In this timely "Your New Business Journey" roundtable on Passage to Profit Show, our panel of entrepreneurs and industry leaders tackle one big question every founder is asking: what is the single most important skill you must master to start and scale a successful business in 2026? From the rise of generative engine optimization and showing up in AI-driven search, to the importance of vision, communication, patience, curiosity, and resilience, this episode delivers practical insight for anyone dreaming of entrepreneurship. If you’re thinking about launching a business—or wondering how to stay relevant as the rules change—this conversation offers clear takeaways and a powerful reminder that progress comes from starting before you feel ready. 

Richard Gearhart and Elizabeth Gearhart, co-hosts of Passage to Profit Show have this discussion with Ralph Sutton from The SDR Show and GaS Digital Network, Joe Scaretta and Moses Carrasco from MasonMade Ventures and GG Mirvis from Desolas Mezcal.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a startup, an inventor, an innovator, a small business or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, tune into Passage to Profit Show for compelling discussions, real-life examples, and expert advice on entrepreneurship, intellectual property, trademarks and more. Visit https://passagetoprofitshow.com/ for the latest updates and episodes.

Chapters

• (00:00:02 ) - How to Start a Business in 2020
• (00:00:12 ) - Ray Romano On The Road to Profit
• (00:02:49 ) - Have You Build a Podcast Network?
• (00:05:03 ) - Podcasters on Starting a Podcast
• (00:07:41 ) - Are Rock Radio Audiences Similar to Podcast Audiences?
• (00:08:23 ) - What Do Podcasts Make That They're Not Great?
• (00:11:01 ) - Passion vs. The Hustle
• (00:13:00 ) - How I Got My Start on Radio
• (00:15:43 ) - How to Get Your Show on a Network
• (00:17:07 ) - The Investment Value of Gold
• (00:18:08 ) - The Cruise Line Hotline
• (00:19:07 ) - Interviewing Def Leppard
• (00:20:50 ) - Have You Had A Chat With A Celebrity?
• (00:24:22 ) - No Tattoo Guy On A Boat
• (00:25:29 ) - Celebrities and Social Media
• (00:27:13 ) - Passage to Profit