Host Joshua McNary chat with Michelle Owens, certified EOS implementer, business coach, facilitator, and founding partner of Slingshot25. Michelle brings decades of hands-on leadership experience, a passion for development, and a reputation for asking tough questions with care. She helps entrepreneurial teams get unstuck and achieve real traction using the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework.Joshua and Michelle dive into what it takes to lead with clarity and why structure can fuel creativity instead of stifling it. You'll hear practical strategies for aligning your team, building sustainable accountability, and tackling the people challenges that every growing business faces. Michelle shares her journey—from corporate leadership to unlocking growth for small businesses—along with actionable tips for embracing intentional frameworks, facing hard conversations head-on, and creating organizations that thrive.Whether you're hitting a ceiling as you scale, searching for more discipline in your execution, or ready for meaningful change, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step with intention. Listen for real-world stories, insightful advice, and a roadmap for leading your business toward lasting impact.Michelle's LinkedInSlingshot25Michelle's email: michelle.owens@eosworldwide.com
In this episode of Intentional Change, Shawn FitzGerald sits down with Vada Grantham, CEO of Revelations Research Solutions, to explore the power of asking better questions and listening to customers with intention.Vada shares how market research goes far beyond surveys—it’s about uncovering insights that reveal why people buy, what truly matters to them, and how businesses can avoid costly mistakes. From blind spots caused by emotion to websites that silently drive customers away, Vada explains how research helps business owners see clearly, adapt quickly, and make smarter decisions.You’ll discover:Why assumptions can quietly sabotage great ideasHow better questions uncover human behaviorThe surprising ROI of research for both startups and large firmsWhat your website might really be saying to customersHow to balance gut instincts with data-driven clarityIf you’ve ever wondered how to uncover what customers are really thinking, this episode is for you.
What if the greatest opportunity for your business is already within reach—but hidden in plain sight? In this episode of Intentional Change, Shawn FitzGerald digs deep with Mitchell Kearns, Technology & Commercialization Director at Iowa’s SBDC. Together, they discuss how the Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) supports entrepreneurs as they turn big ideas into market-ready businesses, secure funding through SBIR/STTR grants, and avoid the costly trap of skipping customer discovery. From early-stage planning to succession strategies and rural innovation, Mitchell shares the practical steps that separate successful business builders from those who stall out. Whether you’re starting up, scaling, or planning your exit, this conversation is your roadmap to intentional growth.
Too many businesses run like high-performance sports cars with no clear destination—powerful, fast, but ultimately going nowhere. In this episode of Intentional Change, Shawn FitzGerald sit down with Rob Taylor, EOS Implementer and founder of Taylor Management Solutions, to explore why vision matters, how to align leadership teams, and what it takes to get the right people in the right seats. Rob shares hard-earned lessons from decades of business transformation, revealing how clarity, accountability, and alignment can turn “spinning wheels” into real traction. Whether you’re a founder, executive, or team leader, this conversation will shift how you think about vision, execution, and growth.
In this episode of Intentional Change, host Joshua McNary and co-host Shawn FitzGerald sit down with Lindsay Leahy, an executive coach, USA Today bestselling author, and founder of The Restoration Project. Often called a “business therapist” by her clients, Lindsay has a unique gift for guiding leaders through complexity and helping them rediscover clarity and alignment in their lives and organizations.Lindsay shares her journey from a successful sales career to launching her own coaching business inspired by a calling for “restoration.” She talks about the critical moments in business when things just don’t feel right—even with strong results—and how leaders can recognize these turning points. Lindsay unpacks her book, Take It All Apart, which offers a framework for transformation built on reconnecting with one’s true self, setting intentional goals, and aligning action for lasting change.Whether you’re grappling with growth, feeling misaligned, or simply yearning for a more meaningful vision, Lindsay’s advice is candid, actionable, and rooted in empathy. Tune in to hear about growth through discomfort, the hard truths leaders must face, and the tools you can use to reset with intention—both for yourself and your business.The Courage to Remove Your Armor Downloadable ToolMore Resources from The Restoration Project
Thinking about buying a business instead of building one from scratch? In this episode of Intentional Change, chiropractor and acquisition strategist Dr. Brett Vowles breaks down why most acquisitions fail—and how to avoid the biggest mistakes. He reveals the simple but powerful framework he uses to assess every opportunity: Plan, People, and Process. You’ll also learn how his “burn the boats” mindset helps him commit to bold moves without retreat. Whether you're considering your first purchase or looking to scale with confidence, Brett’s insights will help you grow with clarity, not chaos.
In this episode of Intentional Change, host Joshua McNary is joined by Sarah Young, author of Expansive Impact and founder of Zing Collaborative. Together, they dive into what it truly means to lead with compassion, courage, and clarity in everyday moments—whether you’re steering a growing business, scaling a team, or simply striving to show up more intentionally in your own life.Sarah shares insights from her journey building Zing Collaborative and discusses her book, which offers a practical guide for leaders facing real-world challenges. Joshua and Sarah break down the importance of being proactive rather than reactive, the value of self-awareness, and strategies for creating meaningful change—even when conditions are less than perfect. Along the way, they explore the six pillars of effective leadership, how to have tough conversations, and why leading from a place of character matters now more than ever.Including stories, actionable ideas, and thoughtful reflection, this episode will help you clarify your highest and best use as a leader and inspire you to lead with greater intention—no matter your role or industry.
