The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

Scaling Your Business: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing LeadershipIn a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a dynamic conversation with Allison Maslan, a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Pinnacle Global Network. Allison, also the author of the insightful book "Scale or Fail: How to Build Your Dream Team, Explode Your Growth, and Let Your Business Soar," shares her extensive experience in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the critical elements of business growth and the necessity of cultivating a robust team. This blog post will break down the key insights from their discussion, providing actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.Josh opens the episode by inviting listeners to explore opportunities for connecting with partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He shares his experience of having private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to uncover where their best business comes from. Josh offers a free video resource that outlines steps to achieve 100% inbound marketing in one’s industry over the next six to eight months, emphasizing a spam-free, ad-free, and sales-free approach. He encourages listeners to visit his website, Up My Influence, to access this valuable content. Following this introduction, Josh welcomes Allison Maslan to the show. He highlights her impressive background as an entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience and her role in helping more than 150,000 CEOs worldwide grow and scale their businesses through Pinnacle Global Network.Allison shares her passion for entrepreneurship, describing it as a powerful avenue for creativity and making a positive impact in the world. With a track record of building ten companies, she emphasizes the importance of recognizing and leveraging one’s unique gifts and talents. Drawing on insights from Gaye Hendrix, author of "The Big Leap," Allison discusses the concept of stepping into one’s genius and how aligning that genius with a business can amplify one’s purpose and impact. A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the necessity of building a strong team to support a founder’s vision. Josh and Allison discuss the transition from being a boss to becoming a leader who inspires others. Allison explains that empowering team members to take ownership of the company’s vision is crucial for creating a sustainable, scalable business model. She emphasizes that a successful business should be able to operate independently of its founder, allowing for growth and continuity even in the founder's absence.About Allison Maslan:Allison Maslan, CEO of Pinnacle Global Network, was recently named one of the “Top 10 Women Entrepreneurs to Watch” by Forbes Magazine. She is the Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author of Scale or Fail, which is endorsed by Daymond John and Barbara Corcoran of Shark Tank. Allison has built ten successful companies over the last 40 years.For the past 15 years, she and her team of business mentors have helped over 150,000Founders scale their businesses, fast-track their success, and create a more meaningful life through her company, Pinnacle Global Network, one of the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing PrivateCompanies.Allison has shared the stage with noted business leaders such as Richard Branson and Magic Johnson, and has been featured in Inc., Success, Fortune, Fast Company, and Forbes Magazines, is a regular contributor to Entrepreneur Magazine and a featured expert on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, and Fox across the US. She is also the host and producer of The SCALEit Method Podcast and the Women Who Own It Podcast brought to you by WBENC.About Pinnacle Global Network: Pinnacle Global Network, founded by Allison Maslan, is a global leader in helping businesses scale. The organization’s team of successful CEOs mentors business owners worldwide, providing

Enhancing Recruitment Efficiency with Structured Hiring and AIIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, the host engages in a compelling conversation with Joel Quintela, the founder and CEO of Quintela, an HR technology company specializing in assessments for hiring processes. The discussion delves into the critical importance of structured hiring practices and the transformative role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in enhancing recruitment efficiency and decision-making. The host begins by inviting the audience to explore opportunities for introductions to partners, investors, influencers, and clients, sharing their extensive experience in the business world and promoting a free video resource available on their website.Joel Quintela is introduced, highlighting his background as a business psychologist and explaining that his company focuses on building HR technology for large organizations, particularly Fortune 500 companies. The conversation quickly shifts to the core of Quintela's work, which involves enhancing the hiring process through various assessments, including personality tests, role plays, and structured interviews. Joel emphasizes the significance of structured interviews in the hiring process, noting that informal interviews often yield unreliable results. He explains that hiring is fundamentally a probability game, and organizations can increase their chances of success by being deliberate about the skills and competencies required for each role.The discussion also touches on current trends in hiring, with Joel identifying significant movements such as the shift to skills-based hiring and the integration of AI in recruitment. AI is being utilized to streamline various repetitive tasks in the hiring process, enhancing candidate communication, managing scheduling, and assisting in the assessment process. Joel highlights the importance of candidate experience throughout the hiring process and explains how Quintela's platform operates, offering tailored solutions for different organizations. The episode concludes with the host encouraging listeners to explore Quintela's offerings further and thanking Joel for his insights.About Joel Quintela:Joel Quintela is the founder and CEO of Quintela Group LLC, a minority-owned business enterprise specializing in HR technology solutions. With over 25 years of experience in HR assessment technology and 15 years as an entrepreneur, Joel has worked with numerous Fortune 500 clients to improve their hiring processes.About Quintela:Quintela provides technology-based talent assessment solutions for organizations. Products are- Digital Interview Guide platform which is an interview builder tool that allows talent acquisition teams to create interview guides, competency models, and screening protocols for various positions at an organization, Assessment platform that integrates multiple assessment vendors, proprietary assessments, or competencies in a simple dashboard and provides assessment administering and reporting tools, and integration with ATS/HRMS systems for candidate/employee assessment, and Custom Performance Management System. Won Silver in the 2016 Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards in Technology.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Quintela website athttps://quintela.io/Check out Quintela on Facebook at

Simplifying Business Strategies for Meaningful ImpactIn a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Kaitlyn Cook, a business strategy specialist and executive coach. Kaitlyn, the founder of a consulting firm, shares her expertise in helping CEOs, particularly those generating 6 to 7 figures in revenue, transition to the 8-figure mark while making a meaningful impact in their industries. This blog post delves into the key themes and actionable insights from their discussion, providing valuable guidance for leaders aiming to simplify their business strategies and foster a positive work environment.Kaitlyn's mission is to assist CEOs in merging their business strategies with their core vision and purpose. She emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with the fundamental "why" behind their businesses. This involves clarifying the company's mission and vision, identifying strategic steps, and simplifying business operations to maintain focus on the essence of the business. With over a decade of experience in the business world and two decades in finance, Kaitlyn advocates for a streamlined approach that keeps the essence of the business at the forefront. She encourages CEOs to simplify their focus by asking critical questions about their business's purpose and target customers, offering one-on-one coaching, consulting, courses, and workshops to facilitate this process.Josh invites Kaitlyn to share actionable insights for leaders looking to alleviate pressure and foster a positive work environment. Kaitlyn highlights a profound realization: CEOs are not responsible for their team members' happiness. Instead, they are responsible for creating a safe and supportive work environment. She suggests practical tips for leaders, such as conducting regular self-check-ins, being open and vulnerable, and encouraging team autonomy. As the conversation progresses, Josh and Kaitlyn discuss the importance of planning for the upcoming year, with Kaitlyn suggesting that leaders engage in deep work, such as mind mapping, to visualize their goals for 2025. By focusing on both external metrics and internal growth, leaders can navigate the complexities of business with clarity and purpose. Kaitlyn Cook's insights provide valuable guidance for CEOs and leaders looking to make a meaningful impact in their industries.About Kaitlyn Cook:Kaitlyn Cook is a visionary business strategist and entrepreneur who has worked with over 10,000 businesses worldwide, helping them grow, thrive, and redefine success on their own terms. With a unique blend of business acumen and heart-centered strategy, Kaitlyn specializes in simplifying complex business challenges, merging passion with profit, and empowering business owners to unlock exponential growth while maintaining authenticity. Her journey from living on $7 a day in Bangkok to becoming a top 1% rated expert on Upwork exemplifies her belief in resilience, innovation, and the power of visionary thinking. Having successfully transformed businesses across industries—ranging from wellness to technology—Kaitlyn’s approach is driven by one simple question: What if? By helping entrepreneurs ask better questions and craft compelling visions for the future, she has facilitated dramatic revenue growth, operational excellence, and lasting impact for her clients. Her mission? To inspire business owners to succeed in ways that align with their values and vision—without burning out. Kaitlyn’s work is not just about increasing profit margins; it’s about fostering sustainable growth that empowers leaders to live the life they envision for themselves and their teams.About The KCC - Kaitlyn Cook Coaching:At KCC, the team empowers businesses on their journey to become industry leaders through a proven 6-step formula for success. Comprised of seasoned...

Copy That Captivates: Engaging Your Audience in the Interior Design WorldIn a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Masha Koyen, a seasoned copywriter and messaging strategist, and the founder of Content Vertical. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for business owners, particularly those in the interior design industry, looking to refine their marketing strategies and enhance their messaging to attract ideal clients. Let's dive into the key takeaways and actionable advice shared by Masha Koyen.Masha Koyen specializes in helping interior designers connect with their ideal clients through tailored messaging strategies and impactful website copy. Her approach is deeply rooted in understanding the emotional and psychological needs of the target audience. She introduces her signature framework, "Reveal," which involves in-depth research and client interviews to uncover pain points, desires, and motivations. This foundational work enables Masha to create copy that not only informs but also emotionally engages potential clients.Masha acknowledges the growing presence of AI tools in the copywriting industry. While AI can streamline certain tasks, she emphasizes that it cannot replace the essential human element of emotional connection. Understanding an audience's needs and motivations requires a level of empathy and insight that AI cannot replicate. Masha highlights the importance of strategic marketing and resonant messaging, advising business owners to shift the focus from "we" to "you" in their messaging and to leverage storytelling to build trust and rapport. By implementing Masha's insights and practical tips, business owners can enhance their marketing efforts, attract their ideal clients, and ultimately achieve greater success in their ventures.About Masha Koyen:Masha Koyen is a copywriter, creative storyteller, published author, and the host of the Marketing for Designers Podcast.With nearly two decades of marketing experience at prestigious organizations like KPMG, Deloitte, Pearson, and OpenText, Masha has developed a deep expertise in the industry. After working with global and national brands, Masha chose to specialize in a field that truly sparks passion — copywriting for interior designers.Everyone has a zone of genius, and for Masha's clients, it's their design expertise. For Masha, it's the ability to uncover and articulate what others may not yet see in themselves, finding the perfect words to express it.Driven by a love of research and creative storytelling, Masha uses a signature REVEAL framework to identify the key differentiators that will emotionally resonate with clients’ ideal audiences.About Content Vertical:Content Vertical helps startups and established businesses market themselves effectively. Based in Toronto, Content Vertical serves clients worldwide but has a special focus on supporting business owners within the local Toronto area and surrounding regions.Specializing in content creation, Content Vertical develops and publishes a range of materials, from beautifully written websites and engaging blogs to captivating social media posts and attention-grabbing emails. The goal is clear: to help businesses attract new leads, nurture existing ones, and foster growth. Content Vertical positions itself as an on-demand marketer, copywriter, and brand ambassador, delivering tailored solutions that resonate with each client’s audience.In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, many business owners feel overwhelmed by the constant buzz around terms like SEO, content marketing, and copywriting. Not everyone is a marketer, and that’s okay. What business owners do need is an industry insider who can demystify these concepts and craft compelling,...

The Art of Restaurant Consulting: Transforming Struggles into Success StoriesIn the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting John Felico, a seasoned restaurant consultant and author of the book "Drafting a Dream: The Only Restaurant Guide You'll Ever Need to Stop Screwing Up and Start Winning." John shared his extensive experience in the restaurant industry, discussing the challenges and triumphs he has faced as an entrepreneur. This blog post will delve into the key themes and actionable advice from the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for aspiring restaurateurs.John Felico is not just a consultant; he is a veteran of the restaurant industry with over 40 years of experience. He has seen the highs and lows of the business and has distilled his knowledge into 16 essential rules for success. His latest venture, Augie's Draft Room in downtown St. Augustine, serves as a case study for many of the principles he discusses. When John first opened Augie's Draft Room, it was designed as a sports bar. However, the initial six months were challenging, with the bar grossing only $200,000. John quickly realized that the clientele and market dynamics were not what he had anticipated. This led to significant changes in the business model, ultimately resulting in a revenue of $2 million per year within two years.John's book serves as a guide for restaurant owners facing common challenges. He emphasizes that the key to a successful restaurant is not just the food but the overall experience. Creating memorable experiences for customers is paramount. John highlights the importance of understanding the market and the target audience, using St. Augustine as a case study. He explains how he initially misjudged the drinking habits of tourists, leading to a pivot in his business model. A significant theme in the episode is the need for introspection among entrepreneurs. John explains that many restaurant owners fail to recognize their limitations and the challenges of the industry. His experiences highlight the importance of adaptability, market understanding, and creating memorable customer experiences. Through his book and consulting work, John aims to empower aspiring restaurateurs to navigate the challenges of the industry and achieve success.About John Felico:John Felico, author of DRAFTING A DREAM, is a serial entrepreneur, acclaimed advisor, and restaurant owner with over forty years of experience in the culinary industry. He launched his first business at age seventeen. Ten years later, he opened a Dominic’s of New York food truck outside a Lowes store in Virginia. Over the next two decades, he grew the business to 175 locations and developed licensing deals with supermarkets and sports venues around the country. After creating additional concepts, including The Olde Glory Coffee Company and Staks Subs, Felico opened Auggie’s Draft Room, a self-serve tap house in St. Augustine, Florida. Today Felico works as an advisor to restauranteurs and start-ups throughout the United States.About his book "Drafting a Dream":In Drafting a Dream, he gives you the blueprint to not only survive but thrive. He turned a struggling restaurant from just $200,000 in sales into a $2 million-a-year success in under two years, and now he’s sharing the real-world strategies that made it happen.The restaurant business is brutal. Half of all new ventures fail. The biggest challenge? Not being ready for the problems that will definitely come your way. But here’s the thing: it's not just about handling challenges. It’s about seeing them before they turn into full-blown crises. The key to success lies in knowing how to make small but impactful adjustments that can transform your business from struggling to thriving.In Drafting a Dream, Felico gives you the tools to identify these challenges early...

The Three Pillars of Prosperity: How Well-Being, Spirituality, and Relationships Shape Our FinancesIn a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages with Ruchi Pinniger, the founder and CEO of "Watch Her Prosper." The conversation explores the concept of prosperity, expanding it beyond financial wealth to include well-being, spirituality, and healthy relationships with money. Ruchi shares her journey from Wall Street to empowering others, particularly women, to feel more confident in their financial decisions. This blog post highlights the key insights and actionable advice from the episode, offering a comprehensive guide for listeners.Ruchi Pinniger redefines prosperity through three essential pillars: well-being, spirituality, and relationships. She encourages individuals to prioritize self-care and joyful activities, emphasizing that true prosperity involves a holistic approach. Ruchi also highlights the importance of a spiritual mindset, focusing on abundance and gratitude rather than scarcity. Additionally, she stresses the need for healthy relationships with both people and money, urging individuals to reflect on their beliefs about money and engage in open financial communication.Ruchi underscores the importance of financial literacy, especially for women, who often feel less confident discussing money. She advocates for educational resources, mentorship, and community support to empower women in their financial journeys. Ruchi also addresses the impact of education trends on women and money, noting the increasing number of women pursuing higher education. By fostering a positive money mindset and providing tools for financial empowerment, Ruchi Pinniger is making a significant impact in the world of financial literacy. Listeners are encouraged to visit "Watch Her Prosper" for more resources and support in their financial journeys.About Ruchi Pinniger:Ruchi Pinniger is the founder of Watch Her Prosper®, an organization committed to providing the financial mentorship, support, and services that women-led, service-based business owners need to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. What sets Watch Her Prosper apart from other financial service firms is its unwavering dedication to small business owners and the strong, long-lasting relationships built with clients.With over 25 years of experience in financial management, including a successful career as a Wall Street executive, [Name] brings invaluable expertise in helping business owners navigate economic fluctuations. Often referred to as a "financial therapist" by her clients, her mentorship goes beyond traditional financial advice, addressing both personal and business challenges. [Name] is passionate about empowering women business owners to create prosperity on all levels, ensuring that their inner passion and purpose are reflected in their financial success.About Watch Her Prosper®:Watch Her Prosper® is an organization dedicated to providing the financial mentorship, support, and services that creative, women-led business owners need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape. What sets Watch Her Prosper apart from other financial support firms is its unwavering commitment to small business owners and the strong, lasting relationships it builds with clients.Founded by Ruchi Pinniger, a former Wall Street executive, Watch Her Prosper draws on over 25 years of financial management experience. Ruchi has a proven track record of helping business owners navigate economic ups and downs. Often referred to as a "financial therapist" by her clients, her mentorship is deeply rooted in addressing both personal and business needs. Ruchi takes pride in offering a personal touch, ensuring that women entrepreneurs create prosperity on all levels, so their passion and purpose are...

Unlocking the Power of AI Analytics for Small and Medium BusinessesIn a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh Elledge engaged in a compelling conversation with Krunal Patel, the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Bordo AI. The discussion centered around the transformative potential of AI analytics in helping small and medium businesses (SMBs) and financial institutions better understand their customers and make data-driven decisions. This blog post delves into the key themes and insights from the episode, offering actionable advice and expert recommendations for leveraging AI in business.Krunal Patel introduces Bordo AI, an AI analytics platform designed to assist SMBs and financial institutions in gaining deeper insights into their customers. The platform leverages transaction and sales data to help businesses understand their customer base better, convert one-time customers into loyal ones, and identify opportunities for cross-selling and upselling. Krunal explains the necessity of AI analytics in today's business landscape, noting that while the need for advanced analytics has existed for some time, the underlying technology was not available until recently. With the rise of generative AI, the maturation of machine learning models, and the decreasing cost of computing power, now is the ideal time to build solutions that promote financial equity.The conversation shifts to the topic of critical thinking and decision-making. Josh highlights the tendency for individuals to make decisions based on emotions, which can sometimes lead to flawed judgments. Krunal agrees, stating that the goal of Bordo AI is to augment human decision-making, not replace it. AI can enhance decision-making by providing additional data points and insights. The episode concludes with Josh thanking Krunal for the insightful conversation and encouraging listeners to explore the potential of AI in their own businesses. By combining human intuition with advanced AI analytics, businesses can achieve optimal outcomes and stay competitive in today's dynamic market.About Krunal Patel:Krunal Patel is a seasoned product and engineering leader with over 20 years of experience across multiple industries, including Finance, Life Sciences, Healthcare, and Public Safety. He specializes in driving innovation through SaaS and AI products, with a proven track record in developing cutting-edge solutions. As a two-time founder, Krunal successfully raised $10M in seed funding for an AI enterprise platform and scaled a SaaS analytics platform from 5 to 1,800+ trials, achieving a 50% YoY revenue growth. He has led global product and engineering teams of up to 75 people across four countries and holds a patent for "Abstractly Implemented Data Analysis Systems and Methods."Krunal’s expertise spans the full product lifecycle, from ideation to market launch, and he is skilled at leveraging AI, ML, and cloud computing to create data-driven solutions. He is passionate about building and mentoring high-performance, diverse teams and aligning product development with strategic business objectives. With a user-centric, agile approach, Krunal is committed to delivering genuine customer value and fostering continuous innovation to drive long-term success.About Bordo:Bordo is an AI software-as-a-service (SaaS) that helps organizations connect, contextualize, and derive deep-rooted insights from their high-dimensional data.Equip your teams with our Explainable & Context-Aware Recognition AI, experienced through an intuitive, conversational interface.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this...

The Art of Consistency: Aligning Beliefs and Actions for Unstoppable Success  In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," the host engages in a dynamic conversation with David C. Olcott, the founder and CEO of Samurai Success. This episode delves into themes of personal and professional development, emphasizing the alignment of beliefs and behaviors to achieve success. Below, we break down the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for listeners seeking to enhance their personal and professional lives.David C. Olcott shares his background, growing up in the Florida Keys, and how his unique upbringing influenced his perspective on success. He discusses his educational journey and the principles that led him to found Samurai Success, a coaching business focused on personal development and aligning beliefs with behaviors. A central theme of the conversation is the congruency between beliefs, behaviors, and results. David emphasizes that successful individuals create their own identities rather than waiting for others to define them. He introduces the concept of the "attractor factor," where coherence between beliefs and behaviors attracts positive events and opportunities.David elaborates on the unique coaching system offered by Samurai Success, which has been in operation for 27 years. Unlike traditional coaching models, clients work with a team of three coaches, each focusing on different aspects of personal and business development. David discusses the common experience of entrepreneurs losing their passion for their businesses and emphasizes the importance of rekindling that passion. As the new year approaches, he encourages listeners to revisit their core values, mission, and purpose. This episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur" offers valuable insights into personal and professional development through the lens of David C. Olcott’s experiences and the philosophy of Samurai Success.About David C. Olcott:David C. Olcott is the founder, president, and CEO of Samurai Success, Inc., an international coaching firm based in Denver, CO. With 35 years of experience, David has developed the Samurai Success coaching system, a proven roadmap that helps individuals and organizations achieve greater purpose, sustainability, and profitability. Drawing from both Newtonian and metaphysical principles, David guides his clients in remembering their true essence, empowering them to navigate challenges and create a legacy of success. His expertise as a coach, motivational speaker, and trainer has impacted people worldwide, from entrepreneurs to corporate leaders, as well as those seeking personal growth.Before founding Samurai Success, David was a top national trainer for Anthony Robbins and served as the business manager for the world’s top-selling real estate agent. He also had a distinguished career in public service, working as chief of staff for a Florida state senator and as campaign manager for one of the youngest women elected to the Florida House of Representatives. Certified in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and holding a degree in finance, David is also a second-degree black belt in Aikido and an accomplished motorcycle racer. He is the author of the Amazon best-selling book Swords of Illumination and has been a guest on numerous radio shows and podcasts. David lives in Colorado and Oregon with his wife, Dr. Lorena Lavarne, and their son, Josh.About Samurai Success:Samurai Success, headquartered in Lakewood, Colorado, is dedicated to one core mission: your success. The name "Samurai" is loosely translated as "in service of others," reflecting the company's philosophy of empowering clients to achieve their fullest potential. Over the past 25 years, Samurai Success has worked with more than 400 companies and organizations across the...

Achieving Business Growth Without Sacrificing Personal LifeIn the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Celi Arias, the founder of Grown Ass Business. Celi shared her profound insights on achieving business growth without compromising personal life. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies and advice for entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey. Below, we break down the key themes and actionable tips discussed in the episode, providing a comprehensive guide for our readers.Celi emphasizes that business growth is not merely about increasing revenue. It requires a holistic approach that examines all key departments within a business. Entrepreneurs often focus on their strengths, which can lead to blind spots in other critical areas. Regularly assessing the performance and needs of each department, identifying blind spots using tools like SWOT analysis, and ensuring balanced growth strategies are crucial steps. For early-stage businesses, refining sales processes and achieving product-market fit are essential, while growth-stage businesses should focus on optimizing systems and enhancing team dynamics.The struggle to balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities is a common challenge for entrepreneurs. Celi shares her own experience of navigating this balance, particularly as a new parent. Setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and delegating effectively are key strategies for achieving a better work-life balance. Celi also emphasizes the importance of evolving as a leader by challenging personal boundaries, investing in continuous learning, and trusting your team. By addressing both systems and people, engaging in self-reflection, and being open to evolving as leaders, entrepreneurs can create a thriving business that aligns with their personal values and goals.About Celi Arias:Celi is an expert scale strategist and the Founder of The GAB™ (Get Ahead in Business). Through her proprietary methodology and software covering the 5 Key Growth Systems, she empowers entrepreneurs to break free from revenue plateaus and build scalable businesses. Recognized as a top coach by The Upside in 2024, her approach emphasizes clarity and control, optimizing the essentials to ensure solid foundations for scaling up to seven figures and beyond.With an impressive educational background, including two bachelor's degrees, an MBA, a Master of Divinity, and two additional certificates, Celi brings a wealth of knowledge to her coaching practice. Her diverse experiences, from professional tango dancing to being a global fashion industry founder, coupled with her immigrant background from Argentina, have shaped her into a dynamic and passionate coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their business goals and full potential.About Grown Ass Business™:Grown Ass Business is a full-service business strategy coaching firm dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and organizations with the tools, knowledge, and guidance needed to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Grown Ass Business website athttps://grownassbusiness.com/Check out Grown Ass Business on LinkedIn athttps://www.linkedin.com/company/grown-ass-business/Check out Celi Arias on LinkedIn at

The Power of Storytelling in MarketingIn the dynamic world of digital marketing, storytelling remains a timeless and powerful tool. In a recent podcast episode, Jose Escalera, CEO of The Idea Farm, shared valuable insights on the role of storytelling in marketing. The discussion highlighted how storytelling can significantly impact a business's success by creating meaningful connections with audiences. Jose emphasized that storytelling has always been a primary means of sharing experiences and knowledge, and in modern marketing, it is crucial for engaging and captivating audiences through various media.Jose introduced The Idea Farm as a digital marketing agency that offers both consulting and execution services, allowing businesses to effectively communicate their brand narratives. The agency focuses on crafting compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences, fostering deeper connections and loyalty. Jose likened this to the devotion sports fans have for their teams, illustrating the emotional bond a well-told story can create with a brand. He also discussed the importance of testing and refining narratives to ensure they resonate with audiences, using feedback to continuously improve engagement.The conversation also touched on the value of professional marketing support. Jose highlighted the cost-effectiveness of hiring a team like The Idea Farm, which provides expertise and focus that entrepreneurs juggling multiple roles might overlook. The agency begins by understanding a client's business goals and identifying key conversion points to align marketing efforts with overall objectives. Jose advised businesses to reassess their marketing strategies, focusing on thoughtful messaging and purposeful expenditures to maximize return on investment. The episode concluded with a call to action, inviting listeners to explore The Idea Farm's services and consider how storytelling can enhance their marketing strategies.About Jose Escalera:Jose leads The Idea Farm bringing with him over a decade of experience scaling successful businesses. A serial entrepreneur, he brings his considerable experience in operational excellence to the table, encouraging every client to push the limits and achieve their goals. His expertise spans financial management, goal setting, systems and operations, and the rapid adaptation necessary to succeed in a competitive business climate. He is your business's best kept secret.About The Idea Farm:The Idea Farm, Inc. is an international marketing, advertising, and public relations organization based in Danville, Kentucky. With a truly global presence, the company has served clients across four continents and maintained offices in Den Haag, The Netherlands; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Santiago, Chile.With 39 years of experience, The Idea Farm has built a reputation for developing award-winning marketing communications materials that help clients achieve their strategic marketing objectives. The firm has worked with some of the nation's most respected corporations and organizations, delivering results through innovative and impactful solutions.While The Idea Farm offers a wide range of services—including advertising, public relations, graphic design, web design, copywriting, media production, and more—its primary focus is on strategic problem solving. The company helps clients accomplish their long-term goals by developing and executing carefully crafted strategic plans, supported by a variety of tactical approaches tailored to each client’s unique needs.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check...

Unlocking the Power of GeofencingIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, the host engages in an insightful discussion with Barbara Wardell and Ernesto Cullari, co-founders of Cullari & Wardell, a marketing agency known for its innovative advertising strategies. The episode highlights how their unique approach, particularly through geofencing and smart TV ads, can significantly benefit small businesses by boosting both foot traffic and online engagement. This blog post will distill the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, offering a comprehensive guide for businesses eager to leverage these cutting-edge marketing techniques.Cullari & Wardell is a marketing agency that utilizes advanced geofencing technology to craft highly targeted advertising campaigns. Geofencing involves using satellite technology to set up virtual boundaries around specific locations, such as competitors' businesses. This allows them to capture data from mobile devices within those areas and deliver tailored advertisements directly to potential customers' smart devices, including smartphones and smart TVs. Ernesto Cullari explains that when a consumer enters a designated area, their mobile device can be detected, provided that location services are enabled. This data is then used to infer consumer behavior and spending patterns, enabling highly targeted marketing efforts.Barbara Wardell shares compelling success stories, such as a laundromat owner who saw a surge in foot traffic after implementing their strategies and a mezcal brand that successfully attracted over 100 attendees to a tasting event by geofencing high-end restaurants in New York. The conversation continues with examples from other industries, like an erectile dysfunction clinic and an HVAC company, which saw substantial returns on their marketing investments. Barbara emphasizes the importance of initial consultations and foot traffic studies to tailor marketing strategies effectively. As the episode concludes, listeners are encouraged to explore educational resources and consider a free consultation to discover how Cullari & Wardell can transform their marketing efforts.About Barbara Wardell:Barbara Wardell is a seasoned marketing and advertising professional who transitioned from a successful career in the specialty medicine industry to become a disruptor, supporting small businesses. Guiding her geofencing ad agency, Cullari & Wardell, Barbara embraces a growth hacker mindset that strategically focuses on identifying and amplifying her clients’ strengths while pinpointing weaknesses in the competition, utilizing GPS location data. This approach results in a significant and measurable impact on foot traffic and online engagement, making her efforts truly game-changing and successful. Beyond her business endeavors, Barbara is a proud mother of two exceptional young men. She harmoniously balances her dedication as a businesswoman with a passion for a healthy lifestyle, philanthropy, and spending quality time with family and friends.About Ernesto Cullari:Ernesto Cullari is a trailblazing Ad Man in the data-intense field of geofencing advertising, where he and Barbara have turned complete industries upside down. Each month, they drive over 5,000 satellite-verified in-store visits to small businesses all across the US, Canada, and Australia. Ernesto is a multi-talented creative who has achieved success in various fields. He is an ASCAP songwriter, as well as a producer and vocal coach. Ernesto has co-written and co-produced a number one hit that remained in the Top Ten for over 16 weeks on Disney’s XM Radio. He was also a candidate for the U.S. Congress and an editorial writer for Fox News and other publications for over a decade. Ernesto worked as a surgical medical device...

A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Leadership: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion for Success  In a recent podcast episode, host Josh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with John T. Meyer, the founder of Leadmore. The discussion delves into leadership, organizational culture, and personal development, offering valuable insights for current and aspiring leaders. This blog post breaks down the key themes and actionable advice shared during the episode, providing a detailed guide to enhancing leadership skills and fostering a positive organizational culture.Josh opens the episode by inviting listeners to explore opportunities for connecting with partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He shares his experience of having private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to uncover where their best business comes from. Josh promotes a free video resource available on his website, which outlines steps to achieve 100% inbound marketing in one’s industry without relying on spam, ads, or sales tactics. He emphasizes that his methods have been successful for over 15 years, generating eight figures in revenue for his companies. Josh then introduces John T. Meyer, expressing excitement about the conversation ahead.John T. Meyer explains that Leadmore is dedicated to helping leaders become the best versions of themselves. He believes that everyone has the potential to lead, regardless of their title or background. John emphasizes the importance of stepping up to lead when the opportunity arises. His approach involves coaching entrepreneurs and delivering workshops to foster leadership skills. As the conversation progresses, Josh asks John about the trends he has observed in leadership over the past six months and what he anticipates for the future. John identifies a consistent challenge: leaders are focused on hiring, retaining, and engaging great talent. He notes that the traditional view of company culture—characterized by perks like beer in the fridge or ping pong tables—is outdated. Instead, he advocates for building values-driven cultures where leaders clearly communicate their beliefs and stand for something meaningful.About John Meyer:John T. Meyer is on a mission to inspire others to be the best version of themselves. John has spent 15 years learning leadership on the job by trying, making mistakes, and pushing himself and his teams to be Better Every Day. Today, John is the Executive Director of Leadership South Dakota, and coaches founders through his company Leadmore. In 2011, John co-founded Lemonly, a design firm that helps the world's best brands like Netflix, Marriott, Major League Baseball, and Google tell their story. As Lemonly's CEO, John built a strong company culture, gaining regional and national attention and becoming one of the best places to work in the Midwest. John is married to his wife, Paige Pearson Meyer, and loves being a girl dad to Margot and Liv. John enjoys running, traveling and finding the next big idea.About Leadmore:Leadmore is a coaching and development firm founded by CEO John T. Meyer, dedicated to helping founders and executives scale both their businesses and personal growth. Through personalized 1-on-1 coaching and dynamic cohort calls, Leadmore supports leaders in identifying their goals and challenges them to step beyond their comfort zones. The company’s approach empowers leaders to unlock their full potential, driving both professional success and personal transformation.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Leadmore website ata...

Navigating Your Business Finances: Goal Setting and Strategic Planning for Sustainable ProfitabilityIn the latest episode of our podcast, hosted by Josh Elledge, we delve into the crucial topic of financial management for businesses, featuring insights from **Debbie Deknight, CEO of Right Way Profits and Bookkeeping. This episode is essential for business owners, particularly in the trades and service industries, who often struggle with financial literacy and effective bookkeeping. We summarize the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode to help you achieve financial clarity and profitability in your business.Debbie Deknight, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of accounting experience and a mastery-level certification as a Profit First coach, shares her commitment to guiding businesses toward financial clarity and permanent profitability. She explains the Profit First methodology, which integrates profit into the core of business operations, ensuring that profitability is not just a goal but a fundamental part of the business model. Debbie addresses common misconceptions, such as the belief that more sales will solve financial problems, and emphasizes the importance of building profitability into pricing strategies from the outset.Debbie also highlights the challenges business owners face, particularly in financial literacy and strategic planning. She stresses the importance of setting specific goals, creating actionable plans, and delegating tasks to achieve business objectives. To support listeners, Debbie offers a free 15-minute "Ask Me Anything" session on her website, providing guidance on strategy, accounting, and profitability. The episode concludes with an invitation to subscribe for more inspiring content and to continue the journey as thoughtful entrepreneurs.About Debbie Deknight:Debbie, founder of Right Way Profits and Bookkeeping, brings over 30 years of accounting experience and expertise as a Profit First Master certified coach and Strategic Business Advisor. Debbie is passionate about educating, implementing, supporting, profit-driven strategies that lead to sustainable success. Debbie's personal experience with financial struggles has given her a deep understanding of the challenges business owners face and she is passionate about helping them overcome these challenges. Debbie's expertise and dedication to delivering systems that put profit at the forefront, gives entrepreneurs the structure they need to gain financial clarity, improve cash flow, and pay themselves first. Her proven methods and personalized strategies have turned struggling businesses into profitable ones.About Right Way Profits and Bookkeeping:Right Way Profits and Bookkeeping combines QuickBooks Online bookkeeping with Profit First coaching to help clients achieve powerful accountability and accelerate their profits. As certified Profit First Professionals, they align accounting practices with business goals, ensuring that bookkeeping becomes a key driver of profitability.The company offers expert guidance to business owners in areas such as cloud bookkeeping, profitability improvement, process optimization, cash planning, and budgeting. They specialize in supporting esports athletes and streamers, providing tailored solutions to meet their unique financial needs.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Right Way Profits and Bookkeeping website athttps://www.rightwayprofits.com/Check out Right Way Profits...

The Evolution and Impact of Outdoor AdvertisingIn the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Kevin Bartanian, the founder and CEO of KEVANI, a premium outdoor advertising company. The conversation delved into the dynamic world of outdoor advertising, exploring its evolution, the types of businesses that benefit from it, and the innovative approaches that KEVANI brings to the table. This blog post will break down the key insights from the episode, providing actionable advice and detailed explanations for businesses looking to leverage outdoor advertising effectively.Outdoor advertising, also known as out-of-home (OOH) advertising, encompasses any advertising that reaches consumers while they are outside their homes. This includes billboards, street furniture, and transit advertising. Kevin Bartanian highlighted that outdoor advertising is one of the oldest forms of advertising, dating back to the first billboard in 1833. Despite its age, it remains the second fastest-growing advertising medium, trailing only digital advertising. Outdoor advertising is designed for mass audiences, making it suitable for a wide range of businesses, from local businesses in smaller markets to national advertisers in larger cities like Los Angeles and New York.KEVANI differentiates itself from traditional billboard companies by focusing on community engagement and innovative design. Kevin explained that many traditional outdoor advertising companies have lost touch with local communities due to consolidation. KEVANI, established in 2017, aims to fill this gap by engaging with local communities and curating visually appealing installations. Kevin shared several innovative examples of outdoor advertising, such as urbanization and digital technology, which allow brands to reach more people and create dynamic content changes. For businesses interested in exploring outdoor advertising, Kevin encourages visiting KEVANI's website to explore resources and learn more about the industry.About Kevin Bartanian:Kevin Bartanian is an Out of Home Advertising Expert and the Founder of KEVANI. Kevin is a fantastic speaker who is regularly featured by Forbes, The Drum, Digiday and more. After moving to America as a young immigrant Kevin has been able to build his media startup into one of the fattest growing companies in America according to The Inc. 5000 list (2023). He specializes in working on billboard advertising campaigns that bring art and value to the community they sit in. Their unique approach has attracted the attention of brands like Hermes, Gap, Louis Vuitton, Youtube, Dove, and more and they recently won an award for their work on Adidas’ women-centric I’m Possible campaign. They are currently partnered with several non-prots in the city of LA to help them reach underserved communities through free billboard spots. Some of Kevin's award winning work uses local artists to create hand-painted murals, which infuse art into advertising and create billboards that delight rather than detract from the communities they inhabit. Kevin currently serves as Vice Chairman of Glendale Arts, is a proud investor in local startups, and community art event organizer in Los Angeles. He also sits on the Innovations Committee at the Outdoor Advertising Association of America and brings nearly 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, P&L management, and executive leadership in the media and technology industries. Prior to founding KEVANI, Kevin played a critical role as Executive Vice President of Sales at StandardVision, driving the company to become one of the leading media development companies in North America. Kevin also applied his sales prowess at JCDecaux—the world’s largest outdoor advertising company.About KEVANI:KEVANI is an out-of-home (OOH) media company that specializes in promoting national and local brands through

Revolutionizing Customer Engagement with Personalized Video ContentIn a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a transformative discussion with Peter Lisoskie, the CEO of iProelio and founder of Relatable. The conversation centers around the innovative Relatable platform, which enables businesses to create personalized video content to enhance customer engagement and build meaningful relationships. This blog post will distill the key insights and actionable advice shared during the episode, offering a comprehensive guide for businesses looking to leverage personalized video content in their marketing strategies.Josh begins the episode by inviting listeners to explore new opportunities for connecting with partners, investors, influencers, and clients. Drawing from his extensive experience of speaking with over 2,000 leaders about their best business practices, Josh offers a free video resource that outlines steps to achieve 100% inbound marketing without relying on spam, ads, or traditional sales tactics. As the conversation shifts to Peter Lisoskie, Josh expresses his enthusiasm for the Relatable platform, highlighting its focus on personalization and effective communication. He notes that the platform allows users to convey the right message to the right audience through video, which he finds particularly exciting.Peter explains the foundational concept behind Relatable, identifying significant socio-economic megatrends that have influenced consumer behavior, particularly the rise of "native digitals," who now represent 51% of the global population. He emphasizes that traditional sales methods, such as lead generation and cold calling, are becoming less effective as consumers increasingly prefer to engage on their own terms. Peter encourages listeners to reflect on their own purchasing behaviors, noting that most consumers conduct research online before making decisions. This shift has led to a demand for more personalized interactions, where consumers seek relationships with individuals rather than faceless companies or brands.About Peter Lisoskie:Part mad scientist, part futurist, and an unstoppable capitalist. With over 30 years in the high-tech and product development arena, he's held division leadership roles at powerhouse companies like Hewlett Packard, Verifone, and Nike, all while amassing an impressive collection of 18 patents. Peter doesn't just foresee the future; he brings innovations to life before you even realize you need them – a true visionary.Peter's pioneering spirit sets him apart. He's been a featured expert in Inc. and made appearances on major networks such as CNN, Fox Business, and MSNBC. His expertise includes interactive videos, artificial intelligence, and the fascinating world of neuroscience as applied to sales, marketing, and customer engagement.Currently, in his labs, Peter's cooked up a new category of software called interactive video relationships. This is in response to the shift away from the Attention Economy and lead generation to the shift toward the Relationship Economy and demand generation. In fact Gartner reported 72% of all B2B and B2C buyers never want to have an interaction with a sales person. Relatable creates a choose your own adventure interactive experience plus reconnecting if the viewer pauses or re-engaging with additional Relatable's based on viewers answers and actions.  That makes it personal and relevant. Today's digital world needs to go beyond likes and comments. People want to build relationships with brands. Most importantly people want to do business with people they like, know, and trust. That's relatable delivers on your phone in the palm of your hand.About iProelio:iProelio is a software company that develops interactive solutions that help people connect in a more real and relatable way. The...

The Future of Sales: Harnessing AI for Autonomous Prospecting   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages with Nick Smith, CEO and founder of Sailes®, a leader in autonomous prospecting through AI-driven sales bots. The discussion explores how Sailes® is transforming the sales landscape by reshaping prospecting practices with AI technology. Key insights from the episode offer actionable advice on leveraging AI in sales strategies, emphasizing the potential of AI to enhance the sales process while maintaining a personalized touch. Nick Smith introduces Sailes® as a pioneering company offering autonomous prospecting solutions for enterprises. Their sales bots manage the entire prospecting process, from identifying potential companies and enriching data to locating decision-makers and generating personalized content. These bots maintain a unique personality that reflects the human they represent, ensuring a personalized interaction. Josh raises concerns about automated outreach saturation, but Nick highlights the importance of a targeted approach, focusing on genuine connections and reducing outreach volume while increasing effectiveness. As the conversation progresses, Josh and Nick discuss best practices for using Sailes® technology. Nick emphasizes the importance of understanding the market and analyzing customer interactions to optimize outreach efforts. The AI-driven sales bots automate successful strategies, allowing sales professionals to focus on high-value activities. Nick shares insights into the real-world impact of Sailes® technology, noting significant returns on investment and the intelligence gained from sales bots. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to explore Sailes® further, highlighting the potential of AI to drive business growth and enhance sales outcomes. About Nick Smith:   Nick Smith is the President, CEO, and Founder of Sailes – the company that created the first AI software to automate all prospecting. Nick founded Sailes in 2018 after an extensive career in sales leadership at CBS Corporation, iHeart Radio, and other enterprise sales organizations. Recognizing the power of AI to multiply human potential, and with the knowledge that most sales teams were taking a proportional, “sales enablement” approach to prospecting, Nick invented the Sailebot® to prospect on behalf of Sales Executives while accounting for their unique personalities. Nick’s accolades include an Eagle Scout award, a two-time CBS New York “One to Watch” award, and being named “40 Future Leaders of New York Politics” by City and State Magazine. Prior to founding Sailes, he co-hosted “Common Ground,” an audio program on WOR New York and iHeart Radio, dedicated to building bridges between business and labor organizations. Sailes, a venture-backed “Startup to Watch”, currently serves Fortune 1000 to 50 enterprises and is based in New York, NY and Kansas City, MO.   About Sailes®:   Sailes® is Sales, with AI: AI for Sales on Autopilot Unlock Human Potential with the Market-Leading AI-Native Sales Prospecting Solutions In a world where sales teams are constantly challenged to do more with less, Sailes® emerges as the game-changer that redefines how businesses approach sales prospecting. Built by salespeople, for salespeople, Sailes® harnesses the power of AI to elevate prospecting, delivering a seamless blend of efficiency, personalization, and innovation. AI-Native Sailebot®: The Future of Sales Prospecting At the heart of Sailes is Sailebot®, an AI-native technology designed to take prospecting off your plate, allowing your team to focus on what truly matters—building relationships and closing deals. Sailebot® autonomously manages everything from company research and data enrichment to outbound communications and objection handling, continuously learning and adapting to match the unique...

2076 - Nick Smith

The Power of Personalization: Enhancing Buyer Engagement Through Conversational Design   In the latest episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Mary Kathryn Johnson, also known as MKJ, a founder, podcast host, and CEO. MKJ brings her expertise in helping entrepreneurs accelerate the buyer's journey through conversational and category design. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for entrepreneurs navigating the crowded digital marketplace. Let's dive into the key takeaways and actionable advice shared during the episode.   Mary Kathryn emphasizes that in today's saturated business environment, simply being louder or more visible is not enough. Entrepreneurs must find ways to stand out by being specific and personalized in their messaging. She highlights the importance of identifying your unique selling proposition, tailoring communication to address the specific needs of ideal customers, and ensuring consistent branding across all platforms. Additionally, MKJ stresses the importance of focusing on the buyer's journey rather than just the sales journey, which involves understanding the potential buyer's needs, preferences, and pain points.   MKJ’s expertise lies in helping entrepreneurs design conversations that facilitate trust and engagement. She discusses the role of interactive video as a powerful tool for enhancing engagement, introducing "Relatable," a platform for creating interactive video content. Mary Kathryn underscores that relationships are built over time and require trust, advocating for consistent communication, value-driven content, and personalized follow-up messages. By focusing on the buyer's journey, leveraging technology, and being authentic, entrepreneurs can create a more effective and engaging approach to business that fosters trust and drives success. For more information, explore Mary Kathryn’s work at callmemkj.com and engage with her on social media platforms. About Mary Johnson:   Mary Kathryn Johnson, known as MKJ, is a dynamic CEO and M.I.S.C.H.I.E.F. Maker (Mindset Impact Strategic Catalyst Helping Innovative Entrepreneurs FOCUS). With over 20 years of experience in online business and marketing, MKJ helps entrepreneurs, CEOs, and leadership teams gain clarity and focus on what makes their business unique, and how to communicate that difference to both internal and external customers. MKJ specializes in guiding businesses away from the crowded Attention Economy and outdated sales strategies like lead generation and sales funnels. Instead, she focuses on the Relationship Economy, demand generation, and optimizing the buyer's funnel. Her approach shortens the sales process, increases customer retention, and creates communities that actively promote businesses through Word of Mouth. MKJ is also the host of the M.I.S.C.H.I.E.F. Maker podcast, where she shares insights on helping businesses thrive by connecting with customers in more meaningful, lasting ways.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out Mary Kathryn Johnson's website at https://www.callmemkj.com/ Check out Mary Kathryn Johnson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/callmemkj/   Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur.

Creating a Thriving Workplace: The Power of Gratitude and Wellness Practices   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Ania Halama, the founder and CEO of Xpansion Alchemy. The episode delves into the critical themes of workplace wellness, the transformative power of gratitude, and practical tools to boost employee satisfaction and productivity. This blog post will break down the key insights from the episode, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to help you foster a healthier and more productive work environment. Ania Halama introduces her company, Xpansion Alchemy, as a comprehensive wellness platform that operates in both business-to-business (B2B) and personal development spaces. The platform focuses on various aspects of well-being, including health, relationships, financial wellness, and overall productivity. Ania's mission is to help individuals and organizations feel better, which in turn leads to improved relationships and enhanced performance in the workplace. One of the central themes of the episode is the significance of gratitude in fostering a positive work environment. Ania shares a simple yet powerful practice: encouraging team members to express gratitude not only for what they appreciate but also for why they appreciate it. This practice can shift individuals' internal states, promoting a sense of well-being and connection among team members. Beyond gratitude, Ania discusses various tools and practices that can inspire a culture of appreciation and well-being in the workplace. Gratitude meditation and breathwork are becoming increasingly popular in corporate settings. These practices can help employees manage stress and improve focus. Ania also shares insights into trends in employee well-being, emphasizing the importance of addressing feelings of unworthiness through appreciation and self-work. Xpansion Alchemy offers a range of services, including monthly live classes and a back-office portal with resources organized by key wellness pillars. By prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a culture of appreciation, organizations can enhance their overall success and create a thriving workplace community. About Ania Halama:   Ania Halama is a world-renowned spiritual mentor, plant medicine facilitator, intuitive healer, and entrepreneur whose life journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and manifestation. After breaking free from an unfulfilling corporate career, Ania embarked on a transformative global odyssey that opened her to ancient healing modalities and her true life's purpose. Today, Ania draws from a multitude of certifications - including EFT Practitioner, Breathwork Facilitator, Ho'oponopono Master, and Akashic Records Reader - to help thousands of heart-centered individuals align with their highest potential. Her keen intuitive abilities and mastery of the Law of Attraction allow her to guide clients in attracting health, love, wealth, and spiritual abundance. Recognized as a "Top Millennial Powerhouse" by Entrepreneur Magazine and "Top 10 Entrepreneur to Follow" by US Reporter, Ania's insights have been featured across major media outlets. She is a two-time bestselling author of "Rebel's Guide to Spirituality" and "Women Gone Wild the Wealth Edition", she is also the founder of Xpansion Alchemy. With an intuitive artist's eye for beauty and a passion for uplifting others on their journeys, Ania fuses her business savvy and metaphysical gifts. Her mission is to impact lives by empowering people to manifest their deepest desires through radical self-love, spiritual awakening, and entrepreneurship.   About Xpansion Alchemy:   Xpansion Alchemy is an interactive, holistic school for individuals looking to become the best versions of themselves. If you want to clear your mind, let go of limiting beliefs,...

About Michele DeFilippo:   Michele DeFilippo has more than 50 years of experience in book publishing. Her company, 1106 Design, makes it easy for authors to release a topquality book, keep control of it, and earn more money every time they sell a copy. Michele is on a mission to help authors ask the right questions, avoid scams, and make informed decisions when they search for publishing service providers.   About 1106 Design:   1106 Design provides end-to-end book design, production and publishing services for independent authors who seek all the quality of traditional publishing without forfeiting their rights and royalties in return. 1106 Design is a team of experienced publishing industry professionals dedicated to managing every step of your project, from the first draft to a beautifully finished book in all formats. Once completed, your book will be available for sale in the online and retail outlets of your choice. What sets 1106 Design apart is their commitment to your financial success. They help you set up book distribution accounts in your name, ensuring that every penny of net revenue—after retailer discounts and printing costs—is deposited directly into your bank account. This often results in significantly higher earnings per book sold compared to traditional publishing models. If this sounds like the right approach to achieving your publishing goals, contact 1106 Design today. The team will reach out to learn about your book and answer any questions you may have. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, 1106 Design works with non-fiction and fiction authors worldwide.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode:   Want to learn more? Check out 1106 Design website at https://1106design.com/ Check out 1106 Design on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/1106-design-llc/ Check out Michele DeFilippo on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-defilippo-824247   Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!     More from UpMyInfluence:   We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.