Marketer of the Day with Robert Plank: Get Daily Insights from the Top Internet Marketers & Entrepreneurs Around the World

Jason Criddle is the founder and managing partner of a multi-entity private investment and technology ecosystem, including Smarter Holdings, Dominate.AI, and Jason Criddle & Associates. Known for scaling businesses through strategic development, acquisition, and a passionate approach to helping entrepreneurs, Jason leverages deep expertise in AI, automation, publishing, and behavioral coaching to drive results for both startups and established organizations. https://youtu.be/ptw3iO-4jRQ In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jason returns after more than a decade to share how his journey from personal health battles to overseeing billion-dollar companies has shaped his no-nonsense philosophy on business growth, digital transformation, and personal fulfillment. Together with Robert Plank, they discuss why most entrepreneurs struggle to scale, the importance of consistent reinvention, actionable strategies for making your business scalable, and how to build infrastructure that lasts. Jason breaks down the value of pivoting early, highlights the role of mentors, stresses the need for clear customer experiences, and shares why celebrating wins big or small is essential along the sometimes-lonely road to legitimacy and authority. Quotes: “If your business isn’t producing customers or revenue, it’s not a business, it’s an expensive hobby.” “You have to be willing to be bad before you can be great. Growth begins the moment you push past the fear of starting.” “Showing up is a win. If you earned even one today, celebrate it especially with the people who matter most.” Resources: Connect with Jason Criddle on LinkedIn Explore SmartRCommerce – Disruptive eCommerce, giving back

Mark Donnigan is a B2B tech marketing strategist, startup growth expert, and leading advocate for intelligent adoption of AI in marketing. With a track record of helping technology companies overcome resource constraints and secure multimillion-dollar deals, Mark is known for building and accelerating nimble, effective teams. He specializes in leveraging AI for research, content creation, and productivity, empowering marketers to be T-shaped, deeply knowledgeable, and highly adaptive in a rapidly evolving landscape. https://youtu.be/AtIJXKg-juI In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Mark Donnigan joins Robert Plank to share how AI is enabling small marketing teams to punch above their weight, create high-quality content, and deeply understand their buyers. Mark elaborates on the transformative power of LLMs, the overlooked capabilities for market research, and the vital importance of combining AI with genuine market insight. Discover why embracing AI is crucial, how to update your processes for maximum growth, and what makes resilient teams thrive in tech's fast-changing environment. Quotes: “AI gives marketers a superpower; anyone can become T-shaped, expanding depth and range exactly where the moment demands.” “What once looked like under-resourced teams now looks like untapped advantage. With AI, small teams can break through big limitations.” “Don’t chase every new AI train. Spend that time learning your market, show up, listen deeply, and understand what your audience actually needs.” Resources: Connect with Mark Donnigan on LinkedIn Explore Growth Stage Marketing Visit the GrowthStage Marketing Blog Check out Mark Donnigan on YouTube

Heather Atherton is a communications strategist, PR consultant, and media outreach specialist with 25+ years of experience elevating brands and causes. Known for her work with companies like IMAX, GoFundMe, and Disney on Ice, Heather is also a passionate advocate for uncovering the truth behind the Vietnam War's Baron 52 case, a mission inspired by her father’s service. Through custom, outside-the-box marketing, storytelling, and her deep belief in the power of dreams, Heather helps businesses, filmmakers, and nonprofits package their message for maximum impact. Her expertise spans film promotion, guerrilla marketing, independent filmmaking, and supporting small business growth, always focused on connecting human stories to wider audiences. https://youtu.be/6oT3UD4sIac On this episode of Marketer of the Day, Heather joins Robert Plank to share her journey from agency work to mission-driven advocacy, the importance of visual/guerrilla marketing, and the ongoing campaign for truth around the Baron 52 story. Heather discusses building custom pitches, the challenges indie filmmakers face, and why early PR is key. Discover lessons on amplifying meaningful stories, DIY marketing foundations for creators, and the relentless power of believing in your ideals. Quotes: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and are bold enough to bring them to life.” “If you can see your story visually, you can market it anywhere. Visual thinking turns ideas into impact.” “I’m not a cookie-cutter. I create outside the box because that’s where originality, opportunity, and growth live.” Resources: Explore Atherton PR Connect with Atherton PR on LinkedIn

