Business Roundtable

What does it mean to co-think with AI instead of fearing it?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Philip Topham, Board and Executive AI Advisor, founder of CRAFT Thinking, and co-founder of SavionAI. Philip has published more than 130 essays on AI, is completing a new book on CRAFT Thinking, and helps boards and CEOs turn AI disruption into clarity, foresight, and measurable results.David and Philip explore how small-to-mid-sized professional service firms, executives, and boards can move beyond fear and begin leveraging AI as a tool for leadership, decision-making, and growth. Philip explains how AI is best understood as a “co-thinker”—augmenting human creativity rather than replacing it—and how intentional adoption and governance are key to success.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why AI should be seen as a co-thinker to enhance human creativityHow small businesses can integrate AI affordably without massive budgetsThe importance of governance and intentionality when adopting AIWhy company culture determines how AI should be appliedHow AI can reduce drudgery and free leaders to focus on relationships and growthIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive wrestling with what AI means for your future, this conversation will help you embrace AI as a leadership advantage rather than a threat.Connect with Philip Topham:Website: http://www.philiptopham.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philiptophamSubstack: https://savionai.substack.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

How do you tell stories that move people to action?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Jennifer Crosswhite, founder of Tandem Services and an award-winning writer, editor, and ghostwriter. Jennifer helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals harness the power of storytelling to communicate with clarity and impact. Jennifer shares how her career as a novelist and editor shaped her ability to help others craft authentic, engaging narratives that resonate with audiences. She explains why the story is the most powerful tool for building trust, influencing decisions, and leaving a legacy in both business and leadership. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the story is the secret to capturing attention and building connectionHow to translate complex ideas into narratives people rememberCommon mistakes leaders make when telling their story—and how to fix themWhy story-driven communication is critical for influence and brand growthPractical tips to refine your message and connect with your ideal audienceIf you’re a leader, consultant, or business owner who wants to engage more deeply with your clients, teams, and market, Jennifer’s insights will help you tell stories that inspire, influence, and endure.Connect with Jennifer Crosswhite:Website: https://www.tandemservicesink.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercrosswhiteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

How can small business owners cut through the noise online and create content that actually connects?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Moniek James, digital marketing strategist, speaker, and founder of Renegade Creative Media Group. Moniek helps entrepreneurs and small business leaders build visibility and authority with practical, sustainable content strategies.Moniek shares her journey from military service to marketing leadership, and how she now equips business owners to create digital content that is both authentic and simplified. She explains why content is more than posts or videos—it’s about telling your story in a way that builds trust, resonates with your audience, and drives growth. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most small businesses struggle to stay consistent onlineHow to create content that feels authentic and still drives resultsThe role of strategy vs. tactics in long-term digital marketingWhy clarity of message beats flashy production every timePractical ways to build authority and visibility on a budgetIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or entrepreneur overwhelmed by content creation, Moniek’s insights will help you focus on what really matters for digital growth.Connect with Moniek James:Website: https://www.themoniekjames.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniekjamesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

What does ERP really mean for your business—and why should even small companies care?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Chris Carter, four-time best-selling author, global SAP leader, and founder of Approyo. With more than three decades of experience, Chris has guided companies from $3 million startups to billion-dollar enterprises in implementing ERP systems that unify finance, HR, logistics, and operations into one source of truth.Chris shares his journey from high school entrepreneur to building one of the world’s most recognized SAP service providers. He breaks down why ERP isn’t just for massive corporations, how AI is changing enterprise systems, and what leaders must know to avoid costly mistakes in implementation. In this episode, you’ll learn:What ERP and SAP actually mean for scaling a businessWhy small and mid-sized companies can benefit from ERPCommon pitfalls in ERP adoption—and how to avoid themHow AI is reshaping ERP and competitive advantageWhy leadership and accountability are essential for successIf you’re a business owner, executive, or entrepreneur who wants to scale with clarity and confidence, Chris’s insights will help you embrace systems that drive growth.Connect with Chris Carter:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-carter-885159Website: https://www.approyo.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Many business owners and nonprofit leaders are overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks of running their organizations. From bookkeeping to HR, social media to project management, these critical functions can consume valuable time and energy. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Marney Lumpkin, President of Strategic Management & Logistics, about how outsourcing the right tasks creates clarity, capacity, and confidence for leaders.Marney shares her journey of building a flexible, U.S.-based team dedicated to helping solopreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits scale without burnout. Together, David and Marney explore:Why outsourcing is the bridge between DIY and building a full internal teamHow Strategic Management & Logistics supports clients with bookkeeping, HR, social media, websites, cybersecurity, and moreWhy transparency, accountability, and flexibility are essential for building trustHow nonprofits benefit from discounted, values-driven supportWhy letting go of the right tasks is a growth strategy, not a weaknessIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or nonprofit leader feeling stretched too thin, this conversation will show you how to focus on vision, culture, and growth—while leaving the rest to experts.Connect with Marney Lumpkin:Website: https://strategic-management-logistics.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marney-lumpkinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Most business owners eventually hit a ceiling: too many demands, too little time, and a constant pull in every direction. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Justin Lund, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Propel, about how leaders can break free from bottlenecks and reclaim both their time and their growth.Justin shares his powerful journey—from early success scaling a company to nearly nine figures, to losing tens of millions through poor systems and oversight, to rebuilding his career by helping founders master the essentials of business freedom. Together, David and Justin explore:Why most entrepreneurs get stuck in cycles of firefighting and burnoutHow mindset shifts open the door to sustainable growthThe three-part Founder Freedom Flywheel: mindset, systems, and delegationWhy skipping straight to delegation usually leads to frustration and wasted moneyThe Delegation Pyramid and why starting with admin, not leadership hires, is the key to scalingQuick wins that free up hours every week and reduce overwhelmIf you’re a founder, consultant, or professional services leader who feels trapped in your own business, this conversation will show you how to reset, regain clarity, and build a business that doesn’t depend entirely on you.Special Resource: DM Justin the word steward on Instagram to receive his free Founder Freedom Playbook—a practical guide with playbooks and checklists to start reclaiming your time today. Connect with Justin Lund:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjustinlundLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-lund-propelBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Most business owners treat their website, hosting, and logins as afterthoughts—until something breaks, gets hacked, or a vendor disappears. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr talks with Paige Wiese, founder of Tree Ring Digital, about why your digital presence isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s a critical business asset that can either fuel growth or expose costly risks. Paige shares her journey from launching Tree Ring Digital during the Great Recession to serving over 2,000 clients across various industries. Together, David and Paige explore:Why ownership of logins, domains, and hosting details is often the #1 blind spot for business ownersHow missing logins or expired assets can halt revenue and marketing overnightThe seven pillars of digital asset management that protect long-term growthHow to balance flexibility with consistency when managing websites, CRMs, and integrationsWhy proactive digital management saves time, money, and legal headachesIf you’re a CEO, consultant, or nonprofit leader building a resilient business, this conversation will help you see your digital presence as a strategic lever—not just a checkbox. Free Resource: Download Tree Ring Digital’s free Digital Asset Checklist at https://treeringdigital.com/roundtable to start identifying gaps and protecting your business today.Connect with Paige Wiese:Website: https://treeringdigital.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigewieseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

What if AI could help you think more clearly, lead more effectively, and scale faster—without replacing your human touch?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, David W. Carr speaks with Kyle Becker, Founder of Qualia AI, about the evolving relationship between AI and human leadership. Kyle shares his journey in startup innovation and why he believes AI should serve as a thinking partner rather than a replacement for leaders. This is not hype—it’s a grounded, strategic conversation about where AI meets emotional intelligence, decision-making, and growth.You’ll learn:What leaders get wrong about using AIWhy AI should assist, not replace, human thinkingHow Kyle built Qualia AI to enhance real-world productivityThe importance of systems thinking and decision structureHow to balance technology with timeless leadership valuesThe ethical challenges and blind spots leaders must confrontWhy authenticity still beats automation in client relationshipsIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive exploring AI but want to maintain your leadership edge, this episode will help you approach AI as a powerful ally for clarity, efficiency, and growth.Connect with Kyle Becker:Website: https://www.qualiaai.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylejbeckerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Is your HR function driving strategy—or just keeping up with compliance?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Mindy Honcoop, HR innovator, advisor, and founder of Agile in HR. With more than 25 years of experience across leadership, social work, and organizational ecosystems, Mindy helps leaders move beyond reactive HR and create workplaces where both people and businesses thrive.Mindy shares how burnout can become a breakthrough when leaders align people, process, and technology. She explains why fear holds back HR leaders, how curiosity opens new solutions, and how to build trust and alignment across fast-growing organizations. In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why HR must move from compliance-driven to a future-focused strategyHow to overcome fear and shift toward curiosity and co-creationThe role of trust, alignment, and communication in scaling organizationsPractical ways to integrate people, process, and technology for lasting impactIf you’re an HR professional, executive, or business owner, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to create healthier workplace ecosystems and unlock growth.Connect with Mindy Honcoop:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindyhoncoop/Website: https://www.agileinhr.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Is email really dead—or are people just doing it wrong?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Ely Delaney, Automated Systems Strategist, author, and founder of Purple Knight Marketing. With over 25 years of experience, Ely helps speakers, coaches, and consultants simplify their marketing, automate their follow-up, and turn contacts into clients without becoming another voice lost in the noise.Ely’s approach focuses on adding value, building trust, and creating human-centered automation. His signature “Follow-Up Fix” ensures that when prospects are ready, you’re the first person they think of.In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why email marketing still works when done rightHow to lead with value instead of pressure tacticsWhy automation should feel human, not roboticHow consistent follow-up builds trust and authorityWhy most sales are lost due to lack of follow-up, not competitionHow to design long-term campaigns that work on autopilotIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or speaker looking to create stronger client relationships and free up time with smart systems, Ely’s insights will show you how to follow up the right way.Connect with Ely Delaney:Website: https://elydelaney.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elydelaneyFree Resource: https://connectwithely.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

What if the biggest drag on your business isn’t the market—but the friction you’re creating inside your own company?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Ryan Chute, Partner at Wizard of Ads® for Essential Services and founder of America’s Favorite Essential Home Services.Ryan shares his journey from being a “tyrant manager” in retail to becoming a relational, brand-forward leader after discovering the Wizard of Ads principles. Today, he helps essential service contractors (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) grow 4–10X by aligning brand, story, and culture while eliminating friction that slows down growth. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most growth plateaus are caused by internal friction, not external factorsHow transactional leadership damages culture and customer experienceWhy brand and culture are inseparable in creating sustainable growthThe difference between quick-fix marketing and holistic strategyHow to prepare your company to scale—or even exit profitablyPractical steps to shift from short-term thinking to legacy buildingIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive who wants to remove friction, align your culture with your brand, and scale with confidence, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need.Connect with Ryan Chute:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wizardryanchuteWizard of Ads®: https://wizardofads.orgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

How do you turn pain into purpose and create a life of authenticity and freedom?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Aaron Mastny, founder of Inner Alchemy and leader of the Rebirth Retreat Center in South Carolina. Aaron shares his powerful story of moving from addiction, trauma, and shame to healing, transformation, and authentic leadership.Aaron’s journey—from heroin addiction and survival mode to coaching men and women in reclaiming wholeness—offers raw insights into the power of courage, vulnerability, and connection. Today, he helps people break cycles of survival, regulate their nervous systems, and step into true identity with love and purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn:How trauma and unprocessed emotions shape behaviors and leadershipWhy men must move beyond the “lone wolf” mindset to brotherhood and connectionHow nervous system regulation and emotional awareness drive resilienceWhy vulnerability is a gateway to authentic influence, not weaknessPractical tools for facing shame, fear, and hidden pain head-onIf you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or individual seeking deeper purpose and freedom, Aaron’s story will inspire you to stop running from your pain and start leading with authenticity.Connect with Aaron Mastny:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamaaronyouLinktree: https://linktr.ee/aaronyouBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

What does it take to lead with clarity, build trust, and create a lasting culture in business?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Jim Bramlett, Vistage Chair, author of The Unconventional Thinking of Dominant Companies, and a serial entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience. Jim has started seven companies, navigated both failure and success, and now coaches executives through growth, leadership, and succession challenges.Jim explains why peer groups like Vistage provide leaders with the safe space, accountability, and insights they can’t find anywhere else. He shares stories of business transformation, leadership lessons, and practical insights on how executives can grow healthier companies while avoiding burnout. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the best leaders are vulnerable, coachable, and lifelong learnersHow self-limiting beliefs hold leaders back from their full potentialWhy culture is intentional—and becomes your biggest competitive advantageThe importance of coaching and developing mid-level leaders for growthWhy every executive needs trusted peers to avoid isolation at the topIf you’re a CEO, consultant, or executive leader who wants to scale without sacrificing your health or culture, this episode will challenge you to think differently and lead with greater clarity.Connect with Jim Bramlett:Website: https://jimbramlett.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbramlett1Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

How do you solve your most challenging business problems and influence others in a way that lasts?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Tara Landes, founder of Bellrock Benchmarking and Licensed Influence Trainer with The Cialdini Institute. With more than 25 years of experience advising over 300 business leaders, Tara has helped organizations implement lasting change, train managers to become confident leaders, and apply the psychology of ethical influence to achieve sustainable growth.Tara combines practical consulting with science-backed methods, showing leaders how to stop firefighting and start creating healthier companies. She explains why influence is at the heart of leadership—41% of your workday is spent influencing others, whether you realize it or not—and how small, intentional changes can yield significant results.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most business problems aren’t unique—and how to solve them fasterHow habits, fear, and perspective keep leaders from lasting changeWhat ethical influence really means and how to apply it effectivelyWhy celebrating progress is critical for motivation and retentionHow small changes in leadership behavior create outsized resultsIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive who wants to lead with greater clarity and influence, this conversation will show you how to unlock new levels of leadership and results.Connect with Tara Landes:Website: https://bellrock.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralandesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

What if your business could grow by 15 to 60 percent without adding more people, equipment, or warehouses?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Adrian Betts, founder of Expander, who specializes in helping mid-market companies unlock their hidden operational capacity.Adrian shares his journey from leading large-scale distribution centers to advising $300M+ businesses on breaking down silos, optimizing space, and getting more from existing resources. He explains the three most common problems plaguing operations—people, silos, and space—and how to turn them into opportunities for growth. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why documenting every process step prevents costly mistakesHow to protect your business from “single point of failure” employeesWhy silos destroy performance and how to align cross-functional teamsHow to forecast seasonality and transitions for smoother growthA simple framework to align CEOs, departments, and staff around one clear goalIf you’re a CEO, business owner, or executive leader facing operational bottlenecks, this conversation will help you scale smarter, protect your profits, and build lasting resilience in your business.Connect with Adrian Betts:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-betts-3236237Company: https://expanderoperations.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

What does it take to lead with integrity, prepare for succession, and build businesses that truly last?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Jonathan Bennett—executive advisor, professional mentor, and strategist—who has guided founders, CEOs, and boards through some of their toughest challenges. Jonathan shares his journey from senior leadership in a large hospital to founding and scaling a successful B Corp consulting firm, and later selling it through a management buyout. Today, he helps leaders create psychologically safe workplaces, build high-functioning boards, and prepare for the emotional and strategic realities of succession planning. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why boards and advisory boards are essential for growth and accountabilityHow B Corps create culture, attract talent, and demonstrate business as a force for goodThe emotional journey of succession planning and ownership transitionsWhy governance and clarity build confidence for owners, employees, and buyersHow to avoid leadership isolation and build trusted circles of accountabilityIf you’re a business owner, executive, or consultant, this episode will show you how to move from burnout to buyout while building a company with resilience, integrity, and impact.Connect with Jonathan Bennett:Website: https://clearlythen.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettjonathanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

What makes a leader truly worth following?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Jeremie Kubicek, co-founder of GiANT Worldwide, best-selling author of The 100X Leader and 5 Voices, and a globally recognized voice in transformational leadership.Jeremie shares lessons from building businesses in post-communist Russia to shaping leadership cultures worldwide. He unpacks practical frameworks like the Support/Challenge Matrix and the Five Voices, showing how leaders can create alignment, multiply influence, and avoid the trap of “accidental leadership.”In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most organizations underestimate the power of intentional people developmentHow to know yourself, lead yourself, and develop othersWhy leadership is influence multiplied, not authority demandedHow to use the Support/Challenge Matrix to transform team dynamicsPractical ways the Five Voices framework builds trust and alignmentIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive leader, Jeremie’s insights will help you grow into a leader who inspires, equips, and multiplies others.Connect with Jeremie Kubicek:Website: jeremiekubicek.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiekubicekBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Can laughter really be a leadership strategy?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Adam Christing, keynote speaker, founder of Clean Comedians, and author of The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead.Adam shares how humor can serve as a shortcut to trust, a spark for creativity, and a bridge that connects leaders to their teams. His five humor tactics—surprise, poke, in-jokes, wordplay, and amplify—show how laughter, when used with purpose, can transform culture and communication. In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why leaders who use humor well build stronger trust and engagementHow humor can break tension and foster resilience in challenging momentsPractical ways to add humor to presentations, meetings, and daily leadershipWhy laughter is more than entertainment—it’s a tool for influence and connectionIf you’re a business owner, executive, or entrepreneur who wants to lead with more authenticity and connection, Adam’s insights will help you harness the power of humor to create lasting impact.Connect with Adam Christing:Website: https://adamchristing.comBook: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800211/the-laughter-factor-by-adam-christing/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

What if you could make better business decisions with the same clarity as an MRI—but for the mind?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Dr. Tony Alessandra—Hall of Fame speaker, bestselling author of The Platinum Rule, and founder of Assessments 24x7. With over 50 years of experience in professional speaking, leadership training, and assessment development, Tony shares how tools like DISC, Motivators, and Emotional Intelligence unlock self-awareness, strengthen teams, and drive measurable business results.From selling cookware alongside Zig Ziglar to building a multimillion-dollar assessment company, Tony’s journey is packed with insights on leadership, culture, and the future of assessments in the AI era. In this episode, you’ll discover:Why assessments are like an MRI of the mind and how they reveal hidden strengthsHow DISC and Motivators improve hiring, leadership, and conflict resolutionThe problem with “one-and-done” assessments—and how to maximize their valueHow AI-powered assessments are transforming coaching, sales, and team alignmentWhy knowing yourself is powerful, but knowing others is even more importantWhether you’re a CEO, coach, or consultant, this conversation will challenge you to move beyond gut decisions and leverage data-driven insights to lead with clarity, build trust, and create lasting impact.🔗 Connect with Dr. Tony AlessandraWebsite: https://assessments24x7.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyalessandraEmail: tony@assessments24x7.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

What does it take to simplify complexity, stand out in a crowded market, and build a profitable practice as a fractional leader or consultant?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Dr. Kayvon K—medical doctor turned entrepreneur, author, and Profit Finder at Simplify Profits. With a background spanning medicine, web development, marketing, and coaching, Kayvon brings a rare perspective on diagnosing business problems and turning them into opportunities.We discuss how fractionals and consultants can overcome the three big roadblocks: not being noticed, not being chosen, and not closing sales. Kayvon shares how to simplify business development, position yourself as the expert, and avoid the race to the bottom in pricing.You’ll also hear why complexity is the real enemy of profitability, how to leverage storytelling and clear messaging, and why being “different” is more powerful than being “better.”Whether you’re a fractional executive, consultant, or small-business leader, this conversation will help you clarify your value, communicate it effectively, and accelerate profitable growth.Connect with Dr. Kayvon K:Website: https://simplifyprofits.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkayvonkFree 7-Day Email Course: http://TalkToKayvon.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Watch more episodes on YouTube and subscribe here:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessConnect with Steward Your Business:Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr