Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we interview the brightest minds in business today to help you level up your game and become the best version of you.

If you are an entrepreneur or a marketing leader, you’ve repeatedly heard the mantra 'do more with less'. But our guest today says that’s the wrong goal. She believes we shouldn't just be doing more; we should be redesigning the work itself.

Lisa Cole is the Chief Product, Marketing, and AI Officer at 2X, where she heads their AI Center of Excellence. With over 20 years of experience and three major B2B transformations under her belt, Lisa has become the 'secret weapon' for CMOs looking to bridge the gap between human creativity and machine efficiency. She is the author of Brand Gravity, The Revenue RAMP, and her highly anticipated new book, The Limitless CMO.

Today, we’re going to talk about how to move from being a 'cost center' to a 'revenue engine,' the reality of AI adoption , and how to build a brand that has enough 'gravity' to pull customers toward you without you having to chase them. Join me for my conversation with Lisa Cole.

Guest Bio:

Lisa Cole is Chief Product, Marketing & AI Officer and Head of the AI Center of Excellence at 2X. For more than 20 years, Lisa has helped B2B marketing leaders achieve more with less by redesigning how marketing work gets done through strategic outsourcing, AI adoption, and performance management.

Lisa has led three major B2B marketing transformations, including award-recognized work, and she’s been a trusted advisor to CMOs for nearly 16 years. She’s also the author of Brand Gravity, The Revenue RAMP, and her newest book, The Limitless CMO.

Resource Links:

• Website: www.lisacole.ai
• Company Website: https://2x.marketing/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:31 I shifted and pivoted into marketing

06:13 I remember when I started the very first question a company would ask is, should I have a website?

08:36 The underlying principle there is still true, you actually have to ask them

11:07 By the time they've actually made that decision to engage with your brand directly...

12:43 Marketing is the one that makes sure that you are both findable, understood, and chosen

16:21 Could marketing do a better job of being proactive with that, with the sales department?

20:24 The premise behind brand gravity is...

23:33 No better time to be a founder or entrepreneur, if you're comfortable with just putting your point of views, and your secret sauce out in the world

25:52 Your superpower is going to be wherever is uniquely human

28:02 Are there some must haves that small businesses should have?

31:53 The most common piece of feedback I get is...

32:22 My measure of success here is engagement

34:27 You have to be okay with change

36:10 And you argue for redesigning how work gets done instead of just working harder

37:37 My favorite question to ask is, how long does it take for you to get a campaign from an idea into market?

40:02 You head the AI Center of Excellence at 2X

42:04 The new book's called The Limitless CMO

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lisacole01

Twitter (X): https://x.com/CMOInnovator

Company: https://www.youtube.com/@2xmarketing

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelimitlesscmo

Email: lisa.cole@2X.marketing

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to the high-level strategies that transform professionals and level up performance.

Today, we are exploring a truth that every professional eventually hits: Success isn't just about what you do; it’s about the clarity with which you lead. Many leaders reach a plateau not because they lack resources, but because they are navigating through the 'fog' of doubt, rapid growth, or shifting industries.

Joining us is someone who has mastered the art of the pivot and the science of leadership. Thomas Passalacqua is a certified Executive Coach and the founder of Ascend Professional Pathways. From his early days as a founding teacher in New York City to driving high-stakes mergers and acquisitions and executive coaching, Thomas has seen firsthand how the right mindset can turn a 'good' professional into an 'elite' leader.

In this episode, we’re going to help you identify your own blind spots, overcome the silent fears that stall growth, and learn how to align your daily decisions with your highest professional goals. Join me for my conversation with Thomas Passalacqua.

Guest Bio:

Thomas Passalacqua is a certified Executive Coach who specializes in customized professional & leadership development. With a master’s in education, Thomas started his career as a founding teacher in New York City. He then transitioned into dental manufacturing sales, where he was an award-winning consultant who trained and mentored other sales professionals.

Transitioning again, Thomas was the director of business development for a growing dental group practice in the Northeast where he led sales and marketing for mergers & acquisitions. In his executive coaching and professional training platform, Ascend Professional Pathways LLC, he enables various industry leaders to gain clarity and improve their business leadership skills.

Thomas' clients are empowered to reach the next level in their businesses and careers by overcoming doubts, fears, and uncertainty and making strategic decisions to better align with their goals.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://ascendpropathways.com/
• Product Link: https://ascendpropathways.com/executive-coaching

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:44 I found myself being relevant to my fellow classmates and seeing them take my advice

06:41 The pathway reference really is a nod to the individual coach and because there are multiple directions

09:49 My main focus is, okay, what do we do moving forward?

12:01 What kinds of things do you see for obstacles that are common?

13:58 The 'why' behind it all is important

16:10 If you have a question, you can most likely find the answer to it in this day and age

18:31 I wanted to follow my own expectation and blaze my own path

22:35 If your default is an excuse, then that's a red flag to know that you're operating from a doubt or a state of fear

25:17 Vision work is huge

28:44 Let's talk about clarity and getting clarity, but also clarity as a competitive advantage

32:20 You've already proved to yourself that you can go from where you were to where you are...

38:36 In this day and age, there's more tools and resources and information

41:33 What's a good step that they can take?

42:18 You have resources, and you have the skills and capabilities already within you, you just have to uncover what's blocking you

42:38 My website ascendpropathways.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspassalacqua/

Email: thomas@ascendpropathways.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for the professional who wants to level up their skillset and focus on continuous improvement. Today, we’re tackling the silent killer of professional peak performance: The Invisible Quicksand.

We spend our lives optimizing our businesses, our processes, and our leadership teams. But what happens when you are being held back by a disorganized home? What is the cost of the 'mental clutter' that follows you from the kitchen table to the office?

Our guest today is a powerhouse who transformed from a stay-at-home mom at forty to the CEO of a million dollar empire. Lisa Woodruff, the founder of Organize 365 and host of a podcast with over 24 million downloads, believes that organization isn't a personality trait—it’s a learnable, high-level business skill.

She’s here to show us how to bridge the gap between household management and professional scaling, and to give us a sneak peek into her upcoming book, Escaping Quicksand. If you’ve ever felt like you’re winning at work but sinking at home, this conversation is your lifeline. Join me for my conversation with Lisa Woodruff.

Guest Bio:

Lisa Woodruff is the founder & CEO of Organize 365. Lisa and 87% of Americans believe organization is a learnable skill. Yet less than 18% of those same Americans feel they are organized.

As the host of the top-rated Organize 365 Podcast, with 24 million downloads & counting, Lisa shares strategies for reducing the overwhelm, clearing the mental clutter, and living a productive and organized life.

