Sales Maven, which can be found on your favorite podcast platform.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you'll discover the nuances of NLP in sales and learn how to use these techniques to boost your business.

Nikki and I discuss:

The pivotal moment that led her into entrepreneurship [00:02:52]
How NLP transformed her approach to sales and communication [00:11:42]
The importance of treating your business as a separate entity for sales success [00:10:13]
Turning the discomfort of change into an opportunity for growth [00:21:50]
The strategies that helped her pivot from a lavish lifestyle to a savvy entrepreneur [00:07:02]
Nikki's continued investment in personal and professional development [00:19:00]

Learn more about Nikki at:

https://yoursalesmaven.com

https://www.facebook.com/yoursalesmaven/

https://www.instagram.com/your_sales_maven/

https://yoursalesmaven.com/podcast

https://yoursalesmaven.com/smashing

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Andre de la Cruz is a UX and Product Design professional with 15 years of experience. After losing his job last July, Andre co-founded an agency called Rally, which specializes in Brand, UX, and Product. He established the agency with two seasoned professionals in Brand and Product, along with a team of senior talent. Rally offers startups flexible monthly access to their team of senior designers and product managers through a subscription service. Prior to founding Rally, Andre spent the last five years at early and growth-stage startups, building and leading design teams, and collaborating with product and executive leadership to develop new products from inception to launch (0→1) and to evolve version one (v1) products into a more mature, polished, and professional state.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, Andre shares insights on making the bold move from a stable full-time job to creating and managing a successful design agency.

Andre and I discuss:

His career progression and the decision to start an agency [00:01:00]
The experience of leading design teams at startups [00:02:00]
The journey of founding Rally with his partners [00:04:00]
Shaping and adapting agency business models for market demand [00:10:00]
Diversifying into the software industry [00:12:00]
The pivotal role of community and networking in entrepreneurship [00:17:00]
Tips for aspiring entrepreneurs considering their own venture [00:21:00]

Learn more about Andre at https://www.joinrally.co.

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After nearly two decades in the corporate world, Jessica founded the educational media company Penguin Connective, which seeks to create greater equality and opportunity in challenging areas such as future readiness, foster-to-adopt, and transitioning to adulthood. She is the creator of the AI Explorers Society and a ChatGPT for Teachers course that currently serves over 1,800 educators globally. Jessica resides near Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband and their five children.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how continuous learning and strategic diversification can create a resilient business model.

Jessica and I discuss:

Her transition from corporate administrative roles to entrepreneurship [00:50]
The advantages and challenges of acquiring education while working full-time [01:12]
The evolution of her career through multiple industries [01:34]
How a diagnosis with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome influenced her life choices [05:15]
The role of diversification in achieving financial security [06:46]
The importance of ethical AI and its application in education [14:09]
The value of community and collaboration in a successful business [17:29]
Introducing the AI Explorer Society and its goals [16:12]

Learn more about Jessica at: https://www.aiexplorers.io

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Dr. Genevieve Hayes is the Director of Genevieve Hayes Consulting, which assists organizations in understanding emerging technologies, such as AI and analytics, and how to use these technologies to create business value. She also lectures on data science at the University of Melbourne and hosts the podcast "Value-Driven Data Science."

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn from Genevieve's bold transition from a secure corporate career to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship in the midst of a global pandemic. This episode is a trove of insights for anyone considering taking control of their professional path.

Genevieve and I discuss:

Her journey from being an actuary to becoming an entrepreneur [02:00]
The moment Genevieve decided to leave the corporate world [06:00]
Insights into the risks and control associated with owning a business [08:00]
The importance of freedom and the ability to challenge oneself [10:00]
Genevieve's innovative approach to data science in business [12:00]
Her current projects and goals for the future [14:00]
The balancing act between client work and business growth [16:00]
The power of community and networking in business success [18:00]

Learn more about Genevieve at www.genevievehayes.com, and connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gkhayes/.

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New York Times bestselling author and ghostwriter Michael Levin is a prolific ghostwriter, having written, edited, published, or consulted on more than 1,000 books. Levin's own books have been published by Simon & Schuster, Random House, Penguin, and a variety of other top publishers. He has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, LA Times, Boston Globe, and many other top outlets. His ghostwriting clients include Boeing and Ford CEO Alan Mulally, Baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, motivational speaker Zig Ziglar (he edited Zig's last book), NFL legend Pat Summerall, and countless other leaders in business, sports, broadcasting, real estate, finance, insurance, and many other fields.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to harness your skills and experiences to build a successful business and become an influential voice in your field.

Michael and I discuss:

Michael's transition from corporate law to entrepreneurship [00:01:40]
The realities of starting a business and the importance of sales [00:07:48]
Overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship and self-promotion [00:09:10]
How to embrace and manage the inevitable changes and pivots [00:13:41]
Strategies for networking and finding like-minded individuals [00:20:08]
The role of content creation in establishing thought leadership [00:27:10]

Learn more about Michael at www.michaellevinwrites.com.

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Troy has over 40 years of software development and technical management experience, including five years at Amazon as a Solutions Architect.

In today’s episode, you will discover the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship, the founding of The Unique VA Experience, and his 2023 launch of The Developer CEO Newsletter.

Troy and I discuss:

The journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship [00:01:05]
The motivation behind The Unique VA Experience [00:02:10]
The significance of the "Unique" aspect in his business [00:03:40]
Offering a distinct, hands-on program for VAs [00:04:35]
How The Unique VA Experience evolved against expectations [00:06:05]
Utilizing community for entrepreneurial success [00:08:00]
The unexpected wisdom gained from community interactions [00:09:40]
The role of OKRs in fostering accountability within communities [00:11:50]
The simple yet effective implementation of OKRs [00:18:15]
Navigating the trials and learning from failures in business [00:20:25]

For those seeking to delve deeper into the world of virtual assistance or to tap into Troy's rich repository of knowledge, visit www.troylarson.com. Troy also offers resources on hiring a VA and has made his developer-centric newsletter available for those intrigued by the intersection of software development and business leadership.

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Rebecca Babcock, Founder of Rebecca Babcock Coaching and The Babcock Method™, has conquered a great deal! As a chronic illness warrior, a nine-year sobriety champion, a resilient divorcee, and a highly effective corporate leader, she has navigated both triumphs and setbacks throughout her over 20 years of corporate experience. Now, she has chosen to embrace her true calling: empowering others to discover their purpose and passion, regardless of life's unpredictable twists and turns.

In today's compelling episode of Smashing the Plateau, Rebecca reveals the raw and transformative journey that led her from a high-flying career in corporate America to a profound coaching practice. After navigating the rollercoaster of life's 'lifey' moments, Rebecca now empowers others to steer their own ship, even through the roughest seas of adversity.

Rebecca and I discuss:

Her transition from corporate leadership to life coaching [00:00:20]
Embracing life's unpredictability while pursuing passion and purpose [00:01:07]
The paradox of seeming success and the underlying feeling of 'meh' [00:04:30]
The fallacy of the elusive 'playbook' of life and the freedom in admitting imperfections [00:05:30]
Her holistic approach to increasing life satisfaction and finding joy in authenticity [00:11:00]

Rebecca's poignant insights and her own experiences illustrate that sometimes the most inspiring stories come from the most unexpected places.

Learn more about Rebecca and her journey at https://calendly.com/rbc-coaching/rebecca-babcock-coaching-clarity-call-whatsapp

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April Roberts assists Gen X women in attaining greater abundance, love, spirituality, and alignment by embracing their femininity. As a high-achieving former attorney and financial advisor with degrees from Vanderbilt and Notre Dame, April comprehends the societal pressures that frequently result in burnout among women. She is the host of the Vixen Voice podcast, where she shares the narratives of Gen X women who have cast aside the conventional definition of success to follow their genuine passions.

In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, we dive into April's transformation from a high-powered legal professional to a devoted entrepreneur and mentor for women forging new paths in life.

April and I discuss:

April's pivot from law to entrepreneurship and her insights on societal expectations for women [00:50]
The intellectual fulfillment and soul-level dissatisfaction April experienced in her former roles [01:15]
Identifying the call to engage in work that truly resonates with the spirit [04:25]
April's foray into financial advising and the unique entrepreneurial spirit inherited from her family [06:40]
Responding to intuitive nudges and the third-time charm that redefined April's career direction [09:10]
Launching Vixen Gathering amidst the pandemic and the journey to double its recurring revenue [10:20]
The five pillars of Vixen Gathering and the specific challenges Gen X women entrepreneurs face, especially around money mindset [15:10]
The enriching community experience in group settings that April facilitates, fostering growth and accountability [20:40]

April Roberts extends her impact through her podcast, the Vixen Voice, a platform where she highlights stories of Gen X women who have broken free from the traditional mold to follow their heartfelt desires.

To learn more about April's work and to connect with her, access the Vixen Core Values Worksheet Download at: https://www.vixengathering.com/core-values-worksheet.

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Suzy Rosenstein is a master certified life coach and host of the popular podcast for midlife women, Women in the Middle®. Utilizing her upbeat approach to the highs and lows of aging and navigating life over 50, Suzy helps you gain clarity on what you truly desire, reigniting your excitement for life.

In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will discover how Suzy turned a career-low into a triumphant journey into entrepreneurship, inspiring others along the way.

Suzy and I discuss:

How being laid off became a catalyst for change [00:02:50]
The role of creativity in Suzy's entrepreneurial journey [00:03:45]
Confronting fears and societal expectations in midlife [00:09:00]
Embracing technology and lifelong learning [00:12:40]
Assisting women in midlife to avoid regrets and find clarity [00:15:14]
The benefits of group coaching and community support [00:21:16]
Understanding the 'why' behind your life's direction [00:26:07]

Learn more about Suzy on her website at www.suzyrosenstein.com and get the free Get Unstuck Midlife Podcast Bundle at www.freepodcastbundle.com.

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Dr. Paul Ward is a leadership and life coach, often referred to as the Consciousness Whisperer. He is the President of 2Young2Retire, LLC, a company that specializes in coaching, consulting, and training.

Paul is the author of "The Inner Journey to Conscious Leadership" and the coauthor of "Midlife, New Life," which is set to be published in January.

An adjunct professor at the University of Phoenix online, Paul has dedicated more than thirty years to consulting for organizations across Europe and the Americas. He splits his time between West Palm Beach, Florida, and Portsmouth, England.

Paul Ward and Sandy Demarest are reshaping the concept of midlife through their co-authored book, Midlife New Life, and their professional coaching efforts. They bring a wealth of experience to those navigating life's transitions, offering strategies to embrace change with purpose and intention.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, we'll explore the conscious choices that can redefine one's journey during the second half of life and the importance of inner work and community in forging a new path.

Paul, Sandy, and I discuss:

The inspiration behind Midlife New Life and the story of its creation [00:04:00]
Sandy's journey from career development to co-author [00:05:50]
The significance of midlife as a stage, not an age, and its broad appeal [00:08:05]
Addressing unexpected challenges and the importance of planning [00:09:10]
The concept of working for fulfillment versus working for a living [00:10:36]
Strategies for corporate refugees turning to entrepreneurship [00:12:40]
The role of mindset and support in navigating career transitions [00:14:25]
Consciously exploring possibilities before a crisis strikes [00:16:00]
Leveraging strengths for personal and professional growth [00:24:45]

Learn more about Paul and Sandy and their work: Midlife New Life Book: midlifenewlife.net

Paul Ward's Contact: http://2young2retire.com/and https://drpaulward.com/

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Tina Cheesley runs a marketing agency that specializes in messaging for websites plus email marketing to help clients stand out from the crowd and attract the right people.

In this episode, discover the key steps and strategies that Tina has used to carve out a niche for her business and to guide others on the path to marketing success.

Tina and I discuss:

Her professional journey from the print industry to online marketing and the dynamics of working with her husband [00:52]
The importance of breaking down the transition from corporate to consulting into manageable steps [06:10]
Starting off with the right digital footprint, such as a landing page, and the role of networking in business development [10:14]
How to choose a consulting specialization that aligns with your passions and the impact you want to make [14:10]
The entrepreneurial mindset, dealing with imposter syndrome, and the significance of goal setting [16:34]
The blend of flexibility and structure in entrepreneurship, and how it shapes personal and professional life [18:05]
The benefits of being part of a community and engaging in mastermind groups [19:47]

For more insights into effective digital marketing and to get a hold of a useful toolkit for kick-starting your marketing journey, visit Tina's website at https://flow-online.co.uk/get-more-leads-toolkit/.

Tina also welcomes strategy calls for those who have attempted to apply her methods and are looking for further assistance.

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Erica Goode has been a Certified Public Accountant for 15 years. She runs a virtual accounting firm that provides coaches and consultants with bookkeeping, accounting, and CFO services, and she also hosts the Coaches, Consultants, and Money podcast. She’s a former Director of Finance at a Fortune 50 company and began her career as an auditor at a Big Four public accounting firm. Erica is also a mother of two and the wife of a fellow CPA. She lives with her family in the mountains of Idaho.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, Erica will discuss the unique financial challenges that come with running a consulting or coaching business and how to navigate them confidently for a successful financial future.

Erica and I discuss:

The common fears and misunderstandings about small business finance [00:00:00]
Leaving a corporate career for entrepreneurship [00:03:30]
Starting a business from scratch [00:04:10]
The journey to specializing in coaching and consulting [00:06:35]
The benefits of having a niche [00:12:59]
Financial challenges and cash flow management in consulting [00:16:35]
Retirement savings and benefits for entrepreneurs [00:19:55]
The importance of community for entrepreneurs [00:22:15]
Continuous learning in finance [00:24:35]

Learn more about Erica at https://www.ericagoode.com, https://www.ericagoode.com/newsletter-signup, and listen to her insights on the Coaches, Consultants, and Money podcast.

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John Neral is a certified professional coach who assists mid-career professionals who feel stuck, undervalued, and underutilized to show up and find a job they love or to love the job they have. John is the host of "The Mid-Career GPS Podcast" and the author of "SHOW UP – Six Strategies to Lead a More Energetic and Impactful Career" and "Your Mid-Career GPS – Four Steps to Figuring Out What's Next." He resides just outside of Washington, D.C., with his spouse and their rescue cat, "Amy Farrah Meowler."

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to pause at the end of each quarter and assess your business progress, reaffirming foundational values, and deciding your next steps for growth.

John and I discuss:

The significance of pausing and reviewing business progress [00:00:00]
The shift in mid-career professionals' attitudes since the pandemic [00:04:00]
How to find what you want in your next job or career move [00:09:00]
The importance of defining fit, function, finance, and future in your career [00:07:00]
How to handle job offers that don't fully meet your criteria [00:16:00]
Why you should consider self-employment and building your personal board of directors [00:19:00]
John's entrepreneurial journey and the introduction of digital products [00:22:00]
The power of being a community member and leader [00:25:00]

Learn more about John at www.johnneral.com and connect with him on LinkedIn. Listen to the Mid Career GPS podcast for more insights.

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Ahsan Karim is a business strategist and founder of Light Vision Group. His company helps businesses generate more revenue with online marketing.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, Ahsan shares his insightful journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. With a focus on helping businesses amplify their online presence, Ahsan highlights the importance of community, coaching, and strategic online marketing for entrepreneurs.

Ahsan and I discuss:

Making the pivot from it to business coaching [00:02:52]
The first entrepreneurial steps and valuing exchanges [00:04:33]
Building light vision group and mastering digital marketing [00:08:08]
Identifying the ideal client for online success [00:09:40]
Expanding reach: local success stories to global visions [00:12:28]
Unique global insights through personal journey and connections [00:13:26]
Creating collaborative and customized coaching curriculums [00:16:15]
The power of community in entrepreneurship [00:18:56]
Upcoming projects to help entrepreneurs enhance their online presence [00:21:10]

Learn more about Ahsan at https://lightvisiongroup.com/.

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Geoffrey Kent is an esteemed educator, coach, entrepreneur, and the brain behind Think Big with Geoffrey Kent. With an impressive entrepreneurial trajectory spanning over half a century, Geoffrey has crafted a robust methodology that empowers entrepreneurs to devise their personalized strategies to initiate, responsibly escalate, and successfully exit their businesses. Geoffrey, a Wharton School of Business MBA holder with a focus on Entrepreneurial Management, has also shared his expertise at Lincoln University and carried out more than 20 entrepreneurial initiatives in the past five decades.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Geoffrey Kent built his entrepreneurial university online and share his insights on creating generational wealth.

Geoffrey and David discuss:

Geoffrey's journey to entrepreneurship and the creation of his course [00:17:55]
The importance of narrating your course and turning it into a book [00:23:45]
The platform Geoffrey made to teach entrepreneurs online [00:23:55]
Geoffrey's focus on Alignable as a platform for teaching [00:24:10]
The creation of Entrepreneur University on Alignable [00:24:20]
The unconventional approach of Entrepreneur University on Alignable [00:24:45]
How to get more information about Geoffrey's work [00:25:00]
Geoffrey's presence on various platforms for disseminating daily content [00:25:25]

Learn more about Geoffrey at www.thinkbigwithgeoffreykent.com, and search "Think Big with Geoffrey Kent" on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Quora, Alignable, and YouTube.

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Dr. Jürgen Strauss, the founder of Innovabiz, is globally celebrated as a human-centered podcasting coach. He guides high achievers in leveraging podcasting for business growth. Having produced over 590 InnovaBuzz Podcast episodes, his expertise resides at the intersection of technology, human behavior, and marketing.

He utilizes his years of experience in both the corporate and small business sectors to cultivate deep connections, thus broadening the professional networks of high-impact individuals. He expertly integrates generative AI, such as ChatGPT, with human connection to enhance effective communication. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is a passionate photographer, speaker, and cyclist.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to pivot according to your audience's needs, the significance of asking the right questions, and how to utilize AI tools for more human-like interactions.

Jürgen and I discuss:

The importance of audience understanding and quick adaptation [00:13:50]
How Jurgen pivoted his business approach [00:14:00]
Jurgen's methods of understanding the market [00:14:30]
The art of asking meaningful questions [00:14:40]
The concept of assistance versus help [00:15:00]
How to identify gaps and contribute effectively [00:15:30]
Jurgen's dream for Flywheel Nation [00:19:10]
The benefits of being in a community [00:20:00]
Jurgen's definition of community [00:21:40]
The application of ChatGPT in business [00:22:10]
How to leverage AI tools for human connection [00:23:35]

Learn more about Jurgen at www.innovabiz.co and more about his community at www.innovabiz.co/flywheel.

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Thomas Bertels is a management consultant and business transformation expert. He has more than 25 years’ experience helping companies across a range of industries, from start-ups to Fortune 5, transform how work gets done. Thinkers360 has recognized Thomas as a Top 50 Thought Leader on the Future of Work and Design Thinking.

He has written several books and numerous articles on work design, process improvement, business transformation, and organizational learning. His latest book is ‘Fixing Work: Designing Jobs Employees Love’ ( Greenleaf Book Group). He is also the host of the Work Matters podcast, where he explores in conversations with thought leaders and executives what leaders can do to fix work.

In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to make work more productive, valuable, meaningful, and impactful.

Thomas and I discuss:

Thomas's journey in consulting and his transformation towards innovative work design [00:17]
How the evolution of publishing affected his process of authoring "Fixing Work" [02:25]
The prevalent challenges of being a thought leader in today's ever-evolving landscape [06:01]
A deep-dive into the emerging models of consulting, focusing on productization and a client-focused approach [09:31]
The principles and practical components of his work design framework [12:02]
The significance and role of community in consulting [18:10]

Learn more about Thomas Bertels at:

Homepagewww.purpose.works
Book Sitewww.fixing-work.com
Newsletter purposeworks.substack.com
Diagnosticwww.mymojo.works
Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@WorkMatterspodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasbertels/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/purpose-works-consulting/

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Namita Purohit left a promising career at Microsoft and embarked on her journey as an entrepreneur, fueled by her deep-rooted belief in Eastern Wisdom. She champions the idea of cultivating inner resourcefulness and emphasizes the importance of community in both personal and professional development.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to make critical decisions, understand the importance of inner resourcefulness, and the crucial role communities play in our lives.

Namita and I discuss:

Namita's transition from Microsoft to entrepreneurship [00:12:29]
The significance of decision-making and freedom [00:14:53]
The concept of inner resourcefulness [00:20:35]
Valuing personal pleasure and priorities over societal pressure [00:19:30]
The role of communities in our lives [00:26:40]
Namita's coaching brand EASE, focusing on emotional awareness, spirituality, and excellence [00:27:30]

Learn more about Namita at https://www.namitapurohit.com

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Sara Murray is an advisor, consultant, and speaker working with leaders and sales teams to unlock the untapped potential in their prospecting and business development efforts.

With a focus on construction, real estate, hospitality, design, and technology industries, Sara empowers professionals to enhance their communication skills, approach prospecting creatively, and effectively address business needs rather than simply push products.

As the host of the popular podcast "Prospecting on Purpose," Sara provides a valuable platform for discussions on prospecting, sales, business strategies, and mindset, leaving listeners with tangible takeaways and increased confidence.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you'll learn about the importance of structure and accountability in establishing and growing your own business. Sara offers practical advice and tangible methods for achieving your sales goals and creating a successful business model.

Sara and I discuss:

The transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship [02:04]
The process of establishing structure in your business [04:15]
Decision-making in terms of which business model to pursue [07:51]
The role of workshops in growing a business [10:37]
Practical ways of developing business sales [14:12]
The benefits of using a podcast as a resource [16:19]
Navigating challenges in entrepreneurship [20:41]
Strategies for personal and business growth [23:14]
Resource availability and how to get in touch with Sara [25:55]

Learn more about Sara at connect.saramurray.com and follow her on LinkedIn. You can also access her podcast, Prospecting on Purpose, on YouTube and all significant platforms where podcasts are available.

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Marcey Rader believes health powers productivity. As the founder of RaderCo, she helps corporate refugees banish burnout through practical tools and sustainable habits.

Marcey is a multi-certified health and productivity expert, a digital wellness practitioner, three-time author, has spoken on five continents, and is part of the 1% of speakers worldwide with the distinguished Certified Speaking Professional® designation.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, Marcey shares her wealth of knowledge on how to bring balance into your life and work while skyrocketing your productivity and achieving success in your business.

Marcey and I discuss:

How Marcey transitioned from being the primary earner in her family to becoming an entrepreneur [02:15]
The importance of a coach and a mastermind group in her business journey [04:22]
Dealing with the corporate mindset and the challenges it presents when starting your own business [09:02]
Techniques for placing value on your services [14:11]
Marcey's insights on the importance of a carefully curated group in leadership roles [19:30]

Learn more about Marcey www.helloraderco.com and www.marceyrader.com.

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Lois Creamer works with speakers, consultants, and experts who want to book more business, make more money and fully monetize their message.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn about marketing and sales techniques for deliverable results, the significance of leveraging relationships and databases for revenue, the advantages of self-publication, and the joy of leading a successful membership community.

Lois and I discuss:

Lois's journey in developing her sales skills and the importance of selling one's unique expertise [02:30]
The uniqueness of each person's expertise delivery and how to leverage others' expertise [06:10]
The value of databases as a strategic business asset and why it's essential to take it seriously [09:17]
Lois's self-publication journey and reasons for choosing self-publication over traditional publishing [13:21]
The joy, value, and structure of Lois's membership community [26:05]

Learn more about Lois Creamer at bookmorebusiness.com. Sign up for her blog and receive a free eBook on how to sell a speech.

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Scott Brenner is a seasoned digital entrepreneur and the strategic brain behind Online Business From Scratch, a business that guides aspiring entrepreneurs to launch successful online businesses. Brenner, who has decades of online business and technical experience, firmly believes in imparting actionable strategies for the fruition of those ideas.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to build a successful online business, find the right niche, and grow your digital entrepreneurship journey with smart actionable steps.

Scott and David discuss:

What led Scott Brenner to become an entrepreneur [00:02:48]
How Scott found his niche in online business coaching [00:06:32]
The relevance of building a profitable business model [00:08:11]
Why choosing the right audience is crucial in entrepreneurship [00:09:21]
The significance of validating business ideas [00:12:15]
How Scott delivers value to his clients [00:14:02]
Navigating the entrepreneurial journey with communities [00:17:01]
Scott's approach to creating interactive business courses [00:19:45]
Scott's free ebook and a special offer for Smashing the Plateau audience [00:23:32]

Learn more about Scott at https://14steps.online/.

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Annie Franceschi is a leading branding expert, professional speaker, and founder of Greatest Story Creative. After working for Disney and becoming a "branding super sleuth", she is now devoted to helping savvy entrepreneurs tell their story.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how leaving your corporate career and focusing on what you're best at can result in significant business growth.

Annie and David discuss:

Annie's journey from a corporate career at Disney to becoming an entrepreneur [02:13]
How Annie found her niche in business branding [05:46]
The benefits of having repeatable processes in your business [08:34]
The importance of support from like-minded entrepreneurs [11:12]
The significance of running a well-focused business instead of trying to be all things to all people [14:40]
Advice for those wanting to venture into entrepreneurship [16:39]
A closer look at what Annie does for her clients now [21:54]

Learn more about Annie at www.greateststorycreative.com.

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Mindy Iannelli is the Chief Focus Architect of Complete Online Presence, an organization that helps people build their online businesses. Mindy is an expert in creating courses and communities designed to help entrepreneurs become more productive and reach their goals.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to harness the power of community to fuel your entrepreneurial journey and reach new heights in your business.

Mindy and I discuss:

How Mindy transitioned from web development to building a community [00:13:25]
The importance of being open to unexpected opportunities [00:14:05]
Mindy’s experience as a community member and leader [00:14:02]
The kinds of problems community can solve [00:17:35]
How someone else’s post motivated Mindy to take action [00:18:39]
Mindy’s definition of community [00:19:30]
The ultimate dream for Mindy's community [00:20:30]
Where to get in touch with Mindy and learn more about her community [00:20:43]

Learn more about Mindy at https://completeonlinepresence.com/succeed-with-ease-membership/

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Robin Wycherly is the CEO of Optimize Your Design Business, a company that caters to corporate clients and high-level customers. Robin is also an accomplished interior designer and a business coach, leveraging years of experience in building a small but effective company.

In today's episode, you will learn how to avoid the loneliness of going solo.

Robin and David discuss:

Robin's evolution as an entrepreneur and the shift to coaching [00:13:35]
The importance of having a clear vision and identifying a niche [00:13:45]
The value of setting up processes and checklists from day one [00:14:00]
The significance of systematizing your business process and delegating tasks [00:14:50]
The struggle designers experience with delegating tasks [00:15:10]
How online communities can provide a supportive environment for solopreneurs [00:18:30]
The use of a basic spreadsheet to provide a quick visual insight into your business [00:22:04]

Learn more about Robin and his work at optimizeyourdesignbusiness.com. You can download Robin's spreadsheet dashboard at optimizeyourdesignbusiness.com/free.

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Tatiana is a community business strategist, teacher, and founder of The Business of Community, a learning organization helping community founders scale values-driven community businesses. Before focusing exclusively on supporting community founders, Tatiana worked in international sales, marketing, product management, and growing her own community business to 2000+ members.

She believes our childhood experiences with connection and belonging play a major part in the communities and businesses we build. Part of her job is helping community founders unlock those experiences and leverage them to build stronger communities.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Tatiana founded the Business of Community and what makes community a unique aspect of how a business can succeed.

Tatiana and David discuss:

How Tatiana's varied background led her to building communities [00:02:35]
The challenges and rewards of creating a community-led business [00:14:30]
The unexpected decision to become an entrepreneur [00:14:40]
The shift from working in a startup to venturing out on her own [00:15:15]
The transition from in-person community to online during the pandemic [00:17:30]
The elements that make community-building fun and rewarding [00:17:10]
The evolution of Tatiana's business, from consulting to creating a community [00:18:35]
The tension and balance between building community and running a business [00:20:40]
How to incorporate 'community vibes' into standard business operations [00:22:30]

Learn more about Tatiana, her work, and The Business of Community at https://businessofcommunity.co

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Michal Stawicki, nicknamed Mr. Consistency, is a bestselling author in the personal development field(19 books, over 85,000 copies sold), business coach, and founder of the book advertising agency Resurrecting Books.

He is obsessed with changing the world through daily habits, starting with his own habits and his world. Michal preaches and practices consistent daily action. He believes this is the means to achieve success in any area of life, from parenting to business.

In today’s episode, you will learn what happens when you give yourself permission to start something new.

Michal and David discuss:

Michal's transition from a lifelong employee to an entrepreneur [00:05:00]
The power of consistent daily action in achieving success [00:10:10]
The challenges and rewards of managing a team and oneself in entrepreneurship [00:15:10]
The importance of adapting online lessons to one's specific situation [00:20:15]
The role of community and collaboration in business success, as exemplified by Michal's experiences [00:25:35]

Learn more about Michal at his personal blog, Expand Beyond Yourself, and his business website ResurrectingBooks.

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Alicia Ramsdell is the Founder & CEO of Mindful Career Path. She started this organization with the intention of making career fulfillment a career reality for her clients.

Since then she inspires Corporate Partners and individuals through career development conversations. Most recently, she inspired her audience sharing her message on the TEDx stage.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to make career fulfillment a career reality.

Alicia and I discuss:

About her career journey [01:42]
What is the correlation between mindfulness and career fulfillment [04:35]
Why is she in her business [06:10]
How did she navigate unexpected transitions [12:40]
How to be true to the values and teachings [14:34]
How to be authentic in yourself [17:53]
What is the primary problem she solve for her ideal clients [18:22]
What are the benefits of being in a community [23:55]

Learn more about Alicia:

Visit her page at www.mindfulcareerpath.com
Listen to her TedX talk: "It's not whether we achieve our goals, but whether we dared to try"
Check out her highly-rated children's book: "The One and Only Incredible ME!"

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Ethan is a performance improvement coach and change management consultant. His unique value proposition is, he specialize in working with clients to improve their people's performance, productivity, and profitability through training, coaching, and culture consulting.

In todays’ episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn techniques you can use to ask friends, colleagues and mentors for help even when it feels difficult to do so.

Ethan and I discuss:

Ethan’s experience becoming a corporate refugee [00:24]

How our self-worth reflects what we share with others [01:55]

4-5 relationships that are key to your success [06:12]

Asking for help is not so easy [10:07]

Techniques to ask for help when it feels hard to do [12:05]

Relationships in a community [18:49]

Learn more about Ethan at https://thechazingroup.com or get in touch with Ethan at ethan@thechazingroup.com.

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Caitlin Cogan Doemner is the founder & CEO of VirtualCoachingSales.com and ecstaticsales.com. After studying at Oxford University and getting her MBA from Biola University, Caitlin Doemner launched a sales management company which generated over $11M in new revenue for its clients in 8 years.

She has published multiple books, including “The Unseen Sales Machine” and “Sell with Heart.” After realizing that the coaching industry needed more transparency, she launched BookofExperts.com -- a referral network and a media company that gives transformational leaders (like coaches and consultants) more visibility and consistent referrals.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use an ongoing process to sell one promise to one person.

Caitlin and I discuss:

How to sell without explicitly stating that you are selling something [02:35]
How she built her company and made the shift to entrepreneurship [03:04]
How she recovered from a tragic event [04:11]
What the key secret is to successful selling [06:30]
How to approach selling as an act of love and service [07:59]
How the sales team can effectively collaborate with consultants and coaches [14:44]
At what stage in business consultants and coaches require assistance [17:07]
Why prioritizing revenue over profit is not the right approach in business [20:43]
What her personal experience is as a member of a community [21:36]

Learn more about Caitlin at https://ecstaticsales.com/

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Jonathan Stark is a former software developer who is on a mission to rid the world of hourly billing. He is the author of Hourly Billing Is Nuts, the host of Ditching Hourly, and writes a daily newsletter on pricing for independent professionals.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can make more money without working more hours.

Jonathan and I discuss the following topics:

How did he become focused on ending the hourly billing model? [01:38]
How long did it take for Jonathan to see the changes in his income? [05:32]
How did he discover value-based fees? [05:48]
What reasons did Jonathan come up with to go solo? [07:47]
Who is his target audience for his teaching model? [10:34]
What is needed for a mindset shift? [11:39]
How to ensure that price will dictate costs? [11:52]
What did his mindset shift in providing value first? [15:26]
What does it take to make a shift and start your own business? [17:35]
How does community become a game changer for him? [20:02]
What is his definition of community? [22:47]

Learn more about Jonathan Stark at http://valuepricingbootcamp.com/.

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After 25 years as a creative professional, Wayne Pelletier founded Resonant Pixel Company just three years ago.

The business experienced some early rapid growth, but it wasn't the business Wayne wanted.

He has since transitioned the company into productized services, helping small businesses leverage the Squarespace platform to go from having an informational brochure-ware website to a transactional growth engine.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can create consistency and financial stability in a creative business where your competitors typically sell projects.

Wayne and I discuss:

How he went from unemployment to getting his business started [02:03]
Why Wayne focuses on the Squarespace platform [05:17]
Working in your business vs. working on your business [06:24]
Learning how to hire [09:29]
How to delegate and get great results for clients [13:30]
Wayne’s experience with community [21:24]

Learn more about Wayne at https://resonantpixel.co and https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynepelletier/.

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Jason Van Orden helps consultants and coaches turn their expertise into online courses and group programs so they can help more people and generate more income.

Jason’s mission is to help visionaries with impactful ideas to connect with the people they serve best and the problems they can most uniquely solve.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can exceed your previous employment income by connecting with the people you can serve best and provide outcomes that they desire.

Jason and I discuss:

Why he focuses on working with consultants and coaches [01:41]
Strategies for increasing income quickly [02:58]
How to overcome your lack of self-confidence while having conversations with clients [10:26]
How to exceed your corporate income substantially [14:52]
The benefits of collaborating in a community leadership role [21:15]

Learn more about Jason at https://jasonvanorden.com/

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Scott A. Couchenour’s professional life of 30 years as a corporate COO and then CEO ended abruptly. He had to close the family business forever.

Scott found his way out.

Today, he works primarily with Executive Leaders and Business Owners in their 40's-50's to tame the chaos, design their next adventure, and then implement that journey through an iterative, cyclical coaching methodology.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can prepare for an epic 4th quarter of your career and finish strong.

Scott and I discuss:

His abrupt career pivot [02:13]
Nurturing pre-client relationships [07:48]
Serving vs. selling [12:01]
Active listening to be a resource for clients [15:24]
Mistakes that didn’t produce clients [16:44]
How to find the best resource to help you through a career transition [18:57]
The feeling of being controlled by circumstances or other people's decisions [22:53]

Learn more about Scott at https://www.servingstrong.com and https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottcouchenour. Get in touch with Scott at coach@servingstrong.com.

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Reuben Swartz is the founder of Mimiran, where his experience as a sales and marketing consultant for the Fortune 500, who struggled with his own sales and marketing efforts, led him to create the fun “anti-CRM” for independent consultants who love serving clients but hate "selling." He's also the host and chief nerd on the Sales for Nerds podcast.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can have great conversations in an organized way and increase new business.

Reuben and I discuss:

How Reuben ended up creating a CRM [02:41]
Why independent consultants need their own CRM [04:27]
How consultants can overcome their dislike of selling [06:21]
How to create a system for having consistent, meaningful conversations [08:38]
Connecting with other like-minded business owners in community [16:48]

Learn more about Reuben at www.mimiran.com, www.mimiran.com/stp, and www.salesfornerds.io.

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Janice Burg-Levi is a former Business & Marketing Executive with a diverse background in financial services, global telecommunications, media, and technology.

She has spent her career leading business strategy and marketing at companies such as AT&T, Avaya, Unisys, Accenture, and KPMG, and now is the owner and CEO of Intracoastal Marketing and Strategy Group, LLC.

She is also the host of a national podcast called It's Great Business.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how a career-leading business strategy and marketing for global companies empower the success of a new CEO in her own business.

Janice and I discuss:

Her career, relationships, and community [02:39]
How community led to Janice’s podcast [08:28]
What caused Janice to start her own business [11:18]
The hidden cost of not having a marketing plan [15:16]
Business transformation you can achieve with effective marketing [17:31]

Learn more about Janice at https://intracoastalmarketingstrategy.com and get in touch with Janice at janice@intracoastalmarketingstrategy.com.

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Emmy Petersson is a certified coach who has worked with people in transitions that involve career changes and/or changes in their country of residence since 2013.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to unlock what’s next in your career to find flow, fulfillment and connect with your values in your work.

Emmy and I discuss:

What led Emmy to start her business [01:47]
Developing your niche [05:37]
How to restart your career when you feel stuck [07:17]
How to make a major transition and increase your income [15:51]
Community experiences [20:47]

Learn more about Emmy at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmy-petersson-career-coach/, and https://www.thebridgecoaching.com.au/.

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Porschia Parker-Griffin is CEO of Fly High Coaching.

She and her team of coaches and resume writers have helped thousands of clients with their career, leadership, and business goals. She is a Professional Certified Coach, a Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Master Practitioner, and holds a Hogan Assessments Certification.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can build a successful coaching business and stand out in your marketplace.

Porschia and I discuss:

How she made the transition from employment into her own business [01:57]
How Porschia found the support she needed to grow her business [08:38]
Getting the right support when you aren’t hitting your business objectives [10:33]
The importance of an exit strategy [11:20]
Positive surprises that turned out to be game changers [13:57]
The importance of listening to your clients [17:35]
Why communities are vital to your business growth [19:50]

Porschia also has experience as a Director and Business Consultant in the financial industry, helping companies unlock millions of dollars in potential hiding in their companies.

She has been recognized as a Career Expert by LinkedIn and hosts the Career 101 Podcast.

Learn more about Porschia at http://www.fly-highcoaching.com/.

Access the free Kick-Start Your Success Course at http://www.fly-highcoaching.com/kss.

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Tim Miner, an AI Strategist and Consultant, is President of By The People Technologies, as System Integrator for AI and Salesforce.

Tim is an experienced executive who has held leadership roles at Salesforce, IBM, and Tact.ai. He currently directs By The People Technologies LLC, helping clients achieve digital transformation through innovative AI-based solutions.

As a consultant, Tim understands the need for organizations to set achievable goals for successful AI integration.

He is also a Visiting Professor at Pratt Institute, teaching how to build AI into Design Thinking. With ChatGPT, Tim empowers management teams to leverage AI and stay ahead in their industry.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to revolutionize your strategy, creativity and efficiency using the new and emerging tools of artificial intelligence.

Tim and I discuss:

What led Tim to learn how to use AI [02:43]
How AI is posing threats and creating opportunities for corporate refugees [03:29]
How to use AI for efficiency, strategy and creativity [05:23]
Treating AI like a junior associate [14:46]
Finding unexpected opportunities with AI [17:06]
Using AI to enhance your interaction with community [19:33]

Learn more about Tim at https://bythepeople.tech

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Gayle Keller is a former Microsoft sales executive who spent the last 20+ years in tech and felt called to smash the plateau by contributing to close the gender gap in the S.T.E.A.M. fields after seeing firsthand the gender biases that still exist in the workplace (coupled with the births of her two toddler daughters).

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to overcome adversity, fear, and self-doubt, especially if you are a woman.

Gayle and I discuss:

Why Gayle went solo [02:21]
Taking risks [09:06]
Backtracking [10:26]
Moving forward with courage and confidences [12:41]
Relationships and community [16:12]

Gayle empowers women--and girls in S.T.E.A.M.--to take calculated risks and follow their dreams through her five-pillar methodology highlighted in her international bestselling book Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead: Triumphant Tales for Working Women to Overcome Adversity, Fear, and Self-Doubt.

Learn more about Gayle at https://gaylekeller.org.

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Stephen Woessner is the founder and CEO of Predictive ROI (PROI), a digital marketing agency, and the host of Onward Nation and Sell With Authority Podcasts. Since the advent of the commercial Internet, Stephen has collected tens of thousands of data points that have given him the ability to identify what he calls the “8 Money Draining Mistakes” and the “8 Money Making Opportunities.”

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn you can increase revenues online consistently and repeatedly.

Stephen and I discuss:

Why you need to have a purpose for your podcast [00:38]
The concept of a platform to grow your business revenue [00:57]
The link between content creation and business development [03:34]
How he uses a podcast to help other businesses [05:34]
Relating dry sales to 8 kinds of mistakes [10:02]
How to identify your target audience when you’re a corporate refugee [12:43]
Stephen’s experience in communities [18:10]

Learn more about Stephen at

www.predictiveroi.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwoessner/

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Tracy Enos is well-versed in making the best use of LinkedIn … and she has been for over a decade. She is on the front end of LinkedIn changes and is invited to sit in on brainstorming sessions when LinkedIn kicks around changes. She works with lots of professionals, entrepreneurs, and career types helping them substantially improve their profiles.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can turn LinkedIn into a revenue-generating tool.

Tracy and I discuss:

How Tracy became a LinkedIn expert [02:04]
Common mistakes corporate refugees make with LinkedIn [10:33]
How LinkedIn is different than your website [13:41]
Personal vs. Business Profile [16:34]
How you can use LinkedIn as a content creation tool [18:06]
Tracy’s experience in communities [24:35]

Learn more about Tracy at https://theultimateprofilechecklist.com/ and connect with Tracy on LinkedIn.

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Deemed the "Mad Scientist" of sales & marketing automation, Paul Sokol has been involved in countless projects as a result of his world-class customer journey automation and advertising authority.In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how pattern recognition fuels your marketing and sales process.Paul and I discuss:* Paul’s background as an electrical engineer [01:42] * Machine learning and advertising [03:09] * Connecting everything to your customer’s experience [13:56] * Learning new tools and adding the skillset to your business [18:22]

Learn more about Paul at https://bepro.events/linktree,https://book.paulsokol.meThank you to Our Sponsors:The Smashing the Plateau Community

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As international speaking coaches and founders of Remarkable Speaking, Shelley Goldstein and Mark Bossert have trained thousands of people in over 40 countries from just about every industry on how to become confident and compelling speakers.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to unlock your inner voice to be seen, speak with intention and make meaningful connections anywhere, anytime about anything.

Shelley, Mark, and I discuss:

How they learned storytelling [01:44]
How to set the stage [05:09]
Where storytelling can be most effective for corporate refugees [10:14]
Where community experiences intersect with remarkable speaking [16:34]
Their definition of community [21:18]

Learn more about Shelley and Mark at https://remarkablespeaking.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleygoldstein, and https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbossert.

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As an accomplished corporate business leader, Dave made a career of turning around underperforming business sectors through thought leadership, innovation, and the use of best practices.

Today he uses his 31 years of experience to empower companies to build sellable value through a private consultancy.

As a 𝘾𝙀𝙍𝙏𝙄𝙁𝙄𝙀𝘿 𝙀𝙓𝙄𝙏 𝙋𝙇𝘼𝙉𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘼𝘿𝙑𝙄𝙎𝙊𝙍 |𝘾𝙀𝙍𝙏𝙄𝙁𝙄𝙀𝘿 𝙑𝘼𝙇𝙐𝙀 𝘽𝙐𝙄𝙇𝘿𝙀𝙍 Dave works with clients to create ultimate freedom, to own a valuable, sellable business, that’s not dependent on the owner - which means you can scale, sell, pass down or simply run as chairman without being involved day-to-day.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Dave discovered where his 31 years of experience as an accomplished corporate business leader would best serve his clients and himself.

Dave and I discuss:

Dave’s 31-year career as an accomplished corporate business leader before he became an entrepreneur [02:23]
How Dave’s experience led him to become a certified exit planning advisor and certified value builder [03:12]
Finding what business model most suits your personal needs [08:21]
Finding your ideal client [09:57]
Avoiding a false revenue stream [11:49]
How to do exit planning [14:33]
Developing the right relationships [19:11]
The benefits of community to a business owner [20:46]

Learn more about Dave at https://saliarisconsulting.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/davesaliaris/, and get in touch with Dave at dave@saliarisconsulting.com.

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Since 2008, Doug Thorpe has been helping hundreds of leaders in all types of businesses find ways to be more effective, have greater influence, and build stronger teams.

He’s taken 30+ years of business ownership and leadership and put together an easy, common-sense approach to help with the business challenges of today.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can set yourself up to build the business that supports your life goals.

Doug and I discuss:

Why Doug left a career in banking [01:44]
The importance of courage when making a leap [04:30]
How his career evolved as an entrepreneur [06:58]
Independent consulting and coaching are not like what is taught in business school [18:02]
Community and business [19:41]

Learn more about Doug at https://dougthorpe.com

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Because he endured four life traumas in a 9-month span without seeking support, Drew Deraney now knows asking for help is a strength.

He is dedicated to helping build a stronger man who is prepared to face adversity healthier and come through stronger, in more empowering ways.

After 30 years serving in the hospital/healthcare industry and as a franchise owner, he gave it all up to address men’s empowerment as the Men’s Real Catalyst Speaker, a new author, and a podcaster – From Caving In To Crushing It.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to turn unexpected professional and personal adversity into success on your own terms.

Drew and I discuss:

Drew’s career [02:11]
Faith-shaking events [05:14]
Moving forward from that [09:58]
Showing up with a new definition of success [15:57]
Connection to community [22:29]

Learn more about Drew at https://profitcompassion.com/, https://from-caving-in-to-crushing-it.castos.com/, https://amzn.to/40dsbyR.

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If you are past 50 and wondering if it's "now or never" to start a business, or take that business risk, how do you prepare yourself for that journey? Or know if the risks are worth the reward?Tessa White is a Reformed Fortune 50 HR executive who decided to work the other side of the problem and help people navigate the difficulties of working in corporate America.Tessa Started a business in October of 2020 called The Job Doctor and quickly found her audience.She now has over a million followers and teaches people how to get ahead without losing themselves and teaches companies and people how to balance out the power and have better partnerships.As a side note, Tessa was 53 when she made this pivot and at the height of her career. She’d never been happier.In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, Tessa and I discuss our careers and perspectives on work and life that may inspire you to be courageous in your next step and become more fulfilled in your own work and your life.Tessa and I discuss:* Our career journeys [03:09] * How we felt when we leapt into entrepreneurship [14:53] * The importance of connection [17:15] * How to overcome a lull [21:45] * How to overcome the fear of getting started [26:09]

Tessa has a new book out --The Unspoken Truths for Career Success. It is a workplace manual for how to navigate pay, promotions, and power at work.Learn more about Tessa at https://thejobdoctor.comThank you to Our Sponsors:The Smashing the Plateau Community

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Lieutenant General Jeff Buchanan commanded US Army North (Fifth Army). After a 37-year Army career, he retired from active duty on September 1, 2019.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how Jeff led complex combat and humanitarian operations and now is a leadership consultant to governments and companies.

Jeff and I discuss:

Jeff’s career [02:19]
The primary problem Jeff now solves [05:03]
Leadership and trust [07:45]
The value of humility [16:14]
Connecting to community through common purpose [21:28]

Learn more about Jeffrey at https://jeffreysbuchanan.com.

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Michael Buzinski is a decorated US Air Force veteran, life-long entrepreneur, digital marketing thought leader and best-selling author. He has built several small businesses, two multi-million-dollar enterprises, and marketed over 1200 companies.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the Rule of 26: Three steps to double your website revenue.

Michael and I discuss:

Three metrics that can double the revenue from your website [04:05]
The simplicity behind Michael’s target niche [07:54]
Don’t grow for growth’s sake [09:52]
Focusing on what is scalable [12:39]
Taking the complexity out of digital marketing [18:43]
Michael’s experience with community [19:43]
Community has to do with connecting [23:24]

Dubbed a “marketing visionary” by the American Marketing Association, Michael is on a mission to eradicate entrepreneurial poverty in America by simplifying the digital marketing strategy process with the Rule of 26. His revolutionary approach helps business owners avoid the time drain and frustration of managing profitable digital marketing campaigns.

Learn more about Michael at www.ruleof26.com and www.buzzworthy.biz.

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After 27 years undercover with the CIA, Martha Wilson is an expert at helping ordinary people uncover their hidden drivers, derailers, and showstoppers so they can do extraordinary things.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can do extraordinary things.

Martha and I discuss:

Her career [02:08]
Making the transition from CIA to business advisor [04:35]
How Martha built a sustainable business [10:13]
Where Martha has found community [14:08]
A spy story [14:57]

Entrepreneurs and leaders hire Martha when the stress of running their business or career is starting to bleed over into the rest of their lives, and they are ready for that to stop.

Learn more about Martha and get a free copy of CIA Spy Secrets to Making Goals Work for You at: www.marthaawilson.com/stp.

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Kiley Peters is a serial entrepreneur, small business strategist, executive coach, operations consultant, and brand marketer with nearly 15 years of industry experience. She is on a mission to help 1 million women build more financially free and fulfilling lives.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can turn your unique strengths and skill sets into a profitable business to build the life you want and love the work you do.

Kiley and I discuss:

Her career journey [01:47]
The meaning of success [06:00]
Determining what you want and how to get it [13:38]
Being active in the community [19:31]

Learn more about Kiley at www.rayneix.com , www.kileypeters.com , https://www.instagram.com/welcometoeloma , https://www.instagram.com/the.100.co/

Learn more about the 100 Collective at https://www.the100co.com, and use the discount code SMASH.

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Analiza Quiroz Wolf is an Executive Coach and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Facilitator.

She is committed to guiding leaders, especially women and people of color, and organizations to their highest potential.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to guide leaders, especially women and people of color, and organizations to their highest potential.

Analiza and I discuss:

Her career journey [02:20]
How past experiences lead to today’s focus [08:09]
The unique challenges for women of color in leadership [09:33]
The questioning of self-worth that’s inculcated as part of our culture [11:13]
How to overcome the feeling of lack of self-worth [13:01]
How working at your mindset can be a game changer [16:00]
Community supporting your ability to thrive as a leader [19:03]
Community as a place where you feel safe, feel seen, and you can share hard things [22:00]

Learn more about Analiza at www.analizawolf.com, www.linkedin.com/in/analizawolf/, and www.instagram.com/analizawolf/

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Diane Tarshis is the founder of Startup Distillery, where she provides one-on-one startup consulting and business planning to new (and new-ish) entrepreneurs who are experts in what they do but have never built a business before.In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how entrepreneurs who are experts in what they do but have never built a business before, can get the clarity and guidance they need to build a sustainably profitable business, get funded, and fast-track success.Diane and I discuss:* Why she focuses on startups [02:20] * How to overcome the fear factor and think big enough [07:12] * Why building sustainability in record time is so important [11:31] * Why thinking about your financial structure makes a huge difference [17:16] * Business success for solopreneur consultants [20:04] * Diane’s experience with the Smashing the Plateau Community [27:34]

Diane’s background includes a Wharton degree as well as a broad corporate background that includes a stint on Wall Street as well as manufacturing, operations and retail, all of which informs the work that she does.Learn more about Diane at https://startupdistillery.com.Schedule a conversation with Diane at https://startupdistillery.com/calendar.Thank you to our sponsor:The Smashing the Plateau Community

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As a top influence strategist for speakers, authors & experts, Tom Hazzard helps major publications, sports stars, and entrepreneurial influencers ‘Brandcast’ their original messages via podcasting and videocasting.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can become an influencer by knowing how to be found online.

Tom and I discuss:

Tom’s creative career journey [02:24]
The importance of turning ideas into products [12:36]
How to reach more people with your message [15:40]
The value of having a podcast [20:18]
Success metrics for podcasters [24:10]
Valuable community experiences [27:32]

Tom is a real inventor and successful product designer with over 40 US patents issued and pending.

He has been rethinking brand innovation for 30 years.

His latest SaaS (Software-as-aService) and MaaS (Marketing-as-a-Service) innovation, Podetize, reinvents podcast hosting, advertising, and brand marketing with an obsessive podcaster-centric focus on solutions to get hosts seen, heard, found, and rewarded in our noisy digital world.

Learn more about Tom at https://podetize.com and https://tomhazzard.com

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David has been working with small and medium-sized businesses for over 20 years. He has helped entrepreneurs buy and sell them. He has helped them grow. He has helped people finance them.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to achieve greater financial success as a solopreneur through the transactions of buying or selling a business.

David and I discuss:

David’s career [02:25]
How David developed multiple revenue streams [06:44]
The team that supports his business [11:21]
How purchasing a consulting business can accelerate your success [11:56]
David’s experience as a community member [21:59]

David is the author of 8 books about small business transactions and local investing.

He is the host of a YouTube channel with hundreds of videos about buying, selling, financing, and managing small and medium-sized businesses.

Learn more about David at www.DavidCBarnett.com

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Teresa Mitrovic is the Founder of Oro Collective, a leadership learning consultancy which helps leaders develop the skills to achieve exceptional outcomes while creating a culture they can feel proud of leading.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how the experience you are having as an entrepreneur is connected to the tangible performance outcomes you measure.

Teresa and I discuss:

Teresa’s career [02:30]
The courage to pursue different kinds of professional experiences [11:58]
Soft skill metrics as the lead indicators for business performance [21:02]
Balancing metrics with the experience you are having as an entrepreneur [22:28]
Communities we serve and communities we belong to [24:43]
The four Cs of trust – what do you do and who you are being [27:10]

Teresa began consulting after a career in senior leadership roles with Hasbro, The Walt Disney Company, and Universal Pictures. Teresa has delivered keynotes and workshops and coached leaders from all walks of life.

A recognized expert in psychological safety, trust, and performance, Teresa also authored The Currency of Connection - how trust transforms life, relationships, and work.

Learn more about Teresa at:

https://www.orocollective.space/

The Psych Safety Project: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/the-psych-safety-project-6892397826123423744/

Special gifts:

$75 discount off courses at https://www.orocollective.space/smashing-the-plateau

Free copy of Self-Trust

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Juliet Clark is a six- time author, speaker and podcaster who has spent the last twenty years helping authors, coaches, speakers, and small businesses all over the world build expert audiences.

Juliet and I discuss:

Juliet’s background [02:06]
What experts need to know about self-publishing [05:17]
Your book as a nurturing tool [06:49]
Influencers who are great marketers, yet not great at delivering results [12:02]
Juliet’s platform-building process [14:57]
What community means [24:27]

Juliet is the founder of Superbrand Publishing, a hybrid publishing house.

She started out as a mystery novelist and is best known for her books Gypsy, Granny Heist, Dead by Dawn, and Pitchslapped.

At age 46, Juliet received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and is an avid hiker and golfer.

Learn more about Juliet at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julietdillonclark/

www.superbrandpublishing.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/promote-profit-publish/id1445478653

www.breakthroughauthormagazine.com

https://buildyourauthoravatar.com

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Jennifer Spivak is the CEO of The AdGirls Agency, an all-female Facebook Ads agency.

She has helped hundreds of businesses generate millions of dollars on Facebook & Instagram, with many seeing a 1000%+ return on their ad campaigns.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the 4 messaging points that will differentiate your digital ads from everyone else.

Jennifer and I discuss:

How she landed in the niche of digital ads [02:11]
Who Jennifer’s system is not good for [07:13]
Who Jennifer’s system is good for [08:26]
The core elements of her digital ad process [10:38]
How Jennifer developed her process [16:32]
How to mitigate the risk of being platform-specific [18:58]
When COVID hit, the benefit of being connected to communities [23:37]

Jennifer’s team enjoys crunching data, helping women-owned businesses make money, and breaking the rules of Facebook ads.

Jennifer has been featured in Forbes & The New York Times, listed as a Top Facebook Ads Manager to Watch in 2019, and is an adjunct professor of digital marketing at The City College of New York.

Learn more about Jennifer at

https://theadgirls.com

https://jenniferspivak.com/million-dollar-agency/

25% off online course with the discount code: SMASH

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Bill Doerr is the Chief Connection Officer at SellMore Marketing.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to get more clients and earn more money by design not by accident.

Bill and I discuss:

Bill’s background [02:01]
The basic elements of Bill’s process [09:46]
How to generate 10-15 introductions per month of the people who can best understand the value, desire, and afford the kind of services you want to sell [15:31]
How Bill has benefitted from his interactions with communities [28:29]

Bill’s service helps clients do 3 things:

SEE . . . MORE PEOPLE overall, than they do now
SEE . . . MORE PROFITABLE PEOPLE, and
FOLLOW-UP . . . with KEY PEOPLE for their business.

Bill is an ATD-certified coach who built his career in sales and marketing positions that reflect his passion for people and business.

He likes to say, “Thanks to the internet and a headset, I can work with clients anywhere, anytime to help them grow their business by design, not accident!”

Learn more about Bill at http://GetNewClientsNOW.com.

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Thomas Bertels is the president and founder of Purpose Works Consulting and is on a mission to make work more productive, valuable, meaningful, and impactful. He has 25 years of experience helping clients transform their organizations and achieve lasting performance gains.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to use your unique skills and experiences to do what you love and are most competent at doing and to make a huge impact on your clients.

Thomas and I discuss:

Thomas’ career [02:05]
What it means for work to be more fit for humans [04:05]
The methodology to make work more fit for humans [08:50]
How Thomas has managed his own career transitions [11:45]
Reaching out to colleagues for help and participating in communities [15:42]
Community as a group of people that have something in common and are watching out for each other [19:50]

Thomas has worked with clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups across a broad range of industries and around the globe. He is the author of three books and a recognized thought leader on process improvement.

Learn more about Thomas at www.purpose.works.

Get in touch with Thomas at info@purpose.works.

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In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, host David Shriner-Cahn interviews business leader Paul Brubaker about networking and building real relationships that lead to growing revenue. Paul discusses his career, which has included time in finance and operations as well as consulting and offers advice on how to approach networking in a way that leads to successful relationships. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and being honest about what you can and can't deliver, as well as knowing when to refer others to people who have the expertise you lack. Paul also talks about the value of being part of a consulting community that can help you develop the skills you need to succeed in your business.

Episode Outline

Introduction to Paul Brubaker and his background in finance, operations, and consulting
Discussion of the importance of networking and building real relationships in growing revenue
Tips on how to approach networking in a way that leads to successful relationships
The value of trust and honesty in building relationships with clients and colleagues
The role of a consulting community in helping to develop skills and expertise
Conclusion and wrap-up of key takeaways from the interview with Paul Brubaker

Learn more about Paul at paul.brubaker@icloud.com.

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In this episode of Smashing the Plateau, host David Shriner-Cahn speaks with money coach Mikelann Valterra about the importance of financial planning and creating a spending plan. Mikelann discusses her background in economics and psychology, and how she became a money coach after discovering the field of financial psychology. She explains that a money coach focuses on both the practical and emotional aspects of managing money and differs from financial planners and credit counselors.

The conversation turns to the topic of spending plans and how they can help individuals manage their finances and reach their goals. Mikelann shares some practical tips for creating a spending plan, including setting clear financial goals, tracking spending, and building in flexibility. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in financial planning, and how it can help individuals overcome obstacles and design the life they want.

In conclusion, Mikelann encourages listeners to take control of their finances and create a spending plan that works for them. She emphasizes the importance of financial planning in achieving personal and financial goals and living a fulfilling life.

Introduction to Mikelann Valterra, expert in the field of financial psychology and money coaching.
Mikelann discusses her background in economics and psychology, and how she became a money coach.
David asks Mikelann to explain what a money coach is and how they differ from financial planners and credit counselors.
Mikelann talks about the importance of emotional intelligence in financial planning and how it can help individuals design the life they want.
The discussion turns to the topic of spending plans and how they can help individuals manage their finances and reach their goals.
Mikelann shares some practical tips for creating a spending plan and sticking to it.
The conversation wraps up with some final thoughts from Mikelann on the importance of financial planning and how it can help individuals live a more fulfilling life.

Learn more about Mikelann here:

https://seattle-money-coach.mykajabi.com/how-to-stop-stress-about-money-create-life-you-love

https://www.instagram.com/seattlemoneycoach/

https://www.facebook.com/MikelannSeattleMoneyCoach

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelannvalterra/

https://twitter.com/Mikelann

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Wendy Keller is an award-winning former journalist, a respected literary agent, an author, a speaker, and an acclaimed book marketing consultant.

Wendy is a prominent advocate for authors taking a vibrant, active role in promoting their work.

Keller Media is a literary agency that helps authors succeed by advising on cutting-edge marketing strategies, advanced book promotion practices, and the best-known use of media, social media, and paid speaking.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can become a known expert so that you have a platform for your book.

Wendy and I discuss:

Her experience with book publishing, particularly for non-fiction books [02:30]
The influx of young people in the business [04:04]
How her business has become referral driven [05:10]
How she helped someone through paid speaking [06:08]
How to be a successful business author today [07:27]
Strategies to leverage your business book [08:44]
The importance of having a published book rather than self-publishing [11:16]
How the consumers will find you [13:35]
Learning to sell your expertise through writing a book [16:47]
The power of proper marketing [15:43]
Classifying which self-promoter you are [20:15]
Her experience with community and being part of the community [22:53]

Learn more about Wendy at https://kellermedia.com

Submit a Book Proposal here: https://kellermedia.com/query

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Jason Resnick is a marketing automation expert, founder of NurtureKit, and a recovering web developer.

In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to engage your clients with email.

Jason and I discuss:

How Jason hones his unique skills at the intersection of digital data and human behavior[06:06]
Understanding human behavior relevant to email marketing[08:18]
Learning the methodology to develop expertise[13:00]
How to identify the motivation of your ideal client [14:37]
Knowing your ideal clients through motivation and emotion [18:09]
Learning the methodology to develop expertise [12:59]
Identifying ideal clients [14:37]
The difference between email automation and simple automation [17:50]
His experience as part of online communities [22:44]
The importance of community [24:49]

Learn more about Jason at https://nurturekit.co/stp

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Over a decade of running a successful LinkedIn Consulting business inspired a yearning in Sarah Santacroce to create a global movement that encourages people to bring more empathy and kindness to business & marketing.

As a ‘Hippie turned Business Coach’, Sarah has written two books, hosts the Humane Marketing podcast and works with heart-centered entrepreneurs to question their assumptions when it comes to marketing and give them permission to market their business their way, the gentle way!

Sarah shares a fresh perspective and doesn’t shy away from calling things out that no longer work for many of us when it comes to the current marketing model. Her clients sometimes refer to her as ‘the female Seth Godin’.

In todays’ episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to market to the generation that cares

Sarah and I discuss:

How Sarah made the transition to Humane Marketing [02:54]
What Sarah did differently in her new business [05:56]
How the principle of Humane Marketing may apply to consultants [08:54]
How people will resonate with you [15:38]
How much time your business needs to develop a Humane Marketing approach [17:33]
The marketing concept of the Chinese bamboo tree [19:50]
Building connections and relationships in the community [20:52]
The definition of “community” [23:29]
The 7 Ps of Humane Marketing in Mandala form [24:25]

Learn more about Sarah at https://humane.marketing/one-page-marketing-plan/.

Learn about the Humane Marketing Community at:

http://www.humane.marketing/circle

Get Sarah’s Marketing book here:

Marketing Like We're Human

Selling Like We're Human

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Dominique Mas is the Head of Coaching and Curriculum at Medley and the Founder of Group Coaching HQ.

Passionate about creating engaging growth opportunities for individuals and groups, she creates a unique learning environment using LEGO, visual thinking, and assessments in her trainings and coaching engagements.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the power of bringing people together with a common purpose.

Dominique and I discuss: * How Dominique got into group coaching [02:19] * Learning to do more of what you love and still get paid what you're worth [06:45] * Finding a balanced approach to building your business [08:32] * Dominique’s group coaching [12:37] * Aligning our unique set of skills and experiences with needs in the marketplace [17:39] * Being part of a community [18:57]

Dominique holds a Masters’ in Educational Leadership and Change, and coaching certifications from the NeuroLeadership Institute and the ICF (PCC). She is also a Hogan Certified Coach.

She is a surfer and adventurer, and she lives a peaceful life in Brooklyn, NY with her partner, the artist Swissipino and Professor the awesome dog.

Learn more about Dominique at http://groupcoachinghq.com and https://bit.ly/GCHQ-MN Brief Description of Gift $200 off the winter cohort of Group Coaching HQ

How to Get the Free Gift Add smashing the plateau in the referral box on the application form

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Rebecca Ahmed is a TEDx speaker, business consultant, and an Energy Leadership Index™ Master Practitioner (ELI-MP), which is an exclusive training in human energy and how we can experience, express, and expand it in ourselves and others. Rebecca is also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to leave your corporate career and build a successful business model with your expertise.

Rebecca and I discuss:

What caused Rebecca to become an entrepreneur [02:04]
How Rebecca decided on her business model [04:15]
How Rebecca found her niche [05:51]
What works well for business development [08:37]
How to build your business as a speaker [09:12]
How Rebecca became a TEDx speaker [10:19]
Pivots due to COVID [13:41]
How to find like-minded people [16:14]
Rebecca’s forthcoming book [19:17]

Learn more about Rebecca at www.energeticimpact.com and www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-ahmed-802a9514

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Amy Rasdal traded her corporate job for consulting 15 years ago and makes more money than most executives.

Amy works and plays every day. Amy founded Billable at the Beach® to liberate 6-figure earners by helping them build 6-figure consulting businesses.

Amy is passionate about helping others find the freedom and flexibility to live the life of their dreams, without sacrificing the career they’ve spent so long building.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can build a high-earning consulting business.

Amy and I discuss:

Amy’s new book [02:09]
Why you need to focus on revenue first [02:52]
Why selling is very personal [04:39]
What struggling consultants need to do differently [10:27]
How Amy structures her time [14:58]
What consultants need when it comes to community [24:41]

Learn more about Amy’s book, "Land a Consulting Project NOW!: Build a life of freedom, flexibility, and inspiring work running your own 6-figure business," at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1B4Y7D8 and learn more about Amy at https://www.billableatthebeach.com.

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Dr. Jayne is a Business Strategist helping entrepreneurs eliminate their people problems by installing an employee-focused culture. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to deactivate the primal wound that is limiting your beliefs and causing your success to plateau. Jayne and I discuss: The primal wound that the Gardner Method deactivates [02:21] The impact of primal wounds on challenging transitions [06:43] Steps you can take to deactivate your primal wounds [10:06] Patterns of multiple primal wounds [17:56] When therapy might be needed [19:59]

The Gardner Method is a personal growth system for identifying, processing, and permanently deactivating the primal wound that we all carry unconsciously in our work life. Deactivating this emotional control over us raises leaders’ Emotional Set Point, improving employee engagement while raising the happiness level of all people they touch in their personal and business lives. Learn more about Dr. Jayne at https://drjaynegardner.com (https://drjaynegardner.com), jaynegardner@gardnerinstitute.com, https://twitter.com/jaynegardner (https://twitter.com/jaynegardner) https://www.facebook.com/jayne.main1 (https://www.facebook.com/jayne.main1), https://www.facebook.com/drjaynegardner (https://www.facebook.com/drjaynegardner), https://www.instagram.com/drjaynegardner (https://www.instagram.com/drjaynegardner) Brief Description of Gift Discount for any offerings on Jayne’s website Coupon Code drjayne25 Thank you to Our Sponsors: The Smashing the Plateau Community https://community.smashingtheplateau.com (https://community.smashingtheplateau.com) Circle https://smashingtheplateau.com/circle (https://smashingtheplateau.com/circle)

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Caelan Huntress started his career as an acrobat in the circus, earning and maintaining the attention of an audience as a street performer. He applies those lessons to marketing, where he earns and maintains the attention of a demographic.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn why continuous experimentation leads to marketing success.

Caelan and I discuss:

What he tried that didn’t work [03:33]

How consultants can position themselves as quickly as possible after a job exit [04:23]

Why you need to separate your market research from your sales [13:10]

Finding your niche [16:04]

What is working online and what is hype [19:33]

Caelan is an American digital nomad living in New Zealand and has spent ten years running an online business while traveling the world with his young family. Caelan is a dynamic speaker, trainer, and business coach, who combines his skills as a theatrical performer and technical geek to make compelling virtual experiences.

Learn more about Caelan at https://caelanhuntress.com/coaching (https://caelanhuntress.com/coaching) and https://marketingyourselfbook.com/freechapter (https://marketingyourselfbook.com/freechapter) and https://stellarplatforms.com/case-studies (https://stellarplatforms.com/case-studies)

Brief Description of Gift Free chapter of the Marketing Yourself for subscribing to the Stellar Platforms Newsletter

URL for Free Gift https://marketingyourselfbook.com/freechapter/ (https://marketingyourselfbook.com/freechapter/)

Thank you to Our Sponsors: The Smashing the Plateau Community https://community.smashingtheplateau.com (https://community.smashingtheplateau.com)

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Chuck “Charlie” Mollor is founder, CEO, executive coach, and advisor at MCG Partners, an organization that specializes in leadership and talent optimization, aligning business and people strategy for maximum results. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to be an agile leader and build a business that is modeled to serve your clients and you well. Chuck and I discuss: Chuck’s career and personal journey [00:50] How Chuck specialized [06:05] What led Chuck to write his book [09:44] Techniques he recommends for agile leaders [11:29] Examples of agile leaders [14:02] How to choose the right business model [18:07]

Chuck is the author of his new and best-selling book, The Rise of The Agile Leader: Can You Make the Shift?, Amazon’s #1 best-selling book on management. As a recognized expert in leadership effectiveness, a former Harvard Business School executive coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Chuck specializes in coaching and advising senior, global executives and leadership teams through times of rapid-growth, M&A, and change. Learn more about Chuck at http://www.mcgpartners.com (www.mcgpartners.com), http://www.chuckmollor.com (www.chuckmollor.com) Thank you to Our Sponsors: The Smashing the Plateau Community https://community.smashingtheplateau.com (https://community.smashingtheplateau.com) Circle https://smashingtheplateau.com/circle (https://smashingtheplateau.com/circle)

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Mark Monchek is the Founder and Chief Opportunity Officer of Opportunity Lab, a strategy and facilitation consultancy helping mission-driven organizations grow thriving, resilient businesses that create abundance for everyone they touch.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can find the resources for exponential opportunity.

Mark and I discuss:

The blurring of the lines between employees and consultants [03:42]

How to think about your resources and your value [05:10]

An exercise to develop a generosity mindset [7:49]

How consultants and coaches can leverage their resources [14:55]

His own future opportunity [18:30]

Mark is the author of the Amazon nonfiction bestseller Culture of Opportunity: How to Grow Your Business in an Age of Disruption.

Mark has worked with leaders from Google, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, General Electric, Goldman Sachs, Adorama, TerraCycle, Feltsberg, The New York Times, Wharton School of Business, New York University, Columbia University, NBC, Time Warner, and the United Nations.

He’s been featured in Real Leaders, The Better Business Book, the Organization Development Review Journal, Lifetime Network, WPLJ, WCBS, Newsday, Working Women Magazine, and the San Francisco Chronicle.

Mark has a passion for helping leaders grow organizations that are catalysts for a better world and believes that a strategy only works if you take every part of a business into consideration.

He uses innovative but tested facilitation techniques to help leaders and teams identify their gaps and blind spots, lean into their strengths, and amplify their impact in a changing marketplace.

Learn more about Mark at https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmonchek/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmonchek/), https://opplab.com/ (https://opplab.com/)

Thank you to Our Sponsors: The Smashing the Plateau Community https://community.smashingtheplateau.com (https://community.smashingtheplateau.com)

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Dr. Cindy is best known as the First Lady of Sales™. She is an internationally renowned business and motivational speaker and Wall Street Journal's best-selling author. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to get your colleagues to tell your story the way you want to be known. Cindy and I discuss: Why she decided to write “Sell Yourself” [02:10] How Dr. Cindy describes her own impact [04:57] Where to start creating your framework for your story [07:05] Key strategies for turning your story into new business [10:29] Mistakes consultants make when packaging their brand [12:21] Techniques to help colleagues present the right message about you [14:03] Things you can do to stay top of mind with your referral sources [16:12] Why you need to ask for referrals [19:14]

Dr. Cindy has inspired thousands by getting them to think differently about sales, selling, and success, both in their professional and personal lives. She helps take the ‘ick’ out of sales by helping people to embrace their inner 5-year-old. Learn more about Cindy at https://drcindy.com/ (https://drcindy.com/).

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Hannah Smolinski is a CPA and the founder of Clara CFO Group, a virtual CFO agency providing small businesses with financial clarity and profit maximization strategies. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to turn your expertise into multiple active and passive revenue streams. Hannah and I discuss: Hannah’s career [00:40] How Hannah found her business model [05:31] How Hannah developed a recurring revenue model [07:03] Her various revenue streams [13:04] How Hannah started selling digital offerings [16:19] The impact of Hannah’s business on her work/life integration [20:19]

Hannah’s experience working for one of the world’s largest accounting firms inspired her to make corporate expertise accessible to small business owners through fractional CFO services. She also hosts a YouTube channel with over 36,000 subscribers and uses the platform to help small businesses achieve financial success. Learn more about Hannah at https://www.youtube.com/c/claracfogroup (https://www.youtube.com/c/claracfogroup), https://claracfo.com (https://claracfo.com), and hannah@claracfo.com. Thank you to Our Sponsors: The Smashing the Plateau Community https://community.smashingtheplateau.com (https://community.smashingtheplateau.com) Circle https://smashingtheplateau.com/circle (https://smashingtheplateau.com/circle)

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Craig is a leadership development coach. Prior to his career as a coach, he co-founded and directed Rock-N-Water, an adventure camp in California, for thirty years.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn why caring for your clients is good for your business.

Craig and I discuss:

Craig’s smart dog [02:33]

Craig’s career transition [04:25]

How Craig changed his way of interacting when he started his business [06:23]

How Craig addressed the challenges of pride and insecurity [10:19]

Craig’s advice for someone transitioning from employment to coaching [21:10]

Craig and his wife of over thirty years have three adult children and one smart dog.

In his spare time, Craig is a mental health advocate and suicide prevention trainer.

Learn more about Craig at http://www.craiglomax.com (www.craiglomax.com) and contact Craig at craig@craiglomax.com.

Thank you to Our Sponsors:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

https://community.smashingtheplateau.com (https://community.smashingtheplateau.com)

Circle

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Bestselling author and marketing expert Steve Gordon gives you the blueprint for writing your own Million Dollar Book in days–not months or years–and shows you how to use your book to boldly win the best clients and command premium fees.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how a book can help you sell something that is very expensive and completely intangible that your clients don’t understand.”

Steve and I discuss:

How Steve became an expert in how to write a book [02:36]

A simplified process to create a book [06:02]

When a new consultant should think about creating a book [10:05]

The importance of narrowing your focus [12:33]

Recognizing your unique, opinionated worldview [15:01]

How a book leads to sales [17:09]

Learn more about Steve at https://unstoppableceo.net/ (https://unstoppableceo.net/),

https://writeyourmilliondollarbook.com/ (https://writeyourmilliondollarbook.com/),

https://apply.writeyourmilliondollarbook.com/ (https://apply.writeyourmilliondollarbook.com/)

Brief Description of Gift

The Million Dollar Book

URL for Free Gift

Themilliondollarbook.org/smashing

Thank you to Our Sponsors:

The Smashing the Plateau Community

https://community.smashingtheplateau.com (https://community.smashingtheplateau.com)

Circle

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Jess Dewell charts courses for resilient growth-oriented companies. She is a consensus builder, culture advocate, and operational executive with more than two decades of business experience. Sometimes you simply require a little help to spark that business motor into a rip-roaring mode of priority-setting, problem-solving, and goal-attainment to maximize effort. Working closely with Jess, you learn to ask the right questions and think effectively on your feet. Jess is nationally recognized for her understanding that the interplay of constraints and growth is where achievement happens. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to get out of your own way when communication is lagging, and people are spread too thin. Jess and I discuss: What Jess is proud of in her career [03:27] Helping clients succeed [06:15] The kinds of roles Jess plays [09:08] How Jess’s career evolved [11:55] Her ideal client [18:04] What it takes to be successful as a consultant [20:11] Holding a weekly retreat to work on your business [24:19]

Learn more about Jess at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadewell/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicadewell/) or https://reddirection.com (https://reddirection.com). Get Jess’s Business Management report https://duyv41gm.pages.infusionsoft.net/ (here).

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Diana Acuna has spent the last 20 years in SaaS, helping companies evaluate and implement software solutions across a variety of industries. Despite having success throughout her career, deep down she was afraid to be herself and afraid of what other people thought, so she became a perfectionist. She had focused on the external factors that would progress her career rather than the internal struggles that were holding her back. One day she decided to choose courage over fear and realized that expressing her feelings, opinions, and emotions wasn’t going to kill her. In fact, the opposite was true. People engaged and responded positively. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how improving your emotional intelligence can drive lasting change in your career and your life. Diana and I discuss: Choosing courage over fear [03:26] What happens when you share your struggles [07:57] How you feel about sharing your vulnerabilities [09:55] Techniques for sharing sensitive information [11:59] Diana’s likes and competencies [16:46] Integrating employment and entrepreneurship [18:52]

Today, Diana is a speaker and coaches professionals on how to improve their emotional intelligence so they can drive lasting change in their careers and lives. Learn more about Diana at https://dianatalks.com (https://dianatalks.com) or https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaacuna/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianaacuna/). Thank you to Our Sponsors: The Smashing the Plateau Community https://community.smashingtheplateau.com (https://community.smashingtheplateau.com) Circle https://smashingtheplateau.com/circle (https://smashingtheplateau.com/circle)

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Michael F. Schein is the Head Hype Artist at MicroFame Media, a company that specializes in making idea-based businesses famous in their fields. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn one of the success secrets used by the world’s greatest self-promoters. Michael and I discuss: How he uses his “Secret Society” concept [03:20] How to start a “Secret Society” [08:59] The rise in interest in communities [13:51] The unique value Michael offers his “Secret Society” [17:14] When Michael started his “Secret Society” [20:09] The results Michael has observed from participants [21:46] Michael’s ideal client [26:05]

Learn more about Michael at http://microfamemedia.com (http://microfamemedia.com), https://www.hypereads.com/list (https://www.hypereads.com/list), https://twitter.com/MichaelSchein1 (https://twitter.com/MichaelSchein1), and https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfrancisschein/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfrancisschein/). Thank you to our sponsors: The Smashing the Plateau Community https://community.smashingtheplateau.com (https://community.smashingtheplateau.com) Circle https://smashingtheplateau.com/circle (https://smashingtheplateau.com/circle)

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In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to sell your expertise when it’s new to the market and have space for your family.

Holly and I discuss:

How her career evolved [03:03]

What caused her to focus on product initiatives [04:33]

Working as an employee vs. an entrepreneur [05:17]

The hurdles transitioning into entrepreneurship [06:10]

Finding solutions for financial tracking and staying motivated [06:45]

How you know when it’s time to get help [07:33]

Responding to a hefty price tag for help [09:09]

How Holly realized she needed a method to stay motivated [09:39]

Using a mastermind to stay motivated [10:13]

What it’s like to sell your expertise when it’s new to the market [12:05]

How Holly determined her content marketing process [14:06]

Where Holly distributes her content and why she chose those channels [14:47]

What portion of her time Holly devotes to content marketing [15:51]

What process Holly uses to build her network [16:18]

What advice Holly has for experts selling ideas that are new to the market [17:40]

Looking to the future, what Holly wants to be well known for [18:27]

Holly is a former Columbia University research scientist and has spent the last 15 years leading product initiatives at startups, high-growth companies, and enterprises like FalconX, MediaMath, Shutterstock, The Lean Startup Co, Unilever, Capital One, and Weight Watchers.

Holly also teaches at NYU Stern School of Business as well as public and private workshops and has spoken about building high-growth products for events such as Lean Startup Summit Europe, ProductTankNYC, Parsons School of Design, and INDUSTRY: The Product Conference.

Learn more about Holly at http://www.productsciencepodcast.com (www.productsciencepodcast.com).

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The Smashing the Plateau Community https://smashingtheplateau.com/openhouse (https://smashingtheplateau.com/openhouse)

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Rochelle Moulton turns independent consultants into authorities. The author of The Authority Code: How To Position, Monetize And Sell Your Expertise, she has been called “an emotional Red Bull” for her balance of inspiration and practical advice. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to go from expertise to authority, along with big financial benefits. Rochelle and I discuss: Some of the differences between experts and authorities [03:18] Patterns that emerge from experts that effectively market their authority [08:54] The most important sales target when you market your authority [11:24] How taking a stand can generate risk in your head [14:23] How long it may take to build a financially successful authority business [19:11] Business model differences between experts and authorities [20:55]

Learn more about Rochelle at https://rochellemoulton.com/ (https://rochellemoulton.com/).

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Vikram Rajan is the co-founder of Videosocials, a video blogging system for lawyers, accountants, consultants & coaches. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how you can use an easy system to create video content to increase your word-of-mouth referrals. Vikram and I discuss: What he learned about marketing to a niche [06:47] Understanding the pain points of your niche [07:59] Why is content creation an important marketing activity when you are selling your expertise [10:03] Why a system is important for creating content [15:59] How to identify a good system for your business [17:23]

Vikram is also the founder of Videosocials’ VIP service: Video Interview Podcast management for those who want to "just show up at show time!" And have all the time-consuming, annoying stuff done for them. Learn more about Vikram at http://www.Videosocials.net (www.Videosocials.net).

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Dame Natalie Ledwell is a bestselling author, host of the podcast, Not Over, Just Different, co-host of the cable TV show WAKE UP, and founder of Mind Movies, the hugely successful and revolutionary online Personal Development company that has reached over 10 million people worldwide. In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to identify your niche and create a BIG vision to turn it into reality. Natalie and I discuss: How she found her audience Why personal development and mindset are her primary focus How to wind down activities as you are launching something new Why surrounding yourself with the right people is critical to your success The importance of a BIG vision How 50+ year old women can achieve success that fills their soul

Learn more about Natalie at: https://mindmovies.com/ (https://mindmovies.com/) https://mindmovies.com/podcast/ (https://mindmovies.com/podcast/) https://personalgrowthstudies.com/ (https://personalgrowthstudies.com/)

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Andrew Kamphey had a very meandering career. He became a google sheets wizard and now sells a very lucrative niche offering based on his skills. In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn the very simple process Andrew used to find his niche. Andrew and I discuss: What caused his career to lead to google sheets [02:22] How Andrew created a business around his google sheets niche [10:55] How to persevere until you experience success [15:11] What Andrew learned about building a niche offering [19:25]

Learn more about Andrew at https://bettersheets.co/ (https://bettersheets.co).

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Tom Ruwitch is founder and Chief Story Officer at Story Power Marketing. Coaches, consultants, and other experts hire Tom to power up their stories because most dish out the same “blah, blah, blah” content, put prospects to sleep, and then feel fed up and stuck. In today’s episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to transform content from boring to brilliant, turn marketing from frustrating to fun, and convert results from pitiful to profitable. Tom and I discuss: Why he started Story Power Marketing [03:04] Why he decided to focus on expert-based businesses [05:13] Why relationships are so important [08:39] How storytelling distinguishes you as an expert [16:12]

Learn more about Tom at: https://storypowermarketing.com/ (https://storypowermarketing.com) https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomruwitch/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomruwitch/) tom@storypowermarketing.com

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Eric Elam is the founder and president of Elam Associates, a solo marketing agency focused on delivering customized marketing solutions for small and midsized companies.

In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to start and build a solo business in your field of expertise.

Eric and I discuss:

His career journey

How Eric went out on his own

How long it took Eric to land his first client

We’re all product of our past environments

Why you need to invest in marketing during economic challenges

How to listen for your ideal client opportunity

Eric's 3 decades plus career traversed from corporate side marketer to consultant to ad agency executive, then on to his current solopreneur role. Eric resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with his wife of 41 years, Cindy.

You can learn more about Eric at:

http://www.elamassociates.com/ (www.elamassociates.com)

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elamassociates/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elamassociates/)

https://twitter.com/ericelam (https://twitter.com/ericelam)

513-703-5334

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LinkedIn trainer Marc Halpert helps consultants and professional service professionals build their thought leadership with LinkedIn. In todays’ episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to be viewed on LinkedIn as a resource providing high-quality, consistent ideas to your audience. Marc and I discuss: How to increase your revenue [03:02] How often you should update your profile [07:28] How to get people to see your posts [09:40] Quantity vs. structure in your activity [13:19] Using non-text content [22:58] Marc’s vision for LinkedIn [26:11]

Marc W. Halpert is a self-described “multi-preneur.” Since leaving the corporate finance world in 2001, Marc has started 3 companies, all of which he still operates. In 2010, Marc started his third concurrent company, connect2collaborate, to spread his LinkedIn and networking evangelism to train and coach others. In all his LinkedIn training and coaching, he offers professionals the opportunity to better explain their brand and positioning on their LinkedIn profile pages: who they really are and why them vs. the competition. For several months, Marc ranked among the top 5 list for fastest growth in number of followers among global LinkedIn coaches and trainers (#1 in August 2020!). He attributes that standing to consistently high-quality curated material and original thought leadership he shares daily on LinkedIn. As a personal LinkedIn coach, he advises and mentors professionals to tell “why they do what they do” (not “what”) as he works with them to renovate their LinkedIn personal and company profiles. As a LinkedIn trainer, Marc has been recognized as a high-energy speaker at national and regional Conferences, instructor to sales/marketing and HR/training departments at large and small professional service firms and businesses, and trainer in specialized groups of professionals such as associations. Marc is a frequent podcast guest, has authored numerous articles on the latest LinkedIn techniques for self-branding in national publications, both in paper and online. He blogs every business day with a LinkedIn Nugget. His book, https://www.amazon.com/Marc-W-Halpert/e/B07DHWJXGM?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1652216213&sr=1-1 (LinkedIn Marketing Strategies for Law and Professional Practices (2021 second edition, American Bar Association),) helps all types of professionals learn to better market themselves using the tools in LinkedIn. Learn more about Marc at https://connect2collaborate.com/ (https://connect2collaborate.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/marchalpert/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marchalpert/), https://twitter.com/marchalpert (https://twitter.com/marchalpert), and https://www.facebook.com/connecttwocollaborate (https://www.facebook.com/connecttwocollaborate)

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Craig is a Former IT Consultant, Co-Founder of CreativeLive, and Seattle EO Accelerator Chair

We discuss:

How Craig learned to sell consulting services

How to have a sales mindset

Where to create the boundary between what you give away and what you charge for

How employee vs. consulting behavior impacts your sales ability

How to turn a surface-level question into a sales conversation

Finding out how much a prospect really wants to solve a problem

How you can leave a job and start selling yourself as a consultant

Craig Co-Founded CreativeLive, and he is now the Seattle EO Accelerator Chair.

Learn more about Craig at https://craigswanson.org, and on https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativelive/ (LinkedIn).

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Julie DeLucca-Collins is the Founder and CEO of Go Confidently Services and the host of the popular Casa DeConfidence Podcast®.

We discuss:

A journey of a teacher to the corporate world [02:28]

The planner without a real solid plan [06:18]

Mr. Google as a good ally in the career journey [10:51]

The fear of talking to your first potential client [12:29]

When price is rarely the issue [15:50]

Why you should make your pricing packages sexy [17:24]

A referral from a superfan [19:18]

How to overcome the drama that might come with being an entrepreneur [20:25]

As a Business and Life Strategist Coach, Julie helps women business owners launch or grow their businesses, get clients, be productive, and achieve their dreams. Julie helps her clients create simple habits to achieve goals and change lives. Julie is also the best-selling author of the newly released book Confident You (simple habits to live the life you've imagined).

Learn more about Julie at https://www.goconfidentlycoaching.com/ (https://www.goconfidentlycoaching.com).

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Maria Rosati is the founder and CEO of Eminence Communications - a boutique advisory working with change makers to build brands and corporate reputations.

We discuss:

How to [re]embrace your individualism [02:40]

The people that [don’t] want to be a cog in the wheel [05:30]

A mental equation to help you know if entrepreneurship is for you [08:38]

Women in corporate communication who are past the age of 60 [10:20]

What it feels like to take control of your destiny [13:11]

When entrepreneurs should turn the lights out and shut the door [15:47]

The power of community to test your idea [17:58]

The difference between having the business come to you through referrals versus selling [20:19]

Right and wrong ways to build a personal brand [21:54]

Learn more about Maria at https://www.eminencenyc.com/ (www.eminencenyc.com) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-rosati (LinkedIn).

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As author of The 6 Myths of Small Business Branding, and author of and co-pioneer of Brand DNA; Uncover Your Organization’s Genetic Code for Competitive Advantage, and her 3rd book, Personal Brand Clarity; Identify, Define, & Align to What You Want to Be Known For, she is helping to pave the evolutionary highway for businesses to grow by conscious, strategic design, not by default! She facilitates the Brand DNA methodology (an internal brand identification, definition and alignment process) for her clients across the U.S.

We discuss:

Unique differentiators to use when describing yourself [02:54]

How to start sharing personal information in brand development [07:10]

Conscious versus unconscious branding [11:25]

How to course-correct when you feel out of alignment [12:40]

How clarity can help when going out of your comfort zone [16:10]

How to create a brand clarity process [19:11]

Learn more about Suzanne at https://brandascension.com/ (https://brandascension.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannetulien/ (LinkedIn), http://www.facebook.com/brandascension (Facebook) and https://www.instagram.com/brandascensionconsulting/?hl=en (Instagram).

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Tina Larsson is the co-founder and owner of The Folson Group, the premier coop and condo cost consultant who helps NYC coop and condo owners and apartment building owners increase their property values. The company is a business consultant and a disruptor in the residential real estate world. Tina holds a LEED Green Associate designation and is on a mission to make NYC greener, more sustainable and more affordable one building at a time.

We discuss:

How not to introduce yourself as a financial advisor [02:20]

It takes ten years to make an overnight success [06:10]

How to prove there’s a high demand when no one sees it [08:26]

The sweet spot for a new business idea [13:25]

Unexpected ways that you can get fired [15:02]

Not a social media platform but a networking event [22:00]

Learn more about Tina at https://www.thefolsongroup.com/ (https://www.thefolsongroup.com/)

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Nina Froriep has seen it all from the early 90ies on independent features, to big national TV commercials, corporate mega-shows, and Emmy award-winning documentary films, including one she produced and directed, called Abraham's Children.

We discuss:

A better, faster, cheaper way to put yourself out with videos [02:25]

The connection between finding your audience and niching down [06:34]

What people really need to start shooting videos [08:21]

Three kinds of groups that find it hard to show up on video [12:32]

How to gain confidence to post your videos online [14:38]

The biggest fears about creating videos [18:53]

Future trends in video production [21:52]

Today she’s super excited to enable business coaches and service-based entrepreneurs to grow their businesses with fun + easy video marketing so they can attract their ideal clients.

Learn more about Nina at https://clockwiseproductions.com/ (https://clockwiseproductions.com) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-froriep/ (LinkedIn).

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David Henzel is the CEO of upcoach and a veteran entrepreneur who has been building in the saas and e-com space for over 20 years. He had multiple exits, including MaxCDN.

We discuss:

Applying business principles to your personal life [03:14]

A one-stop-shop for your coaching business [06:57]

80% of the problems in the coaching industry [08:03]

How to avoid scaling too fast in the initial phase [11:24]

What makes upcoach different from other similar platforms [14:11]

The liberation of hiring people who are better than you [16:27]

His passion is to help individuals and their organizations reach their full potential.

Aside from upcoach (Coaching Delivery System), he has a small portfolio of companies including LTVplus, (Outsourcing for e-commerce & saas), TaskDrive (Sales Development), Shortlist.io (Digital Marketing Agency), and his passion project Managing Happiness (Peak Performance Group Coaching for entrepreneurs).

Learn more about David at https://www.davidhenzel.com/ (www.davidhenzel.com/), http://www.upcoach.com/ (www.upcoach.com), http://www.managinghappiness.com/ (www.managinghappiness.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhenzel (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/davidhenzel (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/upcoachapp (Facebook).

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Daniel A. Varroney is the author of the groundbreaking new book, Reimagining Industry Growth. He is also founder of Potomac Core, a strategic consulting firm that specializes in association transformation and industry-focused strategic partnerships. He has built a successful career as an association executive, leading organizations with diverse focus, from manufacturing to high tech to finance and advocacy.

We discuss:

An unquenchable thirst for writing [02:10]

The bottom of what gets you out of bed in the morning [05:19]

A third place between work and home [12:24]

Why you don’t want to be a one-year wonder [17:28]

Bitten by the bug [21:00]

Learn more about Daniel at https://potomaccore.com/ (https://potomaccore.com)

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Tim Ash is an acknowledged authority on evolutionary psychology and digital marketing. He is a sought-after international keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of Unleash Your Primal Brain and Landing Page Optimization.

We discuss:

Great traffic to awful websites [02:52]

How to make your transition from corporate to solopreneuership easier [05:15]

Why it’s important to not put all your eggs in one basket [07:57]

Don’t underestimate what you can do in a day [09:27]

How to make billions of stars accessible to people [11:18]

Understanding the human brain without any scientific jargon [13:57]

How to take advantage of the negativity bias [16:27]

Universal applicability versus technical trends [20:05]

Tim has been mentioned by Forbes as a Top-10 Online Marketing Expert, and by Entrepreneur Magazine as an Online Marketing Influencer To Watch. For nineteen years he was the co-founder and CEO of SiteTuners – a digital optimization agency. Tim helped to create over 1.2 billion dollars in value for companies like Google, Expedia, eHarmony, Facebook, American Express, Canon, Nestle, Symantec, Intuit, Humana, Siemens, and Cisco. Please help me welcome Tim Ash!

Learn more about Tim at https://timash.com/ (https://timash.com).

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Jane Wesman is an entrepreneur, marketing expert, and mentor. President of Jane Wesman Public Relations, based in New York City, Jane is one of the country’s top book publicists with an impressive record of creating national bestsellers, particularly in the areas of leadership, management, and personal growth. She has worked with such business thought-leaders as Charles Schwab, Stephen Covey, Peter Drucker, Marcus Buckingham, and Keith Ferazzi.

We discuss:

Major challenges for consultants who want to publish a book [03:19]

When is a good time for publishing a book [06:30]

Why a book can be beneficial for you and your business [08:53]

A process that will help ensure success of a book [10:19]

Types of investment options for getting your book effectively marketed [13:58]

How to find a good team when writing your first book [20:40]

What makes book publishing a long journey [22:35]

Jane's own book, Dive Right In – The Sharks Won’t Bite: The Entrepreneurial Woman’s Guide to Success, was one of the first to offer concrete advice to help women launch and grow their businesses. She has lectured and written on the topics of leadership and business for many organizations and media outlets.

Jane served as president of the New York City chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners for four years. She currently sits on the boards of two non-profit organizations: ArtSail and the Women’s Media Group, plus she provides funding for an internship program at Simmons University to help students kick-start their careers.

Learn more about Jane at http://www.wesmanpr.com/ (www.wesmanpr.com) and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIYSulF8UzOODPPR3_lagBA (YouTube).

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Since 2006, JD Gershbein has been at the forefront of the social media conversation. One of the world’s first independent LinkedIn consultants, JD pioneered a model of authentic business communication that serves ambitious professionals striving to make their mark in the Digital Age.

We discuss:

What to do with your LinkedIn profile once you’re unemployed [04:33]

Why it’s important to disambiguate yourself early on [06:47]

How to find your dominant aspect of value [10:50]

You can’t do too much too soon [13:22]

How to use LinkedIn to build your social network [15:24]

Why automated sales pitches don’t work for consultants [18:27]

As a speaker, facilitator, writer, and media producer, he draws upon his diverse academic background—a fusion of psychology, neuroscience, and the humanities—and the improvisation skills he honed at Chicago’s famed Second City to bridge the knowledge gap that exists between professionals and the virtual world.

Learn more about JD at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdgershbein (LinkedIn.)

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Elaine Pofeldt, journalist and author of Tiny Business, Big Money.

We discuss:

Common strategies for one-person businesses [02:22]

Automation is always a low-hanging fruit [07:06]

How enthusiasm makes us hard on ourselves [10:53]

What prompts employees to start their own business [14:03]

How to dominate a very tiny niche and think as big as Jeff Bezos [17:07]

A semi-scientific testing of a product [26:30]

Learn more about Elaine at https://www.elainepofeldt.com/ (https://www.elainepofeldt.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainepofeldt/ (LinkedIn) and https://twitter.com/ElainePofeldt?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Twitter).

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Desmond has over 5 million dollars in sales experience with personal enrollments in the thousands. He has worked in numerous industries and has brought his marketing and sales philosophy into a number of organizations.

We discuss:

Getting through a chemical engineering degree when you want to be in sales [02:23]

If you’re not failing, you’re not trying [06:13]

The honesty recipe for sales success [08:59]

When the role models don’t speak to you [12:12]

How to keep the doors open without spending a dollar on marketing [14:48]

The intersection of business psychology and clients’ interests [19:24]

Giving a ton of value by the dancefloor [21:19]

He first began his sales career in a corporate company where he went from intern to one of the top sales professionals in the region. After realizing the power of empathy, he left the corporate space to train professional development in the workspace. Desmond is currently building a fast-growing sales team at an international start-up and a venture digital marketing agency. Now, he is also starting up his new pod, Campfire Capitalism with two great co-hosts.

Learn more about Desmond at https://campfirecapitalism.com/ (https://campfirecapitalism.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/desmond-dixon-76a00551/ (LinkedIn), https://www.instagram.com/iamdesmonddixon/?hl=en (Instagram) and https://twitter.com/iamdesmonddixon (Twitter).

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Lori Highby is a podcast host, speaker, educator, and founder of Keystone Click, a strategic digital marketing agency. Using her vast multi-industry knowledge - gained from experience and education, she has the ability to see the potential of greatness within the already established good of a business. We discuss: The courage to ask “Who do you know” [02:40] Three golden rules of networking [05:31] The real problem with the follow-through [07:50] The least smartest person in the room [10:44] Why you aren’t getting found [14:33] How to make your website work for your referrals [19:10] The best way to prove your expertise [22:10]

Through strategic actionable moves, she has worked with Fortune 500 companies such as ABB and Syngenta to micro-business owners, to achieve their marketing goals. Lori carries her energy and drive into her professional engagements in order to empower and educate other fellow life-long learners. Learn more about Lori at http://www.keystoneclick.com/ (www.keystoneclick.com), http://www.lorihighby.com/ (www.lorihighby.com) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorihighby/ (LinkedIn).

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Kevin Perlmutter is Chief Strategist & Founder of Limbic Brand Evolution - a brand strategy & neuromarketing consultancy. Kevin helps brand leaders get even better at attracting and retaining customers, by turning emotional insight into a competitive advantage.

We discuss:

It’s about focusing on what matters most [02:45]

The evolution DNA as a key to achieving freedom [07:00]

Disadvantages of nickel and dime conversations [08:34]

What makes a great working relationship [12:40]

Three steps to creating lead generation [16:00]

Focus, connect and evolve [19:37]

Learn more about Kevin at https://www.limbicbrandevolution.com/ (https://www.limbicbrandevolution.com/) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinperlmutter/ (LinkedIn).

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Juliet Hahn is a storyteller, consultant, public speaker, and content creator. Her mission in life is to give Women and Men a stage to share their stories. She believes deeply that everyone has a story and we all can learn from each other. We just need to listen.

We discuss:

Women can do it all [02:02]

How to lower the financial pressure when starting your own business [06:58]

Happy but not really happy [09:08]

What the first clients will give that you haven’t thought of [13:38]

That extra thing that will light you on fire [17:33]

Quarantine stories that get you out of your world [19:05]

Why it’s so important to find the time and space to daydream [21:45]

Learn more about Juliet at https://www.iamjuliethahn.com/ (https://www.iamjuliethahn.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamjuliethahn (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/iamjuliethahn (Twitter), and https://www.facebook.com/iamjuliethahn/ (Facebook).

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Brian Ahearn is the Chief Influence Officer at Influence PEOPLE. An international trainer and consultant, he specializes in applying the science of influence in everyday situations. He is one of only a dozen individuals in the world who holds the Cialdini Method Certified Trainer designation.

We discuss:

Why influence is critical for the success of a consultant [03:06]

How to feel comfortable staring at a camera [06:25]

The more you like them, the more they like you [09:17]

How to learn to write in a story format [11:23]

The lie about becoming like Ernest Hemingway [15:33]

When your biggest critique likes your book [17:32]

A family legacy that embraces the power of story [19:08]

Brian’s first book, Influence PEOPLE: Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical, was named one of the Top 100 Influence Books of All Time by BookAuthority. His LinkedIn courses have been viewed by more than 4,000,000 people around the world.

Learn more about Brian at https://www.influencepeople.biz/ (https://www.influencepeople.biz) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfahearn/ (LinkedIn).

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We discuss:

The virtual equivalent of your best self [04:52]

Why selling too soon is a horrible problem [05:53]

How to be known as somebody who can be trusted [07:42]

The relationships that truly serve you [11:12]

The cream has risen to the top [13:48]

It’s just people talking to people [17:36]

How to feel good about yourself in the online world [20:31]

Learn more about JD at https://www.owlishcommunications.com/ (https://www.owlishcommunications.com) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdgershbein (LinkedIn).

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Jim Roddy is the President and CEO of the Retail Solutions Providers Association. He has been active in the retail IT industry since 1998, including 11 years as the President of Business Solutions Magazine, six years as an RSPA board member, and several years as an industry business coach.

We discuss:

The journey of a volunteer to becoming the CEO [02:41]

Technology as a differentiator in retail [05:26]

How to make competitors part of the same team [08:38]

The core of leading a community or a membership [12:26]

The consequences of lacking in-person events [15:44]

Tips on what may foster engagement in an online format [18:27]

A great resume versus high character [24:08]

Jim has been recognized as one of the world’s Top 100 Retail Influencers and is regularly requested to speak at industry conferences on SMB best practices. He is the author of two books – The Walk-On Method To Career & Business Success and Hire Like You Just Beat Cancer – and is host of the award-winning RSPA Trusted Advisor podcast.

Learn more about Jim at http://www.gorspa.org/ (www.gorspa.org), http://www.jimroddycba.com/ (www.jimroddycba.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimroddy1/ (LinkedIn) and https://twitter.com/Jim_Roddy (Twitter).

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Carl Ficks helps busy professionals get back in the fitness game so they can be less stressed and a lot more productive. His "Ficks System" is a proven road map for athletes and weekend warriors alike.

We discuss:

Trial work as an extension of athleticism [02:49]

How to mix skills and attributes as an artist [04:53]

Stitching the net together before jumping [06:42]

Litigation is the art of imitation [11:15]

Why many folks can never escape the home office [12:28]

Professionals who know what fitness can do [14:48]

What works well for speaking and coaching in times of pandemic [17:14]

Why you don’t need fancy equipment to do a great workout [18:58]

A walk at the airport [20:14]

A former trial attorney for 30 years, Carl has presented to diverse audiences, including the Connecticut Bar Association, the Travelers, and the Wyoming State Bar. His bi-weekly newspaper column and weekly LinkedIn posts, both titled "The Friday Ficks," provide strategies, tools, and inspiration to stay resourceful and resilient, regardless of the circumstances.

Learn more about Carl at http://www.carlficks.com/ (www.carlficks.com).

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Sajad Husain is the CEO of Cause and Effect Consulting. He is a persevering, enterprising, and top-performing executive and former attorney with expertise in vision-setting, project oversight, development, and implementation, compliance, internal and external communications, relationship management, legal and policy review, resource, and people-management, community outreach and organizing. He is an analytical and broad-minded influencer focused on solving problems, mediating disputes, and resolving matters to ensure ultimate project success. Sajad is a highly sought-after mentor/coach and sounding board for ideas and key advising.

We discuss:

The moment Wendy’s turns you down [02:02]

A framework to keep you organized and productive [08:17]

What other people notice after you’ve taken thousands of tiny steps and pivots [16:30]

How to run a business from the road [18:01]

Entrepreneurship is a fantasy [19:56]

Learn more about Sajad at https://causeandeffectconsulting.com/ (https://causeandeffectconsulting.com) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/sajadahusain/ (LinkedIn).

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Kellan Is the Ultimate Catalyst for Personal transformation. Author of 15 books, Creator of the "Ultimate Life Transformation Experience." If you really want to change your results, Kellan's Experience and System will get you there.

We discuss:

A method to tell your story in a powerful way [02:05]

Your power is proportional to your vulnerability [05:19]

An unbelievable invitation to change [09:33]

Nothing to hide, nothing to fear [11:57]

How telling the truth can relieve those who suffer [14:40]

What’s the worst thing that could happen if [16:20]

An example of putting an end to mediocrity [19:30]

Learn more about Kellan at http://www.kellanfluckiger.com/ (www.kellanfluckiger.com).

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Carol Schultz is a talent equity and leadership coaching and advisory expert, and Founder/CEO at Vertical Elevation. Over the past 29 years, she‘s honed her expertise and formed an intrinsic understanding of successful recruiting and alignment processes.

We discuss:

The most important department in a company [02:33]

People leave managers, not jobs [06:04]

The area in which coaching works best [11:41]

The one thing that prevents all the councils in the world to help you change [14:19]

Don’t be cheap and think you can do it all [18:15]

Recognized for her proficiency in corporate leadership, Carol has helped executives gain clarity in their careers, created a culture of performance for their teams, and made bold leadership moves. A firm believer in supporting executives to become more confident leaders, she has advised countless individuals and companies from Pre-Seed stage startups to publicly traded companies.

Learn more about Carol at https://verticalelevation.com/ (https://verticalelevation.com/).

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Michael Bauman is the CEO of Success Engineering, a Tony Robbins certified coach and he helps entrepreneurs feel that they are enough and know they are not alone. He is also the host of the podcast, Success Engineering, where he interviews experts and industry leaders, from Broadway Directors and actors to multi-millionaire CEO’s, to neuroscientists and more to uncover how they define success, how they create it on a daily basis and explore the challenges they have overcome both internally and externally to achieve their personal definition of success. We discuss: The difference between a technician and a business owner [02:54] How to create the feeling of success [04:28] The five whys every entrepreneur should ask themselves [07:55] The different layers of success [11:48] An expert in pain for social disconnection [15:05] How research can help you become an expert in a particular area [18:05] Where to find the best avatar for your first audience [19:47] Making sure your ladder is leaning up against the right building [22:50]

Learn more about Michael at http://www.successengineering.org/ (www.successengineering.org).

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With 27 years of B2B marketing and sales experience ranging from mid-sized local companies to enterprise organizations, Darrell has diverse experience across the sales and marketing landscape. He has trained thousands of salespeople in solution selling, created digital marketing strategies for hundreds of companies, and consulted with Fortune 500 technology companies. He knows what works—and what doesn’t.

We discuss:

The contrast in feelings when you finally pull the plug [02:17]

The moments of anxiety everyone has in their career [06:15]

Why it’s more secure to have your own business versus having an employer [08:02]

How to become an expert in revenue growth [10:06]

How bringing in people with opposite skillsets helps the business scale [14:37]

The two numbers every business owner needs to know [20:16]

As a member of the Forbes Business Council, Darrell works with executives to create growth strategies. He co-founded Convergo, where he serves as the Chief Innovation Officer, helping companies develop revenue growth strategies.

Darrell is the co-founder of the Kingdom Missions Fund, providing resources to innovative Christian missions projects. He also leads the ManAlive EXPEDITION team. Darrell is the host of the Revenue Growth Podcast and the co-host of the Selling From the Heart Podcast. Darrell is a frequent podcast guest, keynote speaker, and contributing author.

Learn more about Darrell at https://www.revenuegrowthengine.net/ (https://www.revenuegrowthengine.net/) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellamy/ (LinkedIn).

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Diane Tarshis is a seasoned business advisor and founder of Startup Distillery. Working with entrepreneurs across the US and around the globe, Diane uses her unique mix of finance, retail, manufacturing, and operations experience to help entrepreneurs distill their ideas into profitable, growing businesses.

We discuss:

Shifting from corporate life to small business life [02:32]

A double-edged sword or a fantasy [05:30]

A DIY kit for entrepreneurs [07:22]

Reasons to write a business plan [11:38]

The difference between growth and scaling [13:03]

The pressure for growth and scaling [16:38]

How to grow a consulting business and still keep it solo [18:20]

Learn more about Diane at https://startupdistillery.com/ (https://startupdistillery.com/).

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Jaime Jay is the founder and managing director of Bottleneck Distant Assistants. Founded in 2016, Bottleneck is an outsourcing agency that helps businesses identify, hire, and cultivate their workforce through a carefully designed systematic approach to growth. A veteran US Army paratrooper who received the Army Achievement Medal for Meritorious Service, Jay’s additional business experience includes a twelve-year career in corporate America and advanced education in Business Administration and Management at Florida Institute of Technology. We discuss: Three reasons to write a book other than anything else [03:02] What makes 184 pages much more than new authors think [06:24] A very affordable way about finding a hybrid publisher [09:15] What it feels like going through the different levels of editing [11:18] Thinking about thinking about leadership [13:17] The seven-year itch in business [15:35] The little things that make writing a book worthwhile [17:03] The best way for book authors to get feedback from readers [19:34] How crazy other people’s lives are [21:30]

Jaime likes networking with big-picture thinkers and proudly proclaims he is unemployable. In his spare time, he enjoys playing hockey, camping, boating, playing guitar, shooting guns, traveling, and spending time with his wife, Sara. In Quit Repeating Yourself, author Jaime Jay shares how he built a seven-figure business by focusing on the power of creating systems and processes so he could stop doing the wrong things and focus on doing his best work. After other business professionals kept asking him to explain what he was doing differently, Jay compiled his best strategies and systems, hoping readers could learn from his successes and his mistakes. Through personal stories and professional examples, he teaches leaders how to build a strong company foundation using small and actionable steps. Learn more about Jaime at https://bottleneck.online/ (https://bottleneck.online), https://www.instagram.com/bottleneckdistantassistants/ (Instagram), https://www.facebook.com/bottleneckdistantassistants (Facebook), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimejay/ (LinkedIn) and https://twitter.com/Bottleneckda (Twitter).

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With over two and a half decades of strategic communication, employee brand engagement, and internal brand development, Suzanne’s inside-out brand-building strategy creates the clarity and actions necessary for her clients to drive consistency, distinction, and advocacy long-term.

We discuss:

The many expectations of a logo [02:24]

A framework that helps you say “no” [06:45]

What marketers miss when they’re out there marketing [09:37]

The good and the bad news about personal brands [12:02]

The misalignment between consultants and their prospects [15:22]

Clarity is the basis of action [18:38]

Because her Brand DNA approach is radically different, she is paving the way companies and personal brands elevate their value position and actually reduce marketing costs while growing market share. As author of The 6 Myths of Small Business Branding and co-author of Brand DNA; Uncover Your Organization’s Genetic Code to Competitive Advantage, also published in China and her newest book; Personal Brand Clarity, Identify, Define & Align to What You Want to Be Known For, she is helping to pave the transformational highway to grow by conscious, strategic design; not by DEFAULT!

Learn more about Suzanne at http://www.brandascension.com/ (www.BrandAscension.com).

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Gio Marcus is copywriting mentor who teaches high-converting copy to entrepreneurs who want to reach millions and make millions.

We discuss:

How to become your brand’s own best copywriter [02:32]

A copy that’s more than a static set of words on a page [05:51]

What makes people bolder in their copywriting [07:06]

The first thing to do to get your copy generating revenue immediately [10:12]

The price of effectively communicating your value [11:51]

The missing element in LinkedIn [16:37]

The basis of every great movie, novel or TV commercial [17:09]

How to show the reader that you understand them [19:11]

Gio’s copywriting clients are guests of Oprah, Marie Forleo & Sir Richard Branson; regularly featured on major TV shows and magazines, stars of their own Netflix documentaries, and winners of Oscars nominations for their health documentaries. Between them, Gio’s clients have written over 35 New York Times bestselling books, translated into 190 languages. She lives in Berkeley, California.

Learn more about Gio at https://giomarcus.com/ (https://giomarcus.com).

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Tom Bailey is the founder of Succeed Through Speaking and he spent the first 25 years of his life becoming an expert at AVOIDING public speaking, presenting and being in front of groups of people. However, since overcoming his life-limiting fear of speaking and presenting he has experienced first-hand how people can succeed through speaking. He now helps other Entrepreneurs, Experts, Coaches and Consultants use speaking to raise their profile and gain new clients.

We discuss:

An expert at avoiding public speaking [02:19]

How the fear of speaking is hurting your personal and professional life [04:37]

The wrong decisions that keep you in your comfort zone [05:59]

Confidence comes from competence [09:44]

How to use speaking as a platform to attract more clients [11:41]

The five P’s that help experts be great at speaking [13:00]

How to increase the visibility of someone who is hiding behind the brand [16:01]

How to connect the dots between speaking and business [17:36]

Why you should never say you’re the greatest speaker in the world [20:50]

Learn more about Tom at https://www.succeedthroughspeaking.com/ (https://www.succeedthroughspeaking.com).

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Aurora Winter is an award-winning, bestselling author. She is a successful serial entrepreneur, media trainer, creator of the Spoken Author™ method, and founder of Same Page Publishing.

We discuss:

Leveraging the number 3 search engine [02:00]

The secret to producing hundreds of podcast episodes [03:39]

How the Spoken Author method helps non-writers fill in the blank page [05:29]

Those who tell the stories rule society [09:18]

How to add significance to your stories [11:21]

The essence of a person gathered in a wave form [13:37]

The distance between a good communicator and a great one [16:21]

The neuroscience behind communication [17:34]

The worst way to make a million dollars with a book [20:17]

Learn more about Aurora at http://www.aurorawinter.com/ (www.aurorawinter.com).

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Evan Rabin was born and raised in New York. After working in Corporate America, doing enterprise sales at Oracle and Rapid 7, he formed Premier Chess in September 2017. Premier Chess currently runs programs in 80+ schools and companies including the law firm Kramer Levin. He is a US Chess National Master.

We discuss:

What it means to be analytical in sales [02:09]

Why entrepreneurs don’t make good fits as employees [06:09]

The most important prerequisite to run a chess company [07:56]

What made Evan start the sales company first [11:22]

Learning business and life lessons through chess [13:24]

The speed we need to go through an unexpected situation [15:35]

Why players should not let a domino effect happen [18:13]

How to use unexpected situations to your advantage [19:41]

Learn more about Evan at https://premierchessacademy.com/ (https://)http://www.premierchess.com/ (www.premierchess.com).

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Terri Maxwell is the Founder and CEO of Share On Purpose, Inc, a business cultivator that created six innovative brands using her Conscious Business Growth Platform™. She also started a Speculator Fund to invest in social ventures focused on making the world better. In an entrepreneurial career that spans almost 30 years, Terri has launched, owned, sold, rebranded, or turned around more than 50 brands. Her latest concept is https://shiftco.global/ a business growth platform for conscious entrepreneurs.

We discuss:

Using teaching skills to build a successful salesforce [02:58]

How to make the world better and make money at the same time [04:05]

Truly [in]authentic business growth techniques [06:56]

The four F’s: authentic demand generation [09:29]

A powerful story of nineteen criminals [13:33]

The most authentic parts of the world in terms of entrepreneurship [15:31]

The purchasing power of millennials turning the tide [17:35]

Learn more about Terri at https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrifmaxwell/ (LinkedIn).

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Lynn is a tax attorney-turned consultant who finds innovative and novel ways to create fiercely loyal clients and employees. As employees uncover their untapped potential, they become deeply engaged and excel at delighting customers. Consequently, these businesses achieve higher levels of profits, growth, and retention!

We discuss:

Organizations that [don’t] care about their employees [02:14]

The obstacles that stand in the way of a change agent [05:46]

How to see the answers that are right in front of us [07:36]

Why disruption is not a measure in the financials [10:40]

The employees you can’t overwhelm [16:43]

What happens when senior managers don’t talk to customers [19:18]

Learn more about Lynn at https://www.thomasconsultingwins.com/ (https://www.thomasconsultingwins.com) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnthomasjd/ (LinkedIn).

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Best known as the founder of Beast Gear, Ben Leonard is the classic millennial entrepreneur. He built a business on a laptop, in a cupboard, in his spare time. The difference? Ben grew an international 7-figure business and successfully exited after 3 years which is the business holy grail. Now Ben is doing it all over again and helping others to do the same with his ecommerce consultancy and ecommerce brokerage.

We discuss:

How to sell the business when you’re the business [02:38]

Less about you and more about the transformation [05:30]

The fear of productizing knowledge [07:16]

The mistake consultants do when creating a subscription model [11:37]

Main measures of business performance [16:31]

Why everybody knows who the owner of Tesla is [19:09]

Learn more about Ben at https://www.ecombrokers.co.uk/ (https://www.ecombrokers.co.uk) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjleonard/ (LinkedIn).

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Paul Sherman is a dynamic C-suite leader with finance, strategy, operations excellence, customer success, and business development experience in healthcare services and technology, commercial real estate and multi-unit restaurants.

We discuss:

The basics of relationship-building [02:52]

The givers, takers and exchangers [4:58]

The fine line between helping for free and helping for money [6:23]

Not a template of questions but a natural flow [07:45]

What adds more meaning to being a solopreneur [12:32]

What your grandma wants to know about your business [14:34]

What keeps your ideal clients awake at night [17:43]

The person that says “no” most of the time [19:20]

He has operated in PE, public and family-owned companies. Paul has a passion for developing talent, professionalize and transform highly motivated teams to exceed expectations.

Learn more about Paul at http://www.linkedin.com/company/shermansamuels (LinkedIn).

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Chris Weller is an award-winning storytelling expert. He's the co-creator and producer of the Netflix Original Documentary "Spelling the Dream," an Ironman triathlete, and a crossword puzzle aficionado. He is currently a senior editor at Insider, overseeing coverage that explores the human side of work and business.

We discuss:

The time when podcasts were not even a thing [05:03]

The impression that consistence creates [08:11]

The evolution of audio on demand [11:30]

Why content creators don’t have to be everywhere [15:33]

Spelling the dream with the spelling bee [18:20]

The value of looking for intersections [20:40]

Learn more about Chris at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherweller (LinkedIn).

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John Neral helps mid-career professionals prepare, position, and promote who they are and what they do, so they can SHOW UP to find a job they love or love the job they have. He's the author of the newly published book "Your Mid-Career GPS - Four Steps to Figuring Out What's Next." He and his spouse are the proud parents of a rescue cat named, "Amy Farrah Meowler" named after their love of the show, the Big Bang Theory. We discuss: The fear of being stuck [02:44] What to do with your unique professional value [04:32] The people we hurt when we don’t make our offers [09:32] No place is a party [12:54] The role of a coach for planning a coaching career [16:18] The things that make the coaching fit easy [19:11] The most fascinating part of the career journey [22:55]

Learn more about John at https://johnneral.com/ (https://johnneral.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnneral/ (LinkedIn), https://www.facebook.com/johnneralcoaching (Facebook) and https://www.instagram.com/johnneralcoaching/ (Instagram).

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Christy Metcalf helps women rewrite their story from former corporate yes girl to successful entrepreneur on their terms. We discuss: The problem with being conditioned to our 1% salary increase [02:13] The key to sticking to your value [06:01] Why McDonald’s don’t sell tacos [10:28] Nobody knows who you are [12:23] How to deal with the fear of showing up [16:28] Money is all around if you’re willing to ask for it [19:05] Riding the bike to make yourself successful [22:31]

A reformed yes girl, people pleaser, and workaholic she made the leap from corporate employee to successful entrepreneur two decades ago, and now she helps other women do the same thing. Now she uses that same winning framework to educate and support new female entrepreneurs as they step into their new role as CEO and rewrite their story. Learn more about Christy at http://www.2smartgirls.com/ (www.2smartgirls.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/christy-metcalf/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.facebook.com/TwoSmartGirls (Facebook).

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Dan Bennett was born and raised in the gritty city of Flint, MI. He is the Founder of 1 Minute Media, a company that empowers individuals to tell their stories with great video through coursework and private membership. He is also a digital media freelancer who offers direct consultation for companies as well as decades of experience in video production, video editing, motion graphics, sound design, graphic design and digital content development. We discuss: Back and forth between left and right side of the brain [02:24] The love of creativity and newfound energy [05:06] Take the wheel and see what happens [08:52] The great band-aid rip of 2020 [11:19] The medicine in the cheese [16:34] Accidents that work out pretty good [19:09] The members that don’t pay you anymore [20:55]

Learn more about Dan at https://imtheantipreneur.com/ (https://imtheantipreneur.com/linkstack).

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Jonathan Keyser is the founder of Keyser, one of the largest independent, occupier services commercial real estate firms in the country. Additionally, Keyser is a founding member of EXIS Global, the largest independent, commercial real estate organization in the world committed to exclusively representing corporate end users. We discuss: Changing the mechanics of a whole industry [02:45] The universe can’t handle an imbalance [06:35] Why you should start using the L word in business [09:08] Reinvention from the inside out [12:26] The biggest accountability mechanism [16:26] Just a commercial real estate guy from Arizona having a dream [21:58]

Jonathan focuses his efforts on changing the business world through selfless service and his efforts manifest in his content and through leadership. He was named "The Commercial Real Estate Disruptor" by USA Today, a #1 Multi-Category Best Selling Author on Amazon and the Wall Street Journal for his book, “You Don’t Have to be Ruthless to Win”. He is a frequent keynote speaker, a thought leader featured on over 150 articles, publications, and podcasts, and is recognized as one of the Top 20 Virtual Keynote Speakers in the country. Learn more about Jonathan at http://www.keyser.com/ (www.keyser.com) and https://ruthlessbook.com/ (https://ruthlessbook.com/).

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David Crysler is the founder of the Crysler Club and host of the Everyday Business Problems Podcast. Having spent nearly 20 years working for a publicly traded corporation that grew through acquisition provided Dave with the opportunity to grow several different businesses during his career. We discuss: A different way for small business owners to build a business [02:24] What large corporations do best [06:46] The four pillars of scaling [09:53] The common problems that trading and manufacturing businesses have [11:00] How to deal with the fear of laying out cash for some help [15:16] How to differentiate yourself in a field with a low barrier to entry [17:36] Shifting from working in your business to working on your business [21:33]

Entering entrepreneurship, Dave quickly realized there was a tremendous need within small businesses to have access to the tools and support that were commonplace in a large corporation. It was during this time Dave developed his operations framework that he uses to solve everyday problems and free business owners from working in their business so it can grow. Learn more about David at https://thecrysler.club/ (https://thecrysler.club), https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcrysler/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/DavidCrysler (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/thecryslerclub (Facebook).

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As the official Zig Ziglar Small Business Lawyer and a Ziglar Legacy Certified Trainer, it’s no wonder that Scott Reib is known as “America’s Legal Coach.” For the last two decades, Scott has been helping business owners, entrepreneurs, and coaches “shatterproof” their businesses by implementing specific strategies for structure, growth, and protection. Over the last three years, Scott has been sharing these strategies with business owners and coaches, and watching them grow and succeed! We discuss: The beginning of all of the subscriptions we see nowadays [02:10] How to [not] lose your Friday [04:14] The pep talk you need to give yourself before a sales call [06:10] The signs telling you to hire a business coach [08:44] Different coaches for different seasons of life [11:10] Helping businesses grow in a protected way [13:26] What business owners don’t know what they don’t know about getting an LLC [15:02] The issues in front of multistate entrepreneurs [18:35] The death of the billable hour [20:08]

Learn more about Scott at https://reiblaw.com/ (https://reiblaw.com/).

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Gary Ireland helps executives in transition to maximize income and benefits when joining a company and enhance severance and asserting rights when they’re leaving. Gary has helped many clients in financial services, banking, law, media, technology and higher education, among other fields. He also works with start-ups. We discuss: The best thing about employment law [01:26] A relationship is a two-way street [04:56] An [im]proper way to terminate a relationship [06:36] Becoming a consultant to your former employer [10:20] Creative solutions for maximizing profit and employee engagement [13:58] Everybody that’s around an employee [15:35] Best in something but still out of work [17:06] Who are the most successful individuals [19:25] The skills that help you prevail [21:24]

Learn more about Gary at http://irelandlaw.net/ (http://irelandlaw.net).

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Jeff helps organizations build better products and executives build the cultures that build better products. Through the use of concepts like Design Thinking, Lean UX and agile software development he brings a new approach to running organizations and the departments within them, most recently focusing on Human Resources and how they can be more agile as well as support agility in the organization. We discuss: Giving up on a dream of becoming a famous rock musician [02:12] Life was good until 2008 happened [04:11] Adventures in becoming forever employable [07:51] How to take your power back in the job hunt [09:38] How to create a career safety net [11:50] Planting your flag: experience, expertise and passion [12:23] Opportunities to solve a problem and become a thought leader [14:24] What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas [20:27]

Learn more about Jeff at https://jeffgothelf.com/ (https://jeffgothelf.com/).

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Bob Kulhan is an elite improviser, an adjunct professor at Duke Fuqua B-School, author of ‘GETTING TO YES AND’, and the Founder & CEO of Business Improv® – a 22-yr-old consultancy linking improvisation to business through behavioral sciences and ROI for blue-chip companies. BI is a world-class leader in experiential On-Site, Virtual (synchronous), Online (asynchronous), Blended (both), and Open Enrollment programs. We discuss: The human on the other side of the transaction [01:59] A Sherpa’s level of customer devotion [04:00] Bridging the gap between two cultures [06:55] What it feels like to be thrilled at the core [10:09] How coaches and consultants can improve their customer experience [11:30] The weight of a long-term business relationship [14:08] The benefit of having different custom segments [15:17] Why it’s important to serve the customer earlier in their journey [17:43] Why a client gravitates towards a particular coach or consultant [19:27]

Learn more about Bob at http://www.BusinessImprov.com (www.BusinessImprov.com) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-kulhan-0226a01/ (LinkedIn).

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Ten years ago, Vinay left his corporate job to learn more about how businesses can grow by uplifting the lives of their customers. He crisscrossed the world and drew insight from large corporations, far-flung markets, mountain Sherpas, and street vendors. These experiences inspired a unique approach to customer experience that he then put to the test as an entrepreneur in Cusco, Peru. Now back in New York, Vinay teaches his system through social media, coaching, and online courses through his business, GrowthWallah. We discuss: The human on the other side of the transaction [01:59] A Sherpa’s level of customer devotion [04:00] Bridging the gap between two cultures [06:55] What it feels to be thrilled at the core [10:09] How coaches and consultants can improve their customer experience [11:30] The weight of a long-term business relationship [14:08] The benefit of having different custom segments [15:17] Why it’s important to serve the customer earlier in their journey [17:43] The most critical reason why a client gravitates towards a particular coach or consultant [19:27]

Learn more about Vinay at http://www.growthwallah.com (www.growthwallah.com) and https://www.instagram.com/thevinayraval/ (Instagram).

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Shawn Rhodes leveraged his former life as a war correspondent to become an international expert in how the best teams continuously improve pipelines and performance. We discuss: Imagine a college professor that can’t be fired [01:43] Starting off with a complete beginner’s mind [03:37] A pitch that doesn’t work well on anybody [04:40] The effect of doing things consistently [06:00] Repeatable systems with a focus on the sales system [08:18] Hope is not a sales strategy [09:56] How to begin long-term relationship cycles [11:50] Strategies to own the next step in the conversation [15:47] The idea of feast or famine to keep the pipeline full [17:55] The beauty of building systems [20:49]

He's a Tampa-based TEDx speaker and his work studying teams in more than two dozen countries - some the most dangerous places on the planet - has been published in news outlets including TIME, CNN, NBC, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal and INC. Shawn is also a nationally-syndicated columnist with the Business Journals and author of Bulletproof Selling: Systemizing Sales for The Battlefield of Business. Learn more about Shawn at http://www.bulletproof-selling.com (www.bulletproof-selling.com).

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David Lakin is a retired Navy Chief, licensed PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Executive Coach, and CEO of Acacia Business Solutions. We discuss: The impact of a half a lifetime of being in the Navy [01:32] How to figure out what your specialty is going to be [05:17] A good give-and-take relationship [07:58] The people that do not fit your cookie cutter [09:28] The traits person that becomes the business owner [11:55] Walking away when someone waves a roll of cash in front of you [14:31] It’s not a profit problem but a spending problem [16:11] Your time is your cash account [19:00] The appropriate way to choose and hire a coach [20:56]

He helps CEOs and their Executive Teams achieve exponential growth through Strategic Thinking and Organizational Planning, helping them grow in multiples rather than small percentage increases. Learn more about David at https://acacia-solutions.com/ (https://acacia-solutions.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/davelakin/ (LinkedIn) andhttps://www.facebook.com/AcaciaBusinessSolutions ( Facebook).

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Nadine & Derek Nicholson help passionate, high-achieving consultants and service professionals boldly earn more while working less so that they can free up their time for what matters. We discuss: How a married couple joins forces for a career transition [02:04] How to measure what matters most [05:57] How stepping into self-leadership helps you get unstuck [08:10] The reason why the say-do gap is plateauing your revenue [13:58] The very key that will have you boldly multiply your earning [21:02]

They've distilled their 60 years of collective business and leadership experience building their own 7-figure company, running over $10M+ corporate portfolios, and leading giant teams of people into an approach that teaches you how to confidently sell and deliver high-value offerings, while mastering your time and building your high-performance team. Learn more about Nadine and Derek at https://ascendleadership.com/ (https://ascendleadership.com/).

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David Nihill is a Bestselling author, TED featured speaker, award winning comedian and storyteller and “One of the best speaking coaches out there” according to Forbes.com. We discuss: Why going on your own requires you to analyze and tell your story [02:40] Clues to give the right presentation to the right audience [04:44] Why comedians are the true masters of public speaking [07:48] The key difference in reactions you get in a comedy club versus in a keynote speech [09:57] How having the last say can save a public speaker’s life [13:02] If it’s embarrassing to you, it’s funny to me [16:24] Don’t rule out anything too small [20:43]

Learn more about David at https://davidnihill.com/ (https://davidnihill.com/).

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Tony Rose is a founding partner of Rose, Snyder & Jacobs. In addition to helping entrepreneurs and high-net-worth families with tax-minimization strategies for asset growth and protection, Tony also helps his clients more effectively grow their financial capital by enriching their human, intellectual, social and structural capitals.

We discuss: Quick bits of consultant wisdom [03:30] The power of social capital [05:10] The one thought that can make a difference [07:16] Why a great solo career starts off by being a great employee first [11:48] How to know if you’ve waited too long to get started [14:50] Most people are nice [16:46]

Tony is the author of “Five Eyes on the Fence: Protecting the Five Core Capitals of Your Business” and “Say Hello to the Elephants”. Through counseling and leading multidisciplinary teams of professionals, Tony has provided valuable guidance at the point where life intersects wealth.

Learn more about Tony at https://www.rsjcpa.com/ (https://www.rsjcpa.com/) and http://www.gettonysbook.com/ (www.gettonysbook.com).

Brief Description of Gift A free copy of Tony’s ebook Say Hello to the Elephants URL for Free Gift http://www.gettonysbook.com/ (www.gettonysbook.com)

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Sophia Sunwoo is a 3x entrepreneur who sold her first business at 22, growing it to 250 major retailers worldwide before her exit. Her second business fixed broken water systems in India and Cameroon, securing clean water for over 80,000 people. Sophia is currently the founder of Ascent Strategy, where she creates moneymaking brands with women entrepreneurs who refuse to settle for mediocre. Sophia is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and was named one of the world’s 100 most inspiring women by Salt Magazine and Diageo.

We discuss: From bored college kids to successfully empowered women [02:09] A business model based on personal values [07:08] How to remove the corporate veneer and step into yourself [09:17] The transition after you can’t hide anymore [12:47] LinkedIn as a mental representation of hitting all layers of vulnerability and visibility [14:40] How to prepare for clients outside your network [17:18] How to be strategic about the different upgrades of your business [19:19]

Learn more about Sophia at http://www.ascent-strategy.com/ (www.ascent-strategy.com) and https://www.instagram.com/ascentwithsophia/ (Instagram).

Brief Description of Gift A free sales challenge that will help you make more sales in five days; A free business tune-up checklist URL for Free Gift http://www.ascent-strategy.com/startgear (www.ascent-strategy.com/startgear)

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Laura Gale is a ghostwriter who helps entrepreneurs share their experience and legacy to grow their audience and their business. She has worked with entrepreneurs from all over the world and is a bestselling author herself. We discuss: How to listen to the market place [01:23] How to make yourself a really obvious choice [04:16] When to [not] use the services of a ghostwriter [05:05] The two halves of the book-selling process [08:48] The ideal time to spend on creating and benefiting from a book [10:45] Why some consultants and coaches have anxiety around hiring a ghostwriter [13:35] How much a first-time author should think about investing in producing a book 15:32] How to get a really good return on investment on your book [17:05] A space in your schedule and attitude for serendipity to happen [19:56]

Learn more about Laura at http://www.lauraiswriting.com/ (www.lauraiswriting.com).

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Ryan Dohrn is an Emmy award winning sales and performance speaker. His sales and marketing ideas have impacted over half a BILLION dollars in revenue for his clients. We discuss: How to exit the corporate world smoothly and gracefully [02:20] There’s nothing better than seeing plenty of runway when taking off [05:00] The lone stranger at the gathering [08:50] The person who can download information for you [10:46] The difference in profitability between coaching, consulting and mentoring [12:54] Three areas in sales to differentiate yourself and keep you on track [15:57] Why business owners should stop being Walmart [19:08] How Covid-19 can be the biggest up [20:47]

Ryan was one of the youngest managers to every work for the Walt Disney Company. His ideas have been used by Fortune 500 companies like Boeing and John Deere. Ryan is a drummer, a lover of GOOD coffee and is a closet technology geek. Learn more about Ryan at https://ryandohrn.com/ (https://ryandohrn.com/) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandohrn/ (LinkedIn.) Brief Description of Gift A free 30-minute consultation URL for Free Gift https://ryandohrn.com/ (https://ryandohrn.com/)

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For over 20 years, Jim Roddy has educated business and non-profit leaders (and future leaders) through books, national magazine articles, podcasts, and presentations at national conferences.

We discuss: Stories of ordinary people who became extraordinary [02:34] The five steps of the Walk-On Method [04:39] The three things you can’t get a coupon for [10:34] How to find people who are a good fit for starting a business [13:19] The biggest struggle for coaches and consultants [14:20] How to keep people awake by being an evangelist [16:14] The value of things that means more than any award could mean [17:38]

Jim is one of the most popular speakers in the technology industry because of a presentation style that is “infotaining” — a combination of informational and entertaining. Jim is author of two books: "The Walk-On Method to Career & Business Success" and "Hire Like You Just Beat Cancer." He’s been published in several business publications and websites including Entrepreneur and Nasdaq.

Learn more about Jim at http://www.jimroddycba.com/ (www.JimRoddyCBA.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimroddy1/ (LinkedIn) and https://twitter.com/Jim_Roddy (Twitter).

Brief Description of Gift a free chapter from The Walk-On Method to Career & Business Success

URL for Free Gift Jim@JimRoddyCBA.com

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Kimberly Weitkamp is a marketing strategist, podcaster and conversion copywriter.

We discuss: The seed for the audience conversion method [01:44] A travel writer’s journey to the world of copywriting [04:32] The best way to understand your audience’s needs [05:37] How to make marketing sound like an extension of working with you [06:18] Seven layers deep of why you do what you do [08:55] Communities we might think are not communities [12:50] The basic steps to building a community [16:10] The benefits of joining a community for business owners [17:29] The importance of having a platform that’s your own [18:55]

As creator of the Audience Conversion Method and host of the Audience Converter Podcast for Community Leaders, Kimberly helps community leaders, coaches and course creators convert their audience from strangers to loyal fans. Kimberly works with her clients to put the right message in front of the right person at the right time (especially in emails!). She loves talking marketing, travel and all things sci-fi.

Learn more about Kimberly at https://theaudienceconverter.com/ (https://theaudienceconverter.com).

Brief Description of Gift A free guide to create memorable emails “Crafting the Perfect Welcome Series”

URL for Free Gift https://theaudienceconverter.com/giveaway (https://theaudienceconverter.com/giveaway)

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Jaime Jay is the founder and managing director of Bottleneck Distant Assistants.

We discuss: How to deal with getting asked the same questions over and over again [02:13] A business plan never fails on paper [05:06] A starting point to make a breakthrough [08:45] The barriers to having a culture that will help you grow [10:15] Reasons why you would want to have systems in place [13:22] An eight-month long journey with a hybrid publisher [15:55]

Jaime has been sourcing DA's from the Philippines since 2006. BNDA is a team of remote-based professionals dedicated to assisting ambitious leaders to identify, hire and cultivate remote-team members. Jaime is currently writing his first book, Quit Repeating Yourself. This book celebrates the effort for building sustainable growth into your business model that explores the intersections of culture, leadership, systems, processes, workflows, recruiting and hiring.

Learn more about Jamie at https://bottleneck.online/ (https://bottleneck.online/).

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Dave Lukas is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, investor, and Founder of the Misfit Entrepreneur Podcast. His companies have been on the Entrepreneur 365 and INC 5000 List 7 times and currently do business in over 50 countries.

We discuss: No, thank you, we’re Canadian [02:17] How to build a Fortune 500 business [04:33] The way 21-year-olds can be great leaders [06:48] How entrepreneurs can use the DCP formula to understand where the breakdown is [08:32] Structure equals freedom [11:21] A horrible recipe for disaster [16:00] A beautiful, wonderful, crazy misfit world in entrepreneurship [19:22]

Dave Lukas is the author of the amazon best-seller “The Ten Year Career, The Fast Track to Retiring Young, Wealthy and Fulfilled.” Dave founded the Misfit Entrepreneur, a weekly podcast devoted to giving the audience incredibly useful and unique insight from the world's top entrepreneurs and highest performers. Dave is also the co-founder of the GROW.THRIVE.REVIVE event and an accomplished investor in real estate and stock investing. Through his 12 Minute Trading System, Dave has mentored, educated, and trained thousands of students worldwide on how to create income from the stock market.

Learn more about Dave at http://www.misfitentrepreneur.com/ (www.MisfitEntrepreneur.com) and http://www.12minutetrading.com/ (www.12MinuteTrading.com).

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Carolyn Kiel is a learning design manager at a Fortune 500 company. Prior to working in learning & development, she held roles in change management, risk management, and data governance in the financial services industry. We discuss: How to prepare yourself for career pivots [01:58] How to overcome the tendency to be too comfortable on the status quo [03:30] Company culture as an obstacle or an opportunity for career development [07:44] Beyond those first 6 seconds impressions [11:39] The many faces of creating an impact on society [14:34] The surprising number of people having a side hustle next to a corporate job [18:07] The unspoken expectation about employees’ focus at work [21:21] Every interview is a new opportunity [22:28]

Carolyn also hosts the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast, where she has interviewed more than 120 entrepreneurs, CEOs and media personalities about how they’ve overcome obstacles to build their careers and achieve their goals. Carolyn has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Vassar College and a master's degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Learn more about Carolyn at http://www.beyond6seconds.net/ (www.beyond6seconds.net), http://www.linkedin.com/in/ckiel (LinkedIn), http://www.instagram.com/beyond6seconds (Instagram) and http://www.twitter.com/Beyond6S (Twitter).

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Emily Simas helps her clients strengthen the core of their organizations by focusing on people and process. An expert in program management and a facilitator by nature, Emily knows how to organize and mobile teams to get exceptional products and services to market. We discuss: The moment when your client gives a title to what you do [02:40] The benefits of doing program management as a consultant versus as an employee [05:22] Creative solutions to building efficiency, accountability and inspiration within organizations [07:22] Common language as a way to break through barriers [10:47] Your ideal client is always evolving [14:38]

Emily draws 25 years of experience leading large-scale initiatives for technology companies and non-profits to support a wide range of clients including Adobe, DocuSign, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and SF CASA. Learn more about Emily at https://www.emilysimas.com/ (https://www.emilysimas.com/).

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Michele Molitor is the CEO of Nectar Consulting Inc., a certified Rapid Transformational Therapist (RTT), Executive Coach (CPCC) and co-author of the best-selling book “Breakthrough Healing.” We discuss: A combination that creates a truly rapid transformation [01:49] The feeling of [not] being enough [04:38] Situations when coaches and consultants may be held back [07:05] Why successful employees may develop imposter syndrome when becoming entrepreneurs [09:57] Another fun fact they don’t tell you when you’re getting trained as a consultant [11:21] Your greatest source of pain is your greatest source of power [12:30] How to dissolve fear into nothingness [15:43] An external sounding board to sort out the internal dialogue [16:50] A pattern interrupt to start you moving towards the goal [18:48]

Working with executives and entrepreneurs, Michele is an expert at helping you remove the blocks created by imposter syndrome so you can achieve greater success, well-being, and career satisfaction. Michele’s unique Rapid Rewiring™ approach is a culmination of years of study to help you catalyze shifts in your thinking and eliminate mental/emotional blocks to rapidly rewire your brain for greater confidence and peace of mind. Learn more about Michele at http://www.michelemolitor.com/ (www.MicheleMolitor.com). Brief Description of Gift Masterclass - Keys to Cultivating Your Confidence or a free e-book: Tapping Into Your Power & Presence URL for Free Gift http://www.michelemolitor.com/ (www.MicheleMolitor.com)

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Jeremy Pollack is a leader in the field of workplace conflict resolution and peacebuilding. He is the Founder of Pollack Peacebuilding Systems, an international conflict resolution consulting firm. We discuss: The solution for coaches and consultants who don’t like marketing [02:17] The one thing that stays consistent among the many types of marketing [03:18] Why content is so important for consultants and coaches [05:07] The importance of SEO as part of the content marketing strategy [05:58] How to do SEO without even thinking about it [07:15] A way to find peace with yourself and each other [08:40] The inner warrior approach to finding your niche [11:46] What young coaches can do to become trustworthy professionals [15:11] From thirty years of employment to becoming a self-employed consultant or coach [17:39] The philosophy behind framing everything through value [22:00]

Jeremy is a master coach, master trainer, mediator, and author. He coaches and trains executives and employees at a variety of levels and industries, from Fortune 500 companies to major non-profits. Jeremy is a regular contributor on the topics of leadership and organizational conflict management to publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, and many more. He is also the author of the recently released book The Conflict Resolution Playbook. Learn more about Jeremy at https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/ (https://pollackpeacebuilding.com/) and https://coachjeremypollack.com/ (https://coachjeremypollack.com/).

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Bobby Klinck is a Harvard Law Grad turned online entrepreneur but he’s NOT your typical lawyer. We discuss: Being here on behalf of the United States of America [02:06] Not sad, not depressed, but not happy as well [04:19] How giving changes you as a person [08:18] The difference between tactical giving and a giver [12:10] People don’t buy information but transformation [15:26] How coaches can stay ahead of the curve [18:32] A weekly walkthrough of Bobby’s wacky life [20:32]

Bobby has built a thriving online business by doing things a bit differently than other people, making the legal and business stuff simple, with a focus on building real connections with real people, instead of thinking of people as potential transactions. After trying what the "expert” online entrepreneurs were telling him to do, Bobby threw out the “online marketing” rulebook and started marketing his way… by giving, connecting with his audience, and building his brand. Learn more about Bobby at http://www.bobbyklinck.com/ (www.bobbyklinck.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertklinck/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.facebook.com/BobbyKlinckPage (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift BADA$$ Online Marketing University URL for Free Gift http://www.bobbyklinck.com/bomu (www.bobbyklinck.com/bomu)

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David is a former consulting actuary to Fortune 100 companies. He built the world’s largest coaching business, becoming #1 on Google for life coaching and coaching thousands of hours in 12 countries around the globe. We discuss: Why working with entrepreneurs is fun [02:26] The best clients don’t need help [04:41] How to overcome the shiny object syndrome [07:51] How important it is to agree what not to care about [10:00] Why people gravitate towards overwhelm [13:21] How to sort out and implement an outside input [16:46] Monkey say, monkey do [19:20] How to find the best fit possible in a time when there are more coaches than ever [22:38]

As well as helping others, David is no stranger to overcoming challenges himself, having survived a full collapse of his paraglider and a fractured spine, witnessing the death of his sister at age seven, anxiety and depression, and a national Gong Show! He coaches high performing business owners to double revenue, and their time off by focusing on less and being 30% more courageous in their business or career. Learn more about David at http://focus.ceo/ (http://focus.ceo/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/focus-ceo (LinkedIn), https://www.instagram.com/_focusceo/ (Instagram), https://twitter.com/_focusceo (Twitter), https://www.youtube.com/c/ExtraordinaryFocuswithDavidWood (YouTube) and https://www.facebook.com/extraordinaryfocus (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A preview of David’s training for self-assessment and a cheat sheet on how to double your revenue URL for Free Gift http://www.myfocusgift.com/ (http://www.myfocusgift.com/)

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Tony Martignetti is a leadership development expert, entrepreneur, idea generator, and people connector. He brings together practical experience, formal training, and extreme curiosity, to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to navigate through change and unlock their true potential. We discuss: Leave the room to change the room [02:04] The magic world of art, business and science brought together [05:02] All about managing the way people see themselves from the core [08:00] If you’re willing to feel everything, you can have anything [11:32] You have to prepare for a longer hike [12:54] That someone who can help you get on the other side [15:27] The difference between what employees need versus what entrepreneurs need [16:18] It’s not about changing who you are but amplifying who you are [17:50] How to create a real focused audience of people who you want to work with [19:07] The things that wait to be unleashed [21:14]

Before becoming a coach, Tony was a finance and strategy professional with experience working with some of the world's leading life sciences companies. Along his journey, he also managed small businesses and ran a financial consulting company. Tony is the host of The Virtual Campfire podcast and is currently writing his first book, "Climbing the Right Mountain.” Learn more about Tony at https://www.inspiredpurposecoach.com/ (https://www.inspiredpurposecoach.com/) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonymartignett1/ (LinkedIn).

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Mickie Kennedy is an expert at helping small businesses, authors, and startups increase their visibility and credibility. We discuss: What you do when you don’t like being told what to do [01:45] A hypothesis about changes in technologies [04:53] How a newswire works [6:15] Why your press release could use some strategies [08:20] Small companies with a great number of releases and milestones [09:36] It really comes down to relevant stories [10:39] Consultants and coaches that gained traction through the press [12:35] The challenges to getting noticed for business authors [14:14] What non-fiction authors may not know about gaining a following through media [16:14] Sometimes the right person to manage the business is not the right person to manage the people [17:17] Commitment will make you successful as quickly as possible [18:47]

Mickie founded eReleases twenty-two years ago, after realizing that small businesses desperately need a press release service they can actually afford, giving them access to the media and to a national newswire – all with a personal touch. Learn more about Mickie at https://www.ereleases.com/ (https://www.ereleases.com). Brief Description of Gift A free video training on press release strategies URL for Free Gift https://www.ereleases.com/plan (https://www.ereleases.com/plan)

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Todd Cherches is the CEO and cofounder of BigBlueGumball, a NYC-based consulting firm specializing in leadership development, public speaking, and executive coaching, as well as a Founding Partner of the Global Institute for Thought Leadership. We discuss: How to get people to see what we’re saying [01:47] The “I can’t draw” syndrome [02:26] What if Superman and Batman are already taken [04:39] Twin bookworms separated at birth [06:18] The three B’s kind of guy [08:05] Standing on the shoulders of giants [10:04] How to accept defeat with grace [12:39] How we are all managers and leaders [15:45] It’s not a path, it’s a rollercoaster [17:15] The many ways in which one could use their literature background [19:32] You can’t coach people against their will [20:50] The combined wisdom of a millennial and a baby boomer [22:12]

Todd is also a three-time award-winning Adjunct Professor of leadership at NYU, and a Lecturer on leadership at Columbia University. Todd is also a TEDx speaker, and the author of "VisuaLeadership: Leveraging the Power of Visual Thinking in Leadership and in Life" (Post Hill Press/Simon & Schuster, 2020). Learn more about Todd at www.toddcherches.com Brief Description of Gifts Free PDF download of Todd's book recommends list, “Todd’s Top 52 Books to Help You Become a More Visual Leader.” Free PDF download of a chapter from Todd's book, the “Passion/Skill Matrix.” URL for Free Gift Book list link: http://www.toddcherches/subscribe (www.toddcherches/subscribe) Passion/Skill Matrix chapter: http://www.toddcherches.com/passion (www.toddcherches.com/passion)

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Chris Dorris is in the business of Success Coaching. He helps people close the gap between how their lives are and how they want them to be. We discuss: Do what you love, the money will follow [01:19] How to overcome the fear of charging more [03:43] The correlation between the level of your fee and the ability to get clients [05:09] The cheese factor in LinkedIn approaching [07:54] The design to maximize the probability of success [09:17] How linear the progression from social worker to coach is [10:27] The shortcut to stop slowing yourself down [14:55] The key to reinforce knowledge in junior golfers [16:39] It always goes back to someone’s first decisions [17:58]

Chris started his career as a social worker working on the streets of Atlantic City, helping the mentally ill, drug addicted and homeless populations upgrade their lives. Over the course of those several years, he observed that some of those folks – as a consequence of their belief and their persistence – were able to overcome some pretty serious challenges. That experience, in retrospect, was the perfect foundation for what would become his vocation. He then decided to marry his passion for the power of the human spirit with his passion for sports. So he moved to Arizona to attend graduate school at Arizona State University. He created an internship with the Men’s Golf Team which evolved into a paid position as the formal Mental Toughness Coach. Over the course of those ten years he really learned a ton about the mechanics of training the mind. His new mission was to coach professional and amateur golfers. And he did that. Since then, he discovered that the Mental Toughness tools that he was using with many of the world’s greatest athletes were perfectly applicable to many other disciplines beyond sport. Since then, he has trained the minds of world famous actors, NFL and NHL Coaches, business executives, Superbowl Champions and billionaires. Learn more about Chris at https://christopherdorris.com/ (https://christopherdorris.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdorris/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/chrisdorris (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/the.mental.toughness.coach.chris.dorris (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift The Daily Dose: Mental Toughness Tips in 30 Seconds or Less URL for Free Gift https://christopherdorris.com/ (https://christopherdorris.com/)

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Ahmad Munawar is the founder of the 90 Day Pipeline. He helps consultants win 5 & 6 figure deals (no begging for referrals, no networking). We discuss: Necessity is the mother of invention [01:36] The times when consultants lose the respect of the client [04:02] How desperation makes the business unsustainable [05:50] Saying “no” as the hardest but most important skill for entrepreneurs [07:49] Why entrepreneurs should think like an investor even though they are not [09:01] The biggest mistake consultants make in pricing [11:30] Why smaller firms have an agility advantage that the larger firms don’t have [13:44] How to sell what you’ve got on the truck [15:20] Find the fastest path to cash [17:21] Who you want to be when you grow up [19:35]

Learn more about Ahmad at https://boutiquegrowth.com/ (https://boutiquegrowth.com/), http://90daypipeline.com/ (http://90daypipeline.com/) and https://www.facebook.com/ahmadmunawarHQ (Facebook.)

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Neil Schambra Stevens is a Business Coach and Strategist, focusing on well-being and productivity in the workplace, especially for the next generation of leadership. We discuss: People as a key motivator for changing career paths [02:25] Why things should fall apart [03:56] Four principles for dealing with the four major stress triggers in life [06:10] The distinction between pivoting away from and pivoting towards something [10:35] Why a period of reflection would advance you further in the long term [14:54] The emerging generation of leadership [17:39] Refreshing ways to overcome the current economic pressures [20:04] Creating a ripple of kindness and gratitude [22:50]

Neil draws on over 20 years’ experience as a CMO/VP with Fortune 500 brands and corporations, including Converse, Vans, Levi's and Polaroid. This experience has highlighted the importance of putting 'People First' and encouraging them to be their best selves, both individually and collectively as a team, with particular attention to leading remotely. Originally from the UK, his career path has enabled him to collect life and work experiences along the way across Europe, Asia and US. Neil believes in simplicity and encourages the principle of "Working from Anywhere', and currently lives and runs Mercury Jam from a houseboat in Amsterdam. Learn more about Neil at https://www.mercuryjam.com/ (https://www.mercuryjam.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-schambra-stevens-mercuryjam/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.instagram.com/mercury_jam/?hl=en (Instagram). Brief Description of Gift 10% discount for the first 5 people who sign up for 1:1 Business Coaching in February, starting with initial free Discovery Session URL for Free Gift https://www.mercuryjam.com/ (https://www.mercuryjam.com/)

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Caroline Ceniza-Levine is the founder of the Dream Career Club and a career coach, writer, and media personality on job market issues. We discuss: A classical pianist figuring out a career change [02:05] The trigger that enables you to leave W-2 income and start business income [04:39] How to use publicity to foster your growth [08:12] Dedicating time to do something versus doing x, y, z [09:44] PR tools to help you structure and gain publicity [11:08] If you were advising yourself earlier in your business career [12:41] Why we should all have buffer in our schedule [13:55] How a publicity plan is different from a marketing plan [14:59] The best kind of publicity for consultants and coaches [15:49] Mistakes you can make early on in understanding where your audience consumes information [17:11] The times when your niche can change [19:00]

Caroline is a Senior Contributor to Forbes Leadership and an adjunct at Columbia University. Caroline helps experienced professionals in tech, media, financial services and other industries make a great living doing work they love. Learn more about Caroline at https://cenizalevine.com/. Brief Description of Gift Free publicity calendar - 40 pages of timely topics to land media placement URL for Free Gift https://cenizalevine.com/2021prcalendar

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Daniel Daines-Hutt is a self-confessed ‘marketing nerd.’ He has a background in Direct Response advertising, but ironically, it’s his Content Marketing that people know him for. We discuss: Cracking the code of getting people to read, listen or watch your content [02:21] Pre-framing problems and objections in advance [03:40] The goal of your content [05:13] The Ikea effect: building a bigger audience [07:38] Strategies behind before and after launching an article [10:07] No one wants to eat in an empty restaurant [11:49] Selling content on autopilot [13:10] Why Google gives higher rankings when we remove thin content [14:11] Different business, same techniques [16:42] A Netflix of everything content marketing [18:22] The unexpected effect of stopping marketing during a pandemic [19:43]

He’s had the Top 10 content of all time on inbound.org and Top content of 2017 and 2018 on GrowthHackers. With only 8 articles in years, he’s been referenced or shared by: Ryan Deiss, Neil Patel, Joanna Weibe, Glen Allsopp, Co-Schedule, Active Campaign and many more. He teaches people how to write less often, but get more traffic at https://www.ampmycontent.com/ (https://www.ampmycontent.com). Learn more about Daniel at https://www.ampmycontent.com.

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Dan Blank is the founder of WeGrowMedia.com where he helps writers develop a human-centered approach to marketing and reaching their readers. We discuss: How we would have written the headline 50 years ago [02:40] Ways people are missing the boat when it comes to marketing their creativity [05:03] Why you should be promoting your competitors to your customers [09:27] The art kid who carved out a blogging role for himself [11:18] A pyramid of clarity cards [13:14] Loving working with people who love their work [14:54] How the web is changing publishing [16:30] The biggest sigh of relief [19:04] A marketing campaign that gives your work the best shot [21:10] What’s bigger than you in 10 years from now [22:45]

Learn more about Dan at https://wegrowmedia.com/ (https://wegrowmedia.com), https://www.instagram.com/danblank/?hl=en (Instagram), https://twitter.com/danblank (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/wegrowmedia/ (Facebook).

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Gabe Arnold is the Founder & CEO of Business Marketing Engine. He is known as a serial problem-solver. We discuss: Entrepreneurship is not a single-skill set [02:38] How to filter inputs that will [not] help you [06:02] How to accept or ignore a critique on your selling skills [09:04] Worrying about selling first and delivering second [11:36] Why you are creating a disservice when you’re putting out a free program [16:04] The effective hourly client facing rate [18:02] A customized approach with a focus on one primary area [20:45]

With 22 years of experience in professional writing, computer technology and marketing management, it’s a title that fits him well. He’s helped over a thousand young startups grow and establish enterprises. He has dedicated his life to finding ways to help teams of all sizes create effective results-based organizational models. Gabe created his first million-dollar product, Copywriter Today, in 2014 and has continued to scale and grow from there. Behind these successes lies a person who values personal relationships and living life to the fullest. He strives to create an environment of trust and open communication with his team and clients. Gabe believes that the people who make a lasting positive effect in this world are those who choose kindness, love and respect above all else. Learn more about Gabe at https://businessmarketingengine.com/ (https://businessmarketingengine.com/), https://www.facebook.com/gabearnold333 (Facebook) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabearnold/ (LinkedIn).

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After finding the courage to say “bye-bye” to her corporate marketing career, Kathy Goughenour built a 6-figure Virtual Assistant business from her tiny house in the middle of a forest. Today, she teaches professional women how to create their own work-at-home Virtual Assistant and Virtual Expert® businesses so they too can enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and financial security they desire and deserve. We discuss: The biggest challenge virtual assistants have [02:19] How to figure out there is an opportunity for a particular audience [06:29] Where consultants and coaches get stuck most often [09:07] The shift that happens with your team once you’ve hit the million-dollar plateau [11:01] Embracing numbers instead of hating them [16:14] If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough [18:08] How to keep money flowing even when the world has stopped [20:35]

Learn more about Kathy at https://expertvatraining.mykajabi.com/ (https://expertvatraining.mykajabi.com/)

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Jim Morris co-founded PowerReviews which grew to 1,200+ clients and sold for $168 million. He product-managed and architected one of the first ecommerce engines at online retailer Fogdog.com which had a $450 million IPO. We discuss: The need for product discovery [02:06] Choose your own adventure [05:42] Why product discovery is so important for the software industry [07:30] The secret behind Zoom’s success in a time of pandemic [09:43] The time is now for every company [11:18] The best companies where product discovery works well [12:52] The wrong things product teams focus on [14:37] A reflective process with multiple solutions [17:08] From shepherding a concept through a process to becoming a subject-matter expert [21:56] A pattern-matching ability that translates theory into practice [23:38] Unlocking innovation in companies and potential in employees [25:46]

These days, he coaches Product teams and Product leaders at startups and corporations to replicate this success. He’s created a custom curriculum and training program that pulls from his 25 years of experience and the best minds in Product Management. He graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Computer Science. Learn more about Jim at https://productdiscoverygroup.com/ (https://productdiscoverygroup.com) and https://twitter.com/sfjmorris (Twitter). Brief Description of Gift A free 15-minute review of your website or app prototype URL for Free Gift https://productdiscoverygroup.com/prototype (https://productdiscoverygroup.com/prototype)

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Jennie Nash is the founder and CEO of Author Accelerator, a company on a mission to raise the bar on book coaching. We discuss: A writer’s approach that makes all the difference [01:54] Helping a dream come true with no promises [04:05] The outcome is usually not the thing itself [07:10] Why [sports] people need a coach [09:53] How to charge as a business owner versus as a friend [11:20] How to have a ridiculously successful hit rate [15:03] Why it gets better after breaking through the one-million-dollar plateau [20:02] The opportunity that lies in what you’re angry at [22:31]

Author Accelerator has trained more than 60 book coaches to support writers through the entire creative process. Her own coaching clients have landed top New York agents and six figure book deals with Big 5 houses. Jennie is the author of 9 books in 3 genres, including Read Books All Day and Get Paid for It: The Business of Book Coaching. Learn more about Jennie athttps://jennienash.com/ ( https://jennienash.com/) and https://www.bookcoaches.com/ (https://www.bookcoaches.com/).

Brief Description of Gift Top ten tips for writers Free series of videos about book coaching URL for Free Gift https://jennienash.com/ (https://jennienash.com/) https://www.bookcoaches.com/ (https://www.bookcoaches.com/)

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Merritt Minnemeyer, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP, is the Founder of Master of One Coaching, which serves visionary founders transforming into powerful leaders of purpose-driven movements. We discuss: Choose well, choose wisely, choose love [2:01] A guiding principle that creates a third option [12:25] Walking the walk of social entrepreneurship [14:25] How to turn around an employee’s mind and get them invested in the longevity of the company [18:39] Freedom to fail as a way to navigate a transition [20:24]

Merritt is a highly trained coach and speaker who employs 20 years in business, education, social justice, and the arts to create high-touch leadership programs for every client. Passionate about social entrepreneurship, Merritt is committed to contributing to the health, wealth, and harmony of the world. She shares her life with her remarkable husband, their three vibrant boys, and a menagerie of critters. Learn more about Merritt at http://www.masterofonecoaching.com/ (www.masterofonecoaching.com). Brief Description of Gift A free seven-day leadership journal A 10 % affiliate fee commission for anybody who refers a client to Merritt URL for Free Gift http://www.masterofonecoaching.com/ (www.masterofonecoaching.com)

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Meredith Bell is co-founder and President of Performance Support Systems, a global software company. Their award-winning assessment and development tools help leaders and team members become more effective performers. Many clients have done business with her company for more than 20 years. We discuss: Lack of communication skills in a time full of communication tools [2:12] The foundational skill that will make your interactions amazing [5:20] The consequences of not listening effectively [7:42] Asking questions versus offering opinions [9:43] What most effective consultants do [11:43] How to improve someone’s listening skills without criticizing them [13:33] The confidence to start a conversation over again [19:23] The balance necessary to form relationships based on openness and honesty [22:02]

Meredith is author or co-author of two books. Her solo book is Strong for Performance: Create a Culture with Learning & Development Programs That Stick. She co-authored Connect with Your Team: Mastering the Top 10 Communication Skills, with Denny Coates, her business partner of 30 years. Learn more about Meredith at https://growstrongleaders.com/ (https://growstrongleaders.com/). Brief Description of Gift A free e-book, Listen Like a Pro URL for Free Gift https://growstrongleaders.com/free (https://growstrongleaders.com/free)

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Zachariah Moreno is the co-founder, CEO and CTO of SquadCast. He is a technologist, podcaster, author, and co-founder of SquadCast. Zach and his team are on a mission to connect creatives. We discuss: Why developing only a product is not enough [1:34] A side project that turns into a unique tool focused on quality and reliability [3:54] When you don’t know that you’ve actually found a product fit [7:14] A big leap of faith [8:41] How audio quality impacts credibility [12:30] Major differentiators for improving audio quality [16:00] Creative opportunities to foster collaboration outside the studio [19:39]

Learn more about Zachariah at https://squadcast.fm (https://squadcast.fm). Brief Description of Gift A promo code to get 10 dollars off your first month in addition to a 7-day free trial – STP2020 URL for Free Gift https://squadcast.fm (https://squadcast.fm).

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Stacey Hanke is author of the book “Influence Redefined: Be the Leader You Were Meant to Be, Monday to Monday”. She has trained and presented to thousands to rid business leaders of bad body language habits and to choose words wisely. She’s worked with leaders at FedEx, Nationwide, Boeing and Oracle. She is a Certified Speaking Professional - a valuable accreditation earned by less than 10% of speakers worldwide. We discuss: Why most people believe they’re more influential than they really are [1:56] How to understand how influential you really are [3:27] The importance of silent observers for getting an honest feedback [7:20] The gift you don’t want to receive [9:06] The best way to grow and develop for free [10:50] The three key drivers of influence [12:07] The true test of a leader’s influence [14:19] How consultants and coaches can achieve an athlete’s level of awareness [16:15] The big step is momentum and repetition [20:01] The video camera doesn’t lie [22:46]

Learn more about Stacey at https://staceyhankeinc.com/ (https://staceyhankeinc.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyhanke/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyhanke/), and https://www.youtube.com/user/StaceyHanke (YouTube).

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Michael F. Schein is the founder and president of MicroFame Media, a marketing agency that specializes in making idea-based companies famous in their fields. We discuss: What marketing is really all about [3:53] The Hype man: reverse-engineering as a way to make people take an action [8:22] Milk before meat [10:13] Hustle, hustle, hustle [13:50] If only people saw how good your product is [15:57] What makes negative hype artists so good at what they do [19:55] Why you need to make sure you don’t gravitate only toward people like you [23:33]

He is also the author of The Hype Handbook: 12 Indispensable Success Secrets from the World’s Greatest Propagandists, Self-Promoters, Cult Leaders, Mischief Makers, and Boundary Breakers, published by McGraw Hill, that will appear everywhere books are sold on January 12, 2021. Learn more about Michael at http://www.microfamemedia.com/ (www.microfamemedia.com), http://www.michaelfschein.com/ (www.michaelfschein.com) and https://www.amazon.com/Hype-Handbook-Indispensable-Propagandists-Self-Promoters/dp/126047013X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3R7U1U63ZAKZS&dchild=1&keywords=hype+handbook&qid=1600961965&sprefix=hype+handbook%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1 (TheHypeHandbook).

The Hype Handbook: 12 Indispensable Success Secrets From the World’s Greatest Propagandists, Self-Promoters, Cult Leaders, Mischief Makers, and Boundary Breakers

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Matt Zinman is a difference-maker devoted to personally enrich the lives of at least 100 million people by 2025. We discuss: How interns could be helpful when going through a major transition [1:32] Putting earned confidence in action [6:27] Hiring interns versus hiring virtual assistants [8:30] Ways to use interns as a multiplier [9:30] Overcoming business challenges with a no-quit attitude [12:56] Why it’s important to have a Plan B [14:14] The impact plan: changing the lives of at least 100 million people by 2025 [15:10] A snapshot of your life [18:10]

His new book, “Z-isms: Insights to Live By” is based on his experiences as an entrepreneur, athlete, single parent, caregiver and nonprofit founder. He is also the host of "Insights to Live By," a podcast that invites guests to share their own pearls of wisdom. In addition, Matt is CEO of The Internship Institute, which he established in 2007 to "Make Experience Matter." Learn more about Matt at https://mattzinman.com, www.internshipinstitute.org and http://www.isazinman.com/ (www.isazinman.com). Brief Description of Gift Free Self-care Report Card URL for Free Gift https://mattzinman.com/z-isms/report-card/ (https://mattzinman.com/z-isms/report-card/)

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Uri Adoni is the author of the book "The Unstoppable Startup – Mastering Israel's Secret Rules of Chutzpah", published by Harper Collins. We discuss: The secret sauce of the Israeli high-tech companies [1:53] Summarizing your 30-minute talk to a tweet [4:07] The six principles behind the mindset of chutzpah [6:34] Why you need a good musical ear to dominate your niche [17:48] How to validate a product before you even build it [21:15] Foreseeing the future: the hypothesis startups should come up with [22:25]

Uri has over 20 years of experience in high-tech as the CEO of Microsoft Networks Israel, a venture capitalist at JVP (Jerusalem Venture Partners), one of the leading VC's in Israel, an angel investor, a board member in numerous companies and a speaker. Learn more about Uri at https://www.theunstoppablestartup.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/in/uri-adoni-startup/ (LinkedIn).

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Mark Monchek is the Founder and Chief Opportunity Officer of Opportunity Lab, a strategy consulting firm focused on conscious growth. We discuss: A new way to think about disruption and opportunity [1:57] How a non-unique company thrives during a pandemic [3:21] The key frameworks necessary to build a culture of sustainability [5:56] The wider lens of the collective intelligence [7:45] A respectful back and forth between employees and employers [13:50] Steps to do a better job of managing through disruptions [18:10] The humility of interdependence [19:53]

Mark has worked with leaders from Google, Apple, JPMorgan Chase, General Electric, Goldman Sachs, Adorama, Feltsberg, The New York Times, Wharton School of Business, New York University, Columbia University, NBC, Time Warner, and the United Nations. He’s the author of the Amazon nonfiction bestseller Culture of Opportunity: How to Grow Your Business in an Age of Disruption. He’s been featured in Real Leaders, The Better Business Book, the Organization Development Review Journal, Lifetime Network, WPLJ, WCBS, Newsday, Working Women Magazine, and the San Francisco Chronicle. Learn more about Mark at https://opplab.com/ andhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWb5KPCUm8OfE2UzEzQTFsQ ( YouTube).

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Craig M. Chavis, Jr. is an author and coach that specializes in helping working professionals launch profitable businesses and successfully transition into full-time entrepreneurship. We discuss:  Planting the seeds of becoming an entrepreneur [1:55] None of us are self-made [5:18] A mentorship that turns things around [6:52] The most important variable in the PIE formula [9:07] The entrepreneur of your life [11:05] Bucket number one and Bucket number two [12:40] The roadblocks to creating something from nothing [17:04] The best form of security there is [19:06]

He is a serial entrepreneur, Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, former division-1 collegiate athlete, and received his BSBA from Samford University and MBA from the University of Tampa. Craig is also a super foodie, world traveler, and lifelong learner.  Learn more about Craig at https://www.cre8ivecraig.com/ (https://www.cre8ivecraig.com/) and https://www.burdensofadream.com/ (https://www.burdensofadream.com/). Brief Description of Gift  A signed hardback copy of Craig’s book - Burdens of a Dream URL for Free Gift  craig@cre8ivecraig.com

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Trevor Turnbull is the CEO of Linked Into Leads and Founder of the transformative Expert Selling programs where he empowers B2B SOLOpreneur consultants and coaches to connect with their “Most Valuable Prospects” using the LinkedIn LINCHPIN Method. We discuss: The mistakes consultants and coaches make that cause them to be stressed and overworked [2:31] The less daunting perspective on scaling your business [4:25] All the different ways that a person could get in front of their ideal clients [6:14] It always starts with the profile [7:13] Why you should not be afraid to go niche [8:49] How to relate your personal story to your potential clients [12:15] The reason to work with certified coaches and consultants [14:16] How to take opportunity of the situation before marketers ruin it [16:39] Change your thoughts, change your mind, change your life [19:53]

He has served over 26,000 people with his Repeatable, Predictable, Measurable Client Acquisition System and has shared his story and methods in numerous media publications including Forbes, Entrepreneur, Time, Money and Business Insider about how to go from being stressed, frustrated and over-worked to confident, empowered and profitable. Learn more about Trevor at http://expertselling.com/ (http://expertselling.com), http://linkedintoleads.com/ (http://linkedintoleads.com) and http://trevorturnbull.com/ (http://trevorturnbull.com). Brief Description of Gift Trevor’s LinkedIn LINCHPIN Method URL for Free Gift https://go.expertselling.com/smash (https://go.expertselling.com/smash)

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Susan Drumm is a CEO Advisor and a Leadership Coach with over 20 years of experience leading teams and senior executives to achieve their potential. We discuss: What makes a true resilience [2:27] A fire drill for adversity [5:32] Three centers of leadership intelligence [7:13] Coherence: shifting from anxiety and stress [8:26] How to keep your glass of water always full [13:30] A simple yet powerful practice to move you from a state of crisis to a state of resilience [20:23] Greater stamina in the middle of your lunch [25:31]

Her firm, Meritage Leadership, focuses on leader and team effectiveness by helping develop the capacity and mindsets to lead in today’s disruptive environment. Susan draws on many disciplines. She has graduate degrees from Harvard Law School, Carnegie Mellon University and London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Susan obtained the highest level of coaching certification as Master Certified Coach (MCC). Learn more about Susan at http://www.meritageleadership.com/ (www.meritageleadership.com). Brief Description of Gift A two-page handout on building resilience URL for Free Gift http://www.susandrumm.com/smashingtheplateau (www.susandrumm.com/smashingtheplateau)

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Neil Sahota is an IBM Master Inventor, United Nations AI Advisor, author of the book Own the A.I. Revolution., and Chief Innovation Officer the University of California. We discuss: Why it is so difficult for people to think differently [2:31] The trap of long-term consultant-client relationships [4:46] Why executives should get out there more often [6:38] What we forget about assumptions [9:27] Understand different: why consultants should fall out of love with their idea [12:32] Be different: how to avoid having a superior product fail [15:57] Own different: Why Tesla succeeded with electric cars while others failed [18:13] A little, disruptive, entrepreneurial piece within a big bureaucratic organization [19:57]

Over his 20+ year career, Neil worked with enterprises to launch business ventures by creating next generation products/solutions powered by emerging technology as well as helping organizations create the culture, community, and ecosystem needed to achieve success, like the U.N.’s AI for Good initiative. Neil also actively pursues social good and volunteers with nonprofits like the Zero Abuse Project to prevent child sexual abuse. Learn more about Neil at https://www.neilsahota.com/ (https://www.neilsahota.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilsahota/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/neil_sahota (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/neil_sahota/ (Instagram). Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Tamar Hela is an entrepreneur based in Shanghai and the COO of the digital agency Genius Encel. She helps Fortune 500 companies in Asia generate leads through LinkedIn. We discuss: What about LinkedIn makes it a great opportunity in China [2:05] The benefits of practicing what you preach [4:50] Approaching community as a good way to pivot, evolve and get feedback [6:32] Why you should use English content on LinkedIn regardless of your location [8:49] What large companies most need on LinkedIn [10:08] How to use a lead magnet to capture people’s attention [13:33] The firms that manage really well in webinars [16:26] It’s all in the follow-up [18:38]

As the Co-President of LinkedIn Local Asia, Tamar has created a network of communities made up of LinkedIn lovers, embracing the original idea of LinkedIn Local: getting to know “the person behind the profile.” Tamar founded the LinkedIn Local Shanghai community, which has more than 3000 members, making it one of the most professional and active networks in China. Learn more about Tamar at http://www.geniusencel.agency/ (www.geniusencel.agency) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarhela/ (LinkedIn). Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Kenneth Gronbach is president of KGC Direct, LLC and is an internationally respected demographer who has been able to forecast societal, commercial, economic, cultural and political phenomena with uncanny accuracy. We discuss: An unusual blend of marketing savvy and common-sense demography [2:23] The power of shifting demography [5:04] The connection between the millennials and the current protests [5:55] Why businesses should focus on the need of shelter [7:09] Endless opportunities based on a single generation [9:14] Shifts coming up from the current pandemic [11:09] Why there will be better cops in the future [12:47] A kinder business climate: how millennials change the way people work [14:16] Barbie Dolls, Hot Wheels, and Latinos [16:02]

Ken is predicting that the United States and the Americas, because of their superior demographics over any other continent, will excel culturally and economically in the post corona era. He keynotes all over the United States and the world. His company does high value, customized demographic research. Ken is the author of the current best-selling book The Age Curve: How to Profit from the Coming Demographic Storm. His first book Common Census: The Counter-Intuitive Guide to Generational Marketing was released in 2005. Ken’s 2011 book Decades of Differences: Making It Work is a comprehensive guide to coping with three generations in the workforce. Ken’s newest book Upside: Profiting from the Profound Demographic Shifts Ahead was published in April 2017. Learn more about Kenneth at http://www.kgcdirect.com/ (www.kgcdirect.com). Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Arline Warwick shows businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofits how to find large sums of money to build their businesses and organizations. We discuss: Why you don’t need to be big to have sponsors [2:30] The myth of sponsorship being a donation [5:28] The good guy: How to approach a sponsor [8:19] The best place to start making connections with potential sponsors [11:22] Why a big car company would sponsor a small charter fishing boat [16:34] The importance of following up on a “No” from a sponsor [19:24]

Arline teaches people how to partner with local businesses and corporations so they can work with them and get paid handsomely to do so. After learning from her own experiences and years of research, Arline now guides businesses through a system that reveals the easiest approach to finding the best partnerships so they can grow, blossom and bloom. Learn more about Arline at https://www.facebook.com/Find-Corporate-Sponsors-101169238129992/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A list of 100 corporations and contact information URL for Free Gift Send an email to info@findcorporatesponsors.com with “100” in the subject line Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Geri Mazur is an award winning brand and marketing strategist. Before starting Geri Mazur Marketing, she was Executive Vice President, Director of Strategic Planning at Saatchi and Saatchi. We discuss: When the best marketing happens [2:00] The worst thing you can do in an economic downturn [5:30] How great disruptions breathe new opportunities [8:45] What awaits you at the end of the hell [11:50] The most important input in any communications campaign [13:30] How to figure out where to invest money in outside resources to gain the most right now [16:58] A trade-off between money and your own energy [20:52]

Over her career Geri worked with many Fortune 500 companies in many different product categories, ranging from Purdue Chickens, to Princess Cruises to Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Today Geri works exclusively with smaller companies helping them tackle today's complicated marketing environment. Learn more about Geri at http://www.gerimazurmarketing.com/ (www.gerimazurmarketing.com) and http://www.linkedin.com/pub/geri-mazur/7/43b/a90 (LinkedIn). Brief Description of Gift Free access to Introduction to Marketing webinar URL for Free Gift https://gerimazurmarketing.com/marketingintro (https://gerimazurmarketing.com/marketingintro)

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Laurence was recently introduced at an Association of Fundraising Professional meeting as, "Our Fundraising Guru." The fundraising dilemmas of nonprofits consume his thoughts each and every day, and he writes about them offering real world solutions: books, white papers, training videos, and his weekly free blog post. We discuss: Why fundraising resources often aren’t deep enough [3:42] How non-profits could get to know their donors better [6:15] Pay it forward: a career commitment to public education [7:28] Half a dozen ways to get overhead cost paid for [9:30] Laurence’s magic of being a consultant [11:10] Relief plans for organizational adaptability [14:22] How are you indispensable to your clients? [17:54] The merits of having consultants employed on a short-term basis [20:23] The next generation of fundraisers [21:31]

Laurence has served as the executive director of three nonprofits. He has been a faculty member of the New York University Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising, and has coached groups of nonprofit executive directors at New Jersey’s Rutgers Business School’s Institute for Ethical Leadership. He writes, teach and consults in order to help advance the nonprofit’s fundraising program. Celebrating 25 years as a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), he has served on their Planning Committee for Fundraising Day in New York City. He earned three graduate degrees all related to public service. He teaches workshops and offers webinars on fundraising all over the country, across Europe and SE Asia. In response to CV19, he launched special webinars called Our Time to Shine which draw upwards of 500 attendees. Learn more about Laurence at http://www.lapafundraising.com/ (http://www.lapafundraising.com) and www.laurencepagnoni.org. Brief Description of Gift A 30-minute free phone consultation about fundraising if you are staff or board member of a nonprofit URL for Free Gift http://www.lapafundraising.com/contact (www.lapafundraising.com/contact) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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David’s entrepreneurial journey begins back in his early 20’s when he sold Australia’s most loved sporting ground, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Since then, his business experience spans from franchising retail clothing stores to founding one of Australia’s most trusted digital agencies, melbourneSEOservices.com. We discuss: How not to end up locked into the machine you’ve created yourself [2:29] The line you need to draw in the sand [4:57] The hardest piece of a business owner’s world [8:06] How to deliver a core product without the business owner involved [12:38] A little extraordinary example of a business systemized [16:04] Healthy and unhealthy systems in life and business [19:12] The worst person to systemize in a business [21:10]

In 2016, David successfully systemized himself out of the business, hired a CEO and stepped back from the daily operations. Through this process he become a systems devotee – founding systemHUB™ & SYSTEMology®. Today, his mission is to free all business owners worldwide from the daily operations of running their business. Recognized as a high achieving entrepreneur, you will find many of David’s keynote presentations on YouTube including: TEDx, WordCamp and Problogger. Learn more about David at http://www.systemology.com/ (www.systemology.com). Brief Description of Gift Preview chapters of David’s coming book URL for Free Gift http://www.systemology.com/book (www.systemology.com/book) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Catherine VanVonno is the President and CEO of 20four7VA, one of the most trusted remote staffing companies in the eCommerce industry. We discuss: The result of teaching and helping others replicate your business [2:52] A natural fit between eCommerce and remote work [5:14] How to have customers develop a new company with you [6:06] Strategies for achieving a balance between flexibility and stability [9:04] How to start adding virtual assistants to your business [14:40] The times when local staffing is better than remote [17:25] Combined hiring approaches that could save businesses money [18:23] What it takes to trust a person who is half a world away [20:34]

On any given day, you'll find Catherine managing her global team of 40+ right from her kitchen table, demonstrating one of the biggest perks of remote work. Before starting 20four7VA, Catherine worked in the healthcare management industry. She has a Master's degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology and a Ph.D. in Research and Evaluation Methods with a cognate in Applied Statistics from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Catherine resides in Berlin, Maryland and enjoys traveling with her husband in her free time. Learn more about Catherine at https://20four7va.com/hire-a-va/ (https://20four7va.com/hire-a-va/), https://www.linkedin.com/company/20four7va/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/20four7VA (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/20four7VA/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Waiving of 50% of the setup fee URL for Free Gift Promo Code: SMASHING2020 Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Ray Silverstein is a small business expert and author with more than three decades of experience and a somewhat unusual approach. We discuss: Why it’s time to start breaking things [3:01] Unbiased thoughts on surviving tough circumstances [4:53] Hidden opportunities in thinking differently [7:23] What makes people move forward [9:13] The dos and don’ts of who should fit within a group [11:23] How to blend sophistications when a person naturally outgrows a group [13:55] The correlation between risk-taking and thriving [15:12] Some type of groups, in some place, somehow [16:43]

He gets most of his ideas, not from books and theories, but from in-the-trenches entrepreneurs who pool their collective wisdom in peer advisory board meetings. Ray has facilitated more than 1,500 such meetings since 1993 when he found that PRO (Presidents Resource Organization). This is a peer advisory board network based in Chicago and Phoenix and in addition they also offer online advisory boards. In his monthly forums small business owners meet to share challenges and solutions, create accountability and offer support. Ray is the author of two books “The Great Secrets of Great Small Businesses” published by Source Books in 2006 and the newly released “The Small Business Survival Guide: How to Survive and Thrive During Tough Times”. Learn more about Ray at http://peeradvisoryboard.com/ (http://peeradvisoryboard.com/) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/raysilverstein/ (LinkedIn). Brief Description of Gift A digital of copy of “The Small Business Survival Guide: How to Survive and Thrive During Tough Times” URL for Free Gift Send an email to ray@peeradvisoryboard.com Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Nathan Hirsch is an entrepreneur and expert in remote hiring and e-commerce. We discuss: Entrepreneurship has a funny way of throwing you around [2:19] The internal job it takes to do small, consistent things every day [3:49] Key ingredients for working with virtual assistants [6:52] Making a decision to sell that’s a win for everybody [8:22] Cracking the VA code [11:26] Helpful resources to make an informed decision when selling your business [13:39] The challenges and opportunities that come with opening a business during a global economic disruption [15:09] The name of the game: systems and processes [17:30] How to add value to a client when you’re not an expert at what they ask for [21:34]

Nathan co-founded FreeeUp.com with 5k and grew it to 12 million a year in revenue. FreeeUp was then acquired in 2019. It is a marketplace that connects businesses with pre-vetted freelancers in e-commerce, digital marketing, and much more. Nathan has sold over $30 million online and regularly appears on leading business podcasts around the world. Learn more about Nathan at outsourceschool.com, his personalhttp://www.facebook.com/nathan.hirsch ( )http://www.facebook.com/nathan.hirsch (Facebook), his business page on http://www.facebook.com/FreeeUpNathanHirsch (Facebook), https://twitter.com/realnatehirsch (Twitter), https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanhirsch/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.instagram.com/realnatehirsch/ (Instagram). Brief Description of Gift Free tool for seeing how many virtual assistants you can afford URL for Free Gift outsourceschool.com/vacalculator Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Monika is a marketing consultant helping entrepreneurs scale fast by building social proof and expert status, and blending automation, organic and paid marketing for faster growth. We discuss: Achieving a larger reach in a noisier Internet space [1:37] Every pivot makes you better at what you do [4:23] How to make your [financial] business visible online [6:58] Three online sales strategies that low-budget business owners can immediately implement [9:01] How to overcome the agony of getting your first piece of content out there [13:21] Swap [15:37] Why speaking online might give you more traction than speaking in your neighborhood [17:44] How social proof beats experience and skills [18:24] The perseverance one needs to start and keep up with the global online trends [19:39] The next level of online marketing [20:39]

Learn more about Monika at https://theexpertimpact.com/opf (https://theexpertimpact.com/opf) and https://www.facebook.com/theexpertimpact (Facebook). Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Steve Feld is a coach, author, professional speaker, and award-winning business management executive. He has with over 30 years of extensive senior-level experience in highly competitive industries. An expert in all aspects of business, Steve has a large passion for everything business. We discuss: A great relationship of giving back [1:37] The collaborative method: the power of mastermind groups [4:54] The problem with new consultants and coaches trying to jump the cubicle [6:28] Why you should “use” a sniper rifle when targeting your customers [8:34] Top three problems of small business owners [9:20] Building a strong niche business in less than a month [10:23] It’s hard to see all the trees in a forest [13:30] How being a published author changes clients’ perspectives [16:18] The importance of having systems and processes for thriving in challenging times [19:37] Why nobody is going to steal your idea [20:53]

Steve created and owned six-figure businesses and operated three others. He managed divisions for three brand name Fortune 500 companies. Steve has written three books about business. He co-owns a publishing company geared to coaches, consultants, and experts. Steve also conducts workshops and training on a variety of subjects for business owners. Learn more about Steve at https://www.bizcoachsteve.com/ (https://www.bizcoachsteve.com). Brief Description of Gift Spotlight book program where anyone can get their own "expert" book published within 30 days URL for Free Gift http://spotlight-books.com/ (http://spotlight-books.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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James has 15+ years of “in the trenches” marketing experience. He is happy to have worked together with businesses from dozens of industries and hundreds of people over that time. James meets you where you are (with no judgment), and specializes in coming up with a concrete plan to move your business forward. Most importantly, James teaches you to believe in your business and yourself. We discuss: Ideas are a dime a dozen [1:51] How to take back control of your company once you’ve put its fate in the hands of another company [3:54] Random acts of marketing [6:30] It’s not funny when you’re missing money [8:14] The number one reason why people switch companies [11:06] Three key elements for increasing your marketing presence [13:08] Responsive ability: How small businesses should talk to customers [14:59] All you need to be doing is fostering and connecting [16:40] Why you should start a group on social media now [21:40]

James teaches his clients not just the step-by-step “how-to”, but he also teaches his clients how to think about marketing strategically. This puts the power back into your own hands. James has been featured in both the Globe & Mail and also the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Learn more about James at https://www.lookaheadmarketing.com/erf (https://www.lookaheadmarketing.com/erf). Brief Description of Gift Two free documents: “How to Market to Your Customers in the Past, Present and Future” and “Facebook Ads Structures That Actually Work” URL for Free Gift http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/lam (www.smashingtheplateau.com/lam)

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Jason helps thought leaders to reach a larger audience with their ideas, create new income streams from their expertise, and build business models that align with their values and goals. We discuss: The power to share your expertise and make good money out of it [2:51] Packaging people’s knowledge through online courses [8:24] Successful strategies for building stability when you’re a thought leader [9:50] Four pieces you need to put together a great offer [13:50] How to fortify yourself against ups and downs [18:57] How to get from a brand new idea to an online course in three weeks with a small list [20:28] The lean launch method as the lowest-risk, least-cost, fastest way to testing something out [24:10]

As a consultant, trainer, and strategist, Jason draws from more than fourteen years of researching top Internet influencers and experimenting with his own personal experience. His experience includes creating multiple successful brands, launching over 60 online courses, teaching more than 10,000 entrepreneurs, generating seven figures in online course sales, and 8 million downloads of his podcast. Jason’s mission is to help visionaries with impactful ideas to connect with the people they serve best and the problems they can most uniquely solve. Learn more about Jason at http://www.jasonvanorden.com/ (www.jasonvanorden.com) and https://linktr.ee/impactpodcast (https://linktr.ee/impactpodcast). Brief Description of Gift Case study about launching an online course quickly URL for Free Gift http://leanlaunchmethod.download (http://leanlaunchmethod.download) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Dr. Pierre-Nicolas Schwab is the founder of market research agency IntoTheMinds. He has carried out more than 100 assignments in various industries (retail, telecom, e- and m-commerce, media, IT, banking, etc.), combining his passion for data and qualitative methods to better understand customers’ behaviors. We discuss: An engineer’s passion for marketing [2:12] The signs that show you whether a client is a good candidate for you [4:31] The discipline you need so that clients start coming to you [7:27] A long-term effort for turning content into the right kind of awareness [9:44] The things that Google likes you to do [11:47] The ways in which content can be beneficial to get through rough times [13:26] Why [and how] you should keep on investing time, effort or money in content creation during a tough period [15:54] It’s easier to navigate a smaller ship through bad weather [17:25]

Pierre-Nicolas was the manager in charge of Big Data for Belgium public broadcaster from 2015 until 2019. He served as Chairman of the Big Data Initiative (BDI) of the European Broadcasting Union from 2016 until 2019. Pierre-Nicolas holds a MSc in material science, an MBA in strategy and a PhD in quantitative marketing. Learn more about Pierre-Nicolas at http://www.intotheminds.com/ (www.intotheminds.com). Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Donna Fullerton has decades of experience in the worlds of advertising and research, where she developed a toolkit of skills (including innovative/traditional and communications effectiveness techniques, Creative Problem-Solving, Neurolinguistic Programming and Mindset Coaching). Jane Hyun advises leaders and organizations on leveraging diversity and culture to drive high performance and innovation. We discuss: A key variable on how people are seen [3:00] The beauty of translating things in context [5:33] Vulnerable statements as a place of genuineness [8:34] A new element that needs to be part of the fabric of every company [11:00] Who’s missing from the table [15:34] The opportunity of small businesses to become personal [17:22] Why small businesses are more capable of making the necessary shift happen [20:46] An influencer’s role in making realistic changes in the areas of diversity and inclusion [23:18] Why we need to accept we are actually biased [26:09] Celebrating all of us as part of the society we’ve created [28:09] The barriers that prevent us from connecting with each other [29:47]

Donna applies her vast expertise to elicit underlying consumer motivation/insights and to help small business owners re-imagine their businesses by identifying promising opportunities and designing a strategic action plan to support business development. Donna has Advanced Degrees from Pace University, Executive Certifications in Strategic Marketing from University of Chicago, co-authored, “The Freedom Zone: Your Gateway to Love, Liberty and Happiness” and created “Food For The Soul,” an online source of daily inspiration. Learn more about Donna at http://dmfcominc.com/ (http://dmfcominc.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmfcominc/ (LinkedIn), http://foodforthesoul.us/ (http://foodforthesoul.us). Drawing on 25 years of experience navigating change in high-stakes business environments, Jane’s clients have included over 200 corporations, conferences and universities, including PepsiCo, eBay, and ESPN. Her insights appear in CNN, Harvard Business Review, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, and NPR. She is a top 50 Marshall Goldsmith Leading Global Coach. Jane's sessions and keynotes are known for creating "unexpected light bulb moments" that help us work better together. Jane is author of the national bestseller, Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling, and co-author of FLEX/The New Playbook for Managing Across Differences. Learn more about Jane at http://www.hyunassociates.com/ (http://www.hyunassociates.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-hyun-6281162/ (LinkedIn) and https://twitter.com/janehyun?lang=en (Twitter).

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Andrew Tarvin is the Founder and CEO of Humor That Works, teaching professionals how to use humor to achieve better business results. We discuss: Comedy equals tragedy plus time [1:53] Stress is not a bad thing when dealt with humor [2:41] How engineers could be funny as well [4:00] A humor map that helps you strategize laughter as a business tool [6:20] How to use humor to strengthen your network [7:30] Why it’s important to understand the different styles of humor [9:23] Curating humor breaks for greater efficiency at work [10:26] Laughter as a way to get people on the same side together [12:49] What tracking and rating managers’ humor could improve at work [13:56] Why you should start your town hall meetings with knock-knock jokes [17:39] Elevating humor as a vital skill to learn [19:48]

Andrew has partnered with leading organizations including IBM, the UN, and the FBI to solve human challenges with humor solutions. A best-selling author, Andrew has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and FastCompany, and was named a Visionary Under 40 by the P&G Alumni Network. His TEDx talk on the skill of humor has been viewed more than six million times, only half of which were his mother. Learn more about Andrew at https://www.humorthatworks.com/ (https://www.humorthatworks.com). Brief Description of Gift A 7-day humor challenge URL for Free Gift https://www.humorthatworks.com/ (https://www.humorthatworks.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Terry Ogburn is the owner of Ogburn’s Business Solutions. He has developed a Business Development Process that helps Entrepreneurs and Business Owners learn the importance of working on your business instead of being caught up in the day-to-day grind. His unique system and personal devotion to the development of others has contributed to the excess of hundreds of small to large business ventures. We discuss: The best people to sell your business to [2:06] If you take care of the customer, the customer takes care of you [4:11] Why it’s smarter to empower the frontline person than the manager [5:54] How low-margin businesses could forecast sales and expenditures [8:57] The stages of business development that would require help [13:07] The words you should [not] put on your business card [15:42] Embracing technology as a key to multitasking [17:30] The 30-2-2 Rule: how to sell in an era when nobody wants to be sold [20:47]

Terry began his business career in 1979 when he invested his last $118.42 to start an air conditioning service business. At that time, he had no car or truck, but he did have the knowledge and ability to build relationships. By 1983, he was a top 5 nominee for Small Businessman of the Year. In 1984, he won the award for Outstanding Young Businessman of the Year for the State of Florida. In 1985, successful in his business and recognized as a leader in the business community, he began to mentor other small business owners. In 1989 he developed his own business success program based on his experience and the teachings of his favorite business books. His program was so successful that in 1992 Terry was asked to join UniGlobe Active Travel as a Director of Operations to boost individual store performance. Within months, he took the store to a $2.5 million Dollar Travel Agency. He then took the program national to improve performance organization wide. In 1994 he became a founding team member of EXA Travel International and took on the role of Director of Training & Development and within two years the company grew to 11 regional offices, with over 2000 franchisees and went public in late 1996. Learn more about Terry at https://terryogburn.com/ (https://terryogburn.com/) and http://www.ogburnsbusinesssolutions.com/ (http://www.ogburnsbusinesssolutions.com). Brief Description of Gift Free Coaching Session URL for Free Gift http://www.terryogburn.com/ (http://www.terryogburn.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Kat McLead is the creator of Pinpoint Your Perfect Business: the proven framework for pinpointing your perfect niche for a high profit, high purpose, and high pleasure business while staying MOM first. We discuss: Why the riches are truly in the niches [1:40] The most common [mom] traps when moving into entrepreneurship [6:56] What to do when circumstances change in your niche business [10:04] The art of combining skills for developing a high-profit business [12:17] The best way to start a niche business [13:58] The signs that show you which is the right business for you [15:28] When it is the appropriate time to pivot after niching down [18:13] How to craft the offer that your clients want to buy [19:14]

Kat helped sex workers transition out of the adult industry into high profit entrepreneurship 13 years ago. And that’s how she developed the Profit and Purpose Framework. It’s since been continually refined and is now designed specifically for busy moms. She started her first multiple 6 figure business 20 years ago, and hasn’t slowed down since, not even after having her son. A fun fact: That business’ profits meant that she had way more money than her husband when they first got married, and was able to pay the entire $450,000 down payment on their home. Learn more about Kat at https://www.sahmentrepreneur.com/ (https://www.sahmentrepreneur.com) Brief Description of Gift The 4 Key Steps to Starting Your Own Ideal, High Profit Business as a busy Stay at Home Mom URL for Free Gift https://www.sahmentrepreneur.com/ (https://www.sahmentrepreneur.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Cynthia Sestito is a chef/ restaurant owner and consultant. She has been in this business for 25 years. Before that she had a clothing and fabric / houseware goods company in Paris and New York. Cynthia has two dresses in the Met collection/ awards. We discuss: Self-protection at times of adversity [2:40] The propelling factor of never being successful enough [4:14] How to maneuver into the next part of dealing with the COVID-19 situation [7:09] Why you can’t be afraid of challenging times [9:04] New worlds that can make cooking exciting again [10:48] Heightening a dinner experience: smell, flavor and health [13:04] Sticks and seeds and lousy weed [18:25] The time to hear yourself [21:50] A memoir of life and food [24:31] What makes a cooking book stands out [26:49]

In 2017, Cynthia woke up to find her catering business was gone, for myriad reasons, including kitchen fire and burns, loss of license, loss of home and a bad partnership. Cynthia is currently trying to reestablish her catering on a smaller scale, and she is creating foods in the world of micro-dosed cannabis. Cynthia is an alumnae of the show Top Chef, and she recently appeared on the Netflix show Cooked with Cannabis. She has spent the last two years writing a cannabis cookbook and the outline / recipes for a memoir cookbook. Learn more about Cynthia at http://www.cynfulfood.com/ (www.cynfulfood.com), http://www.cynfulycanna.com/ (www.cynfulycanna.com) and https://www.instagram.com/cynfulfood_/?hl=en (Instagram). Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Sherry Goldman is the president of Goldman Communications Group, an award-winning public relations/marketing communications agency, which she started 22 years ago, after holding senior management positions at several international PR agencies and working in print and broadcast media. We discuss: How to keep up with evolving relationships when the world reopens [4:16] The types of plans necessary for business continuity [9:13] The informative reassurance that people need in times of crisis [14:59] Responsive companies that meet reasonable expectations [17:40] How to adapt your messages so you resonate with, educate and help your clients [21:26]

Goldman Communications Group works with a range of companies (start-ups through Fortune 500 companies), brands, non-profit associations, and their executives, helping them tell their stories and create, communicate, and control their messages, reputations, and value propositions. The agency offers a wide suite of services including strategic counsel; messaging; media relations targeting traditional, social and online media; corporate communications/thought leadership programming; community/industry relations and engagement; reputation management and crisis communications, as well as new product launches. Sherry is also an adjunct professor in public relations at LIU/Post. Learn more about Sherry at http://www.goldmanpr.net/ (www.goldmanpr.net). Brief Description of Gift A 20-minute session of counsel on PR issues URL for Free Gift http://www.goldmanpr.net/ (www.goldmanpr.net)

Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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With nearly 15 years of diversified public accounting experience, Justin founded McAuliffe CPA Enterprises, P.C. in 2018 to work with small business owners to organize their books and records, assist with management of the general ledger, develop and/or retool the chart of accounts, and help develop or maintain an accounting infrastructure serving as an outsourced controller and CFO and COO for key clients, when necessary. We discuss: The trigger that forces entrepreneurship on you [1:56] The best part of 2020 [4:48] Recognizing opportunity: a $20 gift card [6:21] The value of revenue starts off with small [8:53] The seven people you meet in Heaven [10:42] The line that separates giving away for free versus charging [14:26] A startup owner’s perspective on buying at Best Buy [17:10] How to expedite networking from your couch [19:35] Changing the narrative by providing people with financial freedom and purchasing power [23:26]

Learn more about Justin at https://www.cpa.enterprises/ (https://www.cpa.enterprises/), https://www.instagram.com/cpajmac/?hl=en (Instagram), https://www.tiktok.com/@cpajmac?lang=en (TikTok), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmaccpa/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/cpajmac?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/AtAGlanceMarketing/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A free copy of Justin’s book, Are We Reconciled Yet? URL for Free Gift https://www.cpa.enterprises/ (https://www.cpa.enterprises/) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Purdeep Sangha is widely known as “The Strategist for Men in Business” and teaches men how to become a Profit-Multiplying Powerhouse. We discuss: The beginning of the life you want [1:55] How to remove the friction between your personal and business life [5:35] The perfect storm for going from employee to entrepreneur [6:51] What path to take after you’ve burnt all your bridges [10:37] Why you should not leave any stone unturned [12:04] The mistakes that consultants and coaches make that set them back [15:53] The confusion around what it means being a man [19:25]

His personal mission is to help men grow their businesses massively, increase their personal fulfillment in life and improve their relationships with their wife and kids. He is the founder behind the movement #MenWhoWin, men who are mindful, alpha males. As an award-winning author, entrepreneur, speaker, podcaster, business coach, husband and father, Purdeep knows exactly how tough it can be to balance a successful business with a happy family. After studying and working with some of the most successful men around the globe, Purdeep shows men the neuroscience behind becoming limitless. Learn more about Purdeep at https://themaleentrepreneur.com/ (https://themaleentrepreneur.com/), https://purdeepsangha.com/ (https://purdeepsangha.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/purdeepsangha/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/PurdeepSangha (Twitter)and https://facebook.com/thepurdeepsangha (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Purdeep’s free Profit-Making Powerhouse Checklist URL for Free Gift https://purdeepsangha.com/freebies/ (https://purdeepsangha.com/freebies/) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Chris Meade is the co-founder of CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game. We discuss: The best idea out of a hundred ones [1:40] How to go from a group of people who trust you to a business that makes money [5:15] How to “take advantage” of your online skills [7:09] The video component: creating a big impact with a very small investment [9:10] What makes high-quality email marketing [12:34] A price point that makes a difference in terms of online sales [14:23] Where to get outside help in order to cover the missing skills for your business [15:24] Techniques to enhance your ability to hire somebody who’s a good fit on the first try [17:23] Trying to prepare for wild success while struggling with cash flow [19:11]

Learn more about Chris at https://www.crossnetgame.com/ (https://www.crossnetgame.com/) and http://www.linkedin.com/in/cjmeade (LinkedIn). Brief Description of Gift $25 Off w/ Coupon Code URL for Free Gift https://www.crossnetgame.com/ (https://www.crossnetgame.com/) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Chief Evangelist at BombBomb, co-author of Rehumanize Your Business, and host of The Customer Experience Podcast, Ethan has collected and told personal video success stories in hundreds of blog posts, in dozens of webinars and stage presentations, and in countless conversations. We discuss: The history of humans speaking versus writing in the context of modern technology [2:21] How to be around your clients as often as you’d like to be [5:17] Your very best asset: Why you need to be as human as possible [7:49] A frictionless experience: The best promise of AI technology [11:47] How to build a psychological nearness with people before even meeting them [15:24] A simple idea to accelerate the relationship aspect of your business [20:35]

Prior to joining BombBomb, Ethan spent a dozen years leading marketing teams inside local television stations in Chicago, Grand Rapids, and Colorado Springs. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan and UCCS in communication, psychology, and marketing. Ethan now lives in Colorado Springs with his wife and son. Learn more about Ethan at https://bombbomb.com/ (https://bombbomb.com/). Brief Description of Gift A two-week free trial of the software URL for Free Gift https://smashingtheplateau.com/bombbomb (https://smashingtheplateau.com/bombbomb) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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What if you could determine who in your audience is your best client in 180 seconds? Juliet Clark is a dynamic and sought-after speaker and podcaster who has spent the last twenty years helping authors, coaches, speakers, and small businesses all over the world build expert platforms. We discuss: Success principles for intentional audience [1:51] A great methodology for people selling expertise [4:32] How to bootstrap your way out of bankruptcy mentality [6:30] How to translate your audience’s feedback into effective marketing [9:53] Hints that tell you how you can serve your audience at a better level [10:57] Why some companies mark huge marketing success in times of crisis [12:48] Why publishing a book is probably not the reason your products and services will start to sell [15:36] An effective tool to measure a client’s commitment [17:47] How to gather a great amount of feedback with just one question [19:27]

Corporate companies, start-ups, and author/speaker incubators world-wide have benefited from Juliet’s unique and massively effective method of mastering lead generation and qualification for expert status. She created a platform-building tool that assesses audience obstacles, generates leads, and qualifies leads for businesses. This simple technology can be used on social media, from the stage, and at workshops to build email lists and create conversations that build long-term relationships with potential clients. Her podcast, Promote, Profit, Publish, helps entrepreneurs understand how to use great tools in the coaching and small business spaces. Learn more about Juliet at http://www.superbrandpublishing.com/ (http://www.superbrandpublishing.com) and http://www.leadlogicquiz.com/ (www.leadlogicquiz.com). Brief Description of Gift A free assessment of how your lead generation stands up URL for Free Gift http://www.leadlogicquiz.com/ (www.leadlogicquiz.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Known far and wide as “Dr. Cindy,” the First Lady of Sales, she is an expert in the areas of sales. She helps people get over the “Ick” of selling and use the skills of sales professionals to get what they want and deserve at work and in life. We discuss: A skillset that’s been within you all your life [2:49] The time that you got your teacher to accept a late assignment [4:59] Walking commercials that can say why you are amazing [7:24] The flipside of pitching your product to a business prospect [9:50] How to ask for what you want when the chance does arrive [12:02] The difference between asking someone for referral and asking a prospect for business [13:22] The magic in the follow-up of sales [15:35] Sometimes the gift is not just another referral [17:37] How to craft a sales process that’s authentic to you [18:33]

Dr. Cindy is the author of the Wall Street Journal Best Seller, Every Job is a Sales Job: How to Use the Art of Selling to Win at Work, and as a popular and an inspiring speaker. As the CEO of Orange Leaf Consulting, her team works with companies and entrepreneurs to grow their business. Learn more about Dr. Cindy at https://drcindy.com/ (https://drcindy.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcindy/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/1stladyofsales (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/DrCindyMcGovern/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A bonus chapter on personal branding as well as a tip sheet for sales URL for Free Gift Go to https://drcindy.com/ and enter "SMASHING " in the promo code area, or message Dr. Cindy on social media. Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Robbie is the author of The Membership Economy, the groundbreaking book that changed everything. We discuss: The best way to do all the things you want to do as business leaders [2:28] The difference between a forever transaction and recurring revenue [3:09] How focusing on a forever promise would justify a customer making a forever transaction [5:07] The way you choose to package your value is how your customers will consume you [7:30] Why you should not lose sight of the customer’s mission while working on your product [10:54] Problem avoidance: defining the trigger features and hook features of your product [12:06] The package offering that you would give to your loved ones [14:53] The attributes that show why long-term clients are not always the best clients [16:59] The best table and finest champagne at a McDonald’s [21:01]

Robbie first coined the phrase Membership Economy over 10 years ago, and it is now part of the business lexicon used by organizations and journalists around the world. The Membership Economy was recently named a top 10 Marketing Book of all time by BookAuthority. Her clients have included Netflix, Microsoft, and The Wall Street Journal as well as several venture-backed private companies and associations. Over the course of her career, Robbie has worked in or consulted to clients in more than twenty industries. Learn more about Robbie at https://robbiekellmanbaxter.com/ (https://robbiekellmanbaxter.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiekellmanbaxter/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/robbiebax (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/MembershipEconomy/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Sneak Peek at Chapter 8 of Robbie’s forthcoming book The Forever Transaction: How to Build a Subscription Business So Compelling Your Customers Will Never Want to Leave URL for Free Gift https://robbiekellmanbaxter.com/the-forever-transaction-chapter-8/ (https://robbiekellmanbaxter.com/the-forever-transaction-chapter-8/) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Maiko Sakai, founder of Airtight Concepts, is a NYC-based business growth strategist a.k.a. secret weapon to her clients who are visionary entrepreneurs and CEOs with the desire to build a high-functioning, profit-generating machine of their dreams. We discuss: Hidden nuggets in unconventional strategies [2:30] The right time to draw up a dream organizational chart [7:37] Identifying the gap between what you plan to do and what actually is needed [9:13] Why charging by the hour is doing a disservice to everybody [11:18] The beauty of value-based pricing [16:00] The psychology shift in one’s identity when transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship [17:27] How to get comfortable with your new identity and get over the drama that comes with change [21:10]

As a self-proclaimed Queen of Counterintuitive Strategies, Maiko provides effective but not-so-conventional strategies to boost sustainable profitability for her clients by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative assessments. Originally from Japan, Maiko loves ethnic foods of all kinds, and is a sucker for ultra-contemporary design and exotic houseplants. She earned her MBA from Johnson School of Management at Cornell University. Learn more about Maiko at https://www.maikosakai.com/ (https://www.maikosakai.com/), http://www.linkedin.com/in/maikosakai (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/MaikoSakaiBiz?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Twitter) and Facebook. Brief Description of Gift Access to a free training video URL for Free Gift http://www.maikosakai.com/smashing (www.maikosakai.com/smashing) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Jeremy Slate is the founder of the Create Your Own Life Podcast, which studies the highest performers in the world. We discuss: The perks of being married to the expert [2:54] The small pond strategy [4:16] Where people most often go wrong when trying to get known [9:24] How to play the PR game with the right people [11:30] The importance of stats in getting you paid [14:37] Building up trust and likeability through content creation [16:45] Why obscurity is your biggest enemy [18:32]

Jeremy studied literature at Oxford University. He specializes in using podcasting and new media to create celebrity and was ranked #1 in iTunes New and #78 in the iTunes top 100. He was named the #1 Podcast to Listen to by Inc. Magazine in 2019, as well as being named a Top Influencer by Forbes. After his success in podcasting, Jeremy Slate and his wife, Brielle Slate, founded Command Your Brand to help entrepreneurs get their message out by appearing as guests on podcasts. Learn more about Jeremy at http://www.commandyourbrand.media/ (http://www.commandyourbrand.media), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-ryan-slate-bb7b284a/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/JeremyRyanSlate (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/Jeremyryanslate/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift White paper, "The 7 Reasons No One Knows You" URL for Free Gift http://www.commandyourbrand.media/7reasons (www.commandyourbrand.media/7reasons) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Chad Peterson is an expert business broker and the founder of Peterson Acquisitions, an award-winning M&A firm. Chad’s firm handles transactions in $1 million to $25 million range, with some deals exceeding $25 million. He works with companies all over the United States and has completed international deals as well. We discuss: How to set yourself apart from other entrepreneurs [2:06] What goes beyond 7,000 cold calls [3:27] How to know if you’re employable [4:44] A mad man starting businesses from a shoestring budget [5:51] There are builders and there are sellers [8:20] The time to sell is when you’re doing well, and not vice versa [10:32] A small whisper from a friend [13:00] Nobody quits working, or why retirement won’t do you good [14:04] Why business owners don’t know the value of their own business [16:30] How to make better and informed decisions when selling your business [20:43]

Peterson Acquisitions was recently named by one publication as the #1 ranked business broker in the United States. What sets Chad apart from all other business brokers is his aggressive style, work ethic and tenacity that are rooted in his humble beginnings. Chad is a self-made entrepreneur that has been in the trenches. He has started, built and sold 6 of his own businesses. Chad wrote the book “From Blue to White: A Working Man’s Guide to Self-Employment”. Best-selling author Scott Alexander of “Rhinoceros Success” wrote the foreword. He also wrote the book “Swinging Doors: A Guide to Selling Your Company” and is the host of the podcast: Business Brokers: Buying, Selling & Growing Businesses. Learn more about Chad at https://petersonacquisitions.com/ (https://petersonacquisitions.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersonacquisitions (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/chadpetersonpod (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/petersonacquisitions/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Free download of Chad Peterson’s Swinging Doors book URL for Free Gift https://petersonacquisitions.com/get-the-book/ (https://petersonacquisitions.com/get-the-book/) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Dan Meadors started out working a regular day job in a small town in Kentucky. In 2011, he began selling on Amazon with only $600 and grew it into a multi-million-dollar business in just a few short years. We discuss: Triggers that launch us into much bigger things [2:07] How to overcome the fear [and shame] of being fired by becoming the person you always wanted to be [4:56] The most natural thing you could do for your retail business that nobody tells you [6:30] How to remove yourself from your business [18:41] The Wholesale Formula: Creating the right path for people [20:08] A business model that lets you eat Thanksgiving dinner with your kids [22:32]

Today, Dan owns a business that has sold over 500,000 products on Amazon, done well over $20 million in sales, has generated millions in profit, and only works ONE HOUR per week due to the unique business model he created that allows him to almost completely automate the entire business. Dan now uses his freedom to teach people all over the world his exclusive business model through his elite online training program known as The Wholesale Formula. Learn more about Dan at https://thewholesaleformula.com/ (https://thewholesaleformula.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-meadors-88ab1b71/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.facebook.com/TheWholesaleFormula/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A free walkthrough of the Wholesale Formula URL for Free Gift https://thewholesaleformula.com/smashingplateaus (https://thewholesaleformula.com/smashingplateaus) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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From Commercial Photographer to Marketing Specialist, from Business Portrait expert to Teaser Marketing Video specialist, Jared Silver's professional career has always been focused on getting outstanding results for his clients. We discuss: Adapting out of necessity only to start loving it [1:39] How to [re]invent a profession when your skill set is not needed anymore [4:07] How to condense your story in a 30-60 second pitch [5:42] The sole purpose of a teaser marketing video [7:05] How to get someone to look like themselves in front of the camera [7:48] A relationship accelerator: Getting your video clone out there [10:52] Tools to get your clients to get to their clients [13:23] How to structure your time so you can keep earning and learning at the same time [15:34] Always stay focused on the main result your client needs [16:45] A great example of reinventing oneself multiple times [17:19]

Learn more about Jared at http://www.ataglancemarketing.com/index.cfm (http://www.ataglancemarketing.com/index.cfm), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredsilver/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/ataglancemktg (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/AtAGlanceMarketing/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift How to script a 30 to 60 second engaging and captivating video script that will Qualify Your Prospects Faster – for Sales Sooner (in the form of 3 easy to use worksheets) URL for Free Gift http://www.ataglancemarketing.com/index.cfm (http://www.ataglancemarketing.com/index.cfm) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Jeff Schechter, aka “Shecky” has had the entrepreneurial bug his entire life. He started his first business right out of college, and over the years been involved in numerous businesses ventures. We discuss: Some of the hardest parts of the strikes as you’re trying to get a hit [2:22] A much better indicator than perfect analytics [5:30] The blocks that make us resist to marketing [8:48] How to show people you have value without being full of hype [12:25] How the era of authenticity is changing marketing trends for the gurus out there [14:48] How love can save you in times when nobody is safe [17:10] The kids that are willing to take chances [21:52] Write it down and put it out there to the Universe [24:32]

Shecky’s love for real estate investing began in the 1980’s, when he rehabbed 5 of his own residences, before the term “house-hacking” even existed. Since those early days of torn up kitchens and bathrooms Shecky has bought and sold many properties and is an active investor to this day. In addition to investing, he operates a private consulting practice. He thrives on helping people realize their full potential not just in business and investing but in all aspects of life. Learn more about Jeff at https://highreturnrealestate.com/ (https://HighReturnRealEstate.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/reallyshecky/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/reallyshecky?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/HighReturnRealEstate/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Free consultation with High Return Real Estate’s Director of Investor Relations for any listener wanting guidance on RE investing URL for Free Gift sales@highreturnrealestate.com Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub https://yoursitehub.com/ (https://yoursitehub.com)

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Daniel John Hanneman has an extensive background as a professional counselor and certified hypnotherapist with combined business and professional backgrounds in energy scanning, energy clearing, spiritual life coaching, intuitive business coaching, master intuitive trainer, channeling, metaphysics, Religious Science, hypnosis, psychology, motivational techniques, and personal/business development systems. We discuss: The key role of having aligned awakened presence [1:47] Early warning signs of your sacred purpose trying to play out [5:00] The difference between sacred purpose and tactical orientation [8:32] The day you need to go out and play tennis with your buddies [13:07] Path of a surrender: the art of letting go for highly sensitive people [16:28] Breaking old models of doing business as a way to consistent revenue [19:40] Achieving a breakthrough by constantly shifting established structures [24:06]

From a best-selling book series, Daniel has co-authored the book, Wake Up Live The Life You Love – Living In Abundance, which featured internationally renowned legends including Anthony Robbins, Dr. Wayne Dyer, and Dr. Michael Beckwith. He has been the producer and host for the popular internet radio show, Spiritual RockStar Radio Show. Daniel is the creator of Your Sacred Purpose that is awakening the deeper power within spiritual entrepreneurs and transformational leaders to experience profound awakening and real results to impact millions of people’s lives around the world. Learn more about Daniel at http://www.academyforinvinciblehealers.com/ (http://www.academyforinvinciblehealers.com), https://twitter.com/theblockbuster?lang=en (Twitter) and Facebook. Brief Description of Gift Free consultation URL for Free Gift http://www.yoursacredpurpose.com/ (www.yoursacredpurpose.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub https://www.yoursitehub.com

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Jacqueline Lauren is the founder of Jacqueline Lauren Design, an intuitive brand strategy and design company. We discuss: A natural progression to running your own design company [1:43] Work on yourself so you can work with others [5:21] An effective tool to make sure everyone’s on the same page [7:51] The importance of having a connector to help you build your business [10:15] Bringing in strategic knowledge to your design as an added value [12:14] How to “interrupt” energy drain while doing endless design work [13:27] The freedom that a long-term, steady client can give you [15:11] What might happen if your client is your friend [16:45] Looking into a variety of industries as an effective way to generate recurring revenue [17:54] Personal stories that connect people [19:22]

Jacqueline merges 15 years of design knowledge with an understanding of how energy and intention affect our lives and our businesses. She also understands the importance of listening, both to her clients and her own divine guidance. By following her inner wisdom and transforming her self-limiting beliefs, she allowed herself the freedom to expand and not follow the status quo. She moved from a toxic urban environment onto a beautiful horse farm. Recently, guidance came in the form of a dream. Jacqueline was instructed to create and launch the Realign with the Divine podcast to share the stories of modern day healers and their awakenings. Learn more about Jacqueline at http://www.jacquelinelauren.com/ (http://www.jacquelinelauren.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-renan-935a471/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.facebook.com/jacqueline.renan (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A 30-minute brand assessment call URL for Free Gift http://www.jacquelinelauren.com/ (http://www.jacquelinelauren.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub https://yoursitehub.com/ (https://yoursitehub.com/)

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Jeff Saling is a start-up founder and early stage public company executive with more than 25 years’ experience. Since 1998, Jeff has been part of successful startup exits with 3 IPO’s and 1 private acquisition. As an executive, Jeff’s experience includes running worldwide sales, professional services, SaaS operations, and product development. As a founder, Jeff’s experience includes three B2B SaaS cloud companies and currently, 1 business / tech incubator, StartUpNV. Jeff is also an active mentor and angel investor in several tech start-ups. We discuss: The difference between being in an incubator vs. trying to start something without the incubator [2:25] Why being solo might be too hard [4:50] How to overcome mid-career challenges by joining an incubator [6:27] The road to having an a-ha moment [9:38] A program that helps you create the next big unicorn [11:16] Free resources for business startups based out of Nevada [15:58] Biggest obstacles to founders getting help in the early stages of their business [17:32] Pros and cons of paid startup programs, and the alternative to them [20:54] Not a boring company that has broken through the plateau in the IoT space [22:10] The future is bright [23:58]

Learn more about Jeff at https://startupnv.org/ (https://startupnv.org/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsaling/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/StartUp_Nevada (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/StartupNV/ (Facebook). Thank You to Our Sponsor: Geri Mazur Marketing 917-509-9906 or geri@gerimazurmarketing.com

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Luci Dumas is an award winning PPA Master Craftsman photographer. She has enjoyed a successful, profitable and creatively satisfying full-time career for over 36 years. We discuss: The signs that tell you where to focus your business [2:11] How to work smarter rather than harder [6:22] How to position yourself as a professional who creates a high amount of unique value [9:01] Connecting emotionally and changing lives through photography [10:42] Self-employment: You’ve got to have fire, and a little bit of misery [13:56] A marketing revolution triggered by the digital revolution [17:32] Why the most successful photographers might not be the best photographers [20:10]

Luci is the baby whisperer and photographs children, families and weddings in San Diego. Her superpower, besides her photography, is selling three to eight wall portraits and albums to almost every client. A teacher at heart, Luci also has a coaching and training business, Insight Training for Photographers, and loves supporting other talented photographers and creatives, who are passionate about building the business of their dreams, or just want to make a great business even more successful. Learn more about Luci at http://www.insighttrainingforphotographers.com/ (http://www.insighttrainingforphotographers.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/luci-dumas-56328811 (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/lucidumas (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/LuciDumasInsightTrainingForPhotographers/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A free strategy session and 2-eBook "10 Big Ideas for Marketing Photography in the Real World" URL for Free Gift 1-Free session = luci@lucidumas.com / 2-eBook = http://www.lucidumascoaching.com/ (www.lucidumascoaching.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub https://yoursitehub.com/ (https://yoursitehub.com/)

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With over a decade of experience selling for Fortune 500 companies and serving Fortune 10's Andrew knows what it takes to be a top 5%er. Having sold over $100 million worth of products, he fully understands how to help others in business explode their ideas and dreams. We discuss: What a lot of salespeople do [not] talk about [2:02] Why a fantastic cellphone would be useless without a carrier [6:00] Strategic business decisions outside a short-term scope [10:19] How to set up relationships with clients to generate consistent revenue flow [13:24] Ways to form long-term partnerships and decrease work stress [16:56]

Learn more about Andrew at https://www.eboomz.com/ (https://www.eboomz.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewizumi/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.facebook.com/eboomz/?modal=admin_todo_tour (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Short video sales training URL for Free Gift https://www.highticketmomentum.com/video-series (https://www.highticketmomentum.com/video-series) Thank You to Our Sponsor: Live At Choice https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking (https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking)

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Shawna Pelton is a strategic transformation and self-mastery guide. Having trained under various teachers with an eclectic range of methodologies, Shawna brings nearly 2 decades of experience and rigorous study to her work. We discuss: Strategic transformation as a result of hitting a choice point [2:00] Demo day: breaking free from yourself [3:23] How to overcome distrust and dread in the workplace [6:12] Reframing the questions we ask when taking the leap into the unknown world of entrepreneurialism [12:02] The darkest fear holds the greatest potential [14:25] Why applying new knowledge as you learn will guarantee you 100% return on investment [17:08] How to travel and be flexible without losing momentum in your business [20:13] Forgive to live again [23:38]

Shawna’s work has evolved over the years, ranging from herbal and holistic nutrition education, aesthetics and antiaging, biophoton therapy for hard to treat conditions, meditation for stress and self-mastery, spiritual healing for deep transformation, energy medicine for pain, emotional and forgiveness for healing, NLP and hypnosis for behavioral change, Conversational Intelligence(TM) and professional coaching for building trust within a company culture. Shawna is grounded in practical proven techniques yet embodies the work of deeply spiritual practice, free from dogma, for helping people reduce fear and uncertainty in a world of rapid change. Learn more about Shawna at http://www.shawnapelton.com/ (http://www.ShawnaPelton.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawna-pelton-12490722/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/ShawnaPelton (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/ShawnaJPelton/?ref=bookmarks (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A free life balance assessment to help you get clear on what you need to focus on URL for Free Gift http://www.shawnapelton.com/ (http://www.ShawnaPelton.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Bill is a life-long entrepreneur, founding and/or advising and investing in 27 companies. Bill is now the CEO of boomtime, where he's tackling one of the biggest frustrations in business: getting great marketing for your company. We discuss: When you’ve done everything to market your business but the magic still doesn’t happen [2:03] Key elements versus systematization in marketing for small companies [4:10] The love of creating content [6:49] The most undervalued marketing asset in most companies [9:13] How to help your clients by treating yourself as a client [12:13] The golden hour of prospect [14:29] An affordable way of marketing and the requirements to achieve it [18:24]

Learn more about Bill at http://www.boomtime.com/ (http://www.boomtime.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/billbice/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/billbice?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/boomtimeonline/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Unlocking the Secrets of The Challenger Sale – how to apply The Challenger Sale to your marketing URL for Free Gift https://www.boomtime.com/the-challenger-sale-book-summary-and-marketing-insights/ (https://www.boomtime.com/the-challenger-sale-book-summary-and-marketing-insights/) Thank You to Our Sponsor: Geri Mazur Marketing 917-509-9906 or geri@gerimazurmarketing.com

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Beyond her successful private practice, Dr. Corinne Weaver is an international best-selling author, speaker, and brand-new podcast host because she is on fire to share empowering knowledge of how to be healthy naturally with people all over the world, so that they require No More Meds! We discuss: Searching for treasure: The healing power of [Amazon] plants [2:19] Why an ice cream can cause an asthma attack [6:00] How to get yourself and beloved ones into the habit of breathing, sleeping and eating the right way [9:14] The abundance of good nutrients to venture on [13:33] How to impact more people while having a viable business model [15:50] The price you can pay/charge to get a consistent revenue flow and stay healthy at the same time [18:56] The desire to help others and make them believe that miracles happen [21:17]

Following a childhood injury, Corinne suffered health issues including severe asthma and allergies that she thought she would have to endure for the rest of her life. It wasn’t until after her first upper cervical adjustment that her health began to improve dramatically. This transformation sparked a drug-free wellness lifestyle for Corinne’s entire family. Dr. Weaver enthusiastically discovered her calling to help others heal and has since assisted many thousands of people to achieve better health without drugs or surgery. Learn more about Corinne at http://www.drcorinneweaver.com/ (http://www.DrCorinneWeaver.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-corinne-weaver-23371854 (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/getwellnc (Twitter) and http://www.facebook.com/drcorinne (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift My No More Meds e-book URL for Free Gift http://www.nomoremedsmovement.com/ (www.nomoremedsmovement.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Jonathan is a media magician. He is a leader in creative production, marketing, and distribution for television, interactive, and mobile media. We discuss: The media that brings magic to life and achieves goals [1:55] A thousand songs in your pocket [5:12] What does the TV do for/to the business? [6:03] How to successfully maneuver between several business hypotheses [10:42] The steps to make a happy accident happen [16:59] A listening strategy: why you should be asking for feedback, not just waiting for it [19:18] A continued growth: from one city to over 30 states across the U.S. [21:02]

Learn more about Jonathan at https://www.itsrelevant.com/ (https://www.itsrelevant.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankrackehl/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/irjonathank?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/itsrelevant (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Free month of the TV subscription service in their business URL for Free Gift https://www.itsrelevant.com/ (https://www.itsrelevant.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: Live At Choice https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking (https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking)

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For 20 years, Ed was a top-tier business consultant for Fortune 500 and global companies in the US, Canada, and Europe. We discuss: Coming to a full stop and becoming public about personal roadblocks [2:12] The fundamental problem with performance orientation [5:11] Find yourself, live yourself, give yourself [7:58] How to get the attention of 60 to 80 million people to help them move forward [10:16] The commonality that makes millions of people follow you on the fastest growing means of influence [13:27] The high-end of producing a good content [15:57] The beginning of the path to healing [18:10]

In 2016, Ed was on disability with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In 2012, he began speaking openly about the childhood sexual abuse he suffered and how it was affecting him. This set off a chain of events that changed everything. Last May, Ed started a nonprofit called MeTooWhatNow to raise awareness about childhood sexual abuse and mental illness, but he wanted to be mainstream and contemporary. So he developed a niche for creating videos and documentaries that are capturing the attention of his target audience and other influencers. Learn more about Ed at https://metoowhatnow.com/ (https://metoowhatnow.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/edsquire/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/metoowhatnow (Twitter) and https://facebook.com/metoowhatnow (Facebook). Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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Lori Lyons is the owner of Ignite Marketing and the creator of the online program Make Your Marketing Simple. We discuss: What has changed in marketing over the centuries [2:07] How to make marketing simple [3:30] The person who is not ready to retire [5:07] Know where you’re going [8:52] Living the mantra of being healthy and being ageless [9:53] If YouTube has a video on it, you can be an expert on it [13:47] If you don’t start, it will never be perfect [18:53]

Lori leverages her 35+ years of business experience as a trusted partner, helping small business owners navigate the ever-changing marketing landscape and transform their businesses. Learn more about Lori at http://www.ignitingyourbusiness.com/ (http://www.ignitingyourbusiness.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalyons/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/lorilyons_ (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/ignite_marketing/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/ignitingyourbusiness/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A worksheet on three marketing shifts you can make that will provide immediate difference in your bottom line for your business URL for Free Gift https://makeyourmarketingsimple.com/success (https://makeyourmarketingsimple.com/success) Thank You to Our Sponsor: Geri Mazur Marketing 917-509-9906 or geri@gerimazurmarketing.com

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Manuj is an entrepreneur, investor, and CTO of TetraNoodle, a software consulting company that helps startup founders with tech projects. We discuss: The stimulus that shakes you to the core [2:11] Marketing for introverts [5:54] An engineer-like process to develop a growth plan [7:56] A roadmap for entrepreneurs with non-technical background [11:18] Turning things around for three projects in less than a year [13:09] Non-traditional tools to promote one’s business [15:25] Strategies that work well for having the right mindset [17:51] Looking at achieving goals from the angle of attaining happiness and fulfillment [20:31]

Manuj started his career at the age of 15, working in a factory for twelve hours a day, six days a week, earning a cool $2 per day. Learn more about Manuj at https://tetranoodle.com/ (https://TetraNoodle.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/manujaggarwal/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/manujagg (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/tetranoodletech (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Video series to help you make more successful and sound decisions in your tech projects URL for Free Gift https://innerget.com/ (https://InnerGet.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub)

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As an executive at HP, founder of Enlightened Leadership and co-author of “Enlightened Leadership,” which has sold 295,000 copies, while developing leadership from 67 countries, Ed Oakley’s greatest talent is to see simpler, quicker and easier ways to solve complex challenges. We discuss: The people who [don’t] pay attention to roadblocks [2:30] A mystical experience in the middle of the night [3:48] The place where you can find the answer to almost any question you ask [8:11] The hidden message in little wake-up calls [15:17] How to bring the best out in yourself so you can be the best professional you can be [19:08] When your clients are your heroes [22:14] It’s time to ramp this up [25:39]

So, when his $3 million/year business foundered, and he got sick and wasn’t sure he wanted to continue living, and his 20-year marriage ended, he was challenged to learn how to address those big wake-up calls, recover and thrive again. And what he discovered while healing all those areas of his own life is now what he is using to turnaround others’ lives quicker and easier than ever before. Learn more about Ed at https://lifesnewgame.com/ (https://lifesnewgame.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/edoakley/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/edoakley (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/2ndcareerentrepreneur/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A free masterclass on what it takes to have breakthroughs in all three areas of prosperity: wealth, health, and relationships. URL for Free Gift https://lifesnewgame.com/masterclass (https://lifesnewgame.com/masterclass) Thank You to Our Sponsor: Live At Choice Access your free training on why positive thinking has failed you https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking (https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Blaine Graboyes is an award-winning executive producer and game designer with twenty years’ experience. Learn more about Blaine at https://gamecollc.com/ (https://gamecollc.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/gameco-llc-1238a8185/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/GameCoLLC (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/GameCoLLC/ (Facebook). Patty Soffer moved from her early career as a model to become an award-winning strategist, celebrated author, and marketing mogul. Learn more about Patty at http://pattysoffer.com/ (http://pattysoffer.com) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattysoffer/ (LinkedIn). Michael Schein is the founder and president of MicroFame Media, a marketing agency that specializes in making idea-based companies famous in their industries. Learn more about Michael at http://microfamemedia.com/ (http://microfamemedia.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfrancisschein/ (LinkedIn) and https://twitter.com/MichaelSchein1 (Twitter). In addition to working with clients like the University of Pennsylvania, United Methodist Publishing House, LinkedIn, and Citrix, Mike writes for Forbes, Inc., Huffington Post, and Fortune about marketing, storytelling, and the phenomenon of hype. We discuss: From a marketing tool to being the thing itself [4:41] The triumph of podcasting as the biggest new media form in the world [7:32] Why are the absolutely best marketers not marketers at all? [9:11] Masters of framing the media [11:46] The difference between all the different financial advisers out there and Suze Orman [14:55] Weird places that will help you avoid falling in the trap of doing the same things everyone does [16:35]

Brief Description of Gift Michael’s unconventional book list recommendation URL for Free Gift https://www.hypereads.com/list (https://www.hypereads.com/list) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Ramesh Dontha is a serial entrepreneur, host of The Agile Entrepreneur podcast, writer, and blogger. We discuss: The power of flexibility in life to give you more energy and motivation [2:12] Turning unpleasant surprises into opportunities to learn new things [4:41] How to use your inventory of knowledge, skills and assets to generate multiple revenue streams [6:22] A 30-day iterative approach to build a business [9:19] Why striving for perfection before launching a business is a wrong strategy [13:08] Evolving a home organizing skill into a successful business step by step [17:00] How choosing a framework helps when looking for sources of information [20:07] How to create a bond with your kids while keeping them fit [21:32]

Ramesh loves to share his experiences of building businesses, running them, and leading them successfully. He is also the author the book, The 60 Minute Startup: A Proven System to Start Your Business in 1 Hour a Day and Get Your First Paying Customers in 30 Days (or Less). Learn more about Ramesh at https://rameshdontha.com/ (https://RameshDontha.Com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/rameshdontha/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/rkdontha1 (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/therameshdontha/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A free digital copy of Ramesh Dontha’s book The 60 Minute Startup: A Proven System to Start Your Business in 1 Hour a Day and Get Your First Paying Customers in 30 Days (or Less) URL for Free Gift https://rameshdontha.com/ (https://RameshDontha.Com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Dominique Mas is a certified transformational coach for high performers. We discuss: How schools kill creativity [2:44] What a transformational coach for high performers does [6:30] The exponential growth that comes with being uncomfortable and not giving up [9:09] Better together: why joining communities is crucial for moving on [11:47] The characteristics you should be looking for when choosing to be part of a group environment [14:46] Self-led groups versus those that have a paid facilitator [18:52] Topics that are covered in Dominique’s group coaching [21:00]

Dominique combines her international experience of 15 years in educational leadership and coach training with the NeuroLeadership Institute to challenge driven individuals. In 2017, Dominique decided to leave the world of education behind to start her own coaching practice. Little did she know that taking this risk would be the beginning of an adventure in facing her own fears and growing exponentially. Learn more about Dominique at http://dominiquemas.com/ (http://dominiquemas.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-mas-4b6863b0/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/_dominiquemas (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/dominiquemascoaching/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Wheel of Balance: a reflection exercise the audience can use to see where they might need to balance their life a little more URL for Free Gift https://mailchi.mp/f574d93f337f/balance (https://mailchi.mp/f574d93f337f/balance) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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C. Lee Smith is the CEO and Founder of SalesFuel, a Columbus, Ohio-based firm that is named one of the Top 15 Sales Enablement Vendors in 2019 by Selling Power. We discuss: The most important, yet mistakenly perceived, skill that will help you smash the plateau [2:24] What the mechanics of sales really are [not] [4:28] The problem with destination disease [6:30] Recurring revenue as a tool to increase your existing client base [8:36] The question you should never be asking when reaching out to new clients [10:18] How to get better insight out of your discovery conversation [12:40] Needs analysis, or why you eat a slice of pizza when you know you should be eating a salad [14:44] How to hire the right salesperson [15:52] If you want recurring revenue, you need recurring value [18:09] Why you should never estimate the power of discovery [23:27]

Lee is a Gitomer Certified Advisor, one of an elite group of professionals worldwide licensed to train and consult using the works of Jeffrey Gitomer. Uniquely geared to service the fast-changing sales landscape, Lee is one of the country’s foremost experts on sales discovery and needs analysis, sales coaching, sales culture, hiring for sales, and sales management and leadership. Lee is a graduate of Ohio University and has earned a certificate in executive leadership from Cornell University. Learn more about Lee at http://salesfuel.com/ (http://salesfuel.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/cleesmith/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/salesfuel (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/cleesmith2 (Facebook). Thank You to Our Sponsor: Boomer Benefits Boomer Benefits can make Medicare easier for you. Learn more at https://boomerbenefits.com/ (https://boomerbenefits.com) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Jesse Harless, M.A., is an author, trainer, life coach, group empowerment facilitator, motivational speaker and Entrepreneur in Recovery. We discuss: What if we did what we loved? [2:26] The snowball effect of feeling abandoned [6:19] The habits an addict should build in order to recover and succeed as an entrepreneur [8:40] The key importance of goal setting in the process of early recovery [11:38] Facilitating change through a high-level, cross-discipline model [14:26] Main drivers of revenue when working with entrepreneurs in recovery [16:27] Showing the value of a product by giving it away [18:10] How to smash your comfort zone and reduce any kind of anxiety [22:22]

He recently released his first Amazon Best Selling book called Smash Your Comfort Zone with Cold Showers. Jesse is the founder of Entrepreneurs in Recovery, a platform that empowers people in addiction recovery to reach their full potential. He works with communities, addiction treatment centers and programs in the Northeast U.S. where he trains and facilitates his Entrepreneurs in Recovery facilitation workshops. Learn more about Jesse at https://www.entrepreneursinrecovery.com/ (https://www.entrepreneursinrecovery.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesseharless/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/JesseHarless22 (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/EntrepreneursinRecovery/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift 30 Day Cold Shower Tracker URL for Free Gift http://www.jesseharless.com/freegift (www.jesseharless.com/freegift) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Jennifer Lyall is an Intuitive Business Mentor and Chief Energy Optimizer. As a sought after spiritual development expert she helps you to expand your personal awareness and take responsibility for your energy and how you’re showing up in life. We discuss: The blend between logic and intuition that moves entrepreneurs forward [2:45] The significance of dolphins [4:30] How to align your focus so that you could fuel your soul [6:04] The stories and expectations that impede entrepreneurs’ growth and development [8:10] The permission you need to discover a spiritual wonderland [10:24] How to manage your energy so that your life and business evolve [13:15] An energy check that helps you work less and have more fun [26:38]

This expanded inner awareness helps you to confidently make decisions, be happier and more present in your relationships, work in a proactive manner rather than reactive mode and enjoy a career that builds you up and energizes you! Jennifer is passionate about sharing everyday easy to implement “energy boosters” to bring more calm, mindfulness and joy into your life. Jennifer is a member of the Canadian Society of Dowsers, an international best-selling author and inspirational speaker. Learn more about Jennifer at http://www.jlyall.com/ (http://www.jlyall.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jlyall/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.facebook.com/LivHealthybyJL (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift 7 Day Energy Transformation: Boost your energy, happiness and Productivity URL for Free Gift http://jlyall.com/energy/ (http://jlyall.com/energy) Thank You to Our Sponsor: Geri Mazur Marketing 917-509-9906 geri@gerimazurmarketing.com Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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John Fairclough founded The Resicom Group to help retailers optimize the way they improve and maintain their store environment. We discuss: How to be brothers as well as business partners [2:41] Don’t manage people you don’t like [6:38] The three important elements for a manager [9:15] When the project manager has different outcome expectations than the owner of the company [11:56] Figuring out challenges that may exist in hundreds of locations [14:09] What would help to create breakthrough solutions [19:19] How to change the model of a solution [21:15]

Under his leadership, the company has evolved from a local construction company into an international provider of facility maintenance and construction services. Naturally curious, John spends his time developing better questions to find the “uncommon sense” of a situation. By improving his questions, he’s been able to create better answers to the challenge of developing people, evolving their processes, and protecting the value delivered. John’s specialties include listening without prejudice, activating ideas, and mentoring without bias. He’s on a mission to help businesses protect their brands at all touch points throughout their physical facilities. Learn more about John at http://resicomonline.com/ (http://resicomonline.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnfairclough/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/knownormal (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/Resicom.Inc/ (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Lopa Van Der Mersch is the founder and CEO of Rasa Koffee, the first coffee alternative to offer functional health benefits through adaptogenic herbs. We discuss: When there is no healthy replacement of coffee, you create it [1:58] How adaptogenic herbs work to help you relieve stress or boost energy [4:30] How to maintain a second layer of awareness [11:11] The one quality Steve Jobs would look at when hiring [12:07] Coffee as an analogue to some of the things that are wrong about culture nowadays [16:51] Brand loyalty as a function of a lifestyle shift [18:53] A real service orientation towards uplifting people [21:47]

Learn more about Lopa at https://wearerasa.com/ (https://wearerasa.com/) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/lopa-van-der-mersch-a599a5a (LinkedIn). Brief Description of Gift A discount code for Rasa Koffee products URL for Free Gift https://wearerasa.com/ (https://wearerasa.com/) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub Marketing should be EASY and PROFITABLE. SiteHub offers a flexible and seamless approach to getting noticed in a noisy world. https://www.yoursitehub.com/ (https://www.yoursitehub.com) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Danielle Roberts is a founding partner at Boomer Benefits, where she and her team help thousands of baby boomers learn the ropes regarding Medicare every year. We discuss: The origin of Boomer Benefits [2:23] Problems baby boomers face when it comes to Medicare [3:31] Health insurance: a whole new ball game for entrepreneurs [4:55] How to choose the right Medicare plan for you and change it when you want to [8:22] Medicare vs. group insurance for solopreneurs over 65 [11:04] The best revenue opportunities in the insurance industry [14:23] It’s always cheaper to keep a current client than to gain a new one [16:56] A strategy for failure [20:13]

A nationally-recognized expert in the Medicare insurance industry, Danielle is a member of the Forbes Finance Council, where she frequently writes about Medicare and other baby boomer-related personal finance topics. As a past president of the Fort Worth chapter of the National Association of Health Underwriters, Danielle has spoken about Medicare to hundreds of groups and her educational webinars are attended by thousands of baby boomers annually. Learn more about Danielle at https://boomerbenefits.com/ (https://boomerbenefits.com), http://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekunkle/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/boomerbenefits?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/BoomerBenefits (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift PDF about creating a lasting marketing message URL for Free Gift https://daniellekroberts.com/creating-a-lasting-marketing-message (https://daniellekroberts.com/creating-a-lasting-marketing-message) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub Join a FREE weekly group coaching call with Sean McKay, the CEO of SiteHub. http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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With over 25 years of customer experience, Jill Raff grew up working with her parents, owner/operators of McDonalds #150. She now applies Ray Kroc’s customer-philosophy that permeates over 37,800 stores. We discuss: The most beautiful sound in a person’s language [3:30] A mom’s advice that applies to a business environment [5:54] A cross-industry roadmap to help any business thrive [7:35] Why you should strive for alignment when hiring [9:50] The framework that will give your business longevity [13:06] Seven steps to a customer experience transformation [16:57] A referral business as a way to generate recurring revenue [25:35] How long it takes to start experiencing a meaningful transformation [28:32]

Jill followed her dream to be a Fashion Designer, working in New York, Italy, and Hong Kong. She’s fluent in 5 languages, trained as a Chef at Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, France, became a top Food Stylist, and worked with brands like Harrods, Michelin Starred Ristorante Guido, Godiva, Food and Wine, Oprah Magazine, Good Morning America, and The Today Show. Jill’s closed over $22 Million in real estate sales, licensed in New York and Texas. Jill uses her background as a high-level consultant for companies who want to create a 5-star customer experience. Learn more about Jill at http://www.jillraff.com/ (http://www.jillraff.com), http://www.linkedin.com/in/jillraff/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/Jill_Raff (Twitter) and http://www.facebook.com/CustomerExperienceStrategist (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Customer Experience Checklist which will lead you into Jill’s funnel where she’ll give many more ‘gifts’ and great applicable insight URL for Free Gift http://www.jillraff.com/CXChecklist (www.jillraff.com/CXChecklist) Thank You to Our Sponsor: Live At Choice Access your free training on why positive thinking has failed youhttps://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking (https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Tabita is the CEO of three companies. One of them is her online coaching business that she built at the age of 18 and has since grown into an international company that serves companies and entrepreneurs on three continents in two different languages and with a team of 20 people. We discuss: Becoming a trusted entrepreneur at the age of 18 [2:20] An invested professional always walks the path [7:32] How to achieve 100% integrity to what’s right for you [9:56] How to fix a leaky container: from self-mastery to mastering the art of business [14:37] The greatest gift you can give yourself [21:42] Why Tabita will retire at the age of 30 [25:32]

Tabita helps her clients sell out multiple 5-figure and 6-figure offers with integrity, ease and creativity. Learn more about Tabita at https://theartoftheevolutionaryentrepreneur.com/ (https://theartoftheevolutionaryentrepreneur.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/tabita-dietrich-b3711a10a/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.facebook.com/tabitadfans/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift How to sell multiple 5-figure packages with integrity, ease and creativity and deliver on them as well URL for Free Gift https://theartoftheevolutionaryentrepreneur.com/free/ (https://theartoftheevolutionaryentrepreneur.com/free/) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub Join a FREE weekly group coaching call with Sean McKay, the CEO of SiteHub, where he’ll teach you how to get your non-sales staff to turn leads into appointments. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Dr. Cheryl grew up in a creative entrepreneurial family. She managed her own Accounting and Tax Business for over 17 years. When Cheryl became a single parent, she went back into the corporate world as a financial consultant and manager. We discuss: The missing ingredient for having a wholesome relationship with wealth [2:24] Why money makes people spiritually bankrupt [4:19] How to recognize someone’s relationship with money [6:14] The biggest motivation/problem for financial success [9:18] The empire needs to break down before it can be rebuilt [11:22] What can you do without? [13:15] What it really comes down to out there in the world [18:17]

Cheryl’s experience exposed her to the dark side of wealth – problems with ethics, integrity violations and illegal behavior. After winning a lawsuit against one of the unscrupulous companies, she began to write her book “Wealth Transformation: Integrity, Integrity, Integrity” which became the basis of her long-running Marin TV program, “Wake up with Dr. Cheryl.” Cheryl has a BS in Business Administration, MBA in Finance and her PhD in Financial Management and Business Administration. Cheryl is an author, international Speaker and minister. Learn more about Cheryl at http://www.cherylscheurer.com/ (http://www.cherylscheurer.com), http://www.linkedin.com/profile/edit?id=48140286&trk=tab_pro (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/cherylscheurer (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=wake%20up%20with%20dr.%20cheryl&epa=SEARCH_BOX (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A hard copy of Cheryl’s book URL for Free Gift http://www.cherylscheurer.com/ (http://www.cherylscheurer.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://www.smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (Join a FREE weekly group coaching call with Sean McKay, the CEO of SiteHub, where he’ll teach you how to get your non-sales staff to turn leads into appointments.) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Jarrod Castillo is a youth high-performance coach and mindset coach and he is on a mission to be the leader of the next generation of leaders. His intention is to be a hope and guiding light for aspiring youth transitioning into the next stages of life. We discuss: When it rains it pours [2:17] We are [not] just grown-up children [6:14] How to make it through the battle of life [8:15] The importance of movement for overcoming challenges [13:09] Why good clients are hungry to change [14:58] The myth of balance [18:15] It is as challenging as we make it [20:36]

Learn more about Jarrod at http://www.linktr.ee/wolf.castillo (www.linktr.ee/wolf.castillo). Brief Description of Gift A free 30-minute breakthrough session URL for Free Gift http://www.linktr.ee/wolf.castillo (www.linktr.ee/wolf.castillo) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub https://zoom.us/meeting/register/e6ff5568992aed67dc2040ba88984b7b (Join a free weekly group coaching call with Sean McKay, the CEO of SiteHub) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Phil M Jones has made it his life’s work to demystify the sales process, reframe what it means to “sell,” and help his audiences to learn new skills that empower confidence, overcome fears and instantaneously impact bottom-line results. We discuss: Why it is so difficult for many entrepreneurs to sell [2:49] A restaurant analogy: The difference the sauce makes [5:26] Examples of consultants and coaches who have shifted their mindset and done a much better job at selling as a result [8:10] Experience isn’t measured in years but in the number of times you’ve tried to do something [10:52] The secret sauce to becoming a highly successful speaker, coach and author [12:53] Ways to exercise bravery [18:30] What the number of people you know who smashed the plateau can tell about yourself [22:24] The right method to compare yourself to others [24:05]

The author of five international best-selling books, and the youngest ever winner of the coveted “British Excellence in Sales and Marketing Award”, Phil is currently one of the most in-demand assets to companies worldwide. Learn more about Phil at http://www.philmjones.com/ (http://www.philmjones.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmjones/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/philmjonesuk (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/philmjonessales (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift 1-month free membership for Audible and a copy of Phil’s one-day sales program How to Persuade and Get Paid URL for Free Gift Get your free gift by texting the word “persuade” to 500500 Thank You to Our Sponsor: Live At Choice Access your free training on why positive thinking has failed you at https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking (https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Antonia Van Becker and Greg Lee are the founders of Self Health Institute, Inc. and their mission is to empower clients by healing the energetic blocks that are holding them back. We discuss: Health as a passion [3:25] Reasons why you can’t move forward [6:28] The first step to getting what you want [8:43] How to talk to your body [14:25] What to do when fear is running the show [16:54] The ultimate safe healing system [20:00] The empowering effect of being in a community that openly shares various experiences and issues [21:25] Helping millions of people through self-healing mastery [24:18]

For 24 years they’ve been working with entrepreneurs and business owners using their signature CoreTalk therapy to ask simple questions and get life-changing answers that help people go from procrastination to profit. They love helping clients get past overwhelm, procrastination, self-doubt, and chronic health issues so they can be a powerful presence and have the success they’ve dreamed of. Together since 1979, their 40-year relationship imbues their healing practice with self-love, body/mind consciousness, and emotional/energetic balance and awareness. Learn more about Greg and Antonia at http://www.selfhealthinstitute.com/ (http://www.SelfHealthInstitute.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-lee-06a09335/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/selfhealthinst1 (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/SelfHealthInstitute/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift 3 Power Ways To Tap Into Your Body’s Wisdom: Short, “how-to” discussions about Breath, Meditation and Muscle Testing URL for Free Gift https://selfhealthinstitute.com/gift (https://selfhealthinstitute.com/gift) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (Get your free copy of marketing tools to help you grow) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Lorianne Speaks is an expert in the area of Speaker/Author support. She amplifies the visibility of Authors/Speakers/Messengers. We discuss: How to chart your own path when you’re 60 years old and out in the market looking for a job [3:02] Things to take off your plate as you grow your own business [5:44] The benefit of having a greater sense of yourself [8:11] Useful resources and outside help that make Lorianne’s work easier and more efficient [10:22] Do what you do best and hire the others to do the rest [12:18] Why great speakers cannot be great salespersons [13:13] When speakers need to bring in a VA [16:33] The common challenge for most creative types and what would help them to move the needle [18:44] They did it, we can do it [21:57]

Lorianne has helped spearhead multiple best-selling book campaigns – editing, proofing, through to launch and social media marketing to help authors create buzz and momentum throughout the social media platforms and increasing their message worldwide. Lorianne and her team have made it their mission to empower speakers to deliver their message by handling the rest of the details! Prior to starting her own Virtual Assistance company, Lorianne had over 15 years supporting a Top 100 Thought Leader as she built her businesses. When her boss decided to sell her company, Lorianne found herself laid off at 60 years of age. Learn more about Lorianne Vaughn Speaks at http://www.lvsconsultingservices.com/ (http://www.LVSConsultingServices.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorianne-vaughan-speaks-3797108/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/LorianneVSpeaks (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/LorianneVSpeaks/?modal=admin_todo_tour (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Top Ten Way to Create Massive Growth in Your Speaking Business URL for Free Gift http://www.lvsconsultingservices.com/ (www.LVSConsultingServices.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: Atara Malach http://www.themommyguiltexpert.com/ (Download your free gifts and discover how to be the happy working mom raising children who love you) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Sophie has started and sold six and seven figure brands on Amazon. She specializes in product sourcing around the world to build premium brands. We discuss: A mix of being lucrative, good for lifestyle and lots of learning opportunities [2:04] What the Amazon model is and the best way to use it is [6:13] Real richness of life [11:03] Why a product based business is good for introverts [15:19] Traveling as a way to diversify your consistent revenue flow [16:45] A straight shooter that’s good at sticking to the same thing for years [22:14] What product sourcing in Vietnam looks like [25:20] How to find the perfect Amazon product [27:41]

Learn more about Sophie at http://www.aspiringentreprenuers.com/ (http://www.aspiringentreprenuers.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiehowardnz/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.facebook.com/aspiringcoaching/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Free guide to product sourcing – top criteria to find bestsellers URL for Free Gift http://www.aspiringentrepreneurs.com/ (www.aspiringentrepreneurs.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (Get your free copy of marketing tools to help you grow) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Belanie Dishong is a mindset success strategist, international speaker and international bestselling author. She is an expert in the field of personal and professional development serving an international audience. We discuss: Walking through life with blindfolds [2:00] You are the common denominator of it all [4:23] Why being a positive thinker is insufficient to reach the results you want [8:28] The magic little piece that breaks the plateau [14:29] The moment when you are face-to-face with the source of inconsistency [18:08] Signs that show you have repeating patterns in a certain area of your life [23:00] How many of 350,000 choices a day we actually make consciously [26:00]

Belanie has had the honor of speaking at Harvard Business School, PayPal, Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. and various TV interviews. Through Belanie’s own personal trials and successes she has developed unique programs that have afforded thousands of people the opportunity to live more abundant lives both personally and professionally. For over 24 years, Belanie has provided programs that have helped thousands of people have greater and more loving relationships, career and business growth, and financial breakthroughs. Those who know Belanie and her incredible work fondly refer to her as Keeper of the Heart. Learn more about Belanie at https://liveatchoice.com/ (https://liveatchoice.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/belaniedishong/detail/recent-activity/posts/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/belaniedishong?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/liveatchoice/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A webinar on positive thinking URL for Free Gift https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking (https://liveatchoice.com/positivethinking) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Atara Malach is a renowned parenting expert, therapist and author. Blending professional expertise with her real-life experience as a working mom raising her six children, she has developed a proven parenting system (GPS) to provide working moms with the skills and confidence they need to succeed both at home and at work. We discuss: Why work-life balance is a [dangerous] myth [2:51] The three components of love necessary to make it all work and stay present wherever you are [5:40] How to gain time by using a traffic light system [7:47] It sounds too good to be true [13:28] Results are always the best convincers [14:55] How to be free, comfortable and in control [17:20] An array of choices for working parents [19:56] How overstressed moms negatively impact workplace environments [22:52]

Atara holds several advanced degrees and is considered a pioneer in the field of parenting, by using mommy guilt as a roadmap to success instead of allowing it to frustrate the parent/child relationship. She is a dynamic keynote speaker who has served thousands of professional women around the world through lectures and online courses. Her new book is A Working Mother’s GPS: A Guide to Parenting Success for The Modern Working Mom. Learn more about Atara at http://www.themommyguiltexpert.com/ (www.themommyguiltexpert.com), http://www.ataramalach.com/ (www.ataramalach.com), http://www.linkedin.com/in/ataramalach (LinkedIn) and http://www.facebook.com/ataramalach (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift The one-minute mother, sneak preview of Atara’s book URL for Free Gift http://www.specialpodcastbonus.com/ (www.specialpodcastbonus.com) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (Get your free copy of marketing tools to help you grow) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator and dealmaker with more than 30 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience as a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author and professional speaker. We discuss: An unordinary way to generate revenue [1:50] How easy it is to make a deal [4:50] The most underappreciated area in mergers and acquisitions [6:18] When and where to ask questions about the potential pitfalls and financial outcome of the integration [9:55] How to start seeing opportunities [13:01] How to generate consistent revenue flow based on a model where everybody wins [16:12] The biggest mistakes of business owners on their road to success [20:33] [23:51]

He is the founder and principal of Kupfer & Associates, PLLC, a leading corporate and deal law firm; the founder and CEO of Authentic Enterprises, LLC, a speaking, training and consulting company committed to inspiring authenticity in business; the author of Authentic Negotiating: Clarity, Detachment & Equilibrium – The Three Keys To True Negotiating Success & How To Achieve Them. He is also the creator and host of the Fueling Deals Podcast, which launched in February, 2019. Learn more about Corey at http://www.coreykupfer.com/ (http://www.coreykupfer.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ (LinkedIn) and https://www.facebook.com/CoreyKupfer/ (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Jim has started businesses and has taught entrepreneurship around the world. At the age of 25, he founded American Computer Experience and grew the company to $12 million in annual revenue and to over 700 employees, operating in 39 states and in three countries. We discuss: How to make an unhappy child smile for the first time [1:56] The worst/best thing an entrepreneur can do at the beginning of their business [5:51] A policy to deal with fun [and broken legs] in the middle of the night [7:59] Be there but be ready to get out [11:55] The connection between risk mitigating, the Shiny Ball Syndrome and consistent revenue flow [14:41] How to get a great amount of work done for 20 minutes [18:04] I hope you get fired [21:44] How teenagers smash the plateau [25:25]

Jim taught entrepreneurship at Georgia State University for nine years and ranked number one in the business school for 12 straight semesters. Jim Beach’s first book, School for Startups, was published by McGraw-Hill. He has been featured in a UPS commercial, CNN called him the “Simon Cowell of small business,” and corporations like Wells Fargo, Toshiba, UPS, and SunTrust have hired him as a speaker and consultant. His award winning radio show is nationally syndicated on 24 stations. Learn more about Jim at http://jimbeach.com/ (http://jimbeach.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesabeach/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/entrepreneurjim (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/school4startups/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Access to a list of shows in your industry to promote your product on URL for Free Gift http://jimbeach.com/ (http://jimbeach.com/) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (Get your free copy of marketing tools to help you grow) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Tabitha Laser is a multi-faceted professional with over 25 years of leadership experience in a wide variety of industries ranging from oil and gas, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, construction and many more. We discuss: Some of the things that really kill culture [1:38] How to set a clear expectation of success [3:55] The three P’s: questions to ask when going through a management change process [7:50] What a clear and transparent decision-making process actually means [12:22] The architecture of getting successful feedback from the foundation to the top [13:34] Why best practices don’t exist [17:45] Onboarding quickly for existing and future leaders [22:45]

Tabitha’s diverse background has provided her with numerous opportunities to work with government agencies and some of the world’s largest companies, including Fortune 500 companies like BP, 3M, and General Mills. Tabitha is the author of Organization Culture Killers. This is the first in a series of leadership books she calls “The Deadly Practices.” Learn more about Tabitha at https://www.talaser.com/about-talaser (https://www.talaser.com/about-talaser), https://www.linkedin.com/in/talaser/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/tabithaalaser?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/TabithaALaser/ (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Dr. Ron Kaiser is a positive health psychologist and author. At age 81, he works as Director of Psychology in one of the world’s leading headache centers, and he is also the founder of Goal-Achieving Psychology. We discuss: How to achieve a remarkable lifestyle at the age of 81 [3:00] The expectations that prevent us from redefining the second century of our life as an active time [5:12] Seven keys for rejuvenaging [6:57] Small steps in the right direction [11:49] A successful combination you can share with the world [14:36] How to smoothly transition to online business [17:52] It is never too early to start thinking about rejuvenaging [20:52] A business model to help you stand out in your marketplace [25:30]

In recent years, Ron has directed many of his efforts to helping our growing population of older adults to age in a physically, socially, and intellectually active manner. His own lifestyle serves as a positive role model for this approach. Ron’s recently published book, “REJUVENAGING: The art and Science of Growing Older with Enthusiasm” has been an Amazon Best Seller. Learn more about Ron at http://www.thementalhealthgym.com/ (http://www.TheMentalHealthGym.com), https://www.linkedin.com/feed/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/mentalhealthgym (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Mental-Health-Gym/118612571538827?v=info (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A pdf of Dr. Ron Kaiser’s older book (a revised copy will be available for purchase this year): WHAT CAN GO RIGHT? The Thinking Person’s Guide to Making Good Things Happen URL for Free Gift http://www.thementalhealthgym.com/join/ (http://www.thementalhealthgym.com/join/) Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub https://smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (Free marketing tools to help you grow) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Devi Adea is a “soul-full” speaker, author, coach, and conscious business strategist. She is the host of the top-ranked Spiritual Entrepreneur Podcast and creator of the popular Podcast on Purpose Online Academy. We discuss: What is a spiritual entrepreneur? [2:04] Mistakes people make when they want to do the right thing [4:23] A great intersection to start a business [6:33] How accountability helps to overcome fears that hold us back [8:16] Tools to set you up on the path of becoming a spiritual entrepreneur [12:54] How Devi has built stable growing revenue streams in her own business [18:30] Getting on a helicopter to shift your perspective [26:57]

Devi moves entrepreneurs and leaders to embrace their soul’s purpose and to share their message with the world so they can experience elevated freedom, fulfillment and results in work and life. Devi has been featured three times as an Icon of Influence at the New Media Summit, and interviews today’s top podcasters and influencers on her brand-new show, Podcasters on Purpose and shares her spiritual entrepreneurial insights on Devi TV – The Podcast. (both now available on iTunes!). Learn more about Devi at https://deviadea.com/ (https://deviadea.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/deviadea (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/deviadea (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/deviadea/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A free software equipment and studio guide to help you get started with your podcast URL for Free Gift http://podcastingonpurpose.com/ (http://podcastingonpurpose.com) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Joshua Spodek, wrote the bestselling book, Leadership Step by Step, hosts the award-winning Leadership and the Environment podcast, is a professor at NYU, and blogs daily at joshuaspodek.com. We discuss: Entrepreneurship as a way out [3:46] The main hurdles and the main support to make things happen [7:38] What skills are missing in today’s market and generations [9:45] A set of exercises that will help you develop as an effective initiator [11:20] Inspiring stories of people who uncovered a passion of theirs and acted upon it [13:16] The results of people [not] acting on their environmental values [17:30] Opportunities to speak to a lot more people [23:10] Why competing with price is a losing strategy [26:20]

Josh holds five Ivy League degrees, including a PhD in astrophysics and an MBA, and studied under a Nobel Laureate. He left academia to found several ventures that operated globally. He teaches and coaches leadership and entrepreneurship at NYU and Columbia. He has spoken at TEDx, Harvard, West Point, BCG, and more. He visited North Korea twice, swam across the Hudson, has done burpees daily since 2011 (130,000+), takes 16 months to produce one load of garbage, and hasn’t flown (by choice) since March 2016. His next book, Initiative, launched in May. Learn more about Josh at http://joshuaspodek.com/ (http://joshuaspodek.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaspodek (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/spodek (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/groups/1064126933732508/ (Facebook). Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub Get your free copy of the Root Cause Finder Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Carey is the CEO of Cypress Resources. He is a recovering CPA who somehow can manage both left and right brain activities. Admittedly, right brain activities are where Carey thrives. We discuss: What happens when one starts to do things that are outside of other people’s comfort zone [1:48] The burn in your gut that keeps you restless until you smash the plateau [5:02] The difference between working on problems and working on opportunities [7:05] How a 113-year-old company embraces a brand-new path of doing business [10:03] A gift from a client: How to create a longer lasting value [13:13] The moment when you decide to create something technology based [15:44] Why most business strategies fail [17:55]

An admirer of smart ideas, Carey is an avid (or maybe addicted) podcast and audio book listener. So, if you see him with earbuds in, he’s not being rude, he’s trying to figure out how to better your business. Learn more about Carey at http://www.cypressresources.com/ (http://www.cypressresources.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/careyrome/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/CypressResource (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/CypressResources/ (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Esther Weinberg is the founder of MindLight Group. She and her team help mid to large media companies, their employees and their executive leadership teams to find and mentor dignity, leadership and personal power in the workplace. We discuss: The boundaries you need to stay positive and relevant [3:16] Things to break and things to accelerate [7:32] The three pillars necessary to build a culture of dignity, leadership and personal power [9:17] How to create a degree of certainty when going through organizational change [12:30] The equation you need to solve to get a sustainable change [16:40] If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there [20:53] Why having a system of ongoing communication is vital to your revenue flow [21:48] How to create value with a resonating focus [27:41]

Esther is a powerhouse game changer who has successfully transformed organizations, executive leaders and teams for over 20 years. Esther creates breakthrough strategies for such companies as Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros., Universal Pictures, Microsoft, CNN and Imax. Esther has held executive positions at Disney and Fox. Learn more about Esther at https://mindlightgroup.com/ (https://mindlightgroup.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherweinberg/ (LinkedIn) and https://twitter.com/estherweinberg (Twitter). Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub http://smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (Get your free copy of the Root Cause Finder) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Sean McKay is the CEO of Site Hub, a Rochester company he started in his mom’s basement and turned it into a well-established web and marketing agency. We discuss: The biggest plateau in Sean’s solopreneur career [1:47] Why charging more doesn’t scare people [3:15] What happens when you raise the cost of your service from $2,000 to $5,000 [6:06] The bigger problem you can solve, the more important you are [7:42] The future of digital marketing [9:05] The ARC of business [10:40] The advantages to outsourcing a digital marketing agency [13:07] Going above and beyond one-time service to earn ongoing business [16:56] Why pretty much everyone has an SEO problem [21:30] Ways to improve the conversion rate of your website [25:32]

Sean McKay has logged his 10,000 hours (and more) working with clients to perfect their digital marketing. Site Hub has served over 300+ clients in just a few years and recently won the Best in Digital Marketing Award by High Tech Rochester. Learn more about Sean at https://yoursitehub.com/ (https://yoursitehub.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanpatrickmckay (LinkedIn) and https://www.facebook.com/sitehub (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A checklist of 10 things you can do to improve the conversion rate of your website URL for Free Gift https://www.yoursitehub.com/freecro (https://www.yoursitehub.com/freecro) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Mari Ryan is the CEO and founder of AdvancingWellness. She is an expert in workplace well-being and leverages over 30 years of business experience in various marketing, consulting and executive roles across a variety of different industries. We discuss: What a thriving workplace is [2:52] Differences in creating a thriving workplace at the macro and micro business level [4:37] Why surrounding yourself with a supportive network is critical for the success of solopreneurs [8:45] Ways people in larger organizations can gain support for creating a thriving workplace [12:23] Consulting projects as long-term arrangements that provide consistent revenue flow [17:30] Why the day in, day out approach is not so useful when developing a revenue model in the well-being consultancy field [20:04] The right questions to ask yourself in order to create a persona for your target audience [23:48]

For the past decade, Ms. Ryan has been creating thriving workplaces, through her consulting work and speaking on worksite well-being. Mari earned a Bachelor Degree from Lesley University, an MBA from Boston University, a Master’s degree in Health Promotion from Nebraska Methodist College, and is a certified Worksite Wellness Consultant. Mari is an active member of the National Speakers Association. Mari is the author of award-winning book The Thriving Hive: How People-Centric Organizations Ignite Engagement and Fuel Results. Learn more about Mari at http://www.advwellness.com/ (http://www.advwellness.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariryanmba (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/advwellness_us (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/mari.ryan.14 (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A copy of Mari Ryan’s award-winning book URL for Free Gift Please, write an email to mari@advwellness.comto receive your free copy of the book. Thank You to Our Sponsor: SiteHub: get your free guided worksheet to help you determine your unique value https://smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (https://smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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In today’s special episode of Smashing The Plateau, we’re sharing some of the highlights of NAWBO NYC’s Small Business Bootcamp on how to make your business stand out and get noticed. We talk to an incredible group of women, and they reveal some of the event’s biggest takeaways. The National Association of Women Business Owners is the voice of more than 10 million women-owned businesses in the United States. Since 1975, NAWBO has helped women grow their businesses by sharing resources and providing a collective viewpoint to help shape economic and public policy. It is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs across all industries. Learn more about the NAWBO NYC Small Business Bootcamp at http://www.nawbonyc.org/ (www.nawbonyc.org), https://www.linkedin.com/company/nawbo-nyc/about/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/nawbonyc (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/NAWBONYC/ (Facebook). Interviewees: [1:19] Helping small agencies win new business

Jody Sutter Owner The Sutter Company http://www.thesuttercompany.com/ (www.thesuttercompany.com) [2:03] Speaking and developing new relationships

Petia Abdur-Razzaaq http://www.thestylistagroup.com/ (www.thestylistagroup.com) @thestylistagroup [2:44] The motivational benefits of attending a bootcamp

MarriLyn Gibbs http://www.assistants4hire.net/ (www.assistants4hire.net) [3:23] The value of being at a venue where the mission is all about supporting your audience

Hayley Foster Chief Fostering Officer http://www.fostering101.com/ (Www.fostering101.com) https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleybfoster/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleybfoster/) https://twitter.com/fostering101?lang=en (https://twitter.com/fostering101?lang=en) [3:58] The benefits of learning and networking with like-minded people

Alyssa Peek Peek Photography Alyssa@peekphotography.nyc http://www.peekphotography.nyc/ (www.peekphotography.nyc) [4:40] Humanizing brands that create curiosity-provoking experiences

Connie Chi The Chi Group http://www.thechigroup.co/ (www.TheChiGroup.co) [6:04] Who makes things pretty when they are visually ugly

Gabrielle Napolitano http://www.gabnap.com/ (www.gabnap.com) [6:47] Why continuing self-development is so important to your product business

Irinel Stegaru-MacLaughlin http://www.mayasjams.com/ (www.mayasjams.com) [8:27] How to build your community early on at an event

Nicole Centeno Founder and CEO Splendid Spoon http://www.splendidspoon.com/ (www.splendidspoon.com) Instagram: @niccent [9:47] How solopreneurs can get out of their shell and expand their universe

Donna Fullerton DMF Communications donna@dmfcominc.com http://www.dmfcominc.com/ (www.dmfcominc.com) 212-529-8105 [11:21] The more internal work you do, the more successful you will be

Stéphanie Virchaux Founder SV Empowerment, LLC Empowerment Coach + Energy Healer Instagram: @stephanievirchaux http://www.stephanievirchaux.com/ (www.stephanievirchaux.com) [12:45] One idea can change someone’s life

Jeannette Bridoux Jeannette Bridoux Coaching http://www.jeannettebridoux.com/ (www.jeannettebridoux.com) https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingbride/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingbride/) Instagram: @Jeannettebridoux [14:58] Own your voice, speak your truth and live your life your way

Noreen Sumpter Live Life Your Way Beyond Potential – Live Life your Way Radio Show noreen@noreensumptercoach.com http://www.noreensumptercoach.com/ (www.noreensumptercoach.com) [17:12] How visualizations help audience stay engaged and remember the presentation content

Cathy Nolan Cathy Nolan Art cathy@cathynolan.com http://www.cathynolanart.com/ (www.cathynolanart.com) Instagram: @cathynolanart [20:20] How to build a collective brand from a disparate team

Rebecca...

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Melanie Benson is a Profit Amplifier, and has a gift for guiding fast-paced, mission-driven entrepreneurs to thrive financially in their work. Whether it’s achieving a bold goal or scaling the reach of your business, Melanie has a proven track record of accelerating results. We discuss: The key to generating sales and long-term profit you can count on [2:44] How to stretch what you think is possible and restructure your business process [6:44] The role of business coaches: You can never solve a problem with the same level of thinking that created it [10:26] Profit amplifying, profit optimizing [12:08] A dare-to-dream moment [16:32] Melanie’s first secret sauce that set her trajectory in a fast-paced growth [18:54] Which factors help balance delivering solutions to clients and maintaining consistent revenue [21:03] The success story around mental vision boards [22:50] Own Your Bold [24:00] How to smash through the digital chaos [26:41]

Melanie hosts the weekly podcast, Amplify Your Success, is author of Rewired for Wealth, co-author of Entrepreneur.com’s Start Up Guide to Starting an Information Marketing Business and has her success tips featured in magazines such as American Express OPEN Forum, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Woman’s Day, Parenting Magazine, and University of Phoenix Alumni Magazine. She is on the Executive Team for the Women Speaker’s Association and is a member of the Association of Transformational Leaders. Melanie is a proud lifestyle enthusiast and spends her free time in search of the best spas and beaches in the world. Learn more about Melanie at http://melaniebenson.com/ (http://melaniebenson.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/success/ (LinkedIn), http://twitter.com/melcoach (Twitter) and http://facebook.com/coachmelaniebenson (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A free five-day Own Your Bold challenge URL for Free Gift https://melaniebenson.com/oyb5daychallenge/ (https://melaniebenson.com/oyb5daychallenge/) Thank You to Our Sponsor SiteHub: get your free guided worksheet to help you determine your unique value. https://smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub (https://smashingtheplateau.com/sitehub) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Natalie is the co-founder and CEO of Wildbit, the company behind Postmark, Beanstalk and Conveyor. We discuss: Two opposites which have built a “legal” business [1:35] Growth strategies: why small is more powerful [3:03] Core elements of how to take care of your core business relationships [8:45] How to become comfortable with saying “no” [10:13] How to carve out time for deep strategic thinking [12:28] The importance for your brain to have space to think [15:10] The beast lives for us and not the other way around [16:36] Turning around things when you hit the wall [21:00]

With 29 team members across 5 countries working on multimillion-dollar products for developers, she’s proving that you can grow an extremely profitable business while focusing on shorter work days, an enjoyable work-from-anywhere environment, and staying small. Learn more about Natalie at https://wildbit.com/ (https://wildbit.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/company/wildbit/ (LinkedIn) and https://twitter.com/natalienagele (Twitter). Brief Description of Gift a free month of Wildbit’s transactional email delivery service, Postmark URL for Free Gift Drop an email to natalie@wildbit.com Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 1Shares

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Robbie Samuels helps his clients shift their mindsets around relationship building so they discover new connections and business opportunities in the world around them and know how to act on them. We discuss: The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make when it comes to networking [1:35] What strategy to use when planning to attend a conference or meetup [3:35] How to make serendipity happen more frequently [5:30] Sales advice: If you believe in what you’re doing, you have to be in it for the long haul [8:06] Why are you not asking them to pay you? [13:21] How to pay attention to potential niches right around you [16:44] How to improve on a quarterly basis and generate recurring revenue [19:14]

Robbie is recognized as a networking expert by Inc. magazine and Lifehacker, and the author of the bestselling business book, Croissants vs Bagels: Strategic, Effective and Inclusive Networking at Conferences. A professional member of the National Speakers Association, Robbie has been speaking on the topic of inclusive networking for over a decade. As a consultant and coach, he shares how to create more inclusive and engaging conversations. Learn more about Robbie at http://www.robbiesamuels.com/ (http://www.RobbieSamuels.com), http://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiesamuels (LinkedIn), http://www.twitter.com/robbiesamuels (Twitter) and http://www.facebook.com/robbiesamuelspage (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Ten Tips for Conference Connections URL for Free Gift http://www.robbiesamuels.com/STP (http://www.robbiesamuels.com/STP) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 5Shares

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Tom Morkes is the founder and CEO of Insurgent Publishing, host of In The Trenches, and author of The Art of Instigating. We discuss: Getting the best of the military and the creative worlds to open the doors to unexpected opportunities [1:28] What time has to do with creating a location independent lifestyle [7:16] How do you get noticed in a sea of digital chaos? [11:40] Scary [and creative] leaps of self-confidence [16:08] Providence: how to keep yourself surprised by what’s on the horizon when working on projects [22:35]

Tom is a sought-after marketing and growth consultant, whose A-list clientele include high-profile influencers, NYT and WSJ bestsellers, and fast growth companies looking to scale to 8 and 9-figures. You can get inside Tom’s brain by reading his blog at tommorkes.com. Learn more about Tom at https://tommorkes.com/ (https://tommorkes.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommorkes/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/tmorkes (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/tmorkes/ (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 5Shares

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In her 20 years as an executive career and executive coach, facilitator and speaker, Tammy Gooler Loeb has inspired people to engage in work that is fulfilling, meaningful and satisfying. We discuss: Why are transitions so difficult? [1:45] The biggest mistake people make when trying to change career direction [3:05] How to find the interim step when you are in a toxic, unhealthy situation [4:50] Job trends that represent challenges for both companies and employees [8:04] What organizations and employees need to do to deal with the challenges in today’s workplace and workforce [11:48] How to invite your boss’s boss’s boss to a lunch [14:31] Top suggestions to a CEO who wants to make a difference and build a cutting-edge workforce [16:33] How to bring luck on yourself and guarantee a consistent revenue flow [18:33] The many sides of a wildly successful person who’s moved through various plateaus [23:48]

Tammy provides a variety of services to her individual and organizational clients in a wide range of sectors and industries, including executive and career coaching, group facilitation, training and speaking. This work focuses primarily on workplace communication, leadership strategies, and team development. Tammy hosts a podcast, Work From The Inside Out, which showcases the inspiring stories and practical lessons from people who have transitioned to more satisfying and meaningful work. Tammy holds an M.B.A. from Boston University and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach by the Coaches Training Institute. Learn more about Tammy at http://tammygoolerloeb.com/ (http://tammygoolerloeb.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammygoolerloeb/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/tammygoolerloeb (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/TammyGoolerLoebCoaching/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift 7 Top Tips for Professional Transitions (pdf) URL for Free Gift http://tammygoolerloeb.com/7toptips (http://tammygoolerloeb.com/7toptips) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 11Shares

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In today’s special episode of Smashing The Plateau, we’re talking to one of the speakers from https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nawbo-small-business-bootcamp-2019-tickets-55353125689 (NAWBO NYC’s upcoming Small Business Bootcamp). Laura Allen is the founder of ThePitchGirl.com and 15-SecondPitch.com. She has 20+ years of experience in advertising, online marketing, and sales. We discuss: Why it’s so hard to explain who you are and what you do in 15 seconds [3:04] The secret to building engagement with others at networking events [5:01] What you need to do to prepare your 15-second pitch [8:06] What outcomes you can expect when you get your pitch down to 15 seconds [10:34] The 4-step process that Laura will be teaching at the NAWBO NYC Small Business BootCamp [13:04] What to expect at the NAWBO NYC Small Business Bootcamp [18:13] How Laura has grown her own business [20:10] How to be protected from the down times in business [21:15]

Laura created a unique 4-step process to help people explain who they are and what they do in just 15 seconds. Laura leads her popular The Power of the 15-SecondPitchworkshop online and in person. She has been a guest speaker for: NYU, Columbia, The Wharton School of Business and Cornell. Laura has been featured in: Adweek, The Financial Times, Crain’s New York Business, The Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. She has also appeared on ABC News and NY1 News. Learn more about Laura at http://www.thepitchgirl.com/ (www.thepitchgirl.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/15secondpitch/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/ThePitchGirl (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/thepitchgirl (Facebook). NAWBO NYC Small Business Bootcamp Learn how can you tell your story to make your business stand out and get noticed. Register https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nawbo-small-business-bootcamp-2019-tickets-55353125689 (here). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 5Shares

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P. Brendon Lundberg, a previous chronic pain suffer, co-founded Radiant Pain Relief Centers, along with David Farley, MD, a Harvard-MIT trained physician, with a vision to build the safest, most consistently effective and appealing solution to the epidemic of chronic pain. We discuss: What combination of factors would support a pain sufferer to become a co-founder [1:26] The safest, most consistently effective solution to chronic pain [3:30] What the physical location of a treatment center has to do with the solution it offers [5:47] How to become an expert at clinical delivery and bring back joy into people’s lives [8:30] Changing industry: It sounds too good to be true [11:32] An epic example of how to create a movement [13:17] The apple’s seed has the same potential to become an apple tree as an apple tree does [18:00] The snowball effect of investing locally [22:58]

Combining a mission to change the way chronic pain is understood treated with deep experience in healthcare management, marketing, business development and sales, Brendon and Dr. David Farley opened Radiant Pain Relief Centers in Portland, Oregon, USA, in February 2014. Following the success of the first center, they are laying out a plan for expansion to open new centers in new markets nationally and internationally. Their story and vision for the future of pain management can be understood by reading their Amazon Bestselling book, Radiant Relief – A Case For A Better Solution To Chronic Pain. Inc. Magazine called the book, “A Manifesto” and “an epic example of how to create a movement”. Learn more about P. Brendon Lundberg at http://www.radiantrelief.com/ (http://www.radiantrelief.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendonlundberg/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/RadiantRelief (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/RadiantPainReliefCentres/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Free digital download of my book: Radiant Relief, A Case For A Better Solution to Chronic Pain URL for Free Gift https://radiantpainrelief.com/smashing (https://radiantpainrelief.com/smashing) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 31Shares

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Michael Levitt is the CEO of Breakfast Leadership Inc. He is a public speaker and his book 369 Days: How To Survive A Year of Worst-Case Scenarios brings people back to life. We discuss: 369 days of worst-case scenarios [1:25] Biggest mistakes people make when they face a downturn and techniques on how to avoid them [4:00] Why being able to set boundaries is a skill every leader should have [7:32] What is a good course of action when you are feeling overwhelmed [11:08] The C-word that might scare clients in coaching [15:44] A deep transformation: taking the opportunity to rebuild and help other people do the same [17:42] There is no shortage of things entrepreneurs can do [20:28] When the health care industry is not crazy enough [24:15]

Michael focuses on helping individuals and leaders within corporations (Re)Learn BOUNDARIES in their work and personal lives so that they can accomplish more, by doing less, which will save their careers and possibly their lives. Michael lost his health, his job, his car, and his home all in 369 days. Michael teaches people on how that happened to him, so that they can make the crucial changes in their lives to prevent those losses from happening to them. Learn more about Michael at https://www.breakfastleadership.com/ (https://www.breakfastleadership.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/bfastleadership/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/levittmike (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/bfastleadership/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A free consulting call on burnout URL for Free Gift https://calendly.com/breakfastleadership/15min (https://calendly.com/breakfastleadership/15min) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 20Shares

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Sarah is an internationally recognized LinkedIn Specialist & Online Presence Mentor who has personally coached over 1,900 entrepreneurs. She helps them position themselves as experts on LinkedIn so they get clients with ease. We discuss: The biggest mistake that solopreneurs make when using LinkedIn [1:30] Three questions entrepreneurs should be answering in their LinkedIn headline [5:37] How to organize the content in the summary and the experience section on LinkedIn [7:58] The second biggest mistake that entrepreneurs make when using LinkedIn [11:13] Why LinkedIn is a great platform for people who struggle with self-promotion [13:34] A different kind of mindset entrepreneurs should adopt to ease the discomfort when handling LinkedIn [16:40] What recurring revenue actually means and how Sarah manages the flow of it [19:22] Six ways to customize your LinkedIn invitations [22:05]

In addition, Sarah is known for helping fellow introverts market their business authentically and anxiety-free, sell their services and make a difference. She’s also the host of the “Introvert Biz Growth” podcast where she has conversations with introverts who have grown their business using their introverted super powers. When she’s not working, she loves adventure and traveling, yoga and nature walks or hanging out with her three boys. Learn more about Sarah at https://sarahsantacroce.com/ (https://sarahsantacroce.com/), https://sarahsantacroce.com/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/sarahsantacroce (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/sarahsantacroce (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift 6 LinkedIn Invitation Messages to EASILY add the Right Connections! URL for Free Gift https://sarahsantacroce.com/invitation-templates/ (https://sarahsantacroce.com/invitation-templates/) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 2Shares

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Michele Williams is a certified Profit First professional who’s helping creative business owners focus on the financial health and profitability of their companies. We discuss: How a money management system can help you take profit first [1:23] How Michele stumbled and bumbled her way to financial sustainability in the long-term [4:20] A walk through the world of numbers [7:22] What typical patterns people tend to show when it comes to managing their finances [9:52] Why sometimes it’s better to step back in order to be able to take the next steps forward [12:30] What is more important for increasing your income than loving the numbers [15:50] Timescale of success: why too much too quickly is not a winning formula [17:48] The real way of having any business model that lasts a long time [19:12]

Michele believes that each choice determines profitability, and through her consulting agency, Scarlet Thread Consulting, she helps her clients understand the impact their choices have on the financial success of their business. She’s here to share her story to help you plan for success. Learn more about Michele at http://www.scarletthreadconsulting.com/ (http://www.scarletthreadconsulting.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-williams-614bb27/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/chelebelle30009 (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/scarletthreadconsulting/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift PDF Download – Financial Health Checkup URL for Free Gift http://www.scarletthreadconsulting.com/smashingtheplateau (www.scarletthreadconsulting.com/smashingtheplateau) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 10Shares

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Tom Ross is the CEO at DesignCuts.com, a community of 400,000 designers, regularly accessing the world’s greatest design tools and assets at an accessible price point. We discuss: A very good marriage of design and marketing [1:30] How to outperform competitors using the David Bowie method [2:19] The different ways in which DesignCuts helps creatives enhance their work [4:20] Some good methods to use when trying to figure out the product/market fit [7:52] The 10 Person Rule: getting the right feedback from the market during the initial phases of your product [10:30] The 99% of your customer service that is not service but is what makes your service stand out [13:30] Smart moves to create a consistent revenue flow [15:40] How to get a continual supply of brides [17:48]

He also co-hosts the Honest Designers Show, which has helped over 750,000 designers with their careers and inspiration. In his spare time, he mentors fellow entrepreneurs for free, and offers actionable advice via his new podcast and video show: The Honest Entrepreneur Show. He’s seriously passionate about bringing fellow creatives and entrepreneurs value. Learn more about Tom at http://www.designcuts.com/ (http://www.designcuts.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomrossconnect/ (LinkedIn) and http://www.instagram.com/tomrossmedia (Instagram). Brief Description of Gift Any listeners can message Tom after the episode and he’ll give you free consultancy, with no upsell URL for Free Gift www.instagram.com/tomrossmedia Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 1Shares

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Chris Badgett is the CEO of LifterLMS and is known as “the online course guy.” We discuss: How to become a WordPress agency owner without having a background in technology [1:30] What problem LifterLMS solves and how they grow their freemium business model [4:02] Why it is crucial to not cripple the free version of your business model [6:55] The connection between education entrepreneurs and Frankenstein [8:32] Successful stories of people who reap the benefits of using LifterLMS [10:30] A 30-thousand-foot-level perspective on how to facilitate success [13:48] The Five Hats Problem: what course providers need to change in order to move the needle for their clients [15:52] Course Plus: the future of online space education entrepreneurs [18:37] Look at the offline world to inspire the online world [21:07]

Chris created successful online courses, created a gardening course publishing business with experts around the world, and is the CEO of the popular fast-growing course building tool for WordPress powered websites called LifterLMS. LifterLMS helps online course creators convert their expertise and life experiences into income by creating impactful online courses. Learn more about Chris at https://lifterlms.com/ (https://lifterlms.com),https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-badgett-57486325/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/ChrisBadgett (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/lifterlms/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift The free core LifterLMS software URL for Free Gift https://lifterlms.com/free/ (https://lifterlms.com/free/) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 11Shares

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Paul Jarvis is the author of Company of One. He is a writer, designer, podcaster, online course teacher and software creator on the internet. We discuss: A revolutionary philosophy on setting revenue targets [1:00] How to know when it’s time to optimize for enough [4:52] The value of staying small in business [9:10] A three-step barometer to judge if your business is meeting your success criteria [11:10] How Paul surfed his way to Company of One [14:05] How to generate consistent revenue flow through consistency [17:18] Why it’s easier and cheaper to retain a customer than to try to get a new one [19:57] How to always have insight into your existing customers’ problems [21:32] The best place to get Sunday Dispatches [24:23]

His courses—Creative Class and Chimp Essentials—have been taken by more than 13,564 paying students. His writing has been talked about by everyone from Ashton Kutcher to Arianna Huffington. He’s worked with clients, such as Microsoft, Danielle LaPorte, Mercedes-Benz, Marie Forleo and Warner Music. His ideas and words have been featured in WIRED, Fast Company, Vice, USA Today and more. As a totally random aside, his photography has been seen on Greys Anatomy (the TV show). Learn more about Paul at https://ofone.co/ (https://ofone.co) and https://twitter.com/pjrvs (Twitter). Brief Description of Gift Up to 5 hardcover copies of his book Company of One Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Abdo Riani is the founder of StartupCircle.co where aspiring and rising entrepreneurs can connect with and learn from successful founders over daily live Q&A sessions. He also mentors and guides entrepreneurs to first paying customers and beyond. We discuss: Why it is important for entrepreneurs to connect with peers and how to do it effectively [1:21] What it takes to build an online summit and what it has to offer to both speakers and attendees [6:08] The economics of starting your own online space of connection [10:34] How to leverage competitors’ audiences instead of competing for their attention [15:12] Three strategic steps to generating consistent revenue [20:37] A tourist guide’s journey to creating online courses for gardening [23:55] The Startup Circle where entrepreneurs find answers and receive support for their ventures [26:27]

Learn more about Abdo at https://startupcircle.co/ (https://startupcircle.co/), https://abdoriani.com/ (https://abdoriani.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdo-riani-40b34745/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/abdoriani (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/thestartupreference (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Can a hypnotist really help you grow your business? Jason Linett has hypnotized more than 250,000 people. He used the principles of rapport and modeling to track what top business performers and professional athletes do differently to build his own million-dollar brand. We discuss: What you need to make a drastic career shift and go for the all-in moment [1:43] Why show is always better than tell [5:34] A three-ring circus business model [8:11] How to achieve the mindset where you take back the control of your habits, behaviors and beliefs [11:45] How to be the peer instead of the outside vendor [15:05] Set it and forget it: Work Smart strategies to generate recurring revenue [21:08] If you’re not creating, you’re waiting [25:45] Lessons learned from hypnotizing 250,000 people and building a million-dollar brand [30:15]

As a master of the micro-niche, he speaks to groups around the world and offers hypnotic-success-coaching to share how people in business can put his WORK SMART principles and strategies to use. Rather than just ‘hypnotize’ you to become more successful, he will help you de-hypnotize the misconceptions, fears, doubts, and ineffective strategies that are holding you back. Jason’s process isn’t magic but the results can be magical. Learn more about Jason at https://jasonlinett.com/ (https://JasonLinett.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlinett/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/jasonlinett (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/jasonlinett/ (Facebook)/https://www.facebook.com/worksmarthypnosis/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Be part of the free 3-day launch and get a chapter from Jason’s new book which teaches a hypnotic language pattern for ethical influence. URL for Free Gift https://worksmartbusiness.com/smashing/ (https://WorkSmartBusiness.com/smashing/) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 4Shares

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Ronnie Tsunami is a learning solution architect who speaks around the world helping organizations and entrepreneurs to build, launch and market new products and services. We discuss: What the connection between learning and success is [2:00] Which industries would benefit from the Six Pillars of Support [3:50] The advantages of having a training program [8:58] The success formula for solopreneurs: credibility plus visibility equals reputation [11:38] How small business could generate recurring revenue in different niches through a continuity program [20:33] The Business of Gratitude and Get More Clients Network [27:25] How to get healthy with food, fitness and relaxation [28:33]

His specialty is in developing customer education programs and support communities to increase the adoption rate of new products and services within a specific market. For the past 25 years, Ronnie has helped businesses to successfully launch everything from IT software to digital phone services to films to frozen food. His innovative learning solutions have been implemented in more than 10,000 academic institutions and enterprise organizations around the world including Microsoft, the US Air Force, the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable), and PlantPure Nation. Learn more about Ronnie at http://www.changeleadersolutions.com/ (http://www.changeleadersolutions.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronnietsunami/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/ronnietsunami (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/ronnietsunamispeaker (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Free e-book – “The Change Leader Tsunami: How to Create a Bigger and Faster Wave of Change” URL for Free Gift http://ronnietsunami.com/the-changeleader-tsunami (http://ronnietsunami.com/the-changeleader-tsunami) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 2Shares

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Matt Ward is the founder of Breakthrough Champion. In 2002 Matt started a website agency, inConcert Web Solutions, which he, in turn, sold in 2018, so that he could focus on helping businesses get more word of mouth referrals! We discuss: Why small businesses struggle to grow their referral network and receive word of mouth referrals without asking [1:45] The missing component to the everlasting process of getting consistent referrals [5:00] The right habits to build which will help you build the right “care” plan [8:50] Where to find reasons and motivation to send a nice card to people [12:46] Why selling your business might be a good way to build consistent revenue flow [15:30] What you should not compromise for the sake of recurring revenue [19:48] A self-taught painter who companies can learn from and smash the plateau [23:50]

His book “MORE…Word of Mouth Referrals, Lifelong Customers & Raving Fans”, released in September 2018 and was a #1 New Release! Matt is a professional member of the National Speakers Association and a podcast host of the popular small business podcast Square Peg Round Hole! He’s a 40 Under 40 Recipient and Chamber Small Business Owner of the Year! Matt believes that the problem with Small Business is Bananas! Not sure what that means? Just ASK! Learn more about Matt at http://www.mattwardspeaks.com/ (http://www.MattWardSpeaks.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwardspeaks (LinkedIn), http://www.twitter.com/breakthruchamp (Twitter) and http://www.facebook.com/BreakthroughChampion (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Caring Assessment URL for Free Gift http://bit.ly/CaringAssessment (http://bit.ly/CaringAssessment) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 4Shares

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Tom Krieglstein is the founder of Swift Kick. For the past 15 years, he has trained over 500,000 leaders on how to build a Culture of Connection within their team and organization. We discuss: Why a culture of connection is what really makes or breaks one’s experience and performance [3:04] The questions an employee should be asking in order to determine the best cultural fit [6:58] How to deal with a Negative Nelly [9:14] How to find and keep the A-players that would really support your organization’s success [10:10] Some of the biggest impediments to overcoming apathy and disengagement in today’s companies [11:58] The importance of initial orientation within organizations explained through the Dance Floor Theory [15:11] Why it is difficult to generate recurring revenue in the service industry and what Tom does to build on that [21:02] Why moms are great at smashing the plateau [24:00]

Tom holds an unprecedented 7 National Speaking Titles, is a TEDx speaker, held a Guinness World Record, and sat on the board of the NYC Entrepreneurs’ Organization for five years. In his “free time” Tom leads Forums for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, is an Executive Accountability Coach for business owners, and he co-authored the Amazon.com bestselling book, “First Year Student To First Year Success.” On a personal note, he lives in New York City, is an avid runner, was named after a cat, and loves peanut butter. Learn more about Tom at http://www.swiftkickhq.com/ (http://www.SwiftKickHQ.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkrieglstein/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/tomkrieglstein (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/tomkrieglstein?ref=tn_tnmn (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 4Shares

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Alan Stein, Jr. is a coach, speaker and author with an expertise in improving organizational performance, cohesion and accountability. We discuss: Why to shift from someone who does the talking to someone who is an active listener [1:34] The blessing of realizing that not every single human on the planet is a fit for Home Depot, or for your business [5:11] The difference between easy and basic that turns people into lead athletes and lead entrepreneurs [7:52] The unseen hours/habits that determine your success [9:40] Why filling your bucket first is the best thing you can do for all the people that you serve [13:14] How to have your clients tell you ways to recurring revenue when doing public speaking [16:10] The basics of raising your game [20:35]

Alan spent 15+ years working with the highest performing basketball players on the planet… including NBA superstar Kevin Durant. He now travels the world teaching organizations how to utilize the same strategies in business that elite athletes use to perform at a world-class level. Learn more about Alan at https://alansteinjr.com/ (https://alansteinjr.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-stein-jr/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/AlanSteinJr (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/AlanLSteinJr (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift PDF of the 8 books every leader must read; 8-page PDF with Alan’s key themes to his keynotes and his workshops URL for Free Gift Text the word “bonus” to 66866 Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 2Shares

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Marina Barayeva is an international portrait photographer based in Beijing, China. She is also a host of the popular podcast Marketing for Creatives where she brings the experts and other creatives to share their experience in business and marketing. We discuss: Why being great at what you do is not enough to become an influencer [1:55] Two things you need to focus on which will help you turn and grow your work into business [4:23] The key feeling to deciding on pricing [10:44] Practical shortcuts to becoming popular and attracting clients instead of looking for them [15:08] Two girls trying to show their work and give gifts to people [19:40] How building connections will help you build recurring revenue [23:00] Marketing for Creatives that will make you a better, faster and more effective influencer [25:35]

Marina is known authority in helping entrepreneurs become influencers in their niche. She has been featured in such media as ArtPeople, CCTV, China Radio International, and others. As a creative marketer, she is always busy with innovative projects. She organized and hosted an online conference, Lady-Photographer, a fashion show called “New Year Queen” and was a part of the Art Project for Beijing Design Week. Marina helps people to do what they love and grow it as a business. Learn more about Marina at https://marinabarayeva.com/ (https://marinabarayeva.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/marinabarayeva (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/MarinaBarayeva (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/marinabarayeva (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift The listeners can take a quick quiz, “What Type of Influencer Are You as an Entrepreneur?” and find out what type of influencer they are right now and the steps to get to the next level. URL for Free Gift https://marinabarayeva.com/influencer (https://marinabarayeva.com/influencer) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 6Shares

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Nadia Finer is an international speaker, business coach and author of Little Me Big Business. We discuss: Going from big to small to help small become big [1:36] How to push through the fear and hit the courage button to create a thriving business [3:27] What happens when you own who you are and stop comparing yourself to others [9:29] Why doing hundred-dollar one-off coach meetings is not going to bring you stable revenue [14:51] A pricing strategy the shifts the focus from us to the outcome received [18:53] How to scale the joyride [23:16] Why you should trust your dreams and not your fears [26:06]

Nadia knows what it’s like to keep yourself small. Sounding like a little kid made that very tempting indeed. But, rather than hide away, she’s kicked fear in the face and turned her little voice into her secret weapon. Now she helps lone rangers all over the world to scale up so they can make more money, can create a bigger future, help more people and have a bigger impact on the world. Learn more about Nadia at http://www.nadiafiner.com/ (http://www.nadiafiner.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadiafiner/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/nadiafiner (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/nadiafiner/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift 72 Hours Free Business Coaching Support with Nadia’s business coaching hotline service – Coachica URL for Free Gift http://www.nadiafiner.com/72 (www.nadiafiner.com/72) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Jill Lublin is an international speaker on the topics of Radical Influence, Publicity, Networking, Kindness and Referrals. She is the author of 4 Best Selling books including Get Noticed…Get Referrals (McGraw Hill) and co-author of Guerrilla Publicity and Networking Magic. Her latest book, Profit of Kindness went #1 in four categories. We discuss: The power of what publicity does [2:00] An overview of a successful PR strategy and how it differs from general marketing [4:26] How entrepreneurs can get support for their main message and be heard [7:43] How publicity can help the knowledge industry create consistent revenue [13:15] Return on Kindness principles [16:11] Why one would drive 45 minutes to a vet [18:34] Where to get a good book deal [19:34]

Jill is a master strategist on how to position your business for more profitability and more visibility in the marketplace. She is CEO of a strategic consulting firm and has over 20 years of experience working with over 100,000 people plus national and international media. Jill teaches Publicity Crash Courses as both live events and live webinars and consults and speaks all over the world. Learn more about Jill at http://www.jilllublin.com/ (http://www.JillLublin.com), http://www.linkedin.com/in/jilllublin (LinkedIn), http://twitter.com/JillLublin (Twitter) and http://www.facebook.com/people/Jill-Lublin/1143437802 (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Jill’s one-hour audio “Leveraging Circles of Influence”, plus bonus access to two additional recordings URL for Free Gift http://publicitycrashcourse.com/freegift (http://PublicityCrashCourse.com/freegift) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 1Shares

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Daniel Greenwald is the Founder and Chief Strategist of Thirty Ten Zero. He has been a teacher, administrator, entrepreneur, and connector for over 18 years. Pipeline Alliance is the culmination of his many experiences across industries. We discuss: How being really angry could take you on a lifetime mission [1:45] An everyday methodology that takes the best of two worlds to make the best you can be [5:50] Life is short and why that may get you more customers [9:33] How your morning routine could help you keep the lights on [13:09] Daniel’s power plan that guarantees him recurring revenue [17:08] What happens when the unexpected crops up? [20:11] A community driven to make the most out of life [23:57]

Dan started his career as a teacher in New York City public schools and quickly rose through the ranks. As an administrator at the Rodeph Sholom School, he helped build the middle school. To compensate his teacher’s salary, Dan dove into business. He co-founded Workforce Engine and was the Regional Director at Achieve3000, where he helped grow a literacy tech tool throughout New York. Dan has a B.A. from Boston University and an M.A. from Teachers College Columbia University with a focus in curriculum design. His longtime passion to understand how people learn and what motivates them to change was sparked by a childhood stutter. Dan lives in New York City with his wife and two boys. Learn more about Daniel at https://www.thirtytenzero.com/ (https://www.thirtytenzero.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielgreenwald/ (LinkedIn) and https://twitter.com/dagreen77 (Twitter). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 2Shares

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Sherry Goldman is the president of Goldman Communications Group, an award-winning public relations/marketing communications agency, which she started 22 years ago, after working in at several international PR agencies and in the print and broadcast media. We discuss: Most common mistakes businesses make when it comes to creating their message for the customers [1:52] What solopreneurs and entrepreneurs need to know about brand and reputation [4:28] How virtual agencies achieve broad acceptance but also great competition [9:26] Small but fundamental steps to recurring revenue [10:57] How to prove you are a valuable resource as opposed to a monthly expense [13:53] Questions that entrepreneurs should ask themselves in order to test the waters and create value for the clients [17:05]

Goldman Communications Group works with a range of companies (start-ups through Fortune 500 companies), brands, non-profit associations, and their executives, helping them tell their stories and create, communicate, and control their messages, reputations, and value propositions. The agency offers a wide suite of services including strategic counsel; messaging; media relations targeting traditional, social and online media; corporate communications/thought leadership programming; community/industry relations and engagement; reputation management and crisis communications and product and service launches. Sherry is also an adjunct professor in public relations at LIU/Post. Learn more about Sherry at http://www.goldmanpr.net/ (http://www.goldmanpr.net), https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherrygoldman/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/sherrygoldmanpr (Twitter) and http://www.facebook.com/GoldmanCommunicationsGroup (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift A free 20-minute phone consultation URL for Free Gift http://www.goldmanpr.net/contact-us/ (http://www.goldmanpr.net/contact-us/) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 51Shares

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Joe Sanok is a private practice consultant with the #1 podcast for practice owners, the Practice of the Practice Podcast. With over a million downloads, the podcast covers innovative ideas to start, grow, and scale a practice. We discuss: What’s an experiment that you can do to see if it works? [1:53] What the reasonable steps towards a thriving consulting practice are that build on falling in love with the idea [5:52] How having a spectrum of services over time will get you to a “Yes” [9:56] Practical and creative strategies that private practitioners can do to generate consistent revenue [12:19] The most challenging phase for people in the consulting business [14:30] How to see through the transformational chaos in order to get the financial results you strive for [17:56] Tools and resources to support an expanding practice [20:24] The conference where you can learn how to “kill it” in private practice [22:38]

Joe is a TEDx speaker, has been featured in Forbes, Reader’s Digest, and Entrepreneur on Fire. He is the owner of a private pay group practice in Traverse City, MI named Mental Wellness Counseling. He’s a father of two and loves stand-up paddle boarding with his wife, Christina. Learn more about Joe at http://www.practiceofthepractice.com/ (http://www.PracticeofthePractice.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-sanok-8b140023/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/OfThePractice?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Twitter) and http://facebook.com/practiceOfThePractice/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift We have 30 resources and checklists for your listeners to choose from: How to set up a Pinterest Business Page, How to set up a Google My Business Page, and more URL for Free Gift http://www.practiceofthepractice.com/resources (www.practiceofthepractice.com/resources) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Tara Bradford is a Publicity Strategist, Reputation Designer, and Communications Expert. She incorporates her background in cognitive neuroscience, biochemistry, psychology principles, emotional intelligence, and neurolinguistics to help individuals develop a strong personal brand that is in integrity with who they are so they can build a global audience of the exact people who need to hear their message. We discuss: What nursing and being a publicity strategist have in common [2:32] What’s necessary to remove and reveal in order to build trust, especially in a life-or-death situation [5:43] The types of publicity that would best fit different businesses and individuals [11:28] Why you should keep doing what’s working when you hit a plateau [14:20] Strategic levels of trust when trying to get more traffic in the door [18:01] Three ways in which Tara achieves consistent revenue, avoids low season situation and does what she loves [23:14] Why nobody smashes the plateau alone [26:22]

Tara has worked with anyone from startup founders to Fortune 500 executives to help them become the face of their companies, increase their visibility, take ownership of their influence so it can be used to make a difference, and build credibility online. She is passionate about helping the world feel more connected and believes that the key to doing so is to inspire each of us to believe we are the center of influence through service of others. She is an International Speaker on topics that address diversity and inclusion and she sits on the Executive Board of a division of the American Stroke Association. Her work has been featured in Forbes, HuffPost, ThriveGlobal, Bustle, Talk Radio NYC, TEDxLincolnSquare and more! Learn more about Tara at http://www.tararaebradford.com/ (http://www.tararaebradford.com), http://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-rae-bradford (LinkedIn), http://www.twitter.com/tararaebradford (Twitter) and http://www.facebook.com/tararaebradford.co (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift How to get noticed online: A Publicity Checklist URL for Free Gift http://www.tararaebradford.com/pr-checklist (www.tararaebradford.com/pr-checklist) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 46Shares

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Jim Jubelirer is a business coach, speaker, and futurist. Jim’s Keynote and Workshop Exponential Mindset: How to Thrive as the Pace of Change Increases, is for anyone who wants to have more hope and excitement about the future – for people who are turning that knowledge into action that gets results. We discuss: Do you believe your best year is yet to come? [2:03] How to scale beyond your company’s size with the resources that you currently have [6:58] What makes Jim stand out among other business coaches [8:18] Symptom categories that indicate an opportunity to make a sizeable investment [11:55] Rules of thumbs to follow when deciding what amount to invest in development [13:29] What happens in year one, year two and year three after going through Jim’s program [15:43] What the revenue generator and the service delivery person need [19:00] A message of hope and inspiration [21:57]

Jim invests 5 figures annually on his own personal and professional development and is eager to bring the best practices to business leaders who believe their Best Year Ever is still to come! Learn more about Jim at http://www.jubelirerresultsgroup.com/ (http://www.jubelirerresultsgroup.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimjubelirer/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/jimjubelirer (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/Jim-Jubelirer-Results-Group-233042000110859/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Free video guide for developing your exponential mindset. Plus, get a free copy of the book Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make it… And Why the Rest Don’t URL for Free Gift http://www.jubelirerresultsgroup.com/smashingtheplateau/ (Exponential Thinking: How to Thrive as the Pace of Change Increases) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 2Shares

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Richard Nongard is the author of “Viral Leadership: Seize the Power of Now to Create Lasting Transformation in Business” and the host of the “Leadership That Makes You Money” Podcast. We discuss: If you cannot be a magician, you may as well become a coach [2:30] What is wrong with businesses and individuals focusing on the future [7:05] Financial benefits and unexpected opportunities that come around existing customers [10:05] Investments and direction of attention that move you forward [12:43] Why consultants and coaches need to go beyond their field of expertise [17:10] The role of building community, culture and identity for generating recurring revenue [19:20] Leadership That Makes You Money [22:58]

Richard helps leaders create innovation and engaged teams through training leaders with the evidenced-based methods that are proven to work. He is an entrepreneur and business owner with a doctorate in Transformational Leadership from Bakke Graduate University. Learn more about Richard at https://richardnongard.com/ (https://richardnongard.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-richard-nongard/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/nongard1 (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/groups/254465898486642/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Download eBook “Community, Culture & Identity: Strategies to Lead” URL for Free Gift http://ViralLeadership.com (ViralLeadership.com) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 30Shares

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Jared Nichols is a futurist, advisor, and faculty member at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business in Graduate and Executive Education. He is the founder of The Foresight Academy where he teaches leaders, teams, and individuals how to think like futurists so they can create the best future possible, for themselves and the people they serve. We discuss: What risks are at stake if we don’t become aware of the unseen forces in the world [2:20] How to challenge the narratives and start working for what you really want [7:50] Three skills to break free from living by somebody else’s idea [9:18] Why more people need to know how to think like futurists [13:49] How to create a financially viable and powerful learning experience that is accessible to various groups of people [19:47]

Jared holds a Master’s Degree in Strategic Foresight, and is sought out by leaders, organizations, and entrepreneurs to help them identify how emerging trends in technology, media, business, and public policy may fundamentally change society and shape the future. Learn more about Jared at http://www.thenewfuturist.com/ (http://www.thenewfuturist.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/thenewfuturist/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/newfuturists (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/thenewfuturist (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Free digital copy of my latest book, “The 3 Skills You Must Have to Create the Future You Want to See.” URL for Free Gift https://www.theforesightacademy.com/p/free-3-skills-book-offer (https://www.theforesightacademy.com/p/free-3-skills-book-offer) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Cynthia Kay founded Cynthia Kay and Company media production which produces high-quality communications for organizations from the Fortune Global 100 to small business. We discuss: Becoming a thriving company that values the importance of communication [2:22] Why you should stop typing [6:10] What causes mistakes in communication and how to avoid them [9:21] What is better than being in a bubble for small expertise-based businesses [13:30] What it takes to know what’s coming up and push the customer to get involved in [16:32] How to avoid the feast and famine cycle and generate recurring revenue flow [19:39]

A graduate of Michigan State University, Cynthia holds a Masters in Communications from Western Michigan University. She is the Past Board Chair of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) and is the 2018 Board Chair of the National Small Business Association (NSBA). Cynthia and the company have been honored with many awards. She has been named One of West Michigan’s 50 Most Influential Women 5 times. Cynthia has authored several books including Small Business for Big Thinkers: Unconventional Strategies to Connect With and Win Big Business. She has written for the Washington Post, has been featured in Time Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine’s Ask the Expert and on NPR. Cynthia also testified on behalf of NSBA before the House Committee on Small Business Hearing. Learn more about Cynthia at http://www.thinkck.com/ (http://www.thinkck.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiakaybiz/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/thinkck?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/CynthiaKayandCompany/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Assessment of presentation and media skills; free coaching via Skype URL for Free Gift https://cynthiakaybiz.com/ (https://cynthiakaybiz.com/) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 2Shares

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John DeMato is the owner of DeMato Productions. He is a branded, lifestyle portrait photographer and content creation expert who collaborates with speakers, authors, coaches, and other thought leaders to produce magazine-quality images that present them powerfully, purposefully and authentically to their tribes. We discuss: What production super skills are made of [2:15] Why smashing your own plateau and being open to talk about it acts as a magnet for potential clients [6:31] What is necessary to break the mental cycle and bring the authentic self in front of the camera [9:53] Directions and fields photographers could turn to in order to achieve recurring revenue [13:33] How investing in your own personal development filters what’s important for you [21:01]

More than just a photographer, John sets his clients up for success beyond the session by coaching them on how to leverage their image content for their websites, blogs, speaking appearances and various other needs. He also teaches his clients how to generate ideas for compelling social media content that resonates deeply with their audiences. A former television producer, John has over 18 years of production experience, and has been featured as a portrait photographer expert on several NBC Universal daytime talk and reality shows. Learn more about John at http://www.johndemato.com/ (http://www.johndemato.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndemato/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/dematophoto?lang=en (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/dematophoto/?hl=en (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/DeMatoProductions (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift Two options – a content creation inspiration guide or a prep guide before their next portrait session URL for Free Gift http://www.johndemato.com/ (http://www.johndemato.com) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Jonathan Hefter is the Lead Guide at Circles. With a background in operations consulting, executive coaching, as well as group facilitation, Jonathan’s unique skills and drive for enabling clients to experience transformational conversations is powering Circles’ mission. We discuss: The world’s first video conference platform designed to foster meaningful conversation [2:09] Why it feels good to narrow down your focus and be reminded of your mission in the universe of opportunity [4:37] The added value that Circles offers in comparison to other video conference platforms [09:04] Tech data and analytics to look at on the journey of innovation [16:08] Lessons Circles learned that would help you run your business better [20:43] A hunch that’s been recognized and validated [22:56] Can the room do the work that people do? [24:56]

Circles transforms teams into high functioning Circles that openly share ideas, work through obstacles and learn to count on each other. To accomplish this, they’ve built the world’s first video conference platform designed to foster meaningful conversation. Learn more about Jonathan at http://circl.es/ (http://circl.es/) and https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-hefter-a2a36a6/ (LinkedIn). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 4Shares

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John Murphy is the CEO & Founder of John Murphy International. He is an internationally recognized, results-oriented business coach and mentor to senior executives and CEOs. We discuss: There is always room for a good executive coach [1:58] Changes which have contributed to the evolution of the coaching business [4:12] Why coach certification has become almost obligatory nowadays [9:46] How to know if there is a fit between the coach and the coachee [12:35] A business model that helps achieve predictability and continuity in income [18:13] How to shape your business and career around the life you want to have [22:38]

His work with brands like Pfizer, Airbus, Johnson & Johnson, and Vodaphone set him apart from most executive coaches. John Murphy’s Amazon #1 bestselling book 10 Key Traits of Top Business Leaders is a must read for any executive with leadership aspirations. This terrific guest isn’t just spouting theory – he’s worked his way into the mentor category and brings experience, examples, and energy to the table. Learn more about John at http://www.johnmurphyinternational.com/ (http://www.johnmurphyinternational.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmurphyinternational/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/jmicoaching (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/JohnMurphyInternational/?ref=bookmarks (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift URL to page where they can download book, video and connect with me URL for Free Gift http://www.johnmurphyinternational.com/smashingtheplateau/ (http://www.johnmurphyinternational.com/smashingtheplateau/) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 24Shares

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Mike Morrison is co-founder of The Membership Guys and Member Site Academy, where he helps guide the growth of high performing memberships, e-learning businesses, and online communities. We discuss: Core elements of communities that support learning [2:53] Differences and similarities between online and offline communities [6:34] Why solopreneur experts should not blindly follow the trends when it comes to online membership models [11:26] How a membership site for membership sites generates recurring revenue [13:58] What it takes to reach 100% all-in with memberships [19:42] Save the date for The Membership Guys’ very first conference on membership growth [24:41]

Mike has over 15 years of experience in digital marketing and online business. He has worked closely with multinational brands such as McDonalds, ITV and ancestry.com and has been the driving force behind a multitude of 6 and 7 figure membership businesses. He’s the host of a popular podcast, author of two best-selling books and has been featured on the likes of Social Media Examiner, Huffington Post, Founder and Net Magazine. Mike can regularly be found on stages around the world at events including Social Media Marketing World, Tropical Think Tank and Podcast Movement. Learn more about Mike at https://www.themembershipguys.com/ (https://www.themembershipguys.com) and https://www.facebook.com/MembershipGuys (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Meg and Rachel are the co-founders of Rose Group, Intl. Meg has years of experience in leading through transition. From major changes in highly-regulated industries to managing through $100M acquisition, Meg has refined skills in understanding people through change. Rachel brings a methodical and razor-sharp intellect to solve problems that suit her client organization, its ideal culture and business goals. She has led and managed teams for over 20 years. We discuss: A wonderful collaboration between a human-oriented and a process-oriented approach [2:12] Basic principles that Rose Group uses to help organizations reach a high five culture [6:36] Changes that have [not] happened in organizational behavior over the decades [11:54] The benefits of a small team with a pretty straightforward structure [14:14] How small teams can go big with different income streams [17:00] An emotional and financial breakthrough to keep your spirits up and your business running [21:10] The recipe for IX leadership [23:53]

Meg’s studies in organizational psychology and mastery in leadership concepts ensure that clients are taken care of. She has a passion for helping other people realize their full potential – breaking down social and personal barriers – changing their story. Her innate ability to recognize opportunity in weakness and present a strategic solution is unprecedented in today’s business world. Rachel is a Mensa PhD scientist who is also a Project Management Professional. She makes sure things get done. Rachel enjoys a good challenge and manages big projects, unites diverse stakeholders, guides teams through change, and leads complex and ground-breaking achievements. She is also a TEDx speaker and serves on the Council of Trustees for South Dakota State University. Learn more about Meg& Rachel at https://rosegroupintl.com/ (https://rosegroupintl.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-manke-b6519a3b/ (LinkedIn Meg Manke), https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rachel-mk-headley/ (LinkedIn Dr Rachel Headley), https://twitter.com/meg_manke?lang=en (Twitter Meg Manke), https://twitter.com/sprfsh_rachel?lang=en (Twitter Dr. Rachel Headley) and https://www.facebook.com/DrRachelMKHeadley/ (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 8Shares

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Eva Vennari is the founder and CEO of The Elevate Institute, a cutting-edge health coaching firm specializing in empowering individuals to take charge of their body and their health. She is the Creator of REVEAL – a hair analysis technique that lets you understand what it is exactly your body needs to heal and rejuvenate, EVOLVE Academy – the school of purposeful living, and ELEVATE – high-end retreat experiences to create lasting shifts. We discuss: Mother of invention is necessity [1:54] A recurring theme that starts from personal but turns out to be massive [3:42] Traditional or alternative – either way, educate yourself [5:44] Relating body minerals to get on a whole life personal development journey [11:05] What is the right approach to thrive through “lows” in the year when you are working remote [13:21] How to combine skills from different ages in order to have a consistent revenue flow [17:36] Why not a hair analysis? [20:24] How to own your beauty [22:27]

Eva is on a mission to dismantle the status quo of the sickness industry. Having spent most of her adult life suffering from all kinds of conditions and fighting for her sanity she decided to take matters into her own hands. That’s when everything shifted and her body went from being the enemy to being her best and most devoted ally and partner. Eva now teaches worldwide how sensitive people can take charge of their wellbeing and thrive in their lives. Learn more about Eva at https://theelevateinstitute.com/ (https://theelevateinstitute.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/reducemystresseva/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/evavennari?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/TheElevateInstitute/ (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift free thyroid assessment: links invisible illness to visible signs of illness URL for Free Gift http://theelevateinstitute.com/freegift/ (http://theelevateinstitute.com/freegift/) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 2Shares

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Tanya Alvarez is Co-Founder and CEO of OwnersUP, a platform which advances a solopreneur’s business through accountability, goal setting, and community. We discuss: How Tanya’s need for constant accountability led her to create a coaching business [1:57] Why testing hypotheses is crucial to overcoming initial business challenges [6:45] Aspects to observe during different business stages that will help you unearth potential recurring revenue [8:24] How to balance when you are too close to your business [11:43] Becoming an entrepreneur: taking the best of a bad situation [12:50] If you want to know the future, ask a teenager [16:07]

Over the past fifteen years, Tanya has accumulated marketing experience with international and US companies such as Nike and US Olympics. She started her first company at the age of 25 and grew it to be a profitable company from credit card debt to over $1mm in gross revenue in the first year. Since then, she has founded, bootstrapped, sold and invested in several companies. Learn more about Tanya at http://www.ownersup.com/ (http://www.ownersup.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyaownersup/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/ownersup/ (Twitter), https://www.instagram.com/ownersup/ (Instagram) and https://www.facebook.com/ownersup (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift OwnersUP is your 24/7 personal sounding board and accountability partner, a group of 4 other like-minded business owners who support you to grow and succeed. Join for 1 free month. URL for Free Gift http://www.ownersup.com/ (www.ownersup.com) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 42Shares

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Theresa Fette is a strong and effective leader with a background in building relationships amongst fellow executives and delivering on customer commitments. She spearheads operational improvements to increase productivity. We discuss: The types of clients that will help your business achieve solid recurring revenue [2:19] Providing value in the long run, or when it is time to reinvent [6:20] How to uncover potential ways to recurring revenue sources [11:00] Why you need simple math to make a million dollars [13:55] Why having an accountant is good, but learning to control your own money is even better [18:21]

Theresa grew the largest independent trust company in Nevada from $300M in assets under custody to more than $4.5B. As a thought leader within the alternative asset industry she motivates, leads, and inspires teams to be customer focused and performance driven to achieve exceptional results. Theresa is known as a leader that utilizes company culture to drive performance and success. Learn more about Theresa at https://trustprovident.com/ (https://trustprovident.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresafette/ (LinkedIn) and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Provident-Trust-Group-LLC/108459755861512 (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 4Shares

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David Quick is a “recovering bull in the china shop” who now uses his passion to help business leaders and their teams thrive. We discuss: What makes the magnet compel instead of repel people [1:56] Why your gut is right when it comes to deciding whether something is right [5:04] How we can help each other be powerful, passionate, thriving [8:06] A three-fold approach for small businesses to start generating recurring revenue [10:56] Do not sell anything until you can solve a problem [15:02] Aspects to consider before setting the price [17:43] The impact of asking “How can I help others?” [19:00] Work, love, bliss in Mexico [21:50]

A 3-time CEO of rapid growth organizations, David now helps leaders thrive by sharpening their focus on Vision, Values, Expectations, Engagement. David puts executive coaching, live events, keynote presentations and group sessions all to work to help create powerful herds of high performing bulls. His no-BS communication style speaks to high performing leaders of all levels. Learn more about David at http://www.helpingbulls.com/ (www.helpingbulls.com), http://www.linkedin.com/in/helpingbulls (LinkedIn) and https://twitter.com/helpingbulls (Twitter). Brief Description of Gift Free executive coaching session, free personality assessment and free team assessment URL for Free Gift http://www.helpingbulls.com/smashing (www.helpingbulls.com/smashing) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 0Shares

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Paul Kirch is the host of BOSS Academy Radio, a show catering to business owners and entrepreneurs, where he shares his experiences and expertise, while bringing in guests who provide high-value messaging to give support to the listeners. BOSS stands for business ownership success strategies, which is the focus of every episode. We discuss: Websites that serve and websites that hurt [1:58] Why and how to build a web presence based on your business goals [5:11] Common mistakes that businesses make when trying to optimize their website [8:37] Areas where strategic content can really bring a positive impact [12:19] Ways to generate recurring revenue flow through digital marketing [16:11] Business fields that prosper from focusing on recurring revenue [20:14] The secret to starting again after going through a bankruptcy [22:57]

He also currently serves as the President/CEO of Websites and Leads, a digital marketing agency catering to start-up firms and many of the same listeners of his show, BOSS Academy Radio. His firm helps take static business card web pages and turns them into dynamic lead conversion tools, driving more leads, sales, and success. Through Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and Search Engine Marketing (SEM), combined with Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), Websites and Leads is helping its customers transform their businesses through a solid digital marketing strategy. Learn more about Paul at http://websitesandleads.com/ (http://websitesandleads.com/), https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkirch/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/paulkirch?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/bossacademyradio (Facebook). Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 7Shares

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Jason Resnick is super passionate about helping other freelancers build profitable and sustainable businesses so that they can live a life of their own design. He strongly believes that by specializing and niching down your business, you can build recurring revenue and increase profits. We discuss: Origins of the word “freelancer” that can make a web developer drop his title [1:50] Why freelancers don’t need more clients [5:30] How deep and thorough self-reflection can bring you 10x your current income in six months [8:40] Why your recurring revenue depends on your mindset and discipline [14:10] The effect of an online form that filters clients according to personalized criteria [16:03] Three elements of motivation because of which clients would choose your service [18:45]

Learn more about Jason at http://www.rezzz.com/ (www.rezzz.com), https://www.linkedin.com/in/jresnick/ (LinkedIn), https://twitter.com/rezzz?lang=en (Twitter) and https://www.facebook.com/jasonresnick (Facebook). Brief Description of Gift I am super passionate about helping other freelancers build profitable and sustainable businesses so that they can live a life of their own design. By specializing and niching down your business, you can build recurring revenue and increase profits. URL for Free Gift http://getthebestclients.com/ (http://getthebestclients.com) Facebook Twitter LinkedIn 2Shares

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Dr. Chloe Carmichael is a clinical psychologist in New York City whose practice has done something very unusual for most psychologists, which is that her practice has a documented revenue of over a million dollars annually.

We discuss:

Two steps to achieve rapid revenue growth as a starting business [2:02]
The secret to overselling your billable hours [5:15]
A “normal” lifestyle that brings a certain type of people to a point of saturation [8:36]
The journey of a clinical psychologist learning to be an employer [12:44]
Why the practice of training the trainer is more beneficial to your business than increasing the volume of work [17:02]
The art of marketing and describing a product’s price [23:18]

Dr. Chloe works with New York’s best and brightest, as well as with clients all over the world via video. She is now also offering a program that helps other therapists and coaches to build their dream practice. Dr. Chloe appears regularly in national TV and print on topics related to personal and professional goal attainment as well as stress management and relationships.

Learn more about Chloe at www.drchloe.com, www.profitablepractices.net,LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Dr. Chloe is happy to offer a free 20-minute phone consultation to listeners, as well as 25% off her video program for therapists and coaches.

URL for Free Gift

Please email reception@drchloe.com.

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Gabriel is The Growth Master. He will turn your marketing upside down and make your conversions grow like you’ve never seen before.

We discuss:

Why focusing on everything doesn’t bring value for lead generation [2:18]
The necessary initial changes towards successful marketing on LinkedIn [5:32]
Cultural aspects that need to be observed when working with clients of different nationalities [11:32]
A throw-away strategy that narrows your focus and grows your business [13:54]
How to “surround” yourself with a successful virtual team [17:54]
What self-education can do for helping you speak a language you don’t know yet [21:46]

Learn more about Gabriel at https://www.gabrielneuman.com/, LinkedIn, Twitterand Facebook.

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Jaime Jay is the founder and managing director for Bottleneck Virtual Assistants. With his DIY-style attitude and his drive to help fellow business owners achieve a more organized and structured company, culture is what keeps him going.

We discuss:

Stumbling upon a journey of outsourcing, adversity and thriving [2:00]
2018 – the year of the 6-step hiring formula that gets you the best VA and saves you money [5:12]
How to ensure a growing base of automatic customers by using a subscription model [12:51]
How web developers can generate a recurring revenue flow in a relationship-based economy [14:24]
The art of balance, or how to have your time back [17:30]
Following your difference to become truly free [20:15]
Finding Opportunities by Creating Uninterrupted Strategy Sessions [22:00]

Learn more about Jaime at https://bottleneck.online, LinkedIn, Twitterand Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Free consultation

URL for Free Gift

https://bottleneck.online/inquiry

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Femi is the Founder and CEO of Linked Optimization, which provides a fully outsourced LinkedIn lead generation service, to enable sales professionals and businesses to generate B2B leads on LinkedIn.

We discuss:

When it’s the perfect time or place to end the hopelessness and find the authentic you [1:42]
Core principles to follow when going through the journey from failure to success [5:57]
The people who focus on growing your business for you while you focus on running it [10:00]
Why Femi prefers to be an expert on LinkedIn and not on social media platforms [16:55]
The good and the bad in the struggle towards achieving recurring revenue based on monthly packages [19:15]
Questions to ask yourself to help you maintain an ongoing relationship with your clients and thus receive consistent revenue flow [24:00]
Why tenacity is the main material that “builds” great empires [25:50]

Femi founded the business in 2017 because he believed there was a gap in the market for premium LinkedIn services. By working with him, his clients are able to establish authority status, save time and increase revenue by booking sales appointments with their top prospects. Prior to this he worked in investment banking for almost 10 years. It took him less than a day to take the decision to quit corporate life in 2014; however, he made the decision in 2009 after overcoming depression and suicide.

Learn more about Femi at https://www.linkedoptimization.com/, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

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Dr. James Kelley is an author, podcast host, public speaker and professor. Whether it’s on his podcast Executives After Hours or giving a keynote speech at a conference, James loves to dive deep and share stories of how and why leaders need crucible moments to be a better version of themselves.

We discuss:

Embrace the suck: thriving in moments of adversity [1:47]
How to not overprotect children and teach them to deal with fear through controlled failure [4:46]
Why choosing to face adversity with eyes wide open is better than taking the bitterness pill [6:30]
Own, share and inspire – the three elements necessary to bring a positive change into an organization [8:42]
How to go through challenging business times without laying off employees [11:14]
Why project-based consultancy might [not] be a good revenue model [16:30]
What and who to ask when it’s time to change the direction [18:44]
Ways to offer your product in a more consumable way [23:33]

James’ journey from a humble home in Portland, Oregon to earning his PhD and living near Dubai with his wife and four children is full of adversity. He also has a keen interest in the adversity that shapes great leaders around the world. His book The Crucible’s Gift: 5 Lessons from Authentic Leaders Who Thrive in Adversity, brings a fresh perspective to leadership coaching and keynotes.

James believes that his unique journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, and a driving curiosity, equips him to bring great value to the world of executive leadership.

Learn more about James at https://www.drjameskelley.com/, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Welcome page for your listeners

Worksheet on the course content

URL for Free Gift

https://www.drjameskelley.com/smashingtheplateau

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Dr. Laura Sicola is a leadership communication coach, trainer, author and the founder of Vocal Impact Productions in Philadelphia, PA. Her mission is to turn executives and other leaders into master influencers who get to yes and close deals.

We discuss:

The secret to achieve influence in a world where everybody wants to have influence [2:30]
Why listening is critical when it comes to persuasion and impact [6:46]
The difference between how you think you come across and how you actually come across [11:04]
When it is time to stop following the original path and check the temperature [13:09]
Online courses, a system and a structure – the automatic way to consistent and recurring revenue [17:17]
Questions to ask yourself in order to make your business run without you physically being there [22:22]
How to turn a community around [24:34]

She has spent 20 years in leadership, communication, language, culture and education, and has worked with clients across five continents. Laura is a C-Suite Network Advisor and coach for the TED Fellows program, and her own TEDx talk – “Want to sound like a leader? Start by saying your name right” – has 5 Million views. Sample clients include Comcast, Chubb, the US Department of Commerce, IBM, and Women Against Abuse. She earned her PhD in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania where she was faculty from 2001-2013.

Learn more about Laura at www.VocalImpactProductions.com, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Brief Description of Gift

10-Point Checklist: Do You Speak Like a Leader?

URL for Free Gift

http://vocalimpactproductions.com/freegift/

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Dan Kuschell is the co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of BreakthroughX.With over 25 years of business experience, he’s started 11+ companies, bought and sold multiple companies and coached over 5,329 business owners from over 180 niche industries and 9 countries.

We discuss:

How misinformation breeds “evil” and how mindset can shift the view [2:13]
Why selling and marketing are a good thing – framings from famous experts [4:20]
You can either repel, or you can compel [6:22]
How to create an irresistible and unique offer for your business in 4 steps [8:38]
The Loch Ness monster in marketing and sales [14:20]
The solution to any problem is a Who [16:38]
Why we are reluctant to ask for help but we love giving it to others [20:09]
An on-demand training platform to boost your business [25:12]

Dan is a husband, dad, serial entrepreneur and angel investor. He helps business owners connect the dots, see the blind-spots, and get unstuck, by helping to implement unique sales & marketing systems to get more clients, growth, and profits and have a bigger impact, reach, and contribution. He was recently rated as one of the top 25 Influencers by Influencive and his podcast was recommended for Ultra Lean Businesses in Forbes.

Learn more about Dan at http://www.growthtofreedom.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

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Geri Mazur is founder and principal of Geri Mazur Marketing, a 10-year-old marketing consultancy focusing on creating highly effective and affordable marketing programs for small and medium sized businesses.

We discuss:

Marketing: the answer to all questions related to making more money [2:26]
Benefits of interviewing your clients’ clients [4:58]
Why effective ways to grow your target market are counterintuitive [7:31]
The value of solopreneurs who have become experts in their field [9:17]
How to build a financial relationship that will give you steady income and your client peace of mind [12:04]
Pros and cons of doing the marketing of your business yourself [15:17]
Why your marketing needs a marketing plan and where you can learn to do such [18:50]

With a long background in Advertising and Public Relations (Geri was last EVP @ Saatchi & Saatchi for 8 years) Geri has worked with more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. When she left the advertising business, she realized that many smaller organizations…the ones she chooses to work with now… were having trouble deciphering today’s constantly changing marketing landscape. Working with her clients, she takes a big picture view, starting with appropriate messaging that will resonate with prospects and then, figuring out the marketing tactics that will turn prospects into customers.

Learn more about Geri at http://www.gerimazurmarketing.com and LinkedIn.

Brief Description of Gift

Free 30-minute consultation or download Five Steps to Creating Your Brand

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Jessica Yarbrough is the creator of CEO Babe. She is a successful marketing strategist and a leading business consultant for female entrepreneurs.

We discuss:

Women who have played small all their lives and are ready to take actions and create real success [1:52]
Things women should be doing differently in the business world [3:22]
If you don’t see your own value, how will your clients see it? [5:15]
Why and how to switch from an hourly model to a package model [8:06]
How to avoid relying on the next client through multiple revenue models [13:47]
How to get yourself a $25,000 client [17:41]

Jessica helps women leverage their unique gifts to create high end coaching programs, launch rock star brands, build multiple streams of income and create their online empires.

Learn more about Jessica at http://www.ceobabe.com, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

44 Ways to Sell Your Services Everyday: How to Always Have Money Flowing Into Your Business

URL for Free Gift

https://ceobabe.clickfunnels.com/downlad44ways

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Ben Walker is a CEO, entrepreneur, and visionary leader that enjoys helping others become successful in business. He is a sought-after thought leader and has made contributions to publications like Entrepreneur Magazine, The Associated Press, Inc. and Forbes.

We discuss:

Being in the right place at the right time [2:00]
Reasons why Ben went in and out of the medical industry [5:20]
The difference that 99% accuracy can make for the transcription business [8:11]
How to filter income opportunities in order to receive recurring revenue and decrease stress at work [11:13]
The power of one’s word for building successful business relationships with sizeable and bureaucratic organizations [14:46]
Why conferences are giving way to SEO when it comes to finding clients [17:57]

Ben’s company, Transcription Outsourcing, provides user-friendly and cost-effective transcription services for the medical, legal, law enforcement, and financial industries for organizations all over the world.

Learn more about Ben at http://www.transcriptionoutsourcing.net, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

We offer a free trial to all new clients that could be recurring clients

URL for Free Gift

https://www.transcriptionoutsourcing.net/contact/

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Lance and Brandy are on a mission to help couples reconnect with each other and stay deeply in love while raising their daughters.

We discuss:

The principles of turning a marriage around and the benefits that come after applying them [2:21]
If you were to have the most amazing life possible, what would that look like? [5:02]
How to go from a divorce back into deeply in love and create a successful business out of this experience [9:36]
A 90-day system of rewiring and reconnecting [12:34]
Why entrepreneurs need to find their “Why” [18:58]
The Legendary Couples business model that brings them consistent revenue flow [21:00]
A practical guide to have a miracle morning [22:42]

They created Legendary Couples with kids because they know first-hand how challenging it is to keep your marriage a priority while juggling careers and being parents. They now know that it’s possible to be more in love than ever before.

Learn more about Lance & Brandy Salazar at http://www.legendarycouples.com, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Relationship planning guide free workbook

URL for Free Gift

https://www.legendarycouples.com/

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Brady Patterson is the COO of Success Road Academy, one of the largest information marketing training centers in the world with tons of online courses and hundreds of hours of training videos and audios.

We discuss:

How to make the biggest impact in the world [2:00]
The necessary collaboration that makes your genius come through [4:33]
70/30: How knowledgepreneurs can generate stable and consistent revenue [7:26]
The strategy behind giving a public talk [11:58]
What’s common between a successful online yoga teacher in a small town and an online coach in public speaking who suffered from anxiety [13:35]
The right mindset to overcome the three major elements that might prevent coaches and consultants from improving their business [16:47]
How to trust others and let them help you scale together [20:56]

Success Road students have founded online training centers in almost any niche markets, anything from overcoming anxiety, living a happy life, managing personal finances, being a great public speaker, weight loss and other health programs and many more.

Learn more about Brandy at https://www.successroadacademy.com/, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

Ultimate Toolbox, list of every tool and resource you need to create and sell online courses

URL for Free Gift

www.ultimatecourseformula.com/ultimate-toolbox

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Philip is currently the founder and CCO of Verhaal Brand Design which specializes in strategic brand development, graphic design and marketing. His YouTube channel where he shares his insights, trends and expertise has over 125,000 subscribers. His brand•muse newsletter is considered one of the top industry publications in in the branding arena.

We discuss:

What differences and similarities there might be when working as an internal and external change agent [2:38]
What in the way of building brands motivated Philip to launch his business [5:38]
Mistakes small to midsize companies make when building their brands [7:33]
How outside agencies can help you stop talking about yourself and draw more clients in [11:10]
Why initial investment in great design is better than great design at a later stage [14:34]
Online tools and the type of attitude that bring consistent and recurring revenue [17:03]
How to develop an evergreen content library [21:22]
Two great examples of people who are not afraid to start and change [24:18]
Why you should answer every single comment on your YouTube channel [27:31]

Philip has helped Fortune 100 companies and entrepreneurs alike create and revitalize brands, identities, websites and launch new products for 20+ years. He has served as VP of Design of Global Snacks at Pepsico, VP of Design at Old Navy and Executive Creative Director for the global branding agencies Landor Associates and Anthem Worldwide.

Learn more about Philip at http://www.philipvandusen.com, LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

Brief Description of Gift

a free e-book “The 9 Brand Design Elements You Absolutely Positively Have to Have”

URL for Free Gift

https://philipvandusen.com/direct-optin

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Smashing the Plateau: Recent Episodes

David Shriner-Cahn