Business Story Of The Week

In this powerful episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Royce Hall—Salesforce consultant by day and podcaster by night—who shares his extraordinary journey from the treetops to tech. Once a certified arborist managing multimillion-dollar projects, Royce realized he was unfulfilled and boldly pivoted his career into the fast-moving world of IT and Salesforce. Royce dives deep into what it means to build a second career, embracing failure, and the importance of self-awareness in driving success. He also explores how AI and autonomous agents are revolutionizing the Salesforce ecosystem and why content repurposing is a game-changer for visibility. Whether you're navigating a major career transition or curious about how AI is shaping the future of RevOps, this episode is packed with insights, heart, and inspiration.

What does it take to change the world—not once, but again and again? In this electrifying episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Kevin Surace, the legendary innovator hailed as the father of the AI virtual assistant. From pioneering the technology behind Siri and Alexa at General Magic to holding 95 patents and reshaping industries with AI-powered software testing, Kevin’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He shares how his work is revolutionizing quality assurance through his company Appvance, why failure is necessary fuel for innovation, and the surprising secrets to building products that truly solve real-world problems. Kevin also offers golden advice to entrepreneurs, reveals how to get noticed in tech, and even introduces us to his virtual clone that can answer your questions in real time. Whether you're a startup founder, a tech enthusiast, or someone looking to be inspired by the real power of persistent innovation—this episode will ignite your curiosity and spark your imagination.

What if your biggest setback turned out to be your greatest launchpad? In this powerful episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Jamie Mason Cohen—former Saturday Night Live insider turned internationally recognized leadership and communication trainer. From being laid off after 9/11 to working with Fortune 500 CEOs and top pharmaceutical leaders, Jamie shares how crisis, rejection, and redirection became the defining forces in his journey. He dives into the lessons learned behind the scenes at SNL, the power of effective communication under pressure, and how hosting his own podcast transformed his entrepreneurial impact. Get ready for hard-hitting insights on leadership, resilience, and why personal development is the ultimate foundation of business success. Whether you're a creative, an executive, or an entrepreneur navigating uncertainty, Jamie's story will leave you inspired and equipped to turn rejection into rocket fuel.

Episode Description: In this powerful episode of Business Story of the Week, we’re joined by the inspiring Vicki D., a seasoned financial services leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Wealthy and Unstoppable — a thriving community empowering women to take control of their money and rewrite their financial futures. With over 20 years of experience leading teams and launching wellness and financial ventures, Vicki shares her mission to shatter the myth that women aren’t good with money. From personal setbacks to billion-dollar missed opportunities, she opens up about the lessons she’s learned and the fire that fuels her movement to build female financial powerhouses. Get ready for practical money tips, mindset shifts, entrepreneurial advice, and a roadmap to becoming financially fearless. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a corporate powerhouse, or somewhere in between — this episode will move you to act.

In this inspiring episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Christelle Biiga, founder of Exposure Maven, whose journey from Cameroon to America is nothing short of extraordinary. After spending nine months in immigration jail, facing homelessness, and overcoming business failure, Christelle rose from the ashes to build a thriving podcast booking agency that amplifies powerful voices worldwide. She shares how resilience, visibility, and mastering sales became her cornerstones of success. If you're an entrepreneur struggling with visibility or sales, or simply in need of motivation, this episode will reignite your belief in what's possible. Discover how Christelle turned her pain into purpose—and how podcasting can be a game-changing tool for entrepreneurs everywhere.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Harris Hill, founder of the Center for Childhood Trauma Healing, who shares their transformational journey from living with complex PTSD to pioneering holistic trauma treatment that helps others reclaim their lives. Harris opens up about how trauma shaped their early years, what finally sparked their healing, and how that journey led to building a mission-driven business that’s changing lives. From launching a coaching business in the midst of heartbreak in Indonesia to discovering marketing that honors their neurodivergence and introversion, Harris delivers honest insights on entrepreneurship, emotional resilience, and authentic connection. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in trauma healing, mental health advocacy, or building a business aligned with personal truth.