Resource Links:

• Website: http://organize365.com/
• Product Link: https://organize365.com/escapingquicksand/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:34 I started to really think back on, what was my story going to be

06:22 I realized I was a professional organizer

08:28 My PhD is on the invisible load and the cognitive load of organizing

10:11 I'm an educator and so I'm going to give you a lot of options

14:39 Organization is a learnable skill

16:31 In my opinion, your child's bedroom is their mini apartment

19:55 I had to grow those muscles of being a business owner and doing the work of the business

20:30 Let's talk about your upcoming book, Escaping Quicksand

26:54 It's not a department, it's a whole separate business, the household is the economic entity

28:12 My higher and best use is being strategic

30:34 I took all of my bank statements from Wells Fargo, dumped them into an AI tool (Claude)

31:55 Organization happens in analog, productivity happens in digital

34:58 What's the number one organizational lie that keeps people and entrepreneurs stuck in that gap?

39:48 I realized in hindsight, once I firmly went into excellence versus perfectionism, is not accepting others' judgment of myself

44:55 You have so much more control than you think you do...at home

46:10 Just really think through, is the improvement really the improvement you want?

48:11 Website is organize365.com

48:38 Get organized and you get your time back

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisawoodruff/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2w8BMBq25cswE7mVRX1bDA

Instagram: http://instagram.com/organize365

Lisa's Podcast: https://organize365.com/podcast-landing-page/

Email: Lisa@organize365.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for high-achieving professionals and entrepreneurs who want to level up their game and become the best versions of themselves.

Today, we are exploring a topic that is fundamental to our success, yet one that many of us often fail to properly plan: our financial foundation. Joining us is someone who brings a rare level of discipline to the table. Jeffrey Panik is a Master of Science in Financial Services and a Certified Financial Planner with over 25 years of experience.

But Jeffrey’s perspective wasn't formed in a boardroom alone. As a first-generation college student who served in the U.S. Army to pay off his student loans, Jeff carries a 'military-grade' perseverance into his work today. He is the founder of Balance Wealth Partners and the author of The Future is Now, a guide designed to demystify the 'financial fog' that many business professionals face.

In a world of volatile markets and AI-driven advice, Jeff is here to show us why human relationships and operational discipline are your greatest investment assets. Join me for my conversation with Jeffrey Panik.

Guest Bio:

Jeffrey Panik, MSFS, CFP®, is a financial advisor with over twenty-five years of experience helping hundreds of families, individuals, and small businesses strategically manage their assets and plan for long-term success. The first in his family to attend college, Jeff also served in the U.S. Army, which paid off his student loans and instilled the discipline and perseverance he carries into his work today. He began his career as a financial advisor trainee at a large brokerage firm and has since built a thriving practice dedicated to empowering clients with financial literacy and confidence.

Though he grew up in Southwestern Pennsylvania, Jeff has lived in Atlanta, GA, for more than two decades with his wife Rebecca. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, traveling, reading, and all types of sports.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.balancewealthpartners.com/
• Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS8GNF1H?ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Z8DJA5H6R0DJ0ZJMZVDP&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Z8DJA5H6R0DJ0ZJMZVDP&social_share=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_Z8DJA5H6R0DJ0ZJMZVDP&skipTwisterOG=2

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:36 I still wasn't really sure what I wanted to do and I made the decision to go in the Army

06:54 When you're dealing with money, it's an extremely emotional topic

09:31 It's important to distinguish yourself from everyone else

12:51 The value now is automation

16:30 I think it's a matter of balance, whether it's in your work life, in your family, or in retirement

20:56 As entrepreneurs, as young investors, maybe people just listening where should we be focused?

24:16 Let's talk about legacy and family wealth

24:50 I think the essential piece of finance really is communication

27:37 Things are going to become what I would say more commoditized

30:11 It's a good idea if you interview three or four different advisors

30:33 Your book, Your Future is Now: An Introductory Guide to Managing your Finances

33:38 You plan for the worst and if you do that, everything ends up usually working out pretty well

35:16 It's small steps, but you have to take the first step

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpanik

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@balancewealthpartners

Email: jeff@balancewealthpartners.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the business professionals who are preferred in the markets they serve. Today, we are diving into the intersection of high-stakes strategy and operational discipline.

Our guest today is a literal 'Top 10' leader. Sarah Jeanneault is the VP of Marketing at ProcedureFlow and a veteran of the fintech and technology worlds. With over 20 years of experience—including leading multi-billion dollar asset growth and successfully exiting two fintech ventures—Sarah knows exactly what it takes to scale a business without losing the customer experience.

But here is why you need to listen closely today: Sarah is an expert at solving the 'knowledge gap.' In an era where everyone is chasing AI, Sarah advocates for a 'knowledge-first' strategy. She helps organizations in the most complex, regulated industries—like finance and healthcare—turn messy, unstructured data into visual, repeatable success.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to build an exit-ready engine or a professional aiming to stay relevant in the age of AI, this episode is your blueprint. Join me for my conversation with Sarah Jenneault.

Guest Bio:

Sarah Jenneault is a seasoned executive leader with over two decades of experience driving scalable growth platforms and operating models within highly regulated industries, such as finance and healthcare. She has partnered closely with leadership to align go-to-market strategies, technology, and customer operations, directly supporting multi-billion-dollar AUM growth. A former educator with a Master’s in Education, Sarah uniquely applies teaching skills to change management, helping organizations navigate the "creative constraints" of regulation to move from being a commodity to a preferred brand.

Throughout her career, Sarah has overseen end-to-end commercial operations, building cross-functional teams and managing multi-million-dollar budgets to scale efficiently without sacrificing customer experience. Her approach centers on building "durable operating systems" and integrated growth engines that connect data, digital modernization, and customer insights. Having successfully exited two fintech ventures, she emphasizes that structured knowledge is an essential "operational layer" that significantly increases enterprise value during an acquisition.

Currently, Sarah focuses on helping organizations move toward a "knowledge-first" AI strategy to overcome the hurdles of unstructured data. At ProcedureFlow, she advocates for converting complex, text-heavy processes into easy-to-follow visual guides, which allows companies to onboard new hires in days rather than months. By treating internal knowledge management like the essential "backbone" of a company, Sarah helps businesses achieve optimal, repeatable outcomes and sustained revenue growth.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://procedureflow.com/
2. Product Link: https://procedureflow.com/industries/contact-center

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:08 It's our job as leaders to facilitate that conversation in a room

07:26 We want our B2B customers to be set up for success

08:25 Everybody thinks right now that AI is going to solve everything

10:23 I'm very pro AI, there's a lot of really great success stories out there

13:10 Think about, what do you really want AI to do for you

15:04 We naturally read in an F pattern

18:25 You have multiple generations of people working in organizations who all have organized their information in very different ways

22:43 Every entrepreneur should be working with the idea that you want to exit

25:39 I do love sourdough and also, I am a little obsessed with just making it better and better

31:00 Wherever you are in your journey, it's okay

33:54 It's not something I ever realized I really needed, but it is making such a critical difference

34:52 If we move too fast, too hard, AI starts hallucinating, it starts making things up

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iam-sarah-potter/?originalSubdomain=ca

LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/procedureflow/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/procedureflow

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUXqqLeUImuk3jJ9tKc3nzw

Email: sarah.jeanneault@procedureflow.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to another episode of Becoming Preferred, the show dedicated to helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace by becoming the provider—and the leader—of choice.

Today we are joined by Coach Jim Johnson, a returning favorite who truly understands what it means to lead under pressure. He’s a hall-of-fame basketball coach, and a world-class speaker, but whether he’s in a locker room or a boardroom, Coach Jim Johnson knows that winning isn't just about the score—it’s about the soul of the team.

Today, we’re breaking down his powerful framework, The 8 Cs of Leadership, to find out how you can earn the right to be followed and how to stay relevant in an ever-changing professional landscape. Join me for my conversation with Coach Jim Johnson.

Guest Bio:

A Legacy of Championship Leadership Coach Johnson is a legendary figure in New York high school basketball, boasting an incredible career record of 428-221. Over two decades, he led the Greece Athena Trojans to 11 divisional titles and a staggering 66-5 record in his final three seasons alone. A multi-time Coach of the Year and recipient of the National Sportsmanship Award, his tenure was defined by consistent excellence, including 22 winning seasons out of 23 and leading his team to the #1 ranking in New York State.

The "Magic" of Teamwork and J-Mac Beyond the win-loss column, Coach Johnson is widely recognized for his unique partnership with Jason "J-Mac" McElwain. From the viral "magic" of J-Mac’s legendary shooting performance to their collaborative coaching years that followed, their story has been featured nationally on CBS Sports. Johnson’s program was built on a foundation of unselfishness, where players celebrated each other's successes as much as their own—a culture that propelled the Trojans to three consecutive Section V Championships.

Inspiring the Next Generation After 33 years as an educator and 20 seasons on the court, Coach Johnson has transitioned his expertise into professional speaking. Through his presentations, “Dreams Really Do Come True” and “Leadership Lessons from Half-Court,” he now travels the country sharing insights on goal setting, teamwork, and leading by example. He brings a lifetime of experience in human potential to businesses and educational organizations, proving that the lessons learned on the hardwood are the keys to success in life.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://coachjimjohnson.com/
2. Product Link: https://coachjimjohnson.com/inspirational-motivational-book-products/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:15 We want to unite people, not divide them

04:57 The other thing I think is really important with character is being willing to admit when you make a mistake

07:34 Are you a person worth following?

10:52 Do your people know that you care about them?

14:51 Stephen Covey said, seek first to understand before being understood

18:05 Why I say clarity is kindness...

19:12 Confidence versus arrogance

20:48 People want to feel like they're being heard

22:25 As a leader, you have to admit when you're wrong, and that that's a very hard thing to do

25:59 If we don't get better, people are going to pass this right by

28:36 Really sharing that curiosity every day

29:07 You make the distinction between listening to understand versus listening to respond

34:46 My big thing with challenge is that it starts with setting some really high standards that as a leader you've got to be living and sharing

38:20 I do think you have to have some boundaries and some non-negotiables

40:00 Are you the same person of a high level of integrity at home as you are in the marketplace?

42:19 The website is coachjimjohnson.com

42:35 I've actually connected with a few people that are on a kindness movement

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjimjohnson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CoachJimJohnson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachjimjohnson

Blog: https://coachjimjohnson.com/blog/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoachJimJohnson1

Email: jjhoops@rochester.rr.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the show where we deconstruct the strategies that help you become the preferred choice in a crowded marketplace.

Now, we’ve all seen it: companies spending thousands on leadership retreats that result in a 'high' for three days and then… total stagnation. The missing piece isn't talent; it’s resistance.

Today, we are welcoming back, Mike Irving. Mike is the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, and he’s cracked the code on 'Resistance Removal'—a framework that delivers tangible leadership results in weeks, not years.

Today, Mike is pulling back the curtain on his Three Pillars for Success and revealing why communication is the ultimate foundation for developing a team of leaders, rather than a team of followers.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your own edge or scale your team’s performance, this episode is your roadmap. Join me now for my conversation with Mike Irving.

Guest Bio:

Mike Irving is the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, a coaching company designed for established business owners who know they’re capable of more—but haven’t yet found a support system that truly meets them where they are.

With over two decades of leadership experience—from launching his first business at 21 to managing a national sales force of over 300—Mike understands the highs of entrepreneurial success and the hidden costs that often come with it: burnout, disconnection, and stalled progress.

Frustrated by one-size-fits-all coaching programs that glossed over individual nuance, Mike set out to build something different. The result was Advanced Business Abilities: a coaching platform that combines deeply personal insight with practical, strategic execution.

One of the unique aspects of ABA’s methodology is the Success Predictor Profile—a proprietary tool backed by 50+ years of scientific research—that helps easily and efficiently identify a person's strengths, weaknesses, and blindspots and allows ABA to give business owners a custom blueprint for growth, performance, and alignment.

Today, Mike works with owners leading teams of 5 or more, who are not just chasing revenue but want to lead with integrity, improve decision-making, and grow without sacrificing their health or values. His approach resonates with founders who are practical, values-driven, and actively investing in their long-term success.

Whether he’s coaching in a boardroom or speaking on a podcast, Mike brings a refreshingly honest, grounded voice to the leadership conversation—always focused on helping others do the work that actually works.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com/
2. Product Link: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com/individual-sales-coaching/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:34 We know the things that we should be doing, we just don't always do them

05:04 I got to a place where there was enough pain that I was going, man, I don't know what to do

05:54 We've got a diagnostic tool that I call the Predictor Profiles

15:10 While I had a zero attention to detail, I also had a zero on patience

16:34 If I don't change this about me...

20:11 You are the king or the queen on the throne In your world

20:56 Outwitting the Devil, in my opinion, is the best book Napoleon Hill ever wrote

24:35 The education system that we've been through does not teach an individual how to think

25:23 Resistance fundamentally sits in moments that we're unwilling to experience

27:13 I call the framework the foundations of successful self-leadership

29:26 How do you get people to start taking responsibility for their outcomes and results in life?

32:13 The website is advancedbusinessabilities.com

32:25 People can do that completely free of charge if they go to audit.advancedbusinessabilities.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irvingmike/

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-business-abilities/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedBusinessAbilities/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChbg_ESzS4rqG-Ew_DJ_utA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancedbusinessabilities/

Email: mike.irving@advancedbusinessabilities.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome to another episode of Becoming Preferred. Today we’re diving into a topic that every entrepreneur and professional eventually grapples with: the difference between building a high-income career and building true, lasting independence.

Our guest today is a master of the systems behind success. Ron Kmetovicz is a seasoned engineer with roots at Hewlett-Packard and Stanford, but he’s also a powerhouse entrepreneur and investor who has spent decades distilling complex financial principles into a blueprint for freedom.

He is the author of Ghost Money: The Pathway to Financial Independence. Today, he’s here to show us how to stop trading time for dollars and start building "Ghost Money"— that invisible, compounding engine that works for you while you sleep. Whether you're looking to scale your first business or you're planning your legacy, Ron’s engineering approach to wealth is exactly what you need to take full control of your financial future. Join me for my conversation with Ron Kmetovicz.

Guest Bio:

Ron Kmetovicz is a seasoned engineer, entrepreneur, investor and financial mentor with a passion for empowering the next generation. Holding a BSEE from The Pennsylvania State University and a MSEE from Santa Clara University, complemented by business training at Hewlett-Packard and Stanford, Ron built a dynamic career at the Ionosphere Research Lab, Goodyear Aerospace, and Hewlett-Packard before launching multiple successful businesses.

A proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he brings decades of real-world experience to Ghost Money: The Pathway to Financial Independence. At 78, Ron remains an avid mountain biker, hiker, and traveler, embodying the energy and independence he inspires in readers. His mission? To guide young people away from waiting for handouts and toward building their own dynamic financial futures.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://ghostmoneythebook.com/
2. Product Link: https://ghostmoneythebook.com/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:41 I was off to get my engineering degree at Penn State

08:38 You've written a book called Ghost Money and coined the term Ghost Money

09:28 When you build that kind of structure in your life where you're not dependent on a paycheck to paycheck, single revenue stream, you're on your way to financial independence

12:23 Long term investing for me is something I've just personally done for 50 years

17:07 Behavior is the key word

18:51 A couple of failures early on in life are good for you

23:49 It's the exposure to life's circumstance and the ability to see yourself in those circumstance...

24:45 When you grow up in a single revenue stream family you're learning survival tactics

29:18 I think there's a difference between good debt and bad debt

33:19 Health is the foundation, the rest is the enjoyment

36:32 I do believe that there is good money to be made if you know how to do it, and if you're disciplined to do it

40:54 My take on investing is invest in only those things that you understand

44:44 The book is called Ghost Money, the Pathway to Financial Independence

44:55 We've got the website at GhostMoneythebook.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-k-34218017/

X: https://x.com/GhostMoneyEdu

Email: ron@ghostmoneythebook.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for entrepreneurs and professionals who are tired of being an option and are ready to become the preferred provider in the markets they serve.

Our guest today is a man who doesn't just build businesses; he builds ecosystems of opportunity. Reed Nyffeler is the Co-Founder and CEO of Signal, a global security powerhouse that he scaled from a local startup into a massive franchise network spanning hundreds of locations.

But Reed isn't your typical 'grind-until-you-break' CEO. He is a lifelong entrepreneur who believes that a business should serve your life—not consume it. Through his books Lead Exponentially and Transform Through Purpose, he teaches leaders how to step out of the daily whirlwind and into a role of true stewardship.

Today, we’re going to deconstruct how he professionalized a fragmented industry, why he’s obsessed with lowering the barrier of entry for the next generation of leaders, and how you can stop being a 'superhero' in your business so you can finally start being a leader. Join me for my conversation with Reed Nyffeler.

Guest Bio:

Reed Nyffeler is a lifelong entrepreneur with a passion for developing the next generation of leaders, finding solutions, and implementing growth strategies. Reed is the CEO and founder of Signal, a fast-growing, industry-leading security services franchisor with a mission to provide peace of mind to pursue passion in life. Reed also founded Filtergo, a national HVAC filter replacement service designed to simplify air care for businesses and Framebrand, a franchise development company that helps franchise brands scale more effectively. He is the author of Transform through Purpose: Your Path to Living an Authentic and Intentional Life.

Grounded in faith, Reed has learned to identify his priorities and live with purpose in every area of his life. He carefully balances his professional aspirations with time spent enjoying and connecting with his happy, thriving family of six.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://reednyffeler.com/
2. Website: https://www.teamsignal.com/
3. Product Link: https://reednyffeler.com/#book

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:10 Always trying to find a better way to solve a problem

03:08 I'm going to find a solution and live with the positive and negative consequences

05:33 Whoever you are blaming owns your decision

06:42 I think if you blame somebody else, you disempower yourself

07:11 That ties back to my book Lead Exponentially actually

09:17 If you don't bring the energy to the business, it will either take energy from you or it won't require any energy

11:48 You talk about the six month test

14:41 Once you're an entrepreneur and you figure out your business, you figure out a way to communicate the vision so it's not lost

15:33 30 minute blocks are an appropriate cadence

19:00 Everything starts with the mindset

21:23 It was designed not working around the problems, but designing the experience around the technology

22:21 In the era of artificial intelligence, authenticity is the currency

25:08 What's the thing that only I can do in this business?

27:13 Everything we fill our time with, it's at the expense of something else, so make sure it's worth that expense

30:48 The purpose is consistent, the application is what changes

33:25 Let's talk about generational impact over revenue

37:19 Baby boomers, they wanted the most amount of income for their time

43:25 What needs to change here, and how can I use technology to do that disruption?

43:30 The book is called Lead Exponentially, Your Path to Developing Authentic and Intentional Leaders

43:56 You have the ability to define your future

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reednyffeler/

LinkedIn Business: http://linkedin.com/company/teamsignal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamSignalFG/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TeamSignalFG/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Vxli8ajETu4LBAezHDwms

Email: rnyffeler@teamsignal.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the leaders who aren’t just playing the game, they are redefining it. We all want to reach the summit of our careers, but how many of us lose ourselves on the climb? Today’s guest has mastered the art of scaling mountains, literally and figuratively, without losing his peace of mind.

Saahil Mehta is a global citizen, a serial entrepreneur managing businesses across two continents, and a success coach for the world's most ambitious leaders. He is an author, a keynote speaker, and a passionate mountaineer who has taken the lessons learned in the thin air of the Himalayas and applied them to the high-stakes world of multimillion-dollar business.

Through his 'Break Free' system and his work with Stakeholder Centered Leadership, Saahil helps entrepreneurs unlock their ultimate potential. His mission is simple: to show you how to lead with total clarity, nurture meaningful relationships, and live what he calls a 'Zero Regret' life.

He’s here to show us how to climb faster while staying healthier. Join me for my conversation with Saahil Mehta.

Guest Bio:

Saahil Mehta is a global citizen, serial entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, success coach for ambitious leaders, and a passionate mountaineer. Balancing businesses across two continents, family, and passions has taught him firsthand the challenges ambitious leaders face. He helps leaders unlock their potential and live a zero regret life with ultimate clarity and peace of mind.

Saahil believes that true success is holistic: climbing your summits faster while staying healthy and nurturing meaningful relationships, a balance that often feels out of reach. His coaching combines his Break Free system with tools from Marshall Goldsmith’s Stakeholder Centered Leadership and conscious communication practices to boost clarity, momentum, and team performance. He also shares leadership lessons from the mountains to inspire others to reach their personal and professional peaks.

Saahil has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs and leaders across 20+ countries, guiding multimillion-dollar businesses through coaching, workshops, keynotes, and retreats. Global brands and leadership networks trust him to deliver insights and tools that inspire lasting transformation.

Saahil's mission is simple: to help ambitious leaders lead with clarity, redefine success, unlock their potential, and live a zero regret life.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://www.saahilmehta.com/
2. Product Link: https://www.saahilmehta.com/work-with-me/
3. Book Link: https://amzn.in/d/gsmcsMK

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:55 You created what you call the Zero Regret Framework

05:49 Rich has many definitions, but I only focused on the wealth rich

07:31 I came across this book by Hal Elrod, The Miracle Morning

11:34 How does that decluttering process start?

13:03 I started replacing 'need' with 'want'

15:34 There's a lovely exercise I can share

18:04 What I love about what you're saying is you realize there's also different areas of decluttering

20:35 He talked about how he didn't buy anything for a year

24:12 It was just about getting comfortable in my own skin

24:58 If you don't detach before you declutter, you will have regret

25:27 When I started saying no to these things, it's because the yeses on the other side were far more important for me

30:20 How many of us share the same definition of success?

31:59 What are you carrying in your backpack as you go up these mountains?

34:01 How do you make it bite size so it's chewable

35:34 The disease that people are suffering from today...

38:18 I was a people pleaser

40:44 A lot of people think you declutter and life is going to be great

42:14 Most people find utility in something when it's about to be thrown away

42:31 www.saahilmehta.com/success

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saahilmehta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saahilmehtaofficial

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/saahilmehta

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SaahilMehtaOfficial

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saahilmehtaofficial/

Webinar – The Exponential Success Blueprint by Saahil Mehta:

https://www.saahilmehta.com/webinars/the-exponential-success-blueprint/

Email: saahil@saahilmehta.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to helping you move from being an option to being the preferred choice in your industry.

If you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or a professional, you know the market is saturated. The only thing that truly differentiates you isn't your product; it’s your story. How clearly you tell it determines your entire ceiling for growth. That’s why I am thrilled to welcome a man who is the master architect behind some of the world's most influential narratives. Our guest today is Bill Blankschaen, the founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders.

Bill is a New York Times Bestselling writer, and his work impacts millions. His client roster reads like a masterclass in influence: we’re talking John C. Maxwell, Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank, Michael Hyatt, Zig Ziglar's family, and countless corporate leaders and successful business coaches. They all go to Bill to refine the single most valuable asset they have: their narrative.

Bill and his team craft books and learning experiences that turn ideas into greater impact, greater influence, and significantly greater income.

He’s here today to discuss the roadmap laid out in his new book, Your Story Advantage: A Proven Path to Maximize Your Impact, Influence, & Income. Join me for my conversation with Bill Blankschaen.

Guest Bio:

Bill is the founder and Chief Story Architect of StoryBuilders, a creative team of storytellers who share his passion for helping people live a story worth telling and serving them with excellence in genuine, high-trust relationships.

StoryBuilders tells stories that make the world a better place by creating compelling books and learning experiences that turn ideas into greater impact, influence, and income.

A New York Times Bestselling writer, Bill and his team work with a variety of influencers like John C. Maxwell and Maxwell Leadership, Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank, Lewis Howes, Michael Hyatt (Full Focus), Rory and AJ Vaden, Zig Ziglar and family, Jeff Allen, Stu McLaren, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, business coaches and consultants, political figures, cultural voices, athletes, comedians, fitness gurus, psychologists, and even faith leaders at some of the largest churches in America.

The books, resources, and experiences they have created have already impacted millions of people—and they’re just getting started!

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://mystorybuilders.com/
2. Product Link: https://amzn.to/47JMfiy

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:27 I can sit down and blow through a book in a matter of hours

04:49 Your breakthrough begins when you start with your story

07:02 That's why I like to lean into what I created called the storytelling structure

08:45 Your message, whatever it is that you're sharing, is about you, but it is not for you

10:10 We like to say that we tell stories that make the world a better place

10:40 As I like to say, if you want to elevate, you have to collaborate

12:59 I call it the confidence trap

16:48 Once you get clarity, then develop it out, and then monetize it from there

18:21 The amount of information in the world is doubling every day now

20:44 What's a typical, average process?

22:23 We believe every story matters, and every story is different and unique

23:41 The very first question I ask any of these people that we work with when it comes to creating a book...

26:11 We have 6 book starter questions

30:37 Every story is unique, every story is different

33:04 Is it the beginning of an idea or has it actually been fully developed?

36:10 mystorybuilders.com/story

36:25 The book is called Your Story Advantage

36:32 Yourstoryadvantage.com

37:46 I'm strategically at my best when I'm creatively, questioning, connecting and then communicating in the context of my beliefs

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billblankschaen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thestorybuilders/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mystorybuilder

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_storybuilders/

Email: bill@mystorybuilders.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the leaders and visionaries who refuse to settle for 'good enough.' Today, we’re tackling a psychological trap that captures thousands of high-performing professionals every single year. It’s called 'The Dependence Dilemma'. That invisible ceiling of financial obligations and the false sense of security that keeps brilliant people stuck in survival mode.

Our guest today is a man who didn't just break that ceiling; he shattered it. He started in the classroom as a high school math teacher, crunching numbers just to make ends meet. But he decided to stop playing it safe and started playing it big.

That shift led him to found a direct sales empire that has cleared over a billion dollars in global sales. He is a world-renowned philanthropist, a cancer survivor who turned his battle into a multi-million-dollar research mission, and the author of the transformative new book, Life of Your Dreams.

He’s here to show us that the gap between where you are and where you want to be isn't a matter of luck—it’s a matter of mindset and seven specific, transformative steps. Join me for my conversation with Mark Pentecost.

Guest Bio:

Mark Pentecost went from being a high school teacher to becoming a billionaire, a nationally-recognized philanthropist, and a world-renowned thought leader.

From founding a direct sales company that has surpassed over a billion dollars in sales globally, to surviving cancer (and donating millions of dollars toward cancer research along the way), Mark knows just how precious life is and has dedicated his own life to helping other people achieve their dreams.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://pentecostgroup.com/our-story/
2. Product Link: https://pentecostgroup.com/life-of-your-dreams-book/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:50 In your new book, Life of Your Dreams

03:04 I was one of those guys always reading a book

05:29 He said, if you don't do something different, in 20 years, you're going to be doing the same thing with the same issues

08:19 My daughter had come and said, D ad, we've got to tell your story

11:18 I didn't know I was an entrepreneur until later in life

12:55 If you're not happy then nobody around you is happy

16:41 He (my grandpa) would say, Mark, you can't force a horse to drink, but you can salt the oats

17:11 I have a whole chapter on Say It and See it

19:22 Being a CEO was like a head coach

21:01 I decided to live on the offence, and that changed everything

23:33 I would start naming our issues

25:00 I realized sometimes my greatest strength was my greatest weakness

27:39 Do you have a rudder on your ship or is the wind just blowing you wherever you go?

29:37 My point today is if you really want something, there's ways to do it

29:55 in the book, I call it Grit-Q. What is, I don't care about your IQ, what's your Grit-Q?

30:58 I think dreaming is like a muscle, the more you dream, the bigger it gets

33:17 Life's full of pivots

34:50 I always say the dream you're most proud, is the one you're afraid to say out loud

36:12 You know, the scariest day and the best day of my life was the day I resigned and walked out

38:41 But when's enough, enough?

42:22 You've got this, but you've got to get in the game

43:51 The book is called Life of Your Dreams

44:05 The website pentecostgroup.com

44:21 We started Impact Professionals which is like Netflix for entrepreneurs

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbpentecost/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.pentecost.14

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkpentecost/?hl=en

Email: pent@pentecostgroup.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast that arms you with the strategies to stop chasing and start attracting your ideal clients! I’m your host, Michael Vickers, and if you're a business professional or entrepreneur, you know the struggle: you have an incredible service, but cutting through the noise to establish yourself as the trusted authority feels impossible.

Today, we are tackling the single most powerful B2B platform: LinkedIn. It’s time to stop using your profile as a dusty online resume and start transforming it into a definitive lead generation engine. Our guest and his team have cracked the code on building genuine authority and measurable revenue through a high-conversion LinkedIn strategy. He's here to share the secrets to becoming the preferred provider in your niche.

We’re diving into everything: from the critical shift your profile must make, to the high-converting framework for direct messaging, and Shay's simple, actionable advice you can implement today.

Get ready to take notes, because this episode is how you master the art of B2B LinkedIn. Join me for my conversation with Shay Thieberg!

Guest Bio:

Shay is the Co-Founder of MAIA Digital - a LinkedIn Marketing Agency. Specializing in LinkedIn marketing, Shay holds a Masters degree in Social Psychology & Decision-Making. Shay is among 30 Global LinkedIn Certified Experts and Faculty members at Reichmann University where he teaches “B2B Marketing for Tech”.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://team-maia.com/
2. Product Link: https://team-maia.com/b2b-linkedin-strategy/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:31 That was a lesson that I learned by myself that I can control my own life and path

05:21 My ADHD is my superpower

07:43 LinkedIn picked me

10:07 So, we're calling it the LinkedIn trifecta

11:33 The only thing that I did is post valuable insightful tips, hacks, and content for people to be able to use

17:16 I'm calling it T to B: Trust to Business

18:43 He wrote the post, I'm riding his wave, but I'm writing a thoughtful comment

23:00 I built a program that analyzes your entire LinkedIn analytics

24:37 And it's got to be authentic and you've got to be transparent with it

25:58 Stop thinking about posting content and start thinking about sharing your thoughts

28:58 I'm also a certified psychologist

34:36 People want to purchase, they don't want to be sold

38:10 The main two mistakes that people actually do...

39:21 Try to diversify your content because eventually people buy from people

41:17 I'm measuring my LinkedIn success, my ROL (Return On LinkedIn) by the amount of messages that I'm getting in my inbox

46:30 The website is team-maia.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shay-thieberg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MAIA.DIGITAL.LINKEDIN

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@maia-digital

TikTok: @maiadigital_

Instagram: @team.maia.linkedin

LinkedIn Post Ideas & Examples: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/30-linkedin-posts-ideas-examples-shay-thieberg/

Email: shay@team-maia.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we help you become preferred in the markets you serve. If you thought the flower business was quaint, slow, or low-tech, get ready for a wake-up call. Our guest today is Michael Jacobson, CEO of French Florist. He didn't just take over an old business; he engineered a dramatic transformation. Starting from a struggling $600,000 operation, he built a high-performance franchise model that now generates millions in annual revenue and triples the profitability of traditional flower shops. Michael’s mastery is the fusion of timeless artistry with modern operational technology.

In this episode, Michael is going to share his framework on how to spot a broken business model ready for 10x growth and how to design a high-tech performance franchise that protects quality while maximizing margins.

If you’re ready to learn how to apply disruptive tech and scalable systems to any industry, old or new, you’ve come to the right place. Join me for my conversation with Michael Jacobson.

Guest Bio:

What’s possible in one of the world’s oldest industries. Under Michael Jacobson's leadership, French Florist has transformed the traditional flower shop model by putting technology, innovation, and operational excellence at the heart of its franchise system. The results speak for themselves: French Florist franchise locations generate triple the revenue of standard flower shops—while operating at higher margins.

With a career spanning entrepreneurship, investment, and leadership, Michael is passionate about helping the next generation of business owners succeed through entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA). He brings a fresh perspective to how small business ownership can be reinvented for the modern age, leveraging digital tools, streamlined operations, and strong brand strategy to unlock sustainable growth.

Michael’s mission is simple: to empower franchise owners with a proven system that blends timeless beauty with cutting-edge innovation. Whether speaking about the future of franchising, how technology reshapes consumer-facing industries, or why flowers are a surprisingly powerful business opportunity, Michael shares candid insights that inspire entrepreneurs to think bigger and build smarter.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://www.frenchflorist.com
2. Product Link: https://frenchfloristfranchise.com/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:53 I found that intersection between how to live a purposeful life and a life full of intentionality

09:08 We're in the business of love

10:02 You've coined a phrase, entrepreneurship through acquisition and creative playbook

12:27 We want to build something for the world that's kind of fun and cool

19:33 It was really cool, just solving actual real pain points

20:01 The root of everything is how do we enhance the client experience?

25:16 As a franchisor, our primary responsibility is creating a community of owners

26:49 95% of startups fail

27:43 What I look for is what's your why?

