The Roadmap to Retirement: Strategic Planning for Small Business SuccessIn a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in an insightful conversation with Jonda Lowe, founder and CEO of JondaKnows, a financial services company. With nearly four decades of experience, Jonda shares valuable financial strategies tailored to small business owners, particularly those generating 6 to 7 figures annually. This episode provides actionable advice for optimizing financial plans and retirement strategies.Jonda highlights common misconceptions in traditional retirement planning, particularly the reliance on 401(k) plans. He emphasizes that tax deferral, inflation, and market risks make them less effective for many small business owners. Instead, Jonda recommends exploring alternatives like Roth IRAs and customized non-qualified plans to provide more flexibility, tax benefits, and retention strategies for key employees.Throughout the conversation, Jonda stresses the importance of personalized financial advice for small business owners. His company, Jonda Knows, offers a comprehensive range of services, including retirement planning and guaranteed income products. He encourages listeners to explore the resources available on their website and stay informed about upcoming tools, like a mobile app, to make more informed financial decisions.About Jonda Lowe:Jonda Lowe is a best-selling author, fintech app developer, finance podcaster, and personal finance expert with nearly four decades of experience. She has helped thousands of clients create sound retirement strategies while challenging outdated financial wisdom. Jonda’s mission is to empower people to take control of their financial futures by dispelling myths and promoting faith-based financial decisions.Her latest book, Why You Must Take Your Hands Off God’s Money, published in December 2024, combines practical financial advice with faith-based principles. It provides a unique approach to budgeting, investing, and wealth building through tithing and stewardship.Jonda is also the founder of Jonda Knows, an innovative AI-driven fintech app launching in January 2025. The app helps users track spending, create budgets, and monitor investments with tools like “Can I Afford It?” and the Tithe Challenge, empowering users to make smarter, faith-aligned financial decisions. Known for her innovative thinking, Jonda is a trusted speaker and advisor, dedicated to changing lives through financial education and leadership.About JondaKnows:The JondaKnows, Inc. is a trusted financial services firm committed to providing tailored solutions for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals looking to optimize their financial strategies. With nearly four decades of experience, the company specializes in offering personalized retirement planning, investment advice, and wealth management. Led by Jonda Lowe, a seasoned expert in financial services, JondaKnows focuses on educating clients about alternative retirement options, tax-efficient strategies, and employee retention plans. By combining in-depth knowledge with a client-centered approach, JondaKnows empowers businesses to secure their financial future and achieve lasting success. Whether you're planning for retirement, managing your business finances, or looking for guidance on investment strategies, JondaKnows delivers flexible, innovative solutions that align with your unique goals.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out JondaKnows website at https://jondaknows.com/Check out JondaKnows on LinkedIn at
The Pursuit of Excellence in BusinessIn a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, Josh talks with David Jones, founder of The Excellence Advisory, about achieving excellence in business and leadership. They discuss how organizations can break free from mediocrity and drive high performance, focusing on practical systems and processes that require discipline and consistency. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a culture of excellence that empowers teams without promoting perfectionism.David explains that while striving for perfection is crucial in areas with defined standards, such as customer service or software development, it’s important to recognize when "good enough" is sufficient. He encourages leaders to avoid burnout by fostering a collaborative environment that sets realistic expectations and supports continuous improvement. Leaders should take responsibility for setting their teams up for success, cultivating a mindset that views mistakes as opportunities for growth.The episode also emphasizes the significance of understanding client needs and expectations, hiring individuals who share a commitment to excellence, and creating a culture that fosters empowerment and collaboration. By aligning their teams with these principles, organizations can achieve remarkable results and thrive, leaving behind a legacy of high performance.About David Jones:David M. Jones is sought after as a teacher, coach, consultant, and speaker for his expertise in helping organizations achieve peak operating performance, what he calls PeakOps. As an engineer and business owner turned educator, he is widely regarded by organizational leaders and owners as a go-to source for achieving and sustaining extraordinary operational and financial results.He is also known globally for his harrowing, heroic, and heartwarming overnight trek (17 miles crawling, climbing, walking) through the aftermath of Hurricane Helene to get to his daughter’s wedding on time to walk her down the aisle.Over his career, he has worked for and with some of the world’s most successful organizations including Texas Instruments, Siemens, Pal’s Business Excellence Institute, and the Savannah Bananas.He’s taught as an adjunct professor in engineering and business excellence at two universities.He knows what it’s like to run his own business. He co-founded, built, and sold a K-12 hands-on educational products company. He is currently the Founder and President of The Excellence Advisory, teaching small- and medium-sized organizations and their leaders how to reach their full God-given potential.David believes every leader deserves to run a great business, every employee deserves to work in a great business, and every customer deserves to shop at a great business. He is the recipient of the 2020 McWherter Leadership Award from the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence. He has served on multiple local, national, and international boards. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from Purdue University and a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Tennessee.About The Excellence Advisory:The Excellence Advisory is a premier consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations break free from mediocrity and unlock their full potential. Led by David Jones, a seasoned expert in business excellence, the company focuses on empowering leaders to create high-performing cultures through strategic systems, continuous improvement, and disciplined execution. With a mission to guide businesses toward sustainable success, The Excellence Advisory offers tailored solutions that foster leadership, enhance operational processes, and drive exceptional results. Whether you're aiming to elevate your team's performance or streamline your business processes, The...
