The Business Gay

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Brian Thompson.  Brian is the Founder and Financial Planner of Brian Thompson Financial LLC, where he helps LGBTQ+ and mission-driven entrepreneurs build profitable businesses that reflect who they are and support the impact they want to make. As a financial advisor, business strategist, and host of the Mission Driven Business podcast, Brian works with service-based founders who are building more than just a business. They’re building movements, communities, and legacies. He helps them bring clarity and structure to their finances so they can grow with confidence and stay rooted in their purpose. Before launching his firm, Brian spent nearly a decade as a tax attorney. That background, paired with his own entrepreneurial experience, informs a planning approach that’s inclusive, strategic, and grounded in real life. As a Black, queer financial advisor, Brian is especially passionate about creating space for diverse voices in business and finance—and showing that profit and purpose don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Make.com - easy AI automation and development Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: btfinancial.com Brian on LinkedIn Mission Driven Business Podcast Brian on IG --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [03:04] Brian explains why entrepreneurs often think they must choose between purpose and profit, and how both can exist together. [04:28] Discussion on creating different tiers of services to balance accessibility with sustainability while maintaining impact. [06:47] Brian’s advice on pricing: charge what you think you’re worth and then increase it by 25% to counter undervaluing yourself. [09:47] Introduction of the Profit First method to manage cash flow by allocating income into profit, owner’s pay, taxes, and expenses. [12:08] Key lessons from Brian’s tax attorney background: understanding how taxes differ for entrepreneurs is crucial to avoid costly mistakes. [13:32] How entrepreneurs can prevent burnout by designing a business model that supports personal well-being and sustainability. [14:47] The importance of long-term financial planning, balancing immediate needs with future goals, and ensuring the “ladder is against the right wall.” ---

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with the founder and CEO of BetterTable™, Ben Liegey. BetterTable™ is a Vancouver-based benefit company empowering kitchens to boost profits, cut food waste in half, and achieve Net Zero emissions. Ben has over 10 years’ experience in food sustainability and in 2024 he was named one of Business in Vancouver’s 40 Under 40. At this years CGLCC Summit, Ben also won the 2025 Emerging Exporter of the Year award as well as the EY Pitch Competition in partnership with Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Make.com - easy AI automation and development Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: BetterTable.com FoodSynergyMovie.ca Ben Liegey on LinkedIn Join the CGLCC Mentorship Program (Applications close Aug 18, 2025) --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [2:51] Shocking stat: About half of all food in Canada is wasted, totaling over $50 billion annually and significantly contributing to climate change. [4:09] Why food waste is a rare triple-win issue: it can reduce costs, lower environmental impact, and improve social outcomes all at once. [5:35] Key impact metrics BetterTable™ tracks: cost savings, carbon emission reduction, and meals saved, with a focus on UN Sustainable Development Goals. [6:55] Launch of the BetterTable™ app to automate food audits and track sustainability metrics remotely for kitchens. [10:50] Success stories: some clients, including hotels, have cut food waste by 30% and saved $20,000 annually. [16:11] Three sustainability tips for restaurants: train staff, track data, and get creative with ingredients to reduce waste. ---

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with the Founder and CEO of Coconut Breeze Media, Juliana Olarte. Coconut Breeze Media is a new media solutions agency that brings innovative content marketing and AI automation for the travel and hospitality industries. With a background in public relations, creative storytelling, and technical strategy, she brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to every project. Juliana also serves as Media Director for Space Coast Pride, championing inclusive communication and digital outreach. Her prior roles include leading AI initiatives at Dicapta and managing national travel PR campaigns at MMGY NJF. Based in Cocoa Beach, she’s passionate about building meaningful connections through media, technology, and purpose-driven storytelling. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Make.com - easy AI automation and development Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: CoconutBreezemedia.com Juliana Olarte on LinkedIn Make.com Softr.io N8N.io Lovable.dev --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [2:46] What Vibe coding is? AI that builds websites and assets from text prompts. [5:52] Who is vibe coding for? It’s great for simple projects but not reliable for complex builds. [9:48] Big advantages of Vibe Coding: fast, easy, and no coding needed for prototypes. [12:20] Risks: no version control, easy to break projects without backups. [16:29] Start with safer tools like Softr, Airtable, and Make.com. [18:26] How Make.com automates tasks like lead generation and data management. [22:38] Future of Vibe coding. AI will get smarter but security risks remain. ---