After a life-altering traumatic brain injury, Dani Rosenblad James found her calling in the most unexpected way—by helping others find their voice. In this powerful episode of Business Story of the Week, Dani shares how her injury became the catalyst for founding The Storytellers Path, a heart-driven writing community where everyday people become authors of their own personal stories. Dani opens up about the emotional journey of entrepreneurship, the vulnerability of turning yourself into the “product,” and the challenges and rewards of leading a growing community. Her mission is simple yet profound: Everyone’s story matters. Through Facebook, Instagram, and good old-fashioned word-of-mouth, she’s helping people write and share stories that heal, inspire, and change lives. Whether you're a writer, a dreamer, or someone recovering from your own personal storm, this episode will show you how storytelling can be the key to transformation.

In this gripping episode of Business Story of the Week, we dive into the world of trauma, resilience, and purpose with Sarah Phillips, owner of Jax DeCon in Jacksonville, Florida. A military veteran, former stay-at-home mom, and now a trailblazer in the biohazard cleanup industry, Sarah shares how she turned her passion for helping others into a meaningful and thriving business. From crime scenes to mold remediation, Sarah brings empathy, strength, and community spirit to every cleanup job. She speaks candidly about the emotional weight of working with overdose victims, her dedication to mental health and veteran suicide awareness, and the gritty realities of growing a niche business in a high-demand field. With insights on leadership, pricing missteps, local networking, and building trust through compassion, this is a story of grit, heart, and true service.  

In this inspiring episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Sally Bisbee, the powerhouse entrepreneur behind Simply Sally—a trio of businesses dedicated to helping people declutter their lives and embrace simplicity. From crafting joy through custom creations, to transforming homes through organization, and empowering moms through coaching, Sally shares how passion, purpose, and persistence drive her journey. She opens up about launching her coaching business, the surprises and setbacks of entrepreneurship, and why messy action beats perfection every time. Whether you're a busy mom or a business dreamer, Sally's story will motivate you to show up, speak up, and start sooner.

In this episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Korey Goldin from Delta Kits, a company that helps everyday people turn small cracks into big opportunities—literally. Korey dives deep into how Delta Kits empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to launch profitable windshield repair businesses with minimal overhead and high return potential. Whether you're eyeing a side hustle, part-time gig, or full-time venture, Korey shares why this business is recession-proof, location-independent, and highly scalable. He also gives solid advice on marketing through social media, building a client base through word of mouth, and maintaining long-term business growth through education and consistency. If you're considering starting your own business but don't know where to begin, this episode might just be the push you need.

In this episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Steve Brossman, former sprint champion turned international business strategist, bestselling author, and sales expert. From Olympic dreams cut short by injury to building a multimillion-dollar fitness empire and eventually becoming a sought-after speaker and coach, Steve shares his powerful transformation story. Steve breaks down his signature approach to sales—"selling yourself without selling your soul." He reveals why traditional sales methods fail most entrepreneurs, how authentic connection converts better than hard pitches, and how leveraging podcast guesting helped him scale to six figures in under a year. Whether you're struggling to sell yourself, looking to elevate your business, or exploring the power of podcasting for growth—this episode is full of golden insights, actionable frameworks, and a big dose of motivation.

In this powerful episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with the multi-talented Tym Moss—entertainer, singer, actor, LGBT activist, and producer—who shares his deeply personal journey from addiction and loss to rediscovery and triumph. Tym opens up about battling a 20-year addiction, losing his sense of self, and ultimately reclaiming his life through art, music, and relentless determination. We also dive into his current projects like Salvation, a gripping theatrical production, and 50 Shades of Gay, a touring comedy variety show. Tym offers unfiltered insight into the challenges of being an independent artist, the power of social media, and why listening to your heart is the key to success. This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and reclaiming your voice—an unforgettable conversation with a true creative force.

In this inspiring episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with award-winning author, speaker, and social entrepreneur Tafadzwa Mazibuko. From her early beginnings in network marketing to becoming a powerful voice in personal development, Tafadzwa shares how she turned dreams into books, setbacks into strategies, and purpose into a platform. She discusses the importance of taking authorship seriously as a business, why passion should fuel your mission, and how her Dreamer's Daily Planner and prayer journal are empowering women around the world. Whether you're a writer, entrepreneur, or someone still figuring it out, Tafadzwa’s journey will ignite your purpose.

In this inspiring episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Kevin Elworth, a leadership coach, former pastor, and author of Breaking the I Can’t Cycle. Kevin dives deep into the power of effective communication as the lifeblood of any organization—whether in business or ministry. He shares his personal journey of launching a business, experiencing early failure, pivoting his approach, and finally finding traction by focusing on what others truly need—not just what he wanted to provide. Kevin also opens up about building a discipleship process for churches, the challenges of engaging disengaged congregations, and how hiring a marketing firm was a leap of faith that started yielding results. Perhaps most powerfully, he reflects on how fear-based thinking holds us back, and how transforming your mindset can radically accelerate your life and business. This is a conversation full of wisdom, vulnerability, and practical steps for any entrepreneur, leader, or changemaker ready to shift from frustration to forward motion.

In this powerful episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Elicia Ybarra — a lifelong martial artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Pretty Hands Hard Punches. Elicia’s mission? To empower one million women by redefining self-defense beyond just physical moves — focusing instead on situational awareness, gut instincts, and emotional boundaries. Elicia opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, including early failures in social media marketing, how she rebuilt from the ground up, and why structure, storytelling, and authenticity are her top business tools. Her advice? Learn to say no — because protecting your emotional space is just as vital as knowing how to throw a punch. This is more than a business story — it’s a movement.

Ever dreamt of flying your own personal aircraft? Meet Jeendry Tovar, the commercial pilot turned aeronautical engineer and entrepreneur behind Idris, a cutting-edge startup developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) recreational vehicles. In this rapid-fire edition of Business Story of the Week, Jeendry shares his inspiring journey from graphic design and aviation to launching a tech-driven business in the U.S. Learn how failure shaped his mindset, what marketing methods he's using to introduce futuristic flying machines, and the powerful advice he'd give to his younger self. This is a must-listen for innovators, dreamers, and future-focused entrepreneurs.

In this heart-centered episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Jeaneen Tang, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, mother, author, and advocate for early intervention. Jeaneen’s journey began in Hawaii and took a surprising turn in Los Angeles as she pursued dreams of acting—only to find her true purpose rooted in helping children communicate. After her own son suffered a traumatic brain injury at just 13 months old, Jeaneen leaned into her professional expertise to support his recovery. This deeply personal experience inspired her to write her groundbreaking book, "Play, Dumb, and Sabotage", a practical guide to empowering parents, educators, and therapists to mindfully build language development through intentional interaction. Jeaneen talks candidly about overcoming “analysis paralysis,” the importance of mentorship, and how she’s building a global impact through her online trainings and resources. If you're a parent, educator, therapist—or simply someone striving to make a difference—this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable advice.

In this raw and inspiring episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Dustin Largusa, the powerful voice behind The Low Life Show, a podcast created for prisoners and those reentering society. After facing a devastating period of loss, prison time, and personal collapse, Dustin found peace, humility, and purpose through faith and storytelling. Today, his podcast is streaming in over 500 correctional facilities, with a mission to combat recidivism and help incarcerated individuals build meaningful lives after release. Dustin shares how failure taught him humility, how he's turning his darkest moments into messages of hope, and the marketing strategies that helped amplify his voice to thousands. This is a story of redemption, spiritual awakening, and the power of starting over — with nothing but faith, purpose, and a message that matters.

In this inspiring episode of Business Story of the Week, we sit down with Akilah Mendez-Valdez, the dynamic founder of Haute in Texas, a powerhouse PR and marketing agency that's dedicated to helping female founders craft compelling narratives and elevate their brands. Akilah shares her bold journey of entrepreneurship — from launching her agency a decade ago to embracing failures like the in-person Content Clinic flop, and quickly pivoting into a successful virtual version. She dives into the reality of being a marketer struggling with self-promotion, and the essential power of consistent, value-driven content. With heartfelt honesty, she reflects on how fear once held her back from scaling and why saying yes to intimidating opportunities changed everything. Whether you're an entrepreneur, brand builder, or just need a confidence boost to go big, this episode is a must-listen.

In this inspiring episode of Business Story of the Week, host Shaahin Cheyene sits down with Nicole Van Valen, Founder and CEO of Keen Insights, to explore how joy can be the secret fuel behind true resilience and high performance. Nicole shares her three‑step model for “resilience through joy,” drawn from her background as a professional cheerleader and dancer, and explains why embracing failure—and learning from it—is key to personal and professional growth. From organic referrals to proactive marketing tactics and the power of surrounding yourself with experts, Nicole offers actionable advice for leaders and teams ready to elevate their impact. Stick around to learn about her new book, The Joyful Leader, and snag a complimentary Spear of Resilience Assessment to kickstart your journey.