The Relationship Revolution: How to Elevate Your Business Through Meaningful ConnectionsIn the latest episode of our podcast, host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Kevin Thompson, founder of the Maximum Response Marketing, Impact & Legacy Collective, and host of the "Million Dollar Relationships" podcast. The discussion highlights the pivotal role that high-level relationships play in the success of entrepreneurs and business leaders. Kevin shares his experiences and insights on how meaningful connections can lead to significant impacts in both business and philanthropic efforts. This blog post will break down the key takeaways from the episode, offering actionable advice and thorough explanations to guide listeners in building valuable relationships.Josh begins the episode by emphasizing the importance of building connections with partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He shares his experience of having private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to understand where their best business comes from. Kevin Thompson expresses his excitement about being on the podcast and shares his passion for facilitating meaningful relationships and strategic partnerships. He describes his work as incredibly rewarding, as it allows him to impact millions of lives through the connections he helps create. Kevin reflects on the success of his podcast, which has been running for nearly three years, and how it has become one of the most fulfilling endeavors of his 29-year entrepreneurial journey.The conversation touches on the concept of a "whisper network," where business gets done behind the scenes through genuine connections rather than flashy networking events. Josh and Kevin agree that many significant deals occur in informal settings, such as golf courses or mixers, where individuals can connect without the pressure of immediate business expectations. As the conversation wraps up, Kevin invites listeners to engage with him through his podcast, the "Million Dollar Relationships." He encourages them to check out the nearly 300 episodes available and to reach out if they resonate with the content. By following these insights and actionable tips, entrepreneurs and business leaders can cultivate high-level relationships that drive success and create lasting, positive change.About Kevin Thompson:After selling $16.1 Million of his own products and services solely through strategic partnership, Kevin Thompson intimately understands the value of right relationships.Hosting the Million Dollar Relationships podcast is the most rewarding he has done in his 29 years as an entrepreneur because it's exponentially expanded his ability to serve.Kevin facilitates strategic partnerships that have impacted millions of people's lives and led to millions of dollars in revenue being created.About Maximum Response Marketing:Maximum Response Marketing, founded by Kevin Thompson, specializes in helping businesses generate measurable results through strategic direct response marketing. With expertise in email campaigns, sales funnels, and high-conversion copywriting, Kevin focuses on building authentic relationships and creating win-win collaborations that drive revenue and customer loyalty. Maximum Response Marketing empowers businesses to maximize their impact and achieve sustainable growth.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Maximum Response Marketing website at https://maximum-response.com/Check out Kevin Thompson on LinkedIn at
A Deep Dive into HR Consulting and OutsourcingIn this episode, we spoke with Jim Cichanski, founder and CEO of Flex HR, about the evolving landscape of HR consulting and outsourcing. Jim shared his extensive experience in the industry, highlighting how Flex HR has grown over the past 25 years to become the largest HR consulting and outsourcing firm in the Southeast. Flex HR provides a comprehensive range of services, including employee onboarding, payroll management, and compliance oversight, helping businesses navigate the complexities of HR as they scale. Jim emphasized that professional HR support becomes essential as startups grow, enabling leaders to focus on core operations while ensuring compliance and employee satisfaction.Jim also discussed the increasing impact of technology and AI in the HR space. While automation can streamline processes like payroll and benefits management, he stressed the importance of maintaining a human touch in HR interactions to build trust and engagement. Flex HR serves companies with 50 to 500 employees, offering tailored solutions for both small and larger organizations. With a team of 50 consultants across the country, Flex HR is committed to mentoring and supporting HR professionals, ensuring businesses develop strong HR practices and maintain compliance with evolving regulations.As the episode concludes, Jim highlights the value of trust and transparency in leadership, underscoring the importance of clear communication and consistent follow-through. Flex HR also offers webinars, training sessions, and other resources to empower HR professionals and business leaders. For those interested in enhancing their HR functions and fostering a positive work environment, Flex HR provides the expertise and tools needed to ensure long-term success.About Jim Cichanski:Jim, the Founder and CHRO for Flex HR has 50+ years’ experience in human resources, holding senior level positions in companies that were privately held, pre-IPO, foreign owned, joint venture, Fortune 50 and one labeled the “fastest growing F1000 in America.” He has a solid background in high tech, manufacturing, services and management.His background in human resources includes organizational process evaluation and improvement, labor laws, integration of businesses, cost reduction, organizational development, and all functional areas of human resources. These include but are not limited to Benefits, Compensation, Staffing, Diversity, ERISA, DOL Compliance, Immigration, Learning & Development, Stock Administration, Executive Compensation, Employee Relations, and over 350 Mergers & Acquisitions. Jim’s experience includes operational HR management knowledge globally in 32 countries and has transitioned companies from 30 to 67,000 employees worldwide. Companies he has worked for include Unisys, Novell, Premiere Technologies and PaySys International. Jim is a certified Six Sigma Green Belt.Jim also spent 27 years in the Army National Guard achieving the rank of Colonel, was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame, and received numerous awards including the Legion of Merit. Jim holds a BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences, is a graduate of the Department of Defense Equal Opportunity Institute, has served on the board of HealthSource of Georgia, recently served on the Board of Directors for HomeStretch and was an inside board member of 17 companies. He is an active member of many HR professional organizations.Flex HR has been named one of the “Top 25 Most Promising HR Outsourcing Service Providers” in Outsourcing Gazette Magazine in October 2015. In September 2008, 2012 and 2013 INC Magazine recognized Flex HR as an Inc 5000 “Fastest GrowingAbout Flex HR:Flex HR is co-located in the...
Securing Life-Saving Technology: The Importance of Cybersecurity in Medical DevicesIn this episode, host Josh speaks with Christian Espinosa, CEO of Blue Goat Cyber, about the growing importance of cybersecurity in medical devices. From surgical robots to implantable devices like pacemakers, Christian highlights how today's advanced healthcare technology is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. He shares real-world examples—like the disabling of former Vice President Dick Cheney’s defibrillator wireless feature—to illustrate how life-threatening these vulnerabilities can be if not addressed properly.Christian explains how Blue Goat Cyber partners with both startups and established medtech companies to integrate cybersecurity into the early stages of device development. This proactive approach helps manufacturers comply with regulatory standards and protect patients from potential cyberattacks. Christian's personal experience with a health scare deepened his commitment to securing medical devices and gives him a unique, patient-first perspective on the work his company does.To support clients, Blue Goat Cyber offers white papers, podcasts, and webinars covering FDA regulations and device security best practices. Christian encourages medtech innovators to engage early and book discovery calls to assess their cybersecurity needs. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, he stresses that cybersecurity is not just about compliance—it's essential for safeguarding lives and building trust in the devices patients depend on.About Christian Espinosa:Christian Espinosa is the founder and CEO of Blue Goat Cyber, a leading authority in cybersecurity and a recognized expert in medical device security. He is driving significant advancements that prioritize patient safety and data integrity, embodying a proactive and innovative approach to his work. As the author of "The Smartest Person in the Room" and "The In-Between: Life in the Micro," Christian boldly shares his evolution from competitive to compassionate leadership.An avid adventurer, he thrives on extreme sports, heavy metal music, and spicy foods. His impressive credentials as a certified skydiver, PADI divemaster, and Ironman Triathlete demonstrate his unwavering commitment to personal growth and transformative leadership.About Blue Goat Cyber:Blue Goat Cyber provides full-service medical device cybersecurity support, addressing challenges throughout the premarket and postmarket phases. From managing Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) to conducting threat modeling, penetration testing, and Static Application Security Testing (SAST), we integrate cybersecurity into every stage of your product lifecycle. Our solutions ensure compliance with FDA guidelines, IEC 62304, ISO 14971, and EU MDR/IVDR regulations while safeguarding patient safety and device reliability.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Blue Goat Cyber website at https://bluegoatcyber.com//Check out Blue Goat Cyber on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-goat-cyber/Check out Christian Espinosa on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianespinosa/Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from
Building a Brand in a Competitive MarketIn this episode, we chat with Gregory Vetter, a former insurance salesman turned successful entrepreneur and author of Undressed: The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success. Gregory shares his inspiring journey from feeling unfulfilled in his insurance job to creating Tessemae's, a thriving salad dressing brand. His story highlights the importance of persistence, customer feedback, and embracing challenges, showing how one pivotal idea can transform a career.Gregory’s entrepreneurial spark was ignited when someone stole his mother’s homemade salad dressing, prompting him to bottle and sell it. After securing a meeting with a local grocery store and using a hands-on sampling strategy, Tessemae's took off, selling 660 bottles in just five days. His approach, which focused on health-conscious ingredients and direct customer engagement, helped him stand out in a competitive market.Today, Gregory operates several businesses, including a produce and manufacturing company and a brand accelerator, while mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs. His journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, creative marketing, and learning from both successes and setbacks. Gregory’s story is a powerful reminder that with resilience and an open mind, any entrepreneur can turn their passion into a thriving business.About Gregory Vetter:Gregory Vetter is a well established innovator and disruptor in the clean food movement. The oldest of the Vetter brothers, he had the brilliant idea of launching Tessemae’s after being inspired by his mother’s wildly popular homemade dressing recipe. What Gregory knew, and the American consumer base was soon to discover, was that the idea would soon resonate widely and give rise to an entirely new clean food category. Gregory and his broader family, primarily brothers, Matt and Brian, cultivated the business and in a mere 5 years translated their vision into becoming the #1 organic salad dressing brand in the refrigerated space. The emergence of Tessemae’s paved the way for clean manufacturing on a mass scale by virtue of inventing the only gum-free dressing bottling process. Ultimately, that manufacturing process led to the creation of the “fresh condiment” category and, similarly, the first Whole30 approved bottled dressings and condiments in the nation. With the wind clearly at their back, Gregory and his brothers launched Alta Fresh Food Company. Alta Fresh Food has since pioneered a better way to get great tasting salads to the masses through their innovative “master kitting” process and breakthrough R & R&D team. After their triumph as “Sam’s Club Supplier of the Year”, resulting from their “Master Kitting” process, Alta was propelled to the forefront of the fresh food solutions industry. More recently, Gregory elected to take his lessons learned from his sustained success in the food industry and launched “Home Grown Brand Accelerator”. Home Grown was developed with a singular purpose in mind, “to empower the next generation of brands by making the “playbook” available to whomever had the desire to build the next great American brand.” Winner of Inc. Magazines Entrepreneur of the Year award, Inc Magazines 35 under 35, EY Entrepreneur of the year finalist, TED talk speaker, Nielsen Design Impact Award for Packaging, And Sam's Club Supplier of the Year, Gregory spends his time with his wife and 4 children onApply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Gregory Vetter website at
In this episode, Josh sits down with Collin Graves, the visionary founder of North Labs, to delve into the transformative power of data in the business landscape. Collin shares his expertise on how organizations can harness data to significantly enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability. He sheds light on the often daunting challenges of data integration, especially when dealing with a multitude of SaaS platforms, and how these challenges can impede business growth. Collin also discusses the exciting potential of generative AI in streamlining operations and minimizing software clutter, offering a glimpse into the future of data management.The conversation takes a deeper turn as Collin reflects on the emotional journey many clients experience when they realize the necessity for improved data management. He outlines the practical steps North Labs employs to elevate data maturity within organizations, ensuring they are well-equipped to tackle their data challenges. Collin provides valuable insights into effectively addressing these challenges, emphasizing the importance of a strategic approach to data integration and management. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the comprehensive services offered by North Labs, designed to empower businesses to unlock the full potential of their data and drive sustainable growth.
The Art of Connection: Transform Your Networking Approach for Greater SuccessIn this episode, we sit down with Devin Sizemore, connector, consultant, speaker, and author of the best-selling book Connection Expansion. Devin shares how one meaningful relationship can drastically shift the trajectory of a business or personal journey. He emphasizes that many people are just one connection away from unlocking transformative opportunities and encourages a mindset shift around how we approach networking.Devin discusses common mistakes founders and professionals make—like becoming overly protective of their time—which can lead to a stagnant network. Instead, he suggests staying open and curious, reigniting existing relationships, and making intentional asks that go beyond searching for direct clients. He also explains how writing a book can serve as a powerful marketing tool and credibility builder, especially when paired with strategic networking efforts.To support entrepreneurs and professionals, Devin offers services like book writing through his Million Dollar Author program, strategic networking groups, and consulting. He closes the conversation by encouraging listeners to reconnect with their networks and explore new relationships. To learn more, visit devonsizemore.com.About Devin Sizemore:Driven by a passion for meaningful experiences, both personally and professionally, I have spent my career building and growing businesses that align with my values. From launching my first marketing agency right out of college to creating innovative consulting practices and a cat cafe, my journey has been defined by a commitment to "adding value" and making a positive impact. As a firm believer in the power of connections, I am dedicated to helping others succeed through the art of building relationships. The next chapter of his life is focused on fostering a community where one million connections can create lasting, transformative change.About Devin Sizemore Consulting:Devin Sizemore Consulting helps business owners navigate the unforeseen consequences of business success. By assessing and optimizing the 8 core pillars of life and business—Personal, Product, Pipeline, People, Process, Profit, Posterity, and Pack—Devin empowers entrepreneurs to build sustainable, balanced businesses that align with their personal values and long-term goals.As the latest evolution in a proven lineage of consulting brands—including Your Referral Partner, Powerhouse Consulting, 4505 Consulting, and Live Cageless—Devin Sizemore Consulting draws on years of experience, strategic insight, and a powerful network to guide business leaders through their next level of growth with clarity and confidence.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Devin Sizemore Consulting website at https://devinsizemore.com/Check out Devin Sizemore Consulting on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/devinsizemoreconsulting/Check out Devin Sizemore on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpsizemore/Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur.
The Importance of Communication for Purpose-Driven OrganizationsIn this episode, our host sits down with Sarah Wood, founder of Sarah Wood Communication, a boutique agency dedicated to helping purpose-driven organizations share their stories. With a background in nonprofit communications, Sarah has spent over a decade helping organizations in health, science, and social responsibility communicate their mission more effectively. She emphasizes that while these organizations often have powerful stories to tell, they frequently overlook the importance of clear, strategic communication in connecting with their audiences.Sarah explains that effective communication goes beyond social media and newsletters—it’s about building meaningful relationships through consistent messaging and storytelling. Whether through one-on-one conversations with major donors or broader outreach campaigns, communication must be approached holistically. Sarah also supports clients through fractional communication services, offering senior-level strategy without the full-time cost, helping resource-limited organizations enhance their impact.As the conversation wraps up, Sarah encourages leaders to evaluate whether their current communication efforts are achieving results. She stresses that especially during challenging times, communication should not be deprioritized. Instead, investing in storytelling and strategic outreach can help organizations stay connected to their communities, build trust, and achieve long-term success.About Sarah Wood:Sarah Wood is the Founder and Chief Communication Consultant at Sarah Wood Communication, LLC. A lifelong voracious reader, Sarah has been helping individuals and organizations identify and effectively share the stories of their good work for her entire professional career. And she still loves a good story. In addition to helping people and organizations illuminate their good work, Sarah is a solo mother by choice to two amazing humans.About Sarah Wood Communication:Sarah Wood Communication is a boutique communication agency dedicated to helping illuminate your work and share your stories with targeted audiences strategically, consistently, and in a way that reaches and resonates with those audiences.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Sarah Wood Communication website at https://sarahwoodcommunication.com/Check out Sarah Wood on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-wood-682513a1/Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!More from UpMyInfluence:We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.
How the Internet's Bandwidth Revolution is Shaping the Future of AI with Dan CarusoIn a recent episode of our podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Dan Caruso, the managing director of Caruso Ventures and the author of the newly released book "Bandwidth: The Untold Story of Ambition, Deception, and the Innovation that Shaped the Internet Age and Com Boom." The conversation, facilitated by our host Josh, delved into Dan's extensive background in technology and entrepreneurship, his insights on the evolution of the internet, and his current investment strategies. This blog post aims to break down the key themes and insights from the episode, providing valuable, actionable advice for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts.Dan Caruso's Background and VenturesDan Caruso's career is a testament to the transformative power of technology and entrepreneurship. As the managing director of Caruso Ventures, a single-family office focused on direct investments in technology companies, particularly in Colorado, Dan has been at the forefront of building the bandwidth that underpins modern internet usage. His journey from graduating college to selling his company, Zillow Group, in 2020, is marked by significant contributions to the internet era, including the development of fiber networks and internet infrastructure.Dan's career highlights the importance of resilience and innovation in entrepreneurship. His ability to navigate the highs and lows of the tech industry serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. The infrastructure built during the bandwidth boom continues to support modern technology, emphasizing the long-term impact of strategic investments in tech.The Evolution of Bandwidth and Its ImpactJosh prompted Dan to discuss the early days of bandwidth and the investment frenzy that characterized that period. Contrary to the notion of resistance to investment, Dan explained that the demand for bandwidth was so evident that everyone wanted to invest in it. This overwhelming interest led to a situation where investments outpaced actual needs, culminating in the dot-com bubble.The bandwidth boom and bust illustrate the cyclical nature of tech investments. Understanding these cycles can help investors make informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of overinvestment. Despite the bust, the infrastructure built during this period remains crucial today, highlighting the importance of a long-term vision in tech investments.The Future of BandwidthAs the conversation shifted to the future, Dan discussed the implications of AI and quantum computing on bandwidth requirements. He asserted that while the core of existing networks may suffice, the expansion of fiber to the "edge" will be necessary to accommodate the increasing integration of AI into everyday applications. This transition will require significant investment in infrastructure to ensure that the networks can handle the data demands of AI technologies.The expansion of fiber networks to the edge is crucial for supporting the data demands of emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing. AI and quantum computing represent significant investment opportunities, akin to the early days of the internet. Staying informed about these technologies can provide a competitive edge.Predictions for 2025 and the Future of TechnologyJosh asked Dan for his predictions for 2025, to which Dan responded with a bold assertion: he believes that year will be marked by the government finally disclosing information about extraterrestrial life. This prediction reflects the unpredictable nature of technological and societal advancements, emphasizing the importance of remaining open to new possibilities.The future is unpredictable, and being open to new possibilities can help entrepreneurs and investors navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology. Keeping abreast of emerging...
Mastering LinkedIn for Independent Consultant SuccessIn a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh Elledge engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Liz Steblay, the founder and chief advocate of the Professional Independent Consultants of America (PICA). Liz, a seasoned independent consultant and author of "Succeeding as a Solopreneur: Six Keys to Taking the Leap, Winning Clients, and Building Wealth," shares her journey and offers invaluable insights into the world of independent consulting. This blog post delves into the key themes discussed in the episode, providing detailed, actionable advice for aspiring and established solopreneurs.Liz Steblay’s journey into independent consulting began two decades ago, long before the term "solopreneur" became mainstream. She successfully built her first business into a multimillion-dollar venture, which led to numerous inquiries from others interested in self-employment. This inspired her to establish PICA, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals in launching and growing their own businesses, including consulting, executive coaching, and financial planning. PICA serves as an educational community, offering a wealth of resources such as templates, articles, and best practices. Liz emphasizes the importance of community support, especially during challenging times.Throughout the episode, Liz reiterates the importance of providing value in all interactions. She shares practical strategies for using LinkedIn effectively, such as treating a LinkedIn profile as a "storefront window" and focusing on building genuine relationships. Liz’s book, "Succeeding as a Solopreneur," offers a wealth of knowledge for those looking to thrive in independent consulting. As the episode wraps up, Liz invites listeners to explore her book and offers free 15-minute "Ask Me Anything" sessions. This episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur" offers valuable insights for independent consultants and solopreneurs, emphasizing the importance of community, effective networking, and a client-focused approach to business development.About Liz Steblay:Liz Steblay is the Founder and Chief Advocate of the Professional Independent Consultants of America (PICA) and author of "SUCCEEDING AS A SOLOPRENEUR: Six Keys to Taking the Leap, Winning Clients, and Building Wealth,". She's also the CEO of ProKo Agency, Inc, an international agency for independent consultants.Liz truly enjoys helping people launch and grow the solo career of their self-employment. An engaging guest, she readily shares tips on what to do, what to avoid, and how to conquer FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) - all part of the six keys to taking the leap, winning clients, and building weatlh.About Professional Independent Consultants of America (PICA):The Professional Independent Consultants of America is an educational organization and nationwide community that helps professionals launch, run, and grow their own solopreneur business. Visit the website at www.PICAnetwork.org or sign up for the newsletter to gain access to on-demand classes, live workshops, coaching, and more.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Professional Independent Consultants of America website at https://www.picanetwork.org/pica/default.aspCheck out Professional Independent Consultants of America on LinkedIn at a...
Innovation Unleashed: Transforming Mindsets and Businesses for SuccessIn the latest podcast episode, host Josh engages with Patrick Noel Daly, a seasoned innovator and consultant, to explore the concept of innovation as a mindset. Patrick shares his extensive experience in the consulting sphere, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders. The discussion highlights the critical role of innovation in business and how it can be cultivated as a mindset, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and creativity.Patrick's journey into innovation began at a young age with entrepreneurial ventures like a lemonade stand, which sparked his curiosity and drive to solve problems. He believes innovation is fundamentally a mindset, involving a focus on improvement and creativity. One key takeaway is the balance between generating innovative ideas and ensuring their commercial viability. Patrick stresses the importance of linking ideas to business outcomes and evaluating their market demand before investing resources. He illustrates this with the development of Simclr, a mattress topper for the medical industry, which successfully transitioned into consumer markets with Dream Care.Josh and Patrick also discuss the value of innovation in business, particularly in B2B solutions, and the importance of external perspectives. Patrick notes that smaller companies can leverage their innovative solutions by partnering with larger organizations. He advocates for creating an environment where ideas can flourish within organizations, encouraging collaboration and employee engagement. As a consultant, Patrick offers his expertise to help businesses navigate the innovation process, emphasizing the importance of external insights to drive innovation. The episode concludes with a call to embrace curiosity, seek new ideas, and adopt an innovative mindset to unlock growth opportunities.About Patrick Noel Daly:Patrick Noel Daly (PND) is a seasoned entrepreneur who has founded his own startups in IT, SaaS and medical. Patrick founded Icon Global Innovations to launch his own products and he also founded PND Global Consulng to help companies, businesses, and entrepreneurs to succeed. He was a winner on the Late Late Enterprise Show in Ireland in 1998 with a special school bag that he designed to help kids carry heavy loads of books. Patrick Noel was Bank of Ireland/Shell Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Ireland in 1999. Patrick now licenses his inventions established products to licensees and resellers in medical care and healthcare, having invented and developed these medical innovations to provide products that are “good for people”, which he says was his primary reason for inventing the products. He wants to scale that product range in the USA and to make DreamCair and CUSHEE, the consumer versions available in the sleep/wellness market in the USA and wider. Patrick writes his won patents and he manages his own Intellectual Property portfolio. Patrick is originally from Cork, Ireland and has travelled the world on business. Since moving to the western side of the world, Patrick has helped mentor entrepreneurs, including volunteer/pro bono mentor roles with iCorps Naonal Science Foundaon USA. See hps://icorpsnortheasthub.org/ Patrick was invited to mentor by Princeton University, NJ, USA. He has wrien “Just Start Up-A Guide to Building Startups” and is passionate about inspiring young and aspiring entrepreneurs.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Patrick Noel Daly website at
The Evolution of Hiring: Integrating AI for Smarter RecruitmentIn a recent episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, host Josh interviews Delaney Thompson, co-founder of Bahia AI, to discuss the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on talent sourcing and recruitment. Delaney introduces Mia, Bahia AI's flagship AI-driven tool, which automates the identification and engagement of potential job candidates. This conversation highlights how AI can streamline recruitment processes, address common challenges, and maintain a crucial human touch in candidate interactions.Bahia AI is dedicated to revolutionizing recruitment through advanced technology, aiming to make hiring more efficient by leveraging AI. Mia, their innovative tool, automates the initial stages of recruitment by identifying and engaging potential candidates, significantly reducing the time and effort involved in traditional hiring methods. Delaney explains that Mia allows businesses to focus on genuinely interested candidates, improving the overall efficiency of the recruitment process. AI tools like Mia offer key advantages, such as processing large volumes of data quickly, eliminating bias, and being cost-effective compared to traditional platforms.Despite the efficiency AI brings, maintaining a personal touch in candidate interactions remains essential. Mia handles initial outreach and engagement, but once candidates respond, human recruiters take over to ensure a personalized experience. Delaney shares Bahia AI's journey, from launching their Minimum Viable Product (MVP) using no-code tools to developing a more robust platform. As Bahia AI plans to transition to a credit-based pricing model, Delaney emphasizes the importance of curiosity and continuous improvement in leveraging AI solutions. Listeners are encouraged to explore Bahia AI's offerings and embrace AI's potential to transform recruitment processes.About Delaney Thompson:Delaney is a remote tech entrepreneur who has lived abroad for the past six years. With a deep understanding of remote work and tech, she has successfully led various ventures in the industry while embracing the flexibility of the digital nomad lifestyle.About Bahia AI:Founded by Delaney Thompson and Danika Chilibeck, Bahia AI is a cutting-edge talent sourcing platform that combines the power of artificial intelligence with the expertise of human recruiters. Launched in June 2024, Bahia AI has quickly gained traction, securing over 20 paying customers and generating significant revenue in the tens of thousandsApply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Bahia AI website athttps://www.bahia.ai/Check out Bahia AI on LinkedIn athttps://ca.linkedin.com/company/bahia-aiCheck out Delaney Thompson on LinkedIn athttps://ca.linkedin.com/in/delaney-j-thompsonDon’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time! More from UpMyInfluence:We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more...
Unlocking the Power of Business Research with GraphIQIn a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in an insightful discussion with Malcolm DeLeo, co-founder of GraphIQ. The conversation explores the complexities of business research, the hurdles organizations encounter in sourcing reliable information, and how GraphIQ is transforming data gathering and utilization for businesses. This episode distills key insights and practical advice, offering a guide for listeners aiming to enhance their business research strategies.Josh begins by emphasizing the significance of business connections, noting that strong relationships with partners, investors, influencers, and clients are crucial for success. Drawing from his extensive experience, he points out that the best business opportunities often stem from these connections. He encourages listeners to access a free video that outlines strategies for achieving 100% inbound business growth without relying on spam, ads, or sales tactics.Malcolm DeLeo shares insights from interviews with over 40 executives, revealing a common challenge: finding reliable companies to do business with. Many organizations rely on Google, personal networks, or consultants for research, leading to the creation of GraphIQ, a search engine tailored for business research. GraphIQ leverages natural language processing (NLP) to compile and organize data from billions of websites, allowing users to search for companies based on specific capabilities and attributes. Malcolm highlights the importance of accurate information in today's AI-driven age and encourages companies to invest in innovative solutions like GraphIQ, which has already transformed workflows and improved efficiency for its users.About Malcolm De Leo:Malcolm De Leo is an innovation expert who has successfully built and developed new markets for both Fortune 500 companies and Silicon Valley Startups. Over his 25 year career, Malcolm’s leadership as an evangelist for new ideas, new technologies and for developing innovative cultures is what drives his work. Most recently, as Orbital Insight's Chief of Solution Strategy he was the customer facing person from the product team tasked with understanding the marketplace to provide strategic guidance on how the company delivered scalable and repeatable customer value. Prior to his time at Orbital insight; he was Chief Evangelist at both Quantifind and Netbase. At both companies, he helped pioneer the usage of social media data to drive business decisions across the Fortune 500 Landscape. Before entering Silicon Valley, Malcolm was Global Vice President of Innovation at Daymon Worldwide, the world's largest private brand product broker and also worked developing innovation partnerships and new products for the Clorox Company where he started his career. He holds a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from University of California at Santa Barbara and an MBA in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix.About GraphIQ:GraphIQ is a massive Knowledge Graph of business information containing trillions of organizational facts and relationships, sourced and continuously updated from billions of websites.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out GraphIQ website athttps://graphiq.ai/Check out GraphIQ on LinkedIn athttps://www.linkedin.com/company/graphiq-ai/Check out Malcolm De Leo on LinkedIn
Leadership Reimagined: Thriving in a Disruptive LandscapeIn a recent podcast episode, host Josh engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Kumar Parakala, a serial entrepreneur and author of the bestselling book "Lead to Disrupt: Seven Keys to Success in the Changing World." The discussion centered around the theme of disruption in the business landscape, especially in light of recent global changes such as technological advancements, geopolitical tensions, and evolving work dynamics. This blog post distills the key insights from the episode, offering actionable advice to help leaders navigate the complexities of today's business environment.Kumar Parakala shared his extensive background, highlighting over 20 years of experience working with large companies and startups. As the founder of GHD Digital, he played a pivotal role in growing the company to $100 million in revenue within five years, focusing on driving digital transformation and innovation within traditional business models. Kumar recounted the journey of GHD, a nearly 100-year-old company, and his role in leading its digital transformation after GHD acquired his startup in 2017. By 2022, GHD had achieved significant milestones, including a presence in nine countries and recognition as a top player in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.As the conversation shifted to the broader theme of disruption, Kumar reflected on the rapid changes occurring in the world today, emphasizing the need for leaders to adopt a disruptive mindset. He explained that traditional leadership models are becoming inadequate in the face of evolving challenges, and his book "Lead to Disrupt" provides new leadership paradigms that resonate with contemporary needs. Kumar stressed the importance of adopting a disruptive mindset, influence over authority, adaptability, collaboration, self-reflection, empathy, and continuous learning. He concluded by encouraging leaders to embrace these insights to navigate the complexities of today's business environment and drive meaningful change within their organizations.About Kumar Parakal:Kumar Parakala is an acclaimed CEO, President, Founder and Board Director with 20+ years of experience building, scaling, and leading technology and professional services firms with a global footprint. As an entrepreneur and senior executive, Kumar has a proven record of accelerating business growth, steering international expansion, and building award-winning businesses that are widely renowned as marketplace leaders. Starting in the early 2000s, Kumar was one of the pioneers and champions of the digital transformation paradigm shift. In over two decades since, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, governments, and institutions across 30 countries on technology innovation, growth strategies, risk, and governance to deliver sustained value, bolster change resilience, and capitalize on whitespace opportunities via leading-edge digital solutions. Kumar has also published two books on leadership, earning widespread acclaim as a USA Today and Amazon best-selling author. Kumar is currently the President of GHD Digital, a global business of GHD that he founded after the acquisition of his startup, Technova, in 2017. Under his leadership, GHD Digital has grown to 700 professionals across nine countries with a 5- year CAGR of 45%. With a focus on digital transformation and AI-powered innovation, GHD Digital has won 250+ awards for its trailblazing solutions, shaping the future of the $200B AEC industry. Kumar is a co-author of the USA Today bestseller, 'Luminary Leadership', and a regular contributor to the Forbes Business Council. His thought leadership has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, AFR, Financial Times, ABC, CNBC, and Sky News. Kumar's achievements have been recognized with the 2021 CQU Alumnus of the Year, 2016 Digital Disruptor's International...
Achieving Balance in EntrepreneurshipIn a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Cathy Christen, the founder of Go Abundance and author of "Life as a Masterpiece." Cathy shared her extensive experience in sales and entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights into achieving balance in life while running a successful business. This blog post delves into the key themes discussed in the episode, providing actionable advice and expert recommendations for entrepreneurs and business leaders.Cathy Christen's journey in sales and entrepreneurship spans over 23 years. Starting at the age of 19 with Cutco, she quickly rose through the ranks, breaking records and achieving significant financial milestones. However, her success came at a personal cost, prompting her to reassess her approach to business and life. Today, Cathy focuses on helping entrepreneurs build systems that allow them to enjoy their lives while achieving their professional goals. She emphasizes the need for a balanced approach in business, integrating both masculine and feminine energies. Traditional business practices often lean towards a more masculine approach, characterized by assertiveness and competition. However, embracing feminine qualities such as empathy, collaboration, and intuition can enhance decision-making and foster a more inclusive work environment.Cathy introduces her "Faster Framework," designed to help entrepreneurs regain time and improve their business systems. This methodology includes five key systems that every high-level executive or entrepreneur needs to buy back ten hours a week. These systems focus on decision-making, automation, delegation, time blocking, and reporting on key performance indicators. By implementing these strategies, business owners can create a more efficient and balanced work environment. Cathy's insights highlight the importance of balance in entrepreneurship, the evolving nature of sales, and the need for effective systems that allow business owners to enjoy their lives while achieving their goals. For those interested in exploring Cathy's work further, visit her website and check out her book, "Life as a Masterpiece: Design and Live a Life You Love," available on Amazon. Join our podcast community for daily inspiration and motivation, and subscribe to stay connected with a network dedicated to personal and professional growth.About Cathy Christen:Cathy Christen, a serial entrepreneur, vibrant speaker, and executive business coach with over two decades of experience, specializes in crafting a 'Life by Design.' Renowned as the "Culture Queen," Cathy excels in team dynamics and reclaiming entrepreneurs' time. She has helped thousands of entrepreneurs from all sorts of industries start and grow their dream businesses while living a life they love, and leads dynamic retreats to unlock explosive growth!As a co-founder of GoBundance WomenⓇ, Cathy channels her energy and expertise to inspire female executives, investors, and entrepreneurs, fostering a network dedicated to achieving a full, abundant life. Committed to breaking barriers, she empowers women to build unstoppable mindsets, guiding them toward their goals.About GoBundance Women:It is an exclusive membership community of executives, entrepreneurs, and investors. The group seeks truth and genuine connection with other powerful women. They don’t climb ladders—they own them. The community supports one another and holds each member accountable for every aspect of their lives, offering a space where apologies are not necessary. Success, beauty, and badassery are celebrated in a way that uplifts rather than diminishes. Diverse, eclectic, and impossible to define—or hold down—the members value health, financial freedom, adventure, genuine contribution, and above all, unapologetic, unabashed, and limitless joy.Membership provides...
Mastering Business Turnarounds: Strategies from the expertIn a recent podcast episode, host Josh engages in a compelling discussion with Mike Dunlop, a seasoned entrepreneur and turnaround expert. With a background that includes founding ten companies and consulting for 34 others, Mike shares his insights on business recovery and leadership, drawing from his extensive experience in the computer industry and his book, "The Art of the Turnaround." Mike's journey underscores the power of self-education and adaptability, having started his career in England without a high school diploma but with a strong aptitude for mathematics. His move to the United States and subsequent success at Litton Industries highlight the importance of seizing opportunities.Mike's transition to consulting was catalyzed by his initiative at Litton Industries, where he rewrote unusable software and became the top salesman. This proactive approach led to a 17-year consulting career, where he developed a systematic approach to turnarounds. In the podcast, Mike discusses key principles from his book, emphasizing effective leadership, forensic accounting, and team alignment as crucial components for improving struggling businesses. He advises leaders to inspire and align their teams, conduct honest financial assessments, and engage with employees to create pathways for mutual success.The conversation also touches on current challenges faced by companies like Boeing, highlighting the importance of maintaining a viable business model focused on operational health. As the episode concludes, Mike discusses his selective approach to consulting, focusing on projects with a viable chance of recovery. His insights provide valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders, offering practical advice for navigating the complexities of business recovery. Listeners are encouraged to explore Mike's book and apply these principles to improve their own business situations, emerging stronger and more resilient.About Mike Dunlop:MIKE DUNLOP has helped to restore 34 companies in various stages of financial demise back to profitability. He has worked in the aerospace sector for over four decades and has built a number of aerospace component manufacturing companies, both in Europe and the United States. The largest company he founded is QPM Aerospace, which grew to $30 million in sales in the first ten years. Dunlop designed and founded Net-Inspect, the most widely used aerospace quality-management system in the world. Dunlop has lived in Seattle, Washington, since he moved to the United States from the United Kingdom in 1973. He has been passionate about airplanes since his first flight on a Vickers Viscount in 1955 at the age of seven. Dunlop is an experienced public speaker, and he’s offering his wisdom and stories on a weekly podcast, available on Spotify and YouTube.About the book "The Art of the Turnaround":In The Art of the Turnaround, Mike Dunlop shares his proven 10-step method for turning around companies in deep financial distress, which he has used to restore some 34 companies to financial health and profitability. Infused with Dunlop’s down-to-earth humour and deep understanding of how the people in companies actually work, especially at a time of crisis, The Art of the Turnaround offers CEOs of troubled companies, and leaders who are buying distressed companies, a practical way to avoid financial ruin. Dunlop also offers hope that, after the challenging task of turning a money-losing company into a profitable one, life for the CEO as well as those who stay in the company will be enjoyable again.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur:
Hooked on Marketing: Empowering Business Owners in the Digital AgeIn a recent podcast episode, host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with André Savoie, a seasoned consultant and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in digital marketing. The discussion delves into effective marketing strategies, particularly in the digital realm, and underscores the importance of authenticity and simplicity in marketing efforts. This blog post will break down the key insights and actionable advice shared by André, providing a comprehensive guide for listeners and readers alike.Josh kicks off the episode by emphasizing the importance of building connections with partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He shares his experience of having private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to understand where their best business comes from. Josh also offers a free video class on creating inbound marketing strategies without relying on spam, ads, or sales tactics, highlighting that his methods have generated significant revenue for his own companies over the past 15 years. André Savoie brings a unique perspective to digital marketing, having learned from traditional marketers in radio and television. This "old school" approach has shaped his understanding of marketing, where he often finds an overemphasis on technical aspects—like keywords and URLs—at the expense of effective strategy. André believes that successful marketing requires a balance between technical correctness and strategic thinking, a principle that has remained consistent over the years.As the conversation shifts to current trends in marketing, André identifies two key themes that he believes will be crucial moving forward: authenticity and simplicity. André stresses the need for businesses to present an authentic image in their marketing efforts. He observes that many companies try to polish their image, creating a disconnect between their marketing and the actual customer experience. He encourages business owners to be involved in their marketing and to ensure that their messaging reflects the true nature of their operations. In a world filled with marketing channels and strategies, André advocates for a simplified approach. He warns against the temptation to spread marketing efforts too thin across multiple platforms, suggesting that businesses should focus on a few channels and execute them exceptionally well. This focus allows for more meaningful engagement and growth.About Andre Savoie:Andre' Savoie is a seasoned marketing strategist with over 17 years of experience running a successful marketing agency. Throughout his career, he’s come to a clear realization: the traditional marketing model needs to evolve.As marketing becomes increasingly complex, business owners are feeling more overwhelmed than ever. However, one thing remains unchanged—nothing is more critical than strategy. When businesses get their strategy right, it brings clarity, purpose, and drives growth.Creating impactful strategies is Andre’s superpower—his Zone of Genius and his true passion. It’s the place where he thrives and finds his greatest fulfillment.That’s why he made the bold decision to step away from his agency. Now, Andre offers clients a new, hybrid model that combines personalized, one-on-one strategic guidance with affordable, group-based learning. His goal is to help businesses not only get the strategic direction they need but also empower them to become more confident and effective marketers in their own right.About Andre Savoie Consulting:Andrei Savoie Consulting is a forward-thinking marketing consultancy founded by Andre' Savoie, a marketing strategist with over 17 years of experience in helping businesses thrive. The company focuses on delivering high-level strategic guidance to businesses looking to navigate the increasingly complex marketing...
Mastering Talent Acquisition: Insights on Effective Hiring PracticesIn the latest episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur Show, the host delves into the complexities of talent acquisition with Fletcher Wimbush, the founder and CEO of Discovered AI. This episode is a goldmine of insights for businesses facing hiring challenges and aiming to enhance their talent acquisition strategies. We summarize the key takeaways, offering actionable advice and detailed explanations to help you improve your hiring processes.The host begins by stressing the crucial role of effective hiring in business success and introduces Fletcher Wimbush, who brings over a decade of experience in talent acquisition. The episode explores the costs of mediocre hires and the advantages of modern, data-driven hiring practices. Fletcher discusses the "mushy middle," where businesses are burdened with underperforming employees who neither excel nor warrant termination, leading to significant financial and cultural impacts. He advises implementing regular performance reviews, setting clear expectations, and using data-driven decisions to mitigate these issues.Fletcher emphasizes the need for modern hiring practices, moving beyond traditional methods like job boards. He advocates for proactive talent acquisition through employee referrals and technology utilization. Fletcher explains how Discovered AI connects businesses with diverse talent sources, enabling them to build a robust candidate pool. He highlights the importance of building a talent bench, akin to a CRM system for potential hires, and offers resources through Discovered AI, including a free account and e-learning courses. By leveraging technology, nurturing potential candidates, and adopting data-driven strategies, businesses can significantly enhance their hiring outcomes and drive success.About Fletcher Wimbush:Fletcher Wimbush, the transformative CEO of Discovered Performance Hiring Software has dedicated a decade to tackling hiring's hardest problems. A thought-leader in his field, he’s published extensively on reference checking, aptitude assessments, and AI's role in candidate selection. His FACT Driven Hiring System drives million-dollar results, proving his role as a game-changer in the hiring field. Fletcher's reach extends beyond organizations to individuals, facilitating thousands of successful careers. As an ethical AI proponent, he's pioneering AI-powered initiatives for talent selection. Fletcher's transformative approach to hiring is not just rewriting the rules; it's setting a whole new standard.About Discovered:Fletcher Wimbush created the Discovered F.A.C.T.S. - Driven Performance Hiring based on more than 10,000 interviews and backed by academic studies. Never has there been a better time to take that "Hiring A-Players That Fit" course here.This 12-week program will deliver 10-50X more applicants, higher candidate quality, lower turnover by 50 to 90% and will result in consistently more A player hires who get up to speed and produce better results faster.Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Discovered's website athttps://www.discoveredats.com/Check out Discovered on LinkedIn athttps://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hire-talent/Check out Fletcher Wimbush on LinkedIn athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/fletcher-wimbushDon’t...
The Power of Storytelling in the Age of AIIn today's rapidly evolving business landscape, where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping operations, the art of authentic storytelling has become more crucial than ever. In a recent podcast episode, host Josh and guest Dan Grech, founder and CEO of BizHack Academy, explore the intersection of storytelling, marketing, and AI. This blog post distills their conversation into actionable insights for entrepreneurs aiming to leverage AI while preserving authenticity in their communications.Josh begins the episode by highlighting the critical role of storytelling in modern business. Compelling narratives are essential for connecting with customers, differentiating in a crowded market, and building trust. While AI can enhance business operations, Josh emphasizes that the human element—particularly personal storytelling—remains vital. AI can assist in crafting messages, but the essence of storytelling must remain genuine to foster trust and connection.Dan Grech shares his expertise in helping entrepreneurs, especially those in second-stage companies, harness AI for marketing and sales strategies. He acknowledges that many businesses feel overwhelmed by the rapid advancements in AI but stresses the importance of embracing these technologies to stay competitive. Dan offers practical advice, such as committing to learning AI tools, utilizing resources like BizHack Academy's free masterclasses, and customizing AI to reflect a brand's unique voice. By doing so, businesses can streamline operations and enhance the authenticity of their narratives, ultimately fostering deeper connections with their audience.About Dan Grech:Dan Grech is a Pulitzer Prize-winning former NPR and PBS journalist turned entrepreneur and educator. He’s the Founder and CEO of BizHack Academy, which is on a mission to train 1 million businesses how to use AI-powered marketing and business storytelling to grow 10x faster so their communities can thrive. He was the News Director at Miami’s NPR station), a correspondent for NPR’s Marketplace and PBS’s Nightly Business Report, and worked at The Miami Herald and The Washington Post. He co-hosted Miami’s first podcast, Under the Sun. He is the grandson of a Philadelphia public school science teacher and of a professional soccer coach in La Liga in Spain, and he carries forward a family legacy of teaching, coaching and entrepreneurship. He’s worked as the head of digital marketing at two software startups and the nation’s largest Hispanic-owned energy company. Dan has participated in accelerator programs through Entrepreneurs Organization, the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, and Knight Foundation. He’s taught at top universities including Princeton, Columbia and University of Miami. Dan is a graduate of Princeton University and has a Masters degree in storytelling from FIU and in journalism from Universidad Torcuato di Tella in Argentina. He lives with his wife and two children in Denver, CO.About BizHack Academy:BizHack Academy is on a mission to help 10,000 small businesses to grow faster. BizHack works with business support organizations to create customized digital marketing training programs for small businesses. We teach courses and provide personalized coaching in AI for marketing and sales, online lead generation, business storytelling, and thought leadership. BizHack is the creator of two purpose-driven digital marketing methodologies: the Lead Building System™, a proven process for online lead generation, and the Thought Leadership Pyramid™, a systematic approach to content marketing.BizHack is a proud Florida MBE and has provided over $300,000 in scholarships to more than 200 BIPOC- and women-owned businesses. Its #BizHackLive Masterclass series, launched during the heart to COVID crisis as a free resource to the business
District 7 Toastmasters
Jennifer was wonderful and friendly when interviewing District Seven Toastmasters for The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. This was the first time I had been on a podcast, and she made me feel very at ease.It was a great way to be able to talk about what Toastmasters is and our Spring Conference. It was a wonderful experience, especially right after going through the Podcast Guest Mini-Mastery Course.
Josh
Thank you SO much for listening to our show!! 🤓. You are welcome to check out our other UpMyInfluence podcast, Authority Confidential https://bit.ly/2U5xMol and Josh’s other podcast, The SavingsAngel Show https://bit.ly/2tBe4oR
Carrie Caulfield Arick
Love this show!