Joseph S. Khan is an acclaimed digital marketing expert, AI and SEO strategist, and founder of Hum Jam. Celebrated for inventing the harmonic SEO formula, Joseph draws on a unique background combining formal music training (Berklee College of Music) with decades of digital entrepreneurship, including consulting for industry leaders like Microsoft and John Maxwell. His approaches help businesses and agencies synchronize their online presence, climb search rankings, and thrive amidst rapid technological change. With 3500+ Udemy students and a track record of agency training, Joseph empowers clients to harmonize content, citations, and signals for enduring relevance. https://youtu.be/IIamQcJEZyY In this episode of Marketer of the Day, host Robert Plank talks with Joseph S. Khan about transforming chaotic digital environments into marketing harmony. He shares how musical principles inspired his harmonic blueprint in SEO and now inform his revolutionary AI methods. The discussion dives deep into why industry-specific directories and authoritative citations matter far more than old-school backlink tactics, the importance of Google’s E-E-A-T algorithm, and why email-driven engagement signals help content get indexed and trusted. Joseph debunks SEO myths, details nitty-gritty steps for dominating AI search results (like ChatGPT and Perplexity), and offers take-action advice for agencies and individuals who want sustainable growth. Quotes: “SEO is like music; when your content, citations, and signals harmonize, both AI and audiences start paying attention.” “Visibility isn’t built on volume. It’s built on the right citations and a clear, authoritative presence in your niche.” “In a post-E-E-A-T world, authority, trust, and real experience aren’t optional; they’re the price of being found.” Resources: Follow Joseph Skahn on Facebook Connect with Joseph Skahn on LinkedIn Boost Your Online Visibility with HumJAM—Preferred Choice of Top SEO Agencies

Pharice Brown is a literary activist, book publisher, and founder of Pain to Prosperity Publishing, a platform dedicated to amplifying powerful Black and Brown voices too often overlooked in mainstream publishing. Leveraging her background in corporate strategy and her passion for professional and personal storytelling, Pharice has created a company focused on legacy, impact, and authentic representation. She helps future authors overcome doubt, discover their stories, and navigate the publishing process to create works that resonate and inspire. https://youtu.be/DlEDKp97wUo In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Robert Plank sits down with Pharice Brown to discuss the journey from corporate boardrooms to literary entrepreneurship. Pharice shares how everyone has a story worth telling, why personal experiences and professional expertise both deserve an audience, and the importance of visibility and marketing in the publishing journey. They dig deep into the biggest challenges authors face, especially getting started, being open to feedback, and embracing creativity and fun through marketing. You’ll hear about overcoming imposter syndrome, strategies for finishing and launching a book, the differences between self-publishing and working with a publisher, and real-world success stories of new authors. Pharice offers practical advice, motivational support, and free 15-minute strategy calls to help aspiring writers take the first step. Quotes: “Everyone has a book inside them. The real question is how you choose to spend it and whether you’ll let it be read.” “Your core idea doesn’t need to change, but your information might. Growth comes from being open enough to refine the message so it’s truly worth reading.” “Write the book. Show up consistently. Have fun. Be creative and let the world decide its value.” Resources: Connect with Pharice Brown on LinkedIn Explore Pain2ProsperityPublishing

Melih Oztalay is the CEO of Smart Finds Marketing, an accomplished digital agency leader with over 38 years of experience in the marketing industry. Renowned for blending traditional and digital strategies, Melih has successfully guided clients through economic downturns, market disruptions, and the accelerating pace of technological change. As the architect of the "Four A's" philosophy (Anticipate, Accept, Adapt, Adopt), he empowers businesses to stay competitive and proactive in the age of AI, navigating uncertainty with logic and resilience. https://youtu.be/5LWV6QSSgI8 In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Melih Oztalay sits down with Robert Plank to discuss surviving and thriving through seismic industry changes, such as the 2009 financial crisis and the COVID pandemic. Melih shares how the art of “pivoting” underpins long-term success and how digital transformation is more than following trends; it’s about measurable, strategic action. He details the evolution from SEO to AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), why businesses must transition from pursuing rankings to being referenced by AI, and how schema/JSON scripts can elevate AI's visibility. Listeners will gain actionable strategies for embracing change, breaking through emotional resistance, and leveraging both human teams and AI to solve core business challenges. Quotes: “Marketing isn’t about promotion; it’s a discipline of problem-solving. The brands that win are the ones that solve real problems faster and better.” “When change is inevitable, emotion is optional. Anticipate it, accept it, adapt fast, and adopt smarter—that’s how you stay ahead.” “In an AI-driven world, rankings matter less than relevance. The future belongs to those who are referenced, not just found.” Resources: Connect with Melih Oztalay on LinkedIn Learn about Meliho Z Talay on BrandYourself. Visit Smart Finds Marketing

Edward H. Muñoz rose from humble beginnings as a first-generation Mexican American in a South Texas border town to build a 33-year career at Celanese, where he played a key role in transforming the company into a global leader in engineering materials. After earning a chemistry degree from the University of Texas at Austin, he joined Celanese during its pivot from fibers to high-value engineering resins and helped establish its polyacetal product as a serious competitor to industry giants like DuPont and GE. His journey included navigating corporate takeovers, leading multinational teams, confronting cultural bias, and accepting personal sacrifices, particularly the strain his ambition placed on family life. A near-fatal car accident that killed a close friend became a defining turning point, propelling him into international leadership roles and reshaping both his career trajectory and personal life. https://youtu.be/TA9GhOCzNLc In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Edward Muñoz reflects on his legacy through his memoir Challenges, Triumphs, and Heroes: Memoirs of My Celanese Odyssey, which honors the people behind corporate success while capturing the human cost of leadership. He discusses his work in Germany and Mexico, his commitment to inclusive leadership, and the lessons learned from balancing ambition, culture, and responsibility. Now living with Parkinson’s disease, he remains active through photography, travel, and leadership within the arts community, helping an organization not only survive the pandemic but grow significantly. Key takeaways include the importance of resilience, values-driven leadership, preserving personal history, and leaving something meaningful behind for future generations. Quotes: “The hardest challenge was balancing ambition with family. You gain a career, but you pay a price, and you have to decide what you are willing to give up.” “I am an American. That moment taught me how perception works and how easily people define others before they listen.” “You are not going to be around forever, so you have to leave something behind that others can learn from.” “When I think I might get fired, I remember this: I was looking for a job when I got here.” Resources: Connect with Edward H. Muñoz on LinkedIn Discover Edward H. Muñoz’s journey from first-generation roots to global leadership. Get Challenges, Triumphs, and Heroes: Memoirs of My Celanese Odyssey on Amazon.

Thuy Reed is a Vietnamese American author whose life was shaped by war, loss, displacement, and resilience. Born in a small village in Vietnam during the war, she witnessed firsthand the devastation inflicted on families and communities, including the death of her brother, who was killed by a sniper at the age of 21. She left Vietnam as a young woman, believing she would return, only to have South Vietnam fall months later, permanently altering the course of her life. After immigrating to the United States, she navigated profound cultural shifts, built a new life, raised a family, and transformed her painful experiences into a lifelong commitment to peace, civic responsibility, and honoring the true cost of freedom. https://youtu.be/8VpcviljG7E In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Thuy Reed shares how her experiences motivated her to write Dear America: From Vietnam with Love, a memoir written as both a personal reflection and a message to her adopted country. She discusses her 12-year effort to help lift the U.S. trade embargo on Vietnam, her deep concerns about political violence and civic disengagement, and her belief that democracy requires education, participation, and accountability. Through her story, she emphasizes that war leaves generational wounds, violence does not win hearts or minds, and freedom must be protected through informed action rather than fear. The key takeaways center on valuing democracy, rejecting violence, staying engaged, and remembering the human cost behind political decisions. Quotes: “I do not like war, because the bullet that killed a boy on the battlefield went straight into his mother’s heart.” “You cannot win hearts and minds with guns and bullets. You cannot.” “This is America. If you want change, you work hard, you vote, and you stay engaged. You do not tear it down.” “I love America with all my heart, because this is where everything that is me and mine is found.” Resources: Follow Thuy Reed on Facebook Grab Dear America: From Vietnam with Love on Amazon. Learn more about Thuy Reed and her story.