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with the Founder & CEO of Ops Machine, Mitch Schwartz. Ops Machine is a CGLCC-certified consultancy that helps small to mid-sized organizations adopt AI intentionally—amplifying human strengths rather than replacing them. Mitch has spent years mastering process design and team dynamics, now guiding organizations from "Where do we start?" to measurable AI wins while balancing automation with human impact. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Make.com - easy AI automation and development Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: OpsMachine.co Mitch on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [02:35] How leaders should focus on guiding teams through AI changes instead of fearing job loss. [06:16] The shift from "knowledge work" to "wisdom work" and the key skills needed: connection, discernment, and emotional clarity. [11:44] The first question to ask when adopting AI is, “What problem do you think AI can solve?” then map processes together. [14:25] Big mistakes include top-down decisions, skipping collaboration, and not mapping current processes. [18:22] Start using AI by playing with ChatGPT, watching tutorials, and practicing prompts to build skills. [23:45] The second key step: map your current processes with your team to see where AI fits. [24:36] Final tip: document processes and involve your team to make AI implementation easier. ---

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with the Owner of Wine by Renée, Renée Sferrazza. Renée is a passionate and dynamic force in the wine industry. A Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, she began her journey over a decade ago and has since immersed herself in every facet of the wine world. As the founder of Wine by Renée, she leverages her global network to create engaging TV segments, videos, articles, and events that resonate with both the wine-curious and seasoned enthusiasts alike. Her mission is to make wine approachable and enjoyable by breaking it down into “simple sips.” Renée is a familiar face on Canadian television, regularly appearing as a Wine Personality on Global’s The Morning Show, CHCH, and Breakfast Television. Her reach extends internationally through platforms like the Canada’s Got Taste YouTube channel and the Tasted Television show DrinkUp. In print, she pens The Wine Effect, a monthly column for Distillery District Magazine, and contributes to ELLE Gourmet Canada, Foodism, Holr Magazine, and other notable publications. As the voice behind Wine by Renée, one of Canada’s largest wine-focused Instagram accounts, Renée offers a fresh, romantic, and down-to-earth take on wine. Her content invites everyone to embrace the joy of a great glass—without pretension. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - Start your email list today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: WineByRenee.com @wine.by.renee on Instagram --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [2:42] Renée shares how she transitioned from wine importing to launching Wine by Renée, including the discrimination she faced as a queer woman in the wine industry. [8:00] Discussion on how AI is impacting wine communication and how Renée uses it as a tool to free up time and boost her business. [12:24] Renée talks about building her personal brand during the pandemic and how she grew her Instagram following from 900 to over 27,000. [14:59] Calan asks how Renée balances creativity with the business side of partnerships and storytelling. [16:37] Renée explains her role as a translator in the wine world and why she avoids negative reviews in favor of context and accessibility. [17:35] A conversation about Barefoot’s Pride wine sparks a broader discussion on accessibility, inclusivity, and the purpose of wine in everyday life. [18:48] Renée shares practical advice for turning a passion into a brand, including getting paid for your work, offering value to loyal clients, and letting go of ideas that don’t sell. ---

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Ricardo Gattas-Moras. Ricardo is a dynamic marketing strategist, award-winning corporate leader, and founder of Poppy Marketing and Consulting. With over 17 years in Fortune 500 tech under his belt, Ricardo now focuses on empowering small businesses, particularly Latino and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, to build bold, authentic brands through storytelling, automation, and smart strategy. He's also the author of The Rainbow Bee, a children's book that celebrates identity and courage. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Make.com - easy AI automation and development Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: Poppymarketingandconsulting.com Ricardo on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [1:57] Small business owners waste time on tasks like emails and lead tracking that can be easily automated. [3:59] Aiming to appeal to everyone weakens branding, clarity and focus are key. [7:42] Use ChatGPT to build client personas and make automation feel personal and human. [10:28] A welcome email sequence works for both large companies and solo entrepreneurs. [12:12] Embrace your identity as a strength. Authentic branding attracts ideal clients. [14:07] With just five hours a week, focus on clear messaging, email automation, and lead capture. [20:01] Test different AI tools to find what works best and build a custom automation stack. ---

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with the co-founder of Techies of Tomorrow, Ramin Shadmehr. Techies of Tomorrow is an AI tech platform working to make assisted AI secure and helpful for everyone. They specialize in helping businesses manage rapidly evolving tech, particularly focusing on AI integration, cloud applications, and digital transformation. They’re also the creators of Roughly AI, a secure and adaptable AI solution that allows organizations of all sizes to innovate and grow without needing an in-house AI team. Ramin is a seasoned technology developer, educator, and researcher with over 15 years of experience in education, media, and tech. He holds a PhD in Educational Technology from Simon Fraser University, where he researches the effectiveness of virtual reality in job interview training for autistic adults. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - Start your email list today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: TechiesOfTomorrow.com Ramin Shadmehr on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [2:51] Ramin suggests small businesses approach AI with curiosity—start small, explore safely, and learn. [7:04] Calan encourages playing with AI tools like ChatGPT to understand their value before full adoption. [10:29] Ramin explains how to spot AI hype—watch for over-promises and flashy marketing. [16:24] Misconceptions stem from fear and lack of knowledge; basic AI education is key. [18:01] Choose AI tools by researching trusted sources like LinkedIn Learning and company backgrounds. [21:20] Stay relevant by staying adaptable—pivot quickly and embrace change. [24:37] Calan shares how using Arc Search helps ease into AI without sacrificing privacy. ---

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Jamie Engelhardt. Jamie is a coach, strategist, and the founder of Wild&, where she helps purpose-driven entrepreneurs build brands that feel like home. Her approach blends emotional depth with practical insight, grounded in the belief that the most impactful businesses are built from the inside out. Jamie is passionate about helping people lead with authenticity, connect more deeply, and create work that truly reflects who they are. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - Start your email list today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: Wild& Website Jamie Engelhardt on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [2:55] Focus your messaging on your audience, not yourself [4:48] Start with your brand and truly understand your audience [6:43] Speak directly to your ideal clients to attract more of them [7:35] Use your brand values to keep tone consistent everywhere [10:49] Keep visuals consistent to build trust and recognition [12:22] Don’t let AI shape your voice—train it to reflect you [16:42] Let your core values guide all brand messaging ---

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with founder and CEO of Kinnect, Omar Alvaresz. Kinnect is a platform dedicated to preserving memories and relationships through digital and physical experiences. With a background in major global brands and a personal drive to combat loneliness, Omar’s focus is on building meaningful connections and empowering people to celebrate their legacies. Omar’s passion for storytelling originated from various instances of loss in his own life - his grandfather's battle with Alzheimer's and losing his friend to Leukemia. In losing both his grandfather and friend, he knew there was a need for KINNECT - not only for them but for their families. KINNECT is not just Omar’s latest venture—it reflects his life’s work to bring people together, one story at a time. Watch on YouTube Take 50% off Kinnect Save your memories and connect more deeply with the people you love. Kinnect is an invite-only digital space, like your own private social network, or turn your life stories into a beautiful, physical book with worldwide shipping. Use code: CALAN50 --- ► Today’s Sponsor is OWNR - Start your business today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: Kinnect.club Omar Alvaresz on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:42] Omar shares how personal loss led to the creation of KINNECT. [02:29] Explaining how KINNECT combines digital apps with physical storybooks. [05:05] Overview of how users create memory books using prompts and voice-to-text. [08:01] KINNECT’s global reach and support for English and Spanish languages. [11:08] How KINNECT fosters meaningful, private connections unlike social media. [17:27] Omar talks about authentic, culturally rooted marketing for legacy building. ---

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with founder of Halyard Consulting, Jonathan Goodman. Halyard Consulting is an LGBTQ+ AI consultancy that helps small businesses automate their workflows using chatbots, voice assistants, and custom tools. With over 30 years of experience in digital strategy and advanced AI, Jonathan specializes in making automation simple, ethical, and accessible for entrepreneurs who want to grow without burning out. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - Start your email list today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: Halyard.Consulting Jonathan Goodman on LinkedIn ---

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Financial Advisor and Educator, Parisa Pajooh. Parisa is a seasoned queer financial advisor and educator dedicated to making financial literacy and planning accessible, inclusive, and personalized. With a focus on trust, transparency, and understanding each client’s unique circumstances, Parisa offers a supportive, holistic approach to financial and investment planning. Parisa is a member of The Financial Advisors Association of Canada and actively volunteers by serving on committees and boards, including the Rainbow Entrepreneur Collective and the Estate Planning Summit. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is QuickBooks Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: ParisaFinancial.com Parisa Pajooh on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with CEO of Endless Energy, Matt Kidd. Endless Energy is a Massachusetts-based company specializing in sustainable heating and cooling solutions. Matt joined the company in 2021, shortly after serving as Executive Director of Reaching Out MBA, the global association for LGBTQ+ business students. Throughout his career, Matt has focused on expanding sales and launching complementary offerings across a range of industries, including education, entertainment, SaaS, and professional associations. He holds an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business and a bachelor's degree from Boston University's College of Communication. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Castos - Start your podcast today Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: GoEndlessEnergy.com Matt Kidd on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:01] HVAC and insulation upgrades are key to cutting climate emissions. [02:05] Heat pumps are highly efficient and widely incentivized. [05:04] Solar + heat pump solutions help businesses lower costs and emissions. [10:25] Most homeowners choose heat pumps after comparing with AC. [20:21] Endless Energy guides clients through green incentives and rebates. [24:40] Act soon—HVAC prices rising and federal incentives may end. [25:39] Aging buildings need green upgrades to improve efficiency.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with founder of Origami Customs, Rae Hill. Origami Customs is a trans and gender-diverse clothing brand and community program based in Montreal. The program operates with a network of over 100 other organizations and provides life-changing items to people facing intersectional oppressions and financial barriers. Rae draws from their background in Sociology, experience in the fashion industry, and trans healthcare advocacy work they’ve done over the past 15 years. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Ownr - Start your business today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: OrigamiCustoms.com Origami Customs on IG Rae Hill on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:17] Rae Hill applies mutual aid principles in trans-led business practices within capitalism. [01:12] Trans and queer communities network to overcome limited resources. [03:37] Rae emphasizes sustainable growth and value preservation. [05:20] Strong customer and staff relationships are crucial for addressing needs. [11:33] Ethical in-house production supports the trans community. [15:42] Offering resources and promoting inclusivity for trans-led businesses. [19:37] Flexible, supportive policies enhance staff well-being. [21:28] Mutual aid unites charity and commerce for equality. [23:08] Human-centric approaches are vital despite societal resistance.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Co-Founder and COO of Trusti, Ella Farlinger. Trusti is a company that provides discreet, efficient, and convenient at-home rapid STI testing kits in Canada, offering users a way to test in the comfort of their own homes with subtle packaging and a secure results portal.  Ella has always been driven by a passion for communication and human connection. Growing up at the intersection of academia and the arts, she honed her ability to tell compelling stories –whether on stage, through research, or in writing. She believes that innovation and education have the power to create healthier, happier lives—yes, even in the topics that still make people blush. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - Start your email list today Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: Trusti.ca Ella Farlinger on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:16] The queer community is pivotal in advancing sexual health and STI awareness. [08:06] Trusti seeks to enhance sexual health access and provide user-friendly testing. [11:31] Queer entrepreneurs offer strong ROI due to their adaptability and compassion. [14:19] Online education is crucial for reaching various demographics. [21:29] Mentorship is key for sustainable development. [24:18] Trusti will launch digital tools to improve public health engagement.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Anmol Nagpal. Anmol is a neuroscientist-turned-entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in academia, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, with research published in top journals like Nature Medicine and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences also known as PNAS. Since March 2023, he has been the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at District 3 Innovation, coaching over 50 early-stage life science startups and managing a portfolio of 25 later-stage biotech ventures, helping them accelerate their path to commercialization. Anmol holds a Master of Science in Neuroscience with a focus on Fragile X Syndrome and other genetic brain disorders. He also has a Bachelor of Arts and Science from McGill University, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Business from Queen’s University. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - start your email list today Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: Nospharma.ca Anmol Nagpal on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:44] Nospharma focuses on treatments for fragile X syndrome, a rare brain disease. [01:23] The company was founded by scientists combining efforts to commercialize a treatment for fragile X syndrome. [05:02] Nospharma’s approach targets both brain cell communication and blood flow, offering a holistic treatment. [07:01] Utilizing existing drugs, Nospharma speeds up treatment availability, reducing development time and cost. [09:01] The company is preparing for FDA approval to begin clinical trials on patients. [13:28] Nospharma includes female mice in trials to gather robust data applicable to both genders. [14:55] Nospharma uses clinical research organizations to maintain flexibility and objective analysis. [16:16] Interested individuals can connect with Nospharma via LinkedIn or email; consult physicians for health concerns.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with email marketing genius, Sebastian Dziuk. Sebastian is a professional speaker, U.S. Army Veteran, and founder of Dziuk Studios LLC, an email marketing agency helping LGBTQ+ and Allied professional speakers expand their businesses through email. He’s a contributing author to two books, Thriving in Business: Strategies for the LGBTQ+ Entrepreneur, and With Honor and Integrity: Transgender Troops in Their Own Words. As a queer, trans man, Sebastian uses his experiences to help others tell their authentic stories to elevate their messages. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - Start your email list today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: SebastianDziuk.com Sebastian Dziuk on LinkedIn Sebastian Dziuk on IG QueerBrandGuide.com --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:27] Sebastian Dziuk highlights the importance of storytelling and copywriting in his transition to email marketing after years in content creation. [02:00] An email list provides a direct communication line with your audience, essential in an unpredictable digital landscape. [04:03] Regular newsletters foster engagement and help maintain relationships for future product launches. [08:14] Service providers should focus on consistent lead generation through email marketing rather than chasing viral success on social media. [09:20] Offering a valuable lead magnet encourages potential subscribers to share their email addresses effectively. [12:09] The quality of your email list is more important than its size; engaged subscribers lead to better results. [14:40] Removing inactive subscribers from your email list improves open rates and reduces the risk of spam classification. [16:30] A case study shows a graphic designer leveraged their email list to launch a successful paid community, underscoring email marketing's effectiveness. [18:20] Sebastian is active on LinkedIn and offers consultations, committed to helping others with email marketing.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with founder and CEO of Gaddies, David Morgenstern. Gaddies is the brand doing fatherhood the gay way. Inspired by his own experiences as a dad, Gaddies' mission is to build community and celebrate gay dads through physical products and digital storytelling. Before launching Gaddies, David held global leadership roles in Apparel and Supply Chain at Nike, as well as leading their global PRIDE employee resource group. Prior to Nike, he built a career in financial services before receiving an MBA from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is OWNR - Start your business today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: HeyGaddies.com David Morgenstern on LinkedIn Gaddies on IG --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:01] David Morgenstern shares his journey as a new entrepreneur focused on gay dads, emphasizing representation. [00:45] Gaddies connects the queer parenting community, celebrating diversity through a unique brand identity. [02:36] David discusses the challenges of starting a queer business and the importance of community support. [05:51] Engaging with LGBTQ+ networks and mentorship provides valuable support for queer entrepreneurs. [11:51] Gaddies seeks to create a global community for gay dads, fostering connections through apparel. [17:13] David identifies three consumer groups for Gaddies: gay dads, supporters, and allies. [19:06] Explore Gaddies and shop at heyGaddies.com.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with founder and principal at Elle Community Strategies, Erica Charron. With more than a decade working in the nonprofit community development sector, Erica founded Elle Community Strategies as a response to the evolving landscape of nonprofit/corporate partnerships and the drive for collaborative social impact. She is the author of various publications exploring complex social issues through community-based participatory research practices that aim to advance public policy. Erica is a certified diverse supplier with Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) and a proponent of social change. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is OWNR - Start your business today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: Ellecs.ca Erica Charron on LinkedIn --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [01:00] Economic resilience hinges on adaptability and cross-sector collaboration. [02:30] Nonprofits and businesses must work together for effective grassroots solutions and scalability. [05:54] Canada emphasizes collaboration over the US's capital-centric growth. [10:15] Systemic inequities arise from unchecked capitalism, impacting all sectors. [12:35] Businesses should prioritize social impact alongside profit for sustainable growth. [15:04] Future-proofing requires creativity and adaptability in response to crises. [26:19] Engaging in local policy forums helps businesses align values with social impact initiatives. [27:53] Voting is crucial for younger generations to protect rights and make their voices heard.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Jim Fielding. Jim is a respected leader and C-Suite veteran in brand strategy, consumer products and experiences, and storytelling. He has worked at some of the world’s largest media and retail companies, including Disney, Dreamworks, and 20th Century Fox. He is a passionate advocate and philanthropist for the Queer Community, higher education, and diversity, equity and inclusion. As author of “All Pride, No Ego” he is committed to safe and authentic spaces for all individuals and communities. Jim now spends his time as an Executive Coach, Speaker, and Advocate and gives back through his work with Braven Mentoring, the Indiana University Foundation Board, The Point Foundation, and various local community efforts in Atlanta. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Kit - start your email list today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: hijimfielding.com Jim Fielding on LinkedIn All Pride, No Ego - Book --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [00:05] Highlighted the importance of diversity in creative corporate environments for improved outcomes. [01:54] Showcased success in diverse teams at Disney, linking diversity to revenue growth and innovation. [09:23] Warned that reducing DEI initiatives risks losing talent and market competitiveness. [12:58] Stressed the importance of inclusivity to attract younger, socially aware talent. [21:11] Encouraged leaders to create a positive legacy and foster environments free from ego. [22:20] Urged a shift to new political leadership, highlighting figures like AOC. [23:44] Advocated for kindness and empathy in debates and discussions. [24:53] Highlighted the need for community support for marginalized groups.

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Podcast Growth Strategist and Marketing Expert, Kylee Chandler. Kylee has scaled top podcasts, including The Amy Porterfield Show which she helped grow over 234%. Kylee has also led audience growth for Cathy Heller and Bossbabe to name a few. She has worked with networks like HubSpot and YAP and now runs  her company - Podcast Marketing Hub, helping podcasters grow their audience and build their email list with high-converting strategies. Kylee is also the Host of “Podcast Growth Tools” that you can find across all podcast platforms. Watch on YouTube --- ► Today’s Sponsor is Castos - Start Your Podcast Today! Join the email list for news and updates --- Links mentioned in this episode: PodcastMarketingHub.com Grab Kylee's Free Podcasting Checkling Kylee on LinkedIn Kylee on IG --- Key Takeaways for quick navigation: [01:13] Podcasting creates personal connections between brands and audiences. [04:40] SEO-friendly titles improve searchability and attract the right audience. [09:20] Early email list building fosters listener loyalty. [16:32] Collaborations and podcast swaps expand reach and build community. [19:50] Lead magnets can boost website traffic and new subscriptions. [24:24] UTM parameters track audience behaviour to optimize marketing efforts. [29:00] Monthly membership calls deepen engagement and provide monetization opportunities. [32:28] Affiliate marketing offers simple, no-cost monetization options as the audience grows. [34:20] Collaboration over competition is vital in podcasting. [35:02] Use the podcast to build and nurture your email list for mutual growth.