Think. Live. Repeat.

Ever try to set up a funnel for your business? You watch some YouTube videos, copy the formula, put it in motion and then wait for the leads to flow in and the money to hit your bank. Simple, right? Not so much...unfortunately there's a lot of mystique and misinformation when it comes to using funnels to get leads for your business. If it's not done right, you can actually end up losing (a lot) of money. Here to help you demystify the puzzle is Mikael Dia, founder of Funnelytics and an expert in funnels and lead magnets. John & Mikael discuss the importance of understanding the science and art behind funnels and the misconception that they are a set-it-and-forget-it solution. Mikael shares his journey of scaling his own businesses, starting with a Mandarin school and later transitioning to a consulting agency. He emphasizes the need for iteration and the challenges of choosing a niche. They also discuss the transition from being self-employed to becoming a business owner and the importance of documenting processes to scale up. In this conversation, Mikael Dia shares insights on business growth and the importance of following the right order in building a successful business. He emphasizes the four phases of business growth: attract, close, deliver, and retain. Mikael also highlights the key factors for business growth, including offers, funnels, and operational scale. He advises against skipping steps and trying to do things out of order, as it can lead to wasted time and money. Mikael concludes by inviting the audience to connect with him on LinkedIn and learn more about funnels and funnel marketing on funnelitics.io.Follow & interact with Mikael on LinkedIn & check out his website:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaeldia/https://mikaeldia.com/TakeawaysFunnels and lead magnets require a scientific and artistic approach, and they should be continuously iterated and optimized.Choosing a niche is crucial for business success, and it is important to focus on solving a specific problem rather than trying to cater to everyone.Transitioning from being self-employed to becoming a business owner requires documenting processes and replicating them with trained employees.It is important to overcome the fear of dead ends and understand that progress can always be made by iterating and finding new solutions.Podcasting can provide value beyond monetary gain, such as building relationships, making connections, and establishing credibility. The four phases of business growth are attract, close, deliver, and retain.Offers are crucial for differentiating yourself and making money.Funnels help scale your business to seven figures.Operational scale is important for delivering your offer consistently.Don't skip steps and try to do things out of order in building your business.Chapters00:00Introduction to Funnels and Lead Magnets02:02Starting a Mandarin School and Testing Funnels03:36Scaling a Consulting Business06:01The Importance of Iteration in Funnels07:28Overcoming the Fear of Dead Ends08:39Choosing a Niche and Demystifying Expertise11:09Transitioning from Self-Employed to Business Owner17:57The Value of Podcasting Beyond Monetary Gain19:41The Paralysis of Choosing a Niche20:31Selecting a Niche and Overcoming Expertise Objections27:21Transitioning from Self-Employed to Busin

They say music is the universal language because it can transcend language barriers and go straight to the heart. Today's guest is singer/songwriter Stephen Stanley and he's taken that concept to a whole new level. I've personally listened to his newest album Divided Frame of Mind more than any other album this year and he masterfully weaves an entire narrative throughout each song. He's got an incredible ability to take his own journey and relate it to people from all walks of life...I promise you won't be disappointed!Hailing from Mansfield, Georgia, Stephen started playing his mother's guitar at the age of nine after an accident left him deaf in one ear, discovering an innate musical ability and a talent for melody. By 13, he expanded his skills to piano and drums, writing songs and leading worship at his father's church. Over the last decade, Stanley has honed a distinct voice, infusing every note with raw emotion and a profound sense of purpose.2023 marked the release of his first album and tour, and rest assured he's just getting started!Check out Stephen's website: https://www.stephenstanleymusic.com/Give Stephen's music a listen on Apple & Spotify:Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/stephen-stanley/28074609Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5uGLuPqfATGbvk6shtjDoX?si=midg5DlUSRCDKpYVXew8pA&nd=1&dlsi=4f0726d855b04a81Follow & interact with Stephen on Instagram, TikTok & YouTube:https://www.instagram.com/stephenstanleymusichttps://www.tiktok.com/@stephenstanleymusichttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOPjB5CJx9pJlaTvp8FsnPgFollow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