29:23 How do you avoid getting distracted by shiny objects?

30:35 Saying no is more important than saying yes

31:39 Tom Peters, who's the management guru, who wrote In Search of Excellence

34:56 What we want to do from a feelings perspective, is just help remind people that no reason is the best reason

36:05 What's the single, most valuable lesson that you learned from scaling French florist?

36:32 My biggest job right now is to ensure that we have the brightest minds in our organization

36:48 The website's frenchflorist.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrichardjacobson/

LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/french-florist/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frenchflorist

Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/frenchflorist/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/french-florist-los-angeles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenchflorist/

Email: michael@frenchflorist.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we focus on the mindset and strategies that help you become preferred in the markets you serve.

Our guest today has built a legacy on that very concept. For over 30 years, he co-founded and grew 1-800-DENTIST, a company that generated over one billion dollars in revenue by solving a simple, painful customer problem. He's an expert in making a brand remarkable.

But here's the kicker: He’s spent the last decade distilling that business success into a personal superpower that anyone can learn.

Fred Joyal is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Superbold: From Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days.

Fred has the rare experience of both conquering a niche industry and teaching the mindset to repeat that process. Get ready to learn how to inject boldness into your business, your team, and your life. Join me for my conversation with Fred Joyal.

Guest Bio:

Fred Joyal is the co-founder of Futuredontics, the parent company of 1-800-DENTIST, which, over 30 years, generated over $1 billion in revenue. He is currently a business advisor and keynote speaker. His latest book, Superbold: From Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days, is an Amazon and Wall Street Journal bestseller. He is also the author of two books for the dental industry, Everything is Marketing: The Ultimate Strategy for Dental Practice Growth, and Becoming Remarkable: How to Create a Dental Practice Everyone Talks About.

Fred has been a keynote speaker for his industry for over 15 years, and now speaks on the power of boldness and how anyone can harness it to radically increase their success and fulfillment in life. His humble brags are he once beat Sir Richard Branson in chess and was also a question on Jeopardy.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://www.fredjoyal.com
2. Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Superbold-Under-Confident-Charismatic-90-Days/dp/1544523076

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:25 I got introduced to the advertising world by a friend of mine who was a storyboard artist

05:49 When you create a great culture, the employees sustain it

08:27 We were smart about the advertising, but the marketing side was to create that first impression

09:26 With any business, you've got to identify the problem

09:37 That's why the title of my first book was Everything is Marketing

11:08 The more senses you can employ in the experience, the better the experience

11:16 Let's talk about your latest book, your bestseller, SuperBold

13:44 We fear making mistakes, we fear failure, we fear embarrassment, we fear rejection

15:08 The bolder you are, the more you discover unexpected things

18:01 When do you know you've really gotten as bold as as you want to be?

19:17 I was with a group of business people and we had rented one of Richard Branson's islands

26:15 When you're building your boldness muscle, you have to control the intensity of it

28:15 Human connection is going to become your most powerful future proofing tool

30:55 Boldness is such an essential component of it (social media)

33:42 Website is fredjoyal.com

33:45 The Boldness Quiz

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredjoyal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realfredjoyal

X: https://x.com/fredjoyal

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FredJoyal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredjoyal/

Podcast: https://www.fredjoyal.com/podcast

Email: fredjoyal@gmail.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to helping you reach your highest professional potential. Today, we're talking about the ultimate business credential: the high-impact non-fiction book.

Our guest has mastered the art of turning expertise into intellectual property. He's a #1 national bestselling author himself, a Harvard-trained scholar, and the CEO of a firm that helps public figures and top professionals land deals with major publishers. He is the person leading literary agents and corporate leaders call when the message must be perfect.

Kevin Anderson is here to reveal the secrets to leveraging your knowledge. He'll show you why a quality book is the single most effective way to elevate your authority, attract premium clients, and transform your business model.

If you have a powerful message that needs to be heard, Kevin is the bridge between your expertise and the bestseller list. Let's learn how to make your book the foundation of your legacy. Join me for my conversation with Kevin Anderson.

Guest Bio:

Kevin is an accomplished ghostwriter, #1 national-bestselling author, editor, and entrepreneur with a wealth of industry knowledge and professional experience. He has worked with numerous bestselling and award-winning authors, prominent literary agents, Big-5 publishers, and a long list of public figures, successful professionals, and aspiring authors. He is also a contributing author by invitation to Publishers Weekly’s Book Publishing Almanac 2022: A Master Class in the Art of Bringing Books to Readers and the author of the #2 Wall Street Journal, #1 Barnes & Noble, and #1 Amazon bestseller, PhDone: A Professional Dissertation Editor’s Guide to Writing Your Doctoral Thesis and Earning Your PhD.

Both a creative writer and a scholar, Kevin earned his master’s degree at Harvard University with a concentration in literary theory and criticism. While at Harvard, he studied under Poet Laureate and critical theorist, Professor Michael D. Jackson, and honed the literary criticism skills upon which he built his career in the book-writing and editing business.

As CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Kevin oversees all operations at our firm. He enjoys working closely with clients and makes himself readily available by phone and email throughout the planning, ghostwriting, editing, and publishing process. He is an invaluable resource and dedicates his time and expertise generously to ensure our clients receive the best quality service in the industry.

When he’s not collaborating with authors, agents, and publishers, you may find him reading Nabokov, Cormac McCarthy, or Proust; surfing the northeastern shores; composing music; fishing for striped bass; debating philosophy; brewing Belgian-style beer; wakeboarding with his family and neighbors; or enjoying the arts, culture, and food of a faraway place. Of all life’s pleasures, Kevin most enjoys the adventures he shares with his wife and their four children.

Resource Links:

1. Website: https://www.ka-writing.com/
2. Product Link: https://www.ka-writing.com/book-coaching/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:29 The other misconception that a lot of people have with ghost writing...

05:59 We meet authors wherever they're at

07:43 It's not having a bestseller for bestseller's sake

09:09 Authority that comes with being a published author

11:01 From a credibility point of view for consultants, for coaches, entrepreneurs, it's a great lead in for that

13:38 I never advise clients, especially in the nonfiction space, that the goal should be making money on book sales

18:15 Nothing says authority or expertise like a book

21:02 Audio books have become extremely popular

22:34 The most important thing is that you have a really great product in the end and that you've done it the right way

23:13 You're not going to grow if you don't learn to leverage

25:07 Studies that show that 80% of of Americans have thought about writing a book, but less than 1% ever finish one

27:15 There's a lot of legal issues when it comes to using AI to write a book

29:30 In terms of writing good books, it has to have something to say that's meaningful

30:35 You can never edit yourself

33:30 The website's ka-writing.com

34:20 Never being afraid to try something new, never being afraid to fail, I think that's been a guiding principle through my entrepreneurial journeys in general

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ghostwritereditorkevinanderson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KevinAndersonAssociates

X: https://x.com/KAWriting

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kawriting/

Email: info@ka-writing.com

Sponsors:

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we equip you to lead with influence, not just authority. If you’re an entrepreneur or business professional whose growth is stalled by employee turnover, poor communication, or the sheer struggle of transitioning from a high-performing doer to an effective leader, then you're going to enjoy this episode. 

