Running a business often comes with the constant pressure to reduce expenses and improve profit. But what if cost cutting alone isn’t the right answer? What if the real opportunity lies in rethinking how you resource, structure, and invest in your business rather than simply slashing spending? In this episode, host Paul Sweeney sits down with entrepreneur and Navitas Consulting founder Michael Haskell to unpack the smart side of cost management—one that doesn’t sacrifice quality, capability, ...
Running a business becomes overwhelming when your data, systems, and processes slip into chaos—making it harder to make smart decisions, stay profitable, and plan for the future. In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to clean up your business data, streamline your systems, and set up a structure that gives you clarity, confidence, and control. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disorganised, or unsure about what’s really going on in your business, this conversation will show you how to turn your ...
If you’ve ever wondered how to scale your business from a solo operation to a multimillion-dollar enterprise — without outside investors — this episode is for you. Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, joins host Paul Sweeney to share his journey from mowing lawns to building a $30 million tech company serving over 300,000 customers. Bryan reveals the hard-earned lessons behind bootstrapping growth — from hiring his first employees and scrambling to meet payrolls to mastering sales, ...
What if your business could run smoothly—even grow—without you being the one to make every decision, solve every problem, or put out every fire? It’s not a fantasy. It’s completely possible. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney chats with Ryan Cassin, founder of Superpowers HQ, about how entrepreneurs can finally escape the bottleneck trap and build a business that thrives independently. Ryan reveals how to design systems that capture your judgment, not just...
If you’ve ever struggled to find funding for your start-up or early-stage business, this episode is for you. Many founders assume that capital raising is only for big corporations or venture-backed tech firms—but as Dr David Cunic reveals, small business owners can access funding too, if they know where to look and how to prepare. In this episode, Dr David Cunic—entrepreneur, investor, and founder of UCS Advisors—shares practical, real-world advice on how to raise capital even when you’re pre...
What if your business was built to outlast you? In this inspiring episode, Dave Munson, founder of Saddleback Leather Company, shares how he turned a simple idea for a long-lasting leather bag into a global brand known for its craftsmanship, purpose, and impact. Listeners will learn how to create a purpose-driven business that combines quality, sustainability, and authenticity—one that leaves a true legacy. Dave reveals why he refuses to compromise on quality, how a clear mission attracts the...
Are you treating your LinkedIn profile like just another digital résumé? If so, you’re missing one of the most powerful business tools available. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Al Kushner—LinkedIn strategist, keynote speaker, and author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage—to uncover how business owners can use LinkedIn and AI to authentically build their personal brand and attract new opportunities. Al shares practical, time-saving strategies t...
If you think ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) only applies to big corporations, think again. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney welcomes back author and small business champion Bronwyn Reid to explain why ESG matters for SMEs. Bronwyn shows how ESG isn’t just box-ticking—it’s about building resilient businesses that attract customers, employees, and funding. You’ll hear why ESG is a competitive advantage, what practical steps you can take withou...
Building a business that lasts isn’t about luck, start-up capital, or chasing every new trend—it’s about discipline, structure, and creating harmony between your work and personal life. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with serial entrepreneur Lance Cayko, co-founder of F9 Productions and host of the Inside the Firm podcast. Lance shares how he scaled from a two-person start-up into a thriving group of vertically integrated businesses, including a...
In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing algorithms and producing content at scale—only to lose sight of the real goal: connecting with people. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with TEDx speaker, author, and social media strategist Robin Nathaniel to explore how business owners can bring authenticity and human connection back into their marketing. Robin shares his proven SYNC Method—a simple yet powerful framework for mak...
In today’s digital world, standing out as a small business feels harder than ever. Between endless noise, flashy marketing tactics, and conflicting advice, many business owners are left frustrated with wasted time and money. But what if narrowing your focus could actually unlock growth? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney sits down with Jennifer Christensen, Co-Founder and CMO of Beacon Media + Marketing, to unpack the power of niche marketing. Jennifer shares w...
Too many business owners chase revenue while overlooking the bigger picture—building wealth and long-term value. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with Stephanie Hayes, business and exit strategist and founder of Assets to Exits. Stephanie explains why every business owner, regardless of size or stage, needs to think about an exit strategy—not just as a final step, but as a roadmap for smarter decisions and sustainable growth. Listeners will learn:...
Are you chasing sales but still struggling to see money in the bank? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business Podcast, financial strategist and Profit First professional Pam Jordan explains why focusing on revenue alone is a dangerous trap for business owners. Instead, she shows you how to get radically intentional about profit—because at the end of the day, it’s not what you make, it’s what you keep. Dive into the crucial differences between sales, profit, and cash flow, and why ...
If you’ve ever had a great idea for a product or brand but weren’t sure how to protect it—or whether it was even worth pursuing—this episode will change how you think about intellectual property. In this conversation, Paul Sweeney speaks with Jeff Holman, founder of Intellectual Strategies, who combines engineering, law, and business expertise to guide innovators from concept to commercial success. Jeff breaks down the essentials of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and expl...
Succession planning isn’t just about passing on a business—it’s about protecting your legacy, preserving value, and ensuring the people you care about aren’t left scrambling when you’re gone. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Rob Ferguson, seasoned CEO, trusted advisor, and founder of Ferguson Alliance, to unpack the essential steps for building a strong succession plan. Rob shares why waiting until you’re “ready to retire” is far too...
Can you really be a great entrepreneur and a present parent at the same time? In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Dan Peterson — founder of Flip Switch Social Media, and father of three — for a real talk about the challenges of entrepreneurship and parenting. If you're a business owner trying to juggle growing a business while showing up for your family, this conversation will resonate deeply. Dan shares how he’s learned (a...
What if your next great client is already looking at your LinkedIn profile—right now—and you’re sending them away? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with LinkedIn strategist and author Daniel Alfon to reveal how most business owners are misusing LinkedIn—and what to do instead. Daniel strips away the noise and shows you how to turn your personal profile into a high-performing business tool that attracts the right prospects and moves them to acti...
If you’ve ever played a sport—and especially if you’ve tried to turn your sporting passion into a business—this episode is a must-listen. Paul Sweeney sits down with Pete Moore, founder of Integrity Square and the driving force behind the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors). Pete has helped generate over $1.5 billion in transactions across fitness, wellness, and sports businesses. In this episode, he shares why many ex-athletes struggle to transition into business—and how they ca...
Are you feeling stuck in your business—like you're pushing a boulder uphill with no reward in sight? In this episode, business coach and leadership expert Liz Wolfe joins host Paul Sweeney to unpack why hard work isn’t always the answer, and how your leadership style might be the hidden culprit holding you back. With over 25 years of experience coaching entrepreneurs, Liz shares practical strategies to help you move from frustration to momentum. You’ll learn: Why “working harder” and having m...
If you've ever looked at your business bank account and wondered, “Where did all the money go?”—this episode is for you. Discover why so many small business owners feel frustrated when their business shows a profit on paper but has no cash to show for it. In this powerful episode, certified Profit First professional Debbie Deknight breaks down how traditional accounting sets businesses up for financial confusion—and how the Profit First system flips the formula to help you take control of you...