In this episode, I sit down with Katie Nelson, CEO of Sales UpRising, a company dedicated to helping solopreneurs break through the five-figure ceiling and scale to six-figure success. Katie shares her passion for empowering entrepreneurs who aren’t just in business for money, but for the freedom to live as their best selves. We discuss the key strategies Sales UpRising uses to accelerate growth—including personalized consultations, hands-on workshops like Show Me the Clients and Show Me the ...
What does modern Enterprise Architecture really look like in an era of digital transformation? In this episode, Aaron Busch, Enterprise Architect at Prescriptive Data Solutions and veteran of nearly 30 years in, shares his blueprint for transforming data centers and cloud environments while keeping business strategy front and center. We cover how to define your target state, balance what you need versus what you should do, and use Enterprise Architecture to connect vision to execution. Aaron ...
Corey Morris, CEO of Voltage and author of The Digital Marketing Success Plan, joins the show to share his proven framework for creating powerful digital marketing strategies. With over two decades of experience helping brands thrive online, Corey developed the START process, a simple yet comprehensive approach built around Strategy, Tactics, Application, Review, and Transformation. In this conversation, Corey breaks down how START can help any business cut through the noise, align their...
In this episode, I sit down with Curt Moore, Founder and CEO of Moat Title Security, a trailblazing firm reshaping the future of legal innovation and strategic risk management. With over 30 years of experience in the petroleum industry, Curt shares how his unique background as a Landman—and his perspective on the TV series Landman with Billy Bob Thornton—shaped his journey into protecting high-value assets in today’s complex business world. Curt introduces his proprietary tools, including the...
For 15 years, Crystal Gallo led technical teams and helped grow software development companies — but a deeply personal experience inspired her to tackle a different kind of challenge: caregiver burnout. In this episode, Crystal shares the lightbulb moment that made her realize traditional tools weren’t keeping up with the pace of life and care changes, and how that led to the creation of Innerhive. We discuss how people are managing caregiving today, how Innerhive works in real-world scenario...
In this episode, we sit down with Gerry Mecca, a 40+ year IT veteran, transformational leader, and former CIO of global giants like Dr Pepper Snapple and Cadbury. Gerry brings a wealth of experience in navigating high-stakes technology strategy, from M&A integrations and cloud adoption to AI-driven innovation. But this conversation goes deeper than tech. We explore his leadership philosophy rooted in servant leadership, sports discipline, and “management by walking around.” Gerry shares h...
In this unforgettable episode of Business, Brains & the Bottom Line, I sit down with Ari Medrano — a true force of nature. Ari is a top Hispanic speaker, corporate diplomacy expert, and brand amplifier whose story defies all odds. After surviving a craniotomy and waking up paralyzed, she did the unthinkable: she fought her way back to full mobility. Ari shares how her powerful mindset and mastery of energy helped her overcome life’s most harrowing challenge — and how those same tools now ...
In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Crowe—a Navy veteran turned cybersecurity expert—who shares her unique journey from military service to the frontlines of digital defense. Susan opens up about what drew her into the world of cybersecurity, how her military experience shaped her approach to threat management, and what it’s like navigating a male-dominated industry as a woman in tech. We also dive into the latest developments in the threat landscape, including the evolving tactics of cybe...
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Kyle, Managing Director of Technology Recruitment, who’s been placing top IT talent across the U.S. since 2006. Mike pulls back the curtain on what’s broken in today’s hiring process—and how companies can shift their mindset from chasing mythical “unicorn” candidates to building outcome-driven, high-performing teams. We also dive into what job seekers can do to stand out in an overcrowded job market, including how to build a powerful LinkedIn presence....
In this episode, we sit down with Jason Bryll, Principal at Parable Associates, a firm built by data-driven professionals committed to turning information into action. Jason unpacks how Parable empowers businesses through strategic dashboard creation, vendor performance monitoring, and analytics—helping leaders make smarter, faster decisions. If you’re looking to unlock the full value of your data, this conversation offers practical insight into how to do it right.
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Christopher Mitchell, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the City of Houston, to explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity in a major metropolitan hub. Dr. Mitchell shares his journey into cybersecurity, the key strategies for building and managing a high-performing security team, and the metrics that define success in cybersecurity programs. We dive into the role of AI and machine learning in cyber defense, the risks posed by generative ...
Every entrepreneur dreams of building a successful business, but financial challenges often stand in the way. In this episode, we sit down with Michael Barbarita, Owner of Next Step CFO, to discuss how business owners can take control of their financial future. With over 35 years of experience owning and operating retail, manufacturing, and service companies, Michael shares his expertise in solving cash flow problems, reducing risks, forecasting, inventory planning, financing, exit strategies...
In this episode, we sit down with Dave Behar, Founder, CEO & Chief Executive Athlete of Scionist and the mastermind behind Behar Brands. Dave shares his unique approach to brand building—where purpose meets performance and innovation fuels influence. From early-stage investment to full-scale brand activation, Behar Brands is shaping the future of personal and disruptive brands, leagues, NIL, and category leaders. We dive into the power of strategic alignment, the role of digital real esta...
Growing a business beyond the startup phase is a challenge that many leaders struggle with. In this episode, Mark Budzinski, CEO of Clean Data and author of Peer-to-Peer Culture, shares why small business leaders shouldn’t rush to adopt big-company processes but should instead focus on cultivating trust, teamwork, and a data-driven culture. We explore how to maximize analytics investments, avoid common growth pitfalls, and build an organization where culture and strategy align for long-term s...
In this episode, we’re joined by Christian Muntean, the acclaimed author of Train to Lead and The Successful New CEO. Christian has helped hundreds of businesses achieve rapid growth, increased profitability, and expanded impact. He shares his insights on scaling businesses, preparing for exit strategies, and making game-changing decisions that transform organizations. Drawing from his experience working with entrepreneurial leaders, executive teams, and boards, Christian offers actionable st...
Great leaders aren’t born or made—they’re in the making. Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit and former Division 1 Baseball Player at Arizona State, shares how the lessons from the baseball field translate into a unique approach to leadership. In this episode, Damon explores why cultivating a Learn-It-All mindset is crucial for navigating today’s challenges. Discover how leaders can make better decisions, take bolder risks, and build adaptable, high-performing teams that attract and retain top talent...
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Georges Cordoba, author of Beating the Odds: My Journey through Holistic Health to Overcome Advanced Cancer. Georges shares his incredible story of resilience, faith, and transformation. From his Catholic upbringing in Venezuela to battling advanced cancer with a holistic approach after enduring ten surgeries, Georges reveals how his faith and a change in perspective were pivotal in his recovery. Join us as we explore his remarkable journey and the ...
In this episode, we sit down with John Hannum, CEO of PPS Solutions and an expert in fractional CFO services, to explore the critical role a CFO plays in driving business success. John shares his insights on when and why companies should consider a fractional CFO, and how financial expertise can fuel process efficiency, operational excellence, and strategic decision-making. With a career spanning Retail, Wholesale, Franchise, Service, Distribution, and Manufacturing, John breaks down the art ...
In this episode, we sit down with Steve Selengut, author of Retirement Money Secrets, to explore his proven strategies for financial freedom in retirement. Steve shares his approach to generating more income than needed, ensuring a stress-free and abundant retirement. With a focus on safety and practicality, he now coaches others on how to boost their income production without unnecessary risks. Whether you’re nearing retirement or looking to optimize your current plan, this conversation offe...
In this episode, we sit down with Renee Cohen, President of Flow AI Consulting, to explore how organizations can achieve peak performance through systematic and algorithmic approaches. Renee shares insights from her extensive experience optimizing processes, driving efficiency, and fostering cross-departmental alignment. Discover how Flow AI Consulting builds and strengthens organizational foundations, ensuring data accuracy and leveraging cutting-edge technology to maximize effectiveness acr...