Today, we are happy to welcome Courtney Ramsey, a renowned leadership development expert, speaker, and consultant who has spent two decades transforming companies.

Courtney's mission is simple: to stop the bleeding caused by low engagement and high turnover by giving leaders the concrete communication and people skills they desperately need. She doesn't just talk theory; she delivers tangible, behavioral shifts that save companies millions. Get ready to learn how to master the art of tough feedback, delegate strategically, and truly lead the team that's destined to become your dream team. Join me for my conversation with Courtney Ramsey. 

Guest Bio:

Courtney Ramsey is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the Learning & Development and Human Resources fields. Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge to audiences with her experiential programs that have a real impact on business results and inspire change.

Over the years, she has successfully trained tens of thousands of associates in various areas such as leadership, business management, conflict resolution, communication skills, and operations helping companies like JCPenney, Toyota, Populus Financial Group, and Zales Corporation save millions of dollars.

Courtney is the author of the book, Share Your Genius: 35 Tips to Create Training That Transforms. In it, she provides trainers with the tools they need to create engaging and effective training sessions.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://courtneyramseyspeaks.com/
• Product Link: https://courtneyramseyspeaks.com/services/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:48  Professional development, helping people be better, that's what I love

05:50  No one's brave enough to have the tough conversation

10:32  I still think there's a pretty big bias out there in terms of promoting women up

12:21  There's really no defining line anymore of what is personal, what is work, it's so blended

13:47  You call this taking off the cape moment

15:57  Many leaders struggle to delegate because their fear of failure or inefficiency

18:17  That inverted pyramid approach to where the leader is essentially at the bottom...

19:58  You've got a popular TEDx talk called Why We Hit the Snooze on the Conversations that Matter

22:30  Is there a distance that leaders ought to maybe maintain and keep in order to be able to have that firewall

25:16  I call that setting your intention and saying your intention out loud

27:01  We do still see those people who don't quite get that things have changed in the last 20, 30 years

29:26  ChatGPT and the other AIs are pretty decent at being leadership coaches

30:37  So, every generation has its own learning style

32:30  You speak on the need to speak up and say it

33:47  Call the elephant out in the room

35:10 The one thing I would encourage people to start doing today to make a huge impact on your leadership is to stop avoiding the uncomfortable

36:34 The website is courtneyramseyspeaks.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clramsey/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CourtneyRamseySpeaks/?modal=admin_todo_tour

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_cramsey/

Email: Courtney@CourtneyRamseySpeaks.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we help you climb the revenue ladder and become the preferred provider in the markets you serve.

Today, we're tackling a challenge every modern business leader faces: You have a passionate purpose, but does it actually move the needle? What if your brand could prove that activism and social impact don't just inspire; they reliably sell, grow market share, and reduce customer churn? Our guest is here to show you exactly how to do it.

Neil Callanan is the founder of LooseGrip and the brilliant mind behind the Grasp Impact Framework. His work sits at the critical intersection of marketing, activism, and analytics. He doesn't just talk about having a mission; he equips you with the tools to measure what truly matters.

Get ready to learn how the most impactful brands are connecting their values to tangible business growth. Join me for my conversation with Neil Callanan. 

Guest Bio:

Neil Callanan is the founder of LooseGrip and the creator of the Grasp Impact Framework, a system that helps mission-driven brands connect storytelling with measurable outcomes. Since 2009, he has guided organizations from global giants like Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s to emerging value-focused companies, showing how to align their campaigns with tangible business growth and impact.

Neil’s work sits at the intersection of marketing, activism, and analytics. Where most teams drown in disconnected data or rely on anecdotes, he helps leaders find the middle ground—inspiring teams by turning data into stories, and stories into metrics that stand up in boardrooms.

His goal is simple: equip leaders with tools to measure what truly matters so they can do more of it.

Resource Links:

• Website:  https://loosegrip.net
• Website: https://www.graspyourimpact.com/
• Product Link: https://loosegrip.net/services/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

05:03  A little bit of intention and a little bit of luck

06:41  There are stories that need to be told

09:12 When we're figuring out whether a client's a good fit for our framework

10: 56 When people are connected with our brand, they buy more of our stuff

11:48  Most companies get stuck by not starting

14:11 They're kind of topic agnostic

15:20 I know you hate spreadsheets and you kind of pride yourself on hating spreadsheets

15:51  What would the perfect experience be?

19:20  I chair the board of a nonprofit called the I Am Able Foundation

23:22 We love to talk about data in the form of Legos

25:00 If you can turn that data into a story, I think you can connect with your audience a whole lot more

26:37 If I could know anything, what would I want to know?

30:04  Why did I choose Big Brother?

30:56  I think a lot of people are really inherently altruistic and they actually want to help other folks

33:24  If they get the value out of it, and we get to bring our best selves to the project, that's the win

34:44  You talk about writing through grief

34:55  My wife and I lost our son Shea, he was 4 1/2

35:43  I wrote a lot about the journey

42:12  AI has not yet replaced us entirely, but I think it has gotten a lot better at doing the first 60% of the work

43:13  Websites are graspyourimpact and we got loosegrip

43:23 On LinkedIn as well

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilcallanan/

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/loosegrip/

X: https://x.com/loosegrip

Email: Neil@LooseGrip.net

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

 Welcome to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. Today, I am bringing you a special replay of one of my favorite conversations, and the timing couldn't be better. We just celebrated Thanksgiving a few days ago. For many of us, it was a time to gather with friends and family, share a meal, and reflect on our blessings.

But here's what I've come to believe. Gratitude isn't meant to be a once a year event. It's a practice, a daily discipline that shapes how we see the world, and how we move through it. Every morning as part of my journaling routine, I'm prompted with a simple question, what am I grateful for? And I've discovered something profound in that practice.

When you start your day with gratitude, you position yourself to see abundance. Not because your circumstances magically change, but because your perspective does. Now here's the thing. Gratitude is easy when life is good, but what about when you're in the middle of a storm? What about when the diagnosis is devastating? When the relationship is fractured? When the business is struggling? Can gratitude still work then?

That's exactly what my guest, Sandie Eggers helps us understand. Sandie learned the transformational power of gratitude during one of life's hardest seasons, her husband's terminