Ever wondered how an engineer's mindset can transform complex challenges into innovative solutions? In this conversation with Josh Tarbutton, PhD, PE, founder of Bravo Team, Cam and Otis explore the intersection of engineering excellence and entrepreneurial spirit. "Engineering is about solving problems," Josh explains, drawing from his extensive experience as a military veteran, professor, and now leader of a premier engineering firm. From discussing the importance of custom machine design ...
In this conversation with Natalia Zacharin, founder of Zacharin Consulting, Cam and Otis explore how financial intelligence can transform entrepreneurial decision-making. "Your books are telling a story about your business," Natalia explains, revealing how proper financial management goes far beyond compliance and tax preparation. From discussing the evolution of her firm from traditional bookkeeping to strategic advisory services to sharing insights about the common financial blind spots en...
Ever wondered why your CRM system isn't delivering the results you expected? In this conversation with Jason Kramer, founder and CEO of Cultivize, Cam and Otis explore the often-overlooked human element of customer relationship management. "Software does not solve any problem at all," Jason explains, cutting through the tech hype. "It's the people that are understanding how to use the software." This refreshing perspective sets the tone for a conversation that dives deep into the real challe...
Ever wondered what happens when you take the leadership lessons from flying military helicopters and apply them to corporate America? In this conversation with Carl Sharperson Jr., author of "Sharp Leadership" and former Marine Corps pilot, Cam and Otis explore the fascinating transition from military service to business leadership. "The plant ran better with us not being there than it did when we were there," Carl reveals, sharing a powerful story about what happened when all the managers w...
Ever wondered what happens when sales training expertise meets veteran transition needs? In this conversation with Michele McManamon, CEO and Co-Founder of Operation New Uniform, Cam and Otis explore how a single scholarship offer evolved into a national movement helping veterans build meaningful civilian careers. "We're not teaching them how to interview, we're teaching them how to sell," Michele explains, sharing how ONU helps veterans translate their military experience into success beyon...
Ever wondered why some businesses successfully scale while others get stuck in startup mode? In this conversation with Courtney De Ronde, CEO of Forge Financial and creator of the Simple ScaleUp System™, Cam and Otis explore the delicate balance between innovation and process that growing organizations must navigate. "Efficiency creates clarity, and clarity unlocks growth," Courtney explains, revealing how her background as a CPA evolved into helping businesses build systems that actually wo...
Ever been stood up for a meeting that someone else requested? In this candid family episode, Cam and Otis get real about a frustration many professionals face but few discuss openly: the culture of no-shows and non-commitments in business. "If you don't want to do something, then say it. If it's not a priority, then let us know," Otis states firmly, addressing the unnamed "no-showers" who've recently wasted their time. This father-son conversation dives into the psychology behind why people ...
Ever wondered if compassion and decisive leadership can coexist? In this powerful conversation with Cal Riley, combat veteran, EOS Implementer, and author of "Entrepreneurial Compassion," Cam and Otis explore what it really means to lead with both strength and heart. "It's not compassionate to hold on to somebody if they're not a good fit," Cal explains, challenging the common misconception that compassionate leadership means avoiding tough decisions. "You're doing them a disservice. You're ...
Ever tried to escape work by picking up a hobby, only to discover it teaches you everything about your profession? In this fascinating conversation with Philip Atkinson, author of "BeeWise: 12 Leadership Lessons from Inside a Busy Hive," Cam and Otis explore how the complex world of beekeeping offers surprising insights into organizational leadership. "I was looking in my private life to start a new hobby to do nothing to do with work," Philip explains about his beekeeping journey. "And it w...
Ever wondered what happens when you take high-achieving entrepreneurs away from their screens and put them on a fishing boat in British Columbia? In this conversation with Sam Vandervalk, founder of ARC Trips, Cam and Otis explore how adventure-based experiences can transform leadership and purpose. "I love helping other people," Sam shares, explaining his transition from running a successful fishing guide business to creating mastermind retreats. "It's seeing people really come alive and at...
Ever wondered why some sales conversations feel manipulative while others feel like genuine problem-solving? In this conversation with Hamish Knox, founder of Sandler Calgary, Cam and Otis explore the fascinating intersection of journalism, communication, and sales leadership. "Sales is communication and communication is sales," Hamish explains, revealing how his background in journalism shaped his approach to sales conversations. From discussing why it often takes three or more questions to...
Ever wondered what an auctioneering school could teach you about leadership communication? In this conversation with Dia Bondi, communications catalyst and author of "Ask Like an Auctioneer," Cam and Otis explore the fascinating connection between the rapid-fire world of auctions and the strategic art of asking for what you want. "You're basically learning to sell something in a minute and a half," Dia explains about her auctioneering training, revealing how this condensed transaction moment...
Ever had someone thank you for your marketing emails? In this conversation with Ely Delaney, "The People Whisperer" and creator of The Follow-Up Rockstar System, Cam and Otis explore the counterintuitive approach to follow-up that actually builds relationships instead of burning them. "I'm an introvert," Ely reveals, surprising many who know him as a dynamic speaker and networking expert. "If I had my druthers, I'd be sitting at home hanging out with the dog all day long." It's this refreshi...
Ever wondered what it takes to design events that deliver specific outcomes—not just pretty decorations? In this conversation with Deana Brown Mitchell, award-winning entrepreneur and three-decade event professional, Cam and Otis explore the fascinating intersection of architecture, event planning, and team leadership. "It was a creative challenge, kind of like architecture to me," Deana explains, revealing how her unconventional background prepared her for building a successful event compan...
Ever wondered why it's so hard to get business leaders interested in team wellness? In this conversation with Alex Cartmill, operator of Vibrant Yoga, Cam and Otis explore the fascinating intersection of wellness and business leadership. "If the leader doesn't have a personal issue, they're likely not going to recognize an issue in the team," Alex explains, revealing one of the biggest challenges in bringing yoga and wellness practices into corporate environments. From discussing how to "ope...
Ever worked with a leader who treated everything as "urgent" until nothing felt important anymore? In this conversation with Drew Lints, founder of Revflow Growth Partners, Cam and Otis explore the human side of business systems and how the right tools can actually help leaders care for their people better. "At the end of the day, we want to accomplish the thing that I was so bad at early on—keeping track of everyone, making sure that they're cared for," Drew explains, revealing how his own ...
Ever notice how some business owners keep hitting the same revenue ceiling year after year? In this episode with James R. Brown, founder of Business Accelerator Institute, we explore what's really happening when a business gets stuck at $950,000 and can't break through to seven figures. "It's usually the owner's mindset," James reveals, sharing stories of breakthrough moments when clients finally see what's been holding them back. From walking away from his own successful $8 million law prac...
Ever had that moment where you knew you had to leap or you'd never do it? For Hannah Stuart, co-owner of Renew Coffee, that moment came after a farmer's market when she told her husband, "If we don't spend this money on an espresso machine, we're never going to do this." In this conversation with Cam and Otis, Hannah shares the journey of building a mobile coffee business that now serves luxury events nationwide. From turning down a sketchy "I'm leaving town, need to flip this" coffee cart o...
Ever wondered what happens in that crucial moment between a life-changing experience and actually changing your life? In this powerful conversation with Tino Dietrich, founder of The Dietrich Institute, Cam and Otis explore the often-glossed-over transition from crisis to purpose. "I did get that second chance, and that's what I'm doing now," Tino shares, reflecting on his near-death experience with COVID that transformed his perspective on life and business. But unlike many inspirational st...
Have you wondered why military teams have crystal clear expectations while business teams often operate in a "fricking void" of clarity? In this episode (complete with surprise appearances from Matt's son), Cam and Otis dive deep with Matt Granados, founder of Life Pulse Inc., on the missing link between expectations and performance. "You have to articulate what the expectations are," Matt explains, "but then the key is you have to properly equip your people to be able to live up to them." I...