So you own a business and you feel stuck. Wouldn't it be nice if you had the cheat code to unlock exponential growth? Okay fine, no such cheat code exists, but there are some fundamental components that will totally rock your world. Today's guest is Alex Neist, former pro athlete, entrepreneur and the founder of Hostage Tape. On today's episode he literally opens his playbook and reveals how he brought Hostage Tape from 6 figures to 8 figures in less than 2 years.  Seriously, you need to listen right to the end when Alex reveals a growth formula that will blow your mind!Oh, and don't miss the amazing Black Friday special running right now: https://hostagetape.com/pages/blackfridayAlex is the visionary behind Hostage Tape, a revolutionary ecommerce venture transforming sleep quality one mouth at a time. Prior to this, he invested 16 years in a sports video analytics company, starting from scratch and pioneering the use of human tagging for easily searchable game data, akin to a human Google for sports. A former professional quarterback in the Arenafootball league, Alex seamlessly transitioned to coaching, boasting a career spanning over 15 years. Beyond his business acumen, he enjoys exploring the world for new adventures with his wife and two kids.Learn more about the Hostage Tape story and the science behind it: https://hostagetape.com/Follow & interact with Alex & the Hostage Tape team on Instagram, Youtube & TikTok:https://www.instagram.com/hostagetape/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb5iIO_b22ZLGZG-4oYMYtQhttps://www.tiktok.com/@hostagetapeFollow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

Ever wake up in the middle of the night feeling like you can't breathe? Ever check yourself into a hospital because you think you're having a heart attack, only to find out your heart is fine? If any of this sounds familiar, it's likely because you've experienced panic attacks and one thing's for sure: they suck! Today's guest is business owner & author Jason Wolbers and he has firsthand experience in this area, along with a boatload of tips to help you on the journey. On today's episode we go down a path that many entrepreneurs don't like to take time to think about: mental health. We get real about our own struggles with anxiety, panic & mental health and share some killer tips that will definitely hit you right where you're at!Jason is an incredible entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker & content creator! Growing up, Jason Wolbers learned the value of staying positive, a lesson that shaped his personal and work life. Joining direct sales right after high school, he became the top salesperson in a company with 150 representatives at just nineteen and twenty. His success came from learning and applying success principles, consistently ranking in the top 10% of company sales.Now in Ohio with his high school sweetheart and two grown kids, Jason believes in the power of a positive mindset, a principle he teaches daily. During the pandemic, he started Jason Wolbers Motivation (Positivity Central) on social media, aiming to help people through tough times. This journey led to fulfilling a dream—writing his first book, "The Power of a Positive Mindset," to inspire others on their journeys.Order his book The Power of a Positive Mindset today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9S7HDWT?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_HC38DWKNT45J5J3ZWVKYCheck out his site and learn about his mission here: https://jasonwolbersmotivation.com/about/Follow & interact with Jason  on Instagram & FaceBook:https://www.instagram.com/jasonwolbers/https://www.facebook.com/PositivityCentral.jwm/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

Ever watch police body cam footage and wonder how you’d react? Here’s one thing for sure, it’s harder than it looks! The myriad of possibilities and outcomes officers  have to analyze in a matter of second is truly frightening. Oh, and they do it day after day. Crazy! We’re going to dig into that very topic with today’s guest,  Ryan Tillman and our conversation was truly transformational! Ryan is a police officer, author, speaker, podcast host creator, producer and so much more. This episode will blow your mind, make sure you listen right to the end and prepare to be challenged to think outside your comfort zone and belief systems! Order his book Happy Eyes today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9S3G64B?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860Check out his site and learn about his mission here: https://www.breakingbarriersunited.com/Follow & interact with Ryan  on Instagram & YouTube:https://www.instagram.com/breaking_barriers_united/?igshid=MWNudjhxZXkwMnBtMw%3D%3Dhttps://www.youtube.com/c/breakingbarriersunitedFollow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

He's back by popular demand with his new book in hand! Nick Hutchison is the founder of BookThinkers, author, speaker, biohacker & fitness extraordinaire. His brand new book Rise of the Reader is out Nov. 1st and it's chocked full of tools that will help you learn how to retain & implement what you read! Be sure to order a copy today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHF8VBYW?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_JC5R22D3N70J22RMKKPBCheck out Nick's brand new site and apply to have him speak at your upcoming event! https://nickhutch.com/Learn more about BookThinkers at their website: https://www.bookthinkers.com/Listen to the BookThinker's Podcast today: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bookthinkers-life-changing-books/id1517311450Follow & interact with Nick & BookThinkers on Instagram & Facebook:'s https://www.instagram.com/nicklovesbookshttps://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/BookThinkers/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

They say never meet your heroes or you'll be disappointed. Well, today I'm debunking that myth because I've met today's guest before and he is truly all that & a bag of chips! Clint Pulver is a powerful force for good and an all-around amazing human being. He's cracked the code on blending education, inspiration & entertainment into one incredible experience on stages all over the world.  Clint is not your average motivational speaker – he's an Emmy Award winner, professional drummer, best-selling author, and accomplished leadership expert.  With a passion for igniting change and helping individuals unlock their true potential, Clint's journey is nothing short of remarkable. We delve deep into the fascinating life story of his inspiring personality, as he literally rocks stages worldwide with his transformative work in workplace culture and leadership. Clint's engaging storytelling, profound insights, and unwavering dedication to helping others find their purpose make this episode a must-listen. Prepare to be inspired, motivated, and ready to conquer the world as we uncover the incredible life and wisdom of Clint Pulver. Check out Clint's amazing book I Love It Here: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Here-Leaders-Create-Organizations/dp/1989603378Check out Clint's website: https://clintpulver.com/Follow & interact with Clint on Instagram, YouTube & LinkedInhttps://www.instagram.com/clintpulverhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpWB8oLO5HOjstE9gmL9Qxghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/clintpulver/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

If you're an entrepreneur, content creator or just want to stay relevant, you need to hear this episode. AI has taken the world by storm and it's quickly become a scenario of adopt or die. There's no more "going back to the way things used to be". Pandora's box has been opened and you need to find out how to leverage it to get ahead of your competitors. Lucky for you, today's guest is Mark Savant and he shows you exactly how to do that!Mark Savant is a podcast production professional with a solid track record of helping entrepreneurs and businesses thrive in an evolving world shaped by automation and AI. Recognizing the growing demand for authenticity in brand communication, he is committed to making podcasting a pivotal part of your business strategy. Mark's expertise is built on utilizing cutting-edge technology and collaborating with developers to stay ahead in the industry. His mission is to empower you, creating a better world for small businesses, families, and communities.With hundreds of podcast episodes, tens of thousands of content pieces, and close collaboration with numerous business owners, Mark understands the challenges of staying up-to-date. He's here to handle the research and execution, allowing you to focus on what you do best. To hear amazing tips & hacks, check out Mark's After Hours Entrepreneur podcast:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/after-hours-entrepreneur-with-mark-savant/id1527185048Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6VdeUA4MOpuKs7XhOiaMK8Learn more about Mark's amazing podcast production services on his site: https://marksavantmedia.com/services/Follow & interact with Mark on Instagram, Youtube & LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/marksavantmedia/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2ePGMF5jsWze1sc0Gftf4whttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-savant/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

Today's guest started out his life with the odds NOT in his favor. Ryan Zofay was surrounded by disfunction & addiction, and one would hardly blame him for becoming yet "another unfortunate statistic". But that's not what happened. He instead emerged as a beacon of hope, business leader, author & motivational speaker!After a life-altering accident in 2001 due to addiction, Ryan embarked on a path of self-discovery, investing heavily in personal development. This commitment not only transformed his life but also influenced his businesses, where he integrated personal growth principles, fostering positive work environments and enhancing team performance.In 2020, Ryan and partner Adam Roth founded "We Level Up" to introduce personal development practices, particularly in the drug and alcohol industry. Offering inpatient services and personal development programs, they inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Ryan's ultimate goal is to create a world where everyone wakes up feeling empowered, safe, and fulfilled, driven by a strong sense of purpose. His commitment to helping others unlock their limitless potential and experience true excitement in life defines his remarkable journey and mission.Check out Ryan's book An Unlikely Businessman: https://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Businessman-overdosed-multimillionaire-ebook/dp/B0C4WL5RRKFollow & interact with Ryan on Instagram & TikTokhttps://www.instagram.com/ryan.zofay/https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanzofayFollow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

If you have a business, are thinking of starting a business or just want some great business advice, the next 50 minutes with my friend and guest Max Lewis will blow your mind! He gives a bunch of incredibly practical insights on how to grow your business while avoiding costly mistakes. Some of of the questions he answers include, " What about attorneys - are they worth the money? Should you go into partnership with a friend or family member? How do you go about building an amazing culture?" From humble beginnings selling mangoes as a child to building an ultrahigh net worth & retiring at the young age of 36, Max is full of surprises! He possesses a no BS, deep understanding of business that can only be gained through more than 20 years of firsthand experience.Check out Max's book Who is Max Lewis?: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW32CWGN?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_SE3S94XCW6K2M0Y7JRHSFollow & interact with Max on Instagram & TikTokhttps://www.instagram.com/whoismaxlewishttps://www.tiktok.com/@whoismaxlewisFollow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

Rapper. Firefighter. Stay-at-home dad. Author. Entrepreneur. What do those 5 roles bring to mind? Chances are "the same person" isn't what pops into your head. Yet today's guest is all of those things, and SO much more. I was truly blown away by my conversation with Corey Paul... his story had such a profound and lasting impact on me and I know it will impact you as well! To say that Corey grew up in less than ideal circumstances would be an understatement. Overcoming the odds, he rose to fame and achieved success within the music industry. And then things got challenging, really challenging. Instead of letting that derail him, he persevered through the struggles and grew in his faith, his relationships and his character.  Corey gets real & vulnerable and shares lessons he learned through his toughest times and how he got to the other side.He published a book this year and started releasing some incredible music again. Check out Corey's book Path to Podcast Success: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Podcast-Success-Everything-Learned/dp/B0CGW118KMGive Corey's music a listen on Apple & Spotify:Apple: https://music.apple.com/nz/artist/corey-paul/384364008Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/25ksFneQI7WRWIerxd8eg0Follow & interact with Corey on Instagram & YouTube:https://www.instagram.com/coreypaulmusic/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0g5Ms9PQgHFob1rVm3kxLwFollow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

De-stressing is a multi-billion dollar industry! From books & coaching to food & TV, the world is obsessed with new ways and hacks to destress and avoid it altogether.  What if I told you that we've got it all wrong? What if I told you that stress was actually good? Well that's exactly what we're going to explore with today's guest Dr. Amir Rashidian! Dr. Rashidian is a Chiropractor, author, speaker & expert in helping people improve their health and thrive. Dr. Rashidian holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Human Biology and a Doctorate in Chiropractic. He founded the Mid-Atlantic Chiropractic Center in 2006 which serves over 18,000 patient visits annually and provides high-tech diagnostics to detect and correct disturbances in the nervous system. The doctors at the Mid-Atlantic Chiropractic Center promote drugless health solutions and work with patients to eliminate the causes of disease and not merely the suppression of symptoms.Check out Dr. Rashidian's newest book Cracking The Stress Secret: https://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Stress-Secret-Pressure-Power/dp/1626349525A great place to start learning more about Dr. Rashidian: https://drrashidian.com/Follow & interact with Dr. Rashidian on YouTube & LinkedIn:https://www.youtube.com/user/MACCHealthhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-rashidian-a0b3a67/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

If you've been listening to the show for any length of time, you probably know that mindset is a constant theme in our conversations. Well, we lean into the idea of mindset in an even bigger way with today's incredible guest Kash Hasworth! He's got a crazy origin story and he catapulted himself into success by leveraging the power of an intentional mindset. Kash is an expert in sales, marketing & growth strategies and in his early 20s scaled  a wireless franchise to over 28 locations. Now he's the founder & CEO of Solar Ignite Group, author, speaker and influencing force in the sales & leadership space. His book is helping entrepreneurs and sales professionals across the country and his content is featured in a number of national media outlets including Bloomberg and Entrepreneur and is Check out Kash's incredible book Selling Keeps You Broke: https://www.amazon.com/Selling-Keeps-You-Broke-Performance/dp/B0C2CF36N2A great place to start learning more about Kash: https://kashhasworth.com/Follow & interact with Kash on Instagram & LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/kashhasworth/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kash-hasworth-722b30b5/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

[Stay tuned, season 2 launches on 9.12.23! We’re re-releasing a few of our all-time favorite and most popular episodes. These are conversations that listeners like you have RAVED about. Enjoy & and get pumped for some exciting season 2 guests!]"I just need to get motivated!" Ever say that before? If we're honest, we've all been there. Before you embark on another futile attempt of change, you need to listen to  Dre Baldwin's groundbreaking insights on how to create change that LASTS . Here's a secret...it's not what you think. Simply conjuring more motivation won't get you there, but creating a system just might.  Curious? You gotta listen!Dre is a former pro basketball player turned entrepreneur, author and prolific content creator. He's written dozens of books, speaks, hosts a podcast & creates daily videos on social media that challenge and inspire. Dre's website is a great place to start: https://www.dreallday.com/Check out the Work on Your Game podcast today:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-on-your-game-mindset-mental-toughness-discipline/id1102601387Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3mdf5xLk5t3I4Vt9UwMhUuDre's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwHgkC8tsH6r0hQjCw_raYw Follow & interact with Dre on Instagram & LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/drebaldwin/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dreallday/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

[Taking a quick breather as we gear up for season 2 and we’re re-releasing a few of our all-time favorite and most popular episodes. These are conversations that listeners like you have RAVED about. Enjoy & and stay tuned for some exciting season 2 guests!]Hall of Fame Episode Alert! If you're trying to establish your voice and make a difference in the lives of those around you, the next 30 minutes will be a game changer for you. Promise! Evan Carmichael is INCREDIBLE and the consistent value he brings to people all around the world each day puts him at level where very few reside. As soon as we started I knew this one was going into the Think.Live.Repeat. record books! Evan hasn't let his huge successes cloud his transparency and openness about his journey. He paints a very real picture of what his life has been like, the mistakes he's made along the way and the lessons he's learned. It's incredibly rare to have someone at his level be this open and I admittedly took full advantage of it!We talk about finding your mission, establishing a presence in a very loud/crowded space and ways to utilize others' content while remaining authentic and unique.Evan also talked about the importance of finding satisfaction in the process and not tying happiness to the outcome. We talk about the evolution of his YouTube channel and just how vital momentum is for all of us.Speaking of momentum, you should order Evan's new book Momentum: https://www.amazon.com/Momentum-Evan-Carmichael/dp/1952566649Check out Evan's INCREDIBLE YouTube Channel (3.5 M Subs and growing): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKmkpoEqg1sOMGEiIysP8TwA great place to start learning more about Evan and his mission: https://believe.evancarmichael.com/homepageFollow & interact with Evan on Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitterhttps://www.instagram.com/evancarmichael/?hl=enhttps://ca.linkedin.com/in/evancarmichaelhttps://twitter.com/EvanCarmichaelOh and you heard him: Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

[Taking a quick breather as we gear up for season 2 and we’re re-releasing a few of our all-time favorite and most popular episodes. These are conversations that listeners like you have RAVED about. Enjoy & and stay tuned for some exciting season 2 guests!]If you've ever scrolled through your Instagram or TikTok feed, there's a good chance you've seen a guy resembling a mildly stoned hippy. Long white beard, Einstein hair & delivering a blend of homespun wisdom and wisecracks. Sound familiar? Then you've seen today's guest - Comedian Rodney Norman! He's pushing 1 million followers on TikTok and his content gets an incredible number of views. He's built a cultlike following of raving fans and has the merch to prove it! Just a sidenote here: I had to hide the fanboy side of me for this one. I was super stoked to have a comedian of this caliber spend an hour with me and really open up about a number areas. Rodney is just like you would expect him to be...down to earth, personable and of course...FUNNY! I promise you'll enjoy this episode!Some highlights from our conversation:Rodney's first comedic routine back at the early age of 5How does he decide if if a bit is funny?The future of comedy - can you be funny and not get cancelled?The surprising entrepreneurial aspects of comedy.How to get the audience to want you!Watch Rodney's comedic genius at work on TikTok & YouTube:https://www.tiktok.com/@rodneydnorman?lang=enhttps://www.youtube.com/rodneynormancomedianLearn more about Rodney & check out his tour schedule on his website: https://www.rodneynorman.com/Follow & interact with John on Instagram & LinkedIn:https://www.instagram.com/johnoleary.inspires/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/john-o-leary-08b2805/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

Happy 1ST Birthday TLR Podcast! And what better way to celebrate our 52nd episode with one of the world's foremost authors & speakers, the one & only Jon Acuff! He's a husband & father,  NYT bestselling author, INC Top 100 leadership speaker,  host of the All It Takes Is A Goal podcast & CEO of Acuff Ideas. He also likes to run, build Legos, eat chips & queso and evangelize the world about the benefits of CrossFit! You're like, "John, this is incredible...how did you land such an amazing guest?" I'm so glad you asked! Before I launched the show, I was on one of Jon's virtual events and of course, I paid for the VIP experience. When it came to Q&A time, I knew exactly what I was going to ask him: "Jon, what do I need to do to get you as a guest on my upcoming podcast?" He said to reach out after recording a years' worth of episodes and that became one of my main goals for the 1st year of TLR: land Acuff for episode 52!Long story short, after an amazing connection from previous guest Grant Baldwin, the date was set and the rest is history! The episode is absolutely packed with insights & humor as Jon opens up about life in his 30s and how he transformed into who he is today. (HINT: It wasn't a lightening bolt moment that changed him. Rather, a gradual  flock of "aha's"...you'll get it when you listen).We talk about the challenges of growing a business while maintaining a focus on marriage & family. His thoughts on the "hustle culture" content we see all over social media is absolutely brilliant, you won't want to miss it! And best of all, he's got a book ready to drop next month! Preorder Jon's brand new book All It Takes Is a Goal & claim your bonuses, including the entire audiobook for FREE: https://jonacuff.com/all-it-takes-is-a-goal-bookA great place to start learning more about Jon: https://jonacuff.com/Follow & interact with Jon on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedInhttps://www.instagram.com/jonacuff/https://www.facebook.com/authorjonacuff/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonacuff/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

Business, marriage, parenting & friendships - know what the single BIGGEST source of friction is? "I". Yep, YOU making YOU #1. When it becomes all about you, it creates an environment where the other person is put in a less-than position. That in turn makes them react poorly and focus on "I". Keep the tennis match up for 5 minutes and voila, you have the genesis of 95% of interpersonal conflicts: "I".What if I told you there was a better way? Well, there is and it begins with (you guessed it), "WE"!Today's guest is Kyle McDowell...he spent the better part of 3 decades managing massive teams (massive as in 15,000+ employees) in corporate America @ household name companies. He gathered a massive amount of experienced & knowledge which he's since leveraged to create the groundbreaking 10 We's". Now he's a WSJ & USA Today bestselling author, speaker and consultant that helps organizations rid themselves of toxic culture...all by beginning with WE! Check out Kyle's bestselling book Begin with WE: https://www.amazon.com/Begin-WE-Principles-Sustaining-Excellence/dp/1544529910A great place to start learning more about Kyle: https://kylemcdowellinc.com/Follow & interact with Kyle on Instagram & LinkedInhttps://www.instagram.com/kylemcdowellinc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylemcdowellinc/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

You have a position to fill in your business. You place ads on all the job boards. Prospective hires send in their resumes & complete the screening forms. You're excited...And then you're not.  The disappointment kicks in when many applicants don't even show up and some of the ones who do didn't follow the basic printed instructions on the application. Sound familiar? If you own a business or work in talent acquisition, I'm sure it does! Today's guest is Laura Casselman...she's a  CEO, Mom, consultant, WSJ bestselling author & speaker and she shares incredible wisdom in building a team and creating a culture that empowers, rather than takes down.She talks how she got to where she is today and the many obstacles she's had to overcome, including severe illness. She's maintained a "never say die" attitude and continues to inspire people from all walks of life.  We cover a variety of topics including hiring & talent acquisition, working through adversity and treatment of women in the workplace. A little word to all the guys listening - stop interrupting women! Check out Laura's book Trust Your Increments: https://www.amazon.com/Trust-Your-Increments-Consistent-Massive/dp/1636980058A great place to start learning more about Laura: https://lauracasselman.com/Follow & interact with Laura on Instagram & LinkedInhttps://www.instagram.com/thelauracasselman/https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-casselmanFollow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)

WARNING: you may find your beliefs challenged after hearing from today's guest, the incredible Chris Wilson. Raised in the warzone that was Baltimore in the 80s, he eventually found himself in a life threatening situation as a teenager. He responded with a gun and that fateful day signified the beginning of the end as he was subsequently sentenced to life in prison. But that didn't stop Chris - rather than giving up, he doubled down on turning his life around and relentlessly pursued what he called his Master Plan.  I'm not going to give the entire story away, but clearly Chris is NOT still in prison and he's using his story as a force for good. Today he's a talented artist, speaker, business owner & social entrepreneur. He's taken his Master Plan and turned it into a movement that is helping thousands of people get their lives on track. Before you make sweeping opinions on criminal justice reform & the prison system, you need to listen to Chris' story and put yourself in his shoes. How would you have responded growing up in the environment he did? How would you have responded that fateful night when his life was threatened? Check out his book The Master Plan and find out for yourself: https://www.amazon.com/Master-Plan-Journey-Prison-Purpose/dp/0735215588A great place to start learning more about Chris: https://chriswilson.biz/Follow & interact with Chris on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedInhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004496409995https://www.instagram.com/chriswilsonslife/https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-wilson-905a7963/Follow me on Instagram @ johnskomski for daily intrapreneurial motivation and learn more about Investing Inward at https://jskomski.com/Music: Hindsight (Instrumental) by Fivefold (used with written permission)