Too many business owners avoid the hardest question until it’s too late: What’s your exit strategy? In this powerful episode of Intentional Change, host Shawn FitzGerald and co-host Joshua McNary talk with Christy Jones, founder of Clarity Business Coaching, about her remarkable journey from growing up in a family-owned auto body shop to building a multi-location business — and selling it on her terms.Christy shares how watching her father and uncle avoid succession planning fueled her commitment to be intentional from day one. She dives into the mindset, strategy, and emotional weight behind selling a generational business — including how to prepare your team, protect your legacy, and set yourself up for what's next.Whether you're years from retiring or think it's "too soon" to plan, this episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to think long-term — starting now.
In this episode of Intentional Change podcast, hosts Joshua McNary and Shawn FitzGerald are joined by Brad Farris of Anchor Advisors, a seasoned executive leadership coach known for helping founders break through the common growth ceilings in their businesses.They dig into practical approaches to leadership, including how to avoid the trap of over-planning, the power of taking small, achievable next steps toward your biggest goals, and why it's just as important to develop self-leadership as it is to steer you and your team. They also explore strategies for building momentum when the future feels uncertain, how leaders can take care of themselves to have more of their "best days," and the importance of patience and adaptability in both personal and business growth.Whether you're overwhelmed by uncertainty, feeling stuck, or simply seeking actionable advice to lead your business more intentionally, this episode is packed with insights, relatable stories, and hands-on tips you won't want to miss. Join us as we explore the path to growth, one intentional step at a time!Brad's LinkedIn ProfileAnchor Advisors Self-Leadership AssessmentAnchor Advisors Business Growth Phase Assessment
In this episode, host Shawn FitzGerald chats with leadership facilitator Steve Vaught to explore how meaningful relationships, safe spaces, and intentional communication create lasting impact in leadership.Steve shares why he regularly sends curated articles to peers—not as a strategy, but as a way to show care, spark conversation, and deepen connection. He also opens up about the importance of creating trusted environments where mid-level managers can talk openly, get support, and work through real challenges without fear or judgment.Listen to hear Steve and Shawn discuss what it takes to build trust over time, how to lead with empathy, and why overcoming fear with curiosity is essential for personal and team growth. You’ll also hear how peer group techniques—like agenda-setting, open challenges, and shared accountability—can transform how your internal teams connect and communicate.Whether you're leading a team or facilitating growth in others, this episode offers practical takeaways for anyone who wants to lead with more empathy, build stronger trust, and create space for intentional change—one honest conversation at a time.
In this episode, host Shawn FitzGerald chats with Mike Wagner of White Rabbit Group to dive deep into the messy human side of leadership.Mike unpacks what leadership really means—and why it’s more about practice than position. He also walks through the four foundational habits every leader needs, how to build trust through regular feedback, and why so many businesses unintentionally set their leaders up to fail. If you’ve ever wondered how to create a stronger leadership culture without adding layers of complexity, this conversation is a must-listen. Spoiler: it starts with one-on-ones and a willingness to grow.Listen to hear Mike and Shawn explore what makes a truly effective leader, why leadership is a practice (not just a position), and how to create a culture where both leaders and emerging leaders can thrive. Get ready for practical insights on fostering ownership, giving and receiving feedback, and the four foundational habits every effective leader should master. Whether you're leading a team or aspiring to grow into a leadership role, this episode offers a fresh look at how intentional change starts with everyday actions and real relationships.
Networking often gets a bad rap, conjuring images of sales pitches, shallow transactions, and overwhelming social pressure. But as Danny Beyer —a financial advisor, mayor, author, and seasoned networker—shares, it doesn’t have to be that way. From busting the myth that networking is just about collecting business cards, to building authentic relationships one meaningful conversation at a time, Danny reveals practical tips to make networking feel natural and rewarding.Whether you’re an introvert dreading your next business mixer, or simply want to be more intentional about growing your professional circle, this episode will inspire you to embrace networking as an opportunity to learn, help others, and let your personal brand shine through consistent authenticity. Get ready for actionable insights, real-life stories, and a new mindset about how to build relationships that truly matter.
Welcome to another episode of Intentional Change, the podcast dedicated to guiding business owners and leaders through the challenges of growth, technology, and change with purpose and clarity. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business communication with Shawn FitzGerald, a communication solutions consultant at Level Up Media Interactive. Shawn, who also co-hosts this podcast with Joshua McNary, brings over 30 years of experience in live video production and corporate communications. Together, they explore how intentional change can significantly impact business communication and media practices. Sean shares insightful stories from his career, shedding light on the common challenges businesses face and the strategic methods used to overcome them. Join us as we learn about building a solid foundation, understanding the importance of clarity and confidence, and embracing new technologies like AI-generated video to transform how businesses communicate. Don't miss out on these actionable insights that can help level up your business communication strategies. Let's get started!
Welcome to the inaugural episode of "Intentional Change," hosted by Shawn FitzGerald. In this episode, we dive deep into the convoluted world of business technology with our guest, Joshua McNary, a seasoned business technologist. If you're a business owner who's feeling overwhelmed by the rapid evolution of tech tools or struggling to see the return on your tech investments, this is the conversation you need to tune into. Joshua shares his insights on how to strategically integrate technology into your business operations, avoid costly tech pitfalls, and ensure your tech decisions are aligned with your business goals. He also takes us through his method of vetting software solutions and emphasizes the importance of balancing strategic thinking with action. Whether you're fascinated by AI advancements or just looking for ways to make tech work for you rather than against you, Joshua’s seasoned advice will guide you in navigating these fast-paced tech waters. Join us, and let's embark on this journey to help you take control of your tech future with clarity and confidence.