Jill Lublin is a longtime publicity strategist and media expert with more than 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs, authors, and professionals gain visibility without paying for advertising. Throughout her career, she has focused on demystifying publicity and removing financial and emotional barriers that keep people from sharing their message. Her work addresses common challenges, such as fear of visibility, unclear messaging, and the misconception that publicity requires expensive PR agencies. By reframing publicity as a skill that anyone can learn, she has helped clients turn personal stories, setbacks, and unique perspectives into compelling media features that drive credibility, trust, and business growth. https://youtu.be/PbZx0NHBUxM In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jill Lublin explains how she helps people become their own publicity machine by focusing on clear messaging, consistency, and practical weekly actions. She emphasizes spending as little as 30 minutes a week on real visibility-building activities such as Google Alerts, responding to media requests, and booking podcast interviews, rather than relying solely on social media. She shares examples of clients who transformed their stories into primary media coverage, book sales, and consulting revenue, reinforcing that publicity multiplies reach and monetizes expertise over time. Key takeaways include saying yes to opportunities, using all parts of your story, starting local, and viewing publicity as a long-term asset that builds authority, trust, and lasting influence. Quotes: “Publicity does not have to be expensive or complicated. When you make it accessible, it becomes a powerful tool for every entrepreneur.” “Consistency and persistence create publicity. When you stay focused and keep showing up, visibility follows.” “Spend 30 minutes a week on real visibility-building activities, and you will see momentum. Publicity rewards action, not perfection.” “Publicity is a gift that keeps on giving because it multiplies you, monetizes you, and maximizes your message.” Resources: Connect with Jill Lublin on LinkedIn Get Guerrilla Publicity: Hundreds of Sure-Fire Tactics to Get Maximum Sales for Minimum Dollars on Amazon. Explore Jill Lublin’s strategies for gaining visibility and credibility.

Larry Dodd is an executive coach and founder of Open Playbook with more than 35 years of experience helping leaders and teams reconnect to what drives real performance. His journey includes navigating career choices that were initially misaligned with his natural strengths, an experience that forced him to work harder than necessary and ultimately sparked deeper self-examination. Through setbacks, reflection, and disciplined personal growth, he developed a strengths-based methodology rooted in understanding innate talents, building confidence, and turning self-awareness into effective leadership. His career includes high-impact roles such as working with the San Francisco Giants, where a pivotal opportunity reinforced the importance of confidence, preparation, and offering value without fear of failure. https://youtu.be/UWAfK5J0rVc In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Larry Dodd explains how Open Playbook helps individuals and organizations rebuild connection in a disconnected, post-pandemic world. His work centers on three core concepts: the playbook you are given, the playbook you develop, and the playbook you give away. By using tools such as CliftonStrengths alongside deep, human-centered coaching, he helps people align roles with strengths, build engaged teams, and create cultures where leaders invest in others rather than operate in isolation. Key takeaways include the importance of connection over convenience, confidence built through repetition and guided reflection, and viewing setbacks as catalysts for growth. His current work focuses on developing strengths-based leaders who create lasting impact by sharing their experiences, mentoring others, and building teams that thrive rather than merely perform. Quotes: “Everybody has inherent talents, but if we never stop to understand what we actually have, we end up working twice as hard just to play even.” “Nothing replaces connection. You can get information faster than ever, but developing people still requires time, trust, and human presence.” “As you do the work, you build confidence. As you build confidence, you take risks. And when you repeat that cycle enough times, people start asking how you got there.” “Success is not a straight line. It is a series of setbacks and breakthroughs, and those setbacks are often where the real strength is built.” Resources: Connect with Larry Dodd on LinkedIn Discover Larry Dodd’s strengths-based approach to leadership and performance.

Joshua Adams is a serial entrepreneur, EOS Implementer, and former branding agency founder dedicated to helping visionary leaders gain clarity, traction, and freedom in their organizations. After transforming his own business using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and selling it after twenty-four years. Joshua now coaches executive teams to break through chaos, foster alignment, and build healthy, sustainable companies. He draws on rich experience in agency leadership, fractional CMO work, and his passion for empowering people to operate in their unique strengths. https://youtu.be/cZIMscp2eis In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Joshua Adams returns to join Robert Plank, sharing the personal and professional pivots that set him on his current path. Joshua exposes the pitfalls of goal procrastination, the energizing power of “artificial urgency,” and why so many businesses need, not just more software but an operating framework like EOS to truly thrive. Listeners will learn about the importance of shared language, how consistency in leadership systems prevents organizational drift, and why, ultimately, professional success is built atop lessons learned from failure. Joshua also highlights the fulfillment he discovers daily by coaching leadership teams and empowering them to do their best work. Quotes: “Success is a big pile of failure that you’re standing on. Without our failures, we are not, we cannot be successful.” “When you set that artificial sense of urgency, you spark the energy and momentum that gets things done. It’s healthier, and it pushes us forward.” “Language matters. Calling things by different names creates confusion, but common language builds clarity and alignment across the team.” Resources: Connect with Joshua Adams on LinkedIn Learn more about how Joshua helps leaders build healthy, sustainable companies on their website.

Kelly O’Neil is a futurist, award-winning entrepreneur, market maverick, and the strategic architect behind the Fusion Paradigm. As the world’s leading authority on marketing to millionaires and a master brand strategist, Kelly partners with visionary CEOs to redefine, scale, and lead category-defining businesses in the new economy. She is renowned for helping elite entrepreneurs align their business models with core purpose, genius, and evolving desires, enabling high-profit, high-freedom enterprise without the grind. Kelly’s expertise lies in crafting harmonized, strategy-first frameworks to help leaders achieve unprecedented impact and growth while living on their own terms. https://youtu.be/KfjpYMCrmyw In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kelly O’Neil returns to join Robert Plank and share her vision for entrepreneurial transformation in today’s ever-changing economic landscape. Kelly details the limitations of outdated business models and the urgent need for a new, harmonized approach that goes beyond tactics to focus on purpose, intuition, and strategic clarity. She reveals the importance of recognizing misalignment, architecting a business around personal genius and evolving desires, and why strategy must precede tools and tactics. Listeners will learn how Kelly guides clients through deeply personalized business realignment, helping high-performing leaders redesign their companies for lasting profit, freedom, and fulfillment. Packed with actionable wisdom, the conversation covers overcoming self-sabotage, the true meaning of growth, and the merging of masculine and feminine business practices for sustainable, category-defining results. Quotes: “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory, but tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” “If you did nothing else but the things that you are meant to do and thrive at, all day long every day, how would that change the trajectory of your business?” “We need a harmonized business approach where we are actually pulling from both the masculine—strategy and structure—and the feminine—intuition and flow.” Resources: Connect with Kelly O'Neil on LinkedIn Five Strategic Moves. One Intelligent Evolution.

Todd Westra is a leadership alignment expert, founder of the Growth and Scaling Podcast, and creator of the Growth Readiness Framework. Renowned for guiding CEOs, COOs, and CFOs to align strategy and execution, Todd helps mid-sized organizations unlock smarter, sustainable growth. With a deep understanding of leadership dynamics and operational challenges, Todd partners with firms at inflection points, unraveling misalignment and cultivating clarity. His process-driven approach empowers teams, clarifies decision-making, and transforms companies from stagnation to forward momentum enabling leaders and their organizations to reach ambitious new milestones. https://youtu.be/urcWMu6DkUM In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Todd Westra joins Robert Plank to uncover the crucial role of leadership alignment in business growth and scaling. Todd shares actionable insights from his journey as a founder, consultant, and podcast host, illustrating how divergent leadership visions can quietly stall progress even in successful, well-funded teams. He describes his signature alignment exercises and deep-dive assessments, revealing how honest conversations, data-driven strategies, and a willingness to detach from old patterns can create breakthrough results. Through lively discussion and memorable stories, Todd demonstrates how to move a company from launch mode through realignment, toward true operational excellence. Listeners will learn why self-awareness, role clarity, and robust feedback loops are essential for building sustainable growth, strong exits, and lasting team harmony. Quotes: "Most growth is stifled not because they have a bad idea, not because they don't have market fit, but because the leadership is not aligned on which path they're going down." "If you want to be market leaders, if you want a strong exit, you've got to align, and then it works out better for everybody." "No success can compensate for failure in the home." Resources: Connect with Todd Westra on LinkedIn Is YOUR Company Growth Ready?

Santiago Cortez is a process-driven transformation specialist, founder of labcortex, and a trusted advisor for compliance-focused, mission-driven organizations. Renowned for his ability to turn tangled, manual workflows into organized, auditable systems, Santiago partners with firms in highly-regulated industries to drive sustainable growth. He champions a process-first mindset, helping businesses clarify their goals, align teams, and eliminate inefficiency empowering both organizations and individuals to reclaim time, reduce stress, and achieve lasting improvement. https://youtu.be/Y3oVc0RVZXc In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Santiago Cortez joins Robert Plank to demystify the world of compliance, workflows, and operational excellence. Santiago shares his unique approach to consulting, emphasizing that tools should serve existing processes not the other way around. Listeners will hear how Santiago and his team dive deep into their clients’ day-to-day realities, uncovering the misalignments between written policies and practical actions. He reveals the communication pitfalls that stall progress, the importance of small wins, and why embedding continuous improvement into company culture is critical. Through practical examples and actionable insights, Santiago explains how focusing on people, clarity, and collaboration drives transformation making even the "boring" aspects of business work both effective and rewarding. Quotes: “Tools amplify a process. They don’t replace it.” “You just want to ensure these little things don’t get caught in your way of the big things. They all lead to that.” “Communication and feedback loops are essential to aligning teams and catching issues before they compound.” Resources: Connect with Santiago Cortez on LinkedIn Helping organizations work smarter, safer, and more efficiently

Karl Hughes is an agency acquisition entrepreneur, business builder, and advocate for thoughtful leadership in the digital services sector. Best known for scaling Draft.dev to seven figures and then acquiring and growing agencies such as Podcast Consultant, Karl specializes in buying, improving, and uniting niche service companies to unlock their potential. Drawing on years of hands-on entrepreneurship, personal coaching, and navigating rapid industry shifts, Karl empowers business owners with actionable strategies for growth, resilience, and financial clarity, whether they’re scaling for the first time or preparing for acquisition. https://youtu.be/ZXdeq5Crd8Q In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Karl Hughes joins Robert Plank to share his journey from building content agencies from the ground up to orchestrating successful business acquisitions. Karl breaks down how the pandemic changed agency work, what it really takes to buy and scale small companies, the realities of leadership, and why mental stability is crucial for entrepreneurs. Listeners will learn about the hidden challenges behind running multimillion-dollar agencies, the importance of financial literacy, and the lifelong work of separating personal self-worth from business performance. Karl also offers practical advice on thriving through setbacks, building support networks, and the essential need to embrace discomfort for growth. Quotes: “How do I get my own mental health, my own stability, regardless of the ups and downs of the business... That’s my life’s work, really.” “The hard part is when either market externalities change and the business needs to change, or you lose a key team member... There’s no substitute for rolling your sleeves up and doing hard work.” “Consistency just sticking with it even through the ups and downs and making yourself uncomfortable when you get stuck, those are the key skills.” Resources: Connect with Karl Hughes on LinkedIn Discover Karl Hughes’ strategies for agency growth and acquisitions.

Charles Gragg is an accomplished healthcare benefit solutions strategist, consultant, and author with over four decades of experience inside the American health insurance industry. Having worked in virtually every aspect of health insurance claims management, brokering, risk, and employer consulting, Charles is renowned for guiding CEOs and HR leaders to reclaim control over one of their company’s largest operating expenses: employee health insurance. His bestselling book, “Get Off the Hamster Wheel: An Employer’s Guide to Controlling His Second Largest Operating Expense,” is transforming how business owners approach group health plans for long-term savings and better employee outcomes. https://youtu.be/Q_CRi5-GEI8 In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Charles joins Robert Plank to expose the myths and hidden costs plaguing employer health insurance. Drawing on his unique vantage point as an industry insider turned transparency advocate, Charles unpacks actionable strategies to shift from overpriced, opaque insurance models to self-funded, outcome-driven plans. He explains how employer ignorance, market consolidation, and entrenched carriers (“the cartel”) conspire to keep costs high and what leaders can do to fight back. Discussion covers stepping away from traditional carriers, hiring independent third-party administrators, leveraging technology and analytics, educating employees, and how reference-based pricing benchmarks real savings. Charles shares riveting success stories, practical challenges, and the essential mindset shift required for sustainable change. Quotes: “Employers must know where every dollar is going, and I will account for it for you.” “The only way to control the cost is to control owning the business.” “You can't just keep doing what you've been doing and expect a different result. That’s insanity.” Resources: Connect with  Charles Gragg on LinkedIn Grab “Get Off the Hamster Wheel” on Amazon.

Sandra and Greg Mundis are the resilient couple behind the inspirational real-life account, “Patient Number One: Embracing Hope in Times of Despair.” Greg, a global leader as Executive Director of Assemblies of God World Mission, and Sandra, a gifted storyteller and founder of Europe’s Children ministry, have spent decades impacting lives across 195 countries. Their new book chronicles Greg’s harrowing journey as the first COVID-19 intubation patient at his hospital—given little chance to live—and Sandra’s fierce faith-fueled advocacy, demonstrating the miraculous power of hope, family, and community in the darkest times. https://youtu.be/YMDy_IlTik8 In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Sandra and Greg join Robert Plank to share their journey from devastation to hope. They candidly detail Greg’s critical illness, the emotional and physical ordeal of prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation, Sandra’s steadfast persistence, and the profound role faith and global prayer played in recovery. The conversation highlights themes of family unity, the psychological toll of crisis, finding purpose beyond suffering, and the decision to turn their collective trauma into a published story of inspiration. Listeners will learn about the importance of documenting miracles, building a support network, and how adversity can lead to deeper connection and renewed mission. Quotes: “If it wasn’t for Jesus, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you.” “God’s word was like my food... There’s power in those words, and it truly brought me through.” “If I take him home, it’s the best thing I can do for him... But if I leave him, I want to receive the glory.” Resources: Buy “Patient Number One” on Amazon. Learn more about how they turn challenges into opportunities for change on their website Follow  Sandra and Greg Mundis on Facebook

Jon Bassford is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and the driving force behind a movement transforming co-parenting through intentionality, respect, and child-centered strategies. As the author of "The Co-Parenting Secret: It’s Not About You," Jon empowers parents, whether divorced, separated, or in parallel parenting situations, to let go of animosity, nurture genuine relationships, and build supportive environments where children thrive. Drawing on his personal journey and coaching expertise, Jon helps entrepreneurs, business owners, and families turn the challenges of separation into opportunities for growth, clarity, and lasting connection. https://youtu.be/_G0kN7fqg_w In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jon Bassford joins Robert Plank to reveal the mindset shifts and practical steps that make co-parenting successful even in high-conflict or complex family situations. Jon explains why focusing on the child’s experience (rather than parental scorekeeping) is the key to reducing conflict and fostering deep, lasting relationships. He discusses the initial discomfort of building new co-parenting routines, overcoming external skepticism, and strategies for letting go of the past to create a positive future. Listeners will hear actionable advice on communication, adapting business skills to parenting logistics, and the transformative power of small, intentional choices like beginning with just one "yes" or "of course." Quotes: “If you don’t have a reason to say no, you should always say yes in this type of environment.” “It’s not about you. It’s about what’s best for the kids: let go of animosity, remove your ego, and focus on their time.” “Start with one yes. Or, even better, of course, and let it snowball into something more positive for everyone.” Resources: Connect with Jon Bassford on LinkedIn. The Co-Parenting Secret: It’s Not About You on Amazon Operational clarity for leaders who want disciplined execution and dependable growth.

Dr. Lyman Montgomery is a renowned clarity and culture strategist, author, coach, and business leader with decades of experience empowering organizations and individuals to turn chaos into clarity. As the architect of the “5S Framework” and a globe-trotting consultant, Dr. Montgomery has guided over 60,000 leaders, built multiple businesses, and become a powerful voice for faith, focus, and cultural transformation. His latest work, "Sacred, Not Sinful," explores the intersection of Greek life and Christian discipleship, while his digital hub, CoachLyman.com, serves as a gateway for leaders seeking personal and professional growth. https://youtu.be/NuFc2imtcTc In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Dr. Lyman joins Robert Plank to unpack his actionable 5S Framework Structure: Systems, Strategies, Simplicity, and Sustainability, which helps businesses and individuals thrive amidst distraction and overwhelm. The conversation traces Dr. Lyman’s journey from humble beginnings to global influence, explores how leaders can overcome resistance to new tools and documentation (including leveraging AI for business efficiency), and examines the shift from an “I can’t” to an “I will” mindset. Discussion topics include building strong foundational systems, driving business results with clarity, embracing collaboration, leveraging automation, and nurturing the habits that support sustainable growth both in the boardroom and at home. Quotes: "Simplicity drives business... The more simplistic you can make it, the more users will use it." "Everything we do is designed to get a result within 24 to 48 hours—otherwise, it's too complicated." "There's a difference between an 'I can't' mentality and an 'I will' mentality. Which are you choosing?" Resources: Connect with Dr. Lyman Montgomery on LinkedIn Transform chaos into clarity—grab Dr. Montgomery’s book on Amazon. Learn more about how to navigate complex compliance challenges on their website Follow  Dr. Lyman Montgomery on Facebook

Christopher S Mahan is a transformational speaker, family coach, and result-driven mentor who has spent over a decade empowering parents, teens, and young adults to break cycles of dysfunction and build thriving, resilient families. As the creator of the “Empowerment to Employment” app, author of "Parental Leadership: Seven Principles to Lead Your Teen in the Digital Age," and host of the "Lead Your Teen" podcast, Christopher brings deep experience in leadership, parent-child dynamics, and personal development. His work has directly impacted thousands, providing tools and strategies to overcome adversity and find purpose. https://youtu.be/SQpOPQkFkX4 In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Christopher joins Robert Plank to share his powerful journey—from recognizing alarming spikes in teen suicides in his Florida county to building a movement around parental leadership and family empowerment. Christopher reveals how his early struggles and career pivots fueled his mission, the challenges of getting essential messages into schools and communities, and the transformation that comes from facing fear, developing soft skills, and putting passion into action. Discussion topics include leadership versus parenting, breaking out of old patterns, the impact of technology on youth, resilience, personal responsibility, and how families can cultivate effort, passion, and purpose (EPP) for real-world results. Quotes: "Obstacles aren’t in your way to stop you—they beg the question, how badly do you want it?" "If the home is broken, society is broken, because what the home puts out is a reflection of that home." "Preparation is part of leadership. You have to be ready for the hard work and not look for an easy out." Resources: Connect with  Christopher S Mahan on LinkedIn Get Christopher S. Mahan’s book Parental Leadership: Seven Principles to Lead Your Teen in the Digital Age on Amazon Explore actionable strategies from Christopher S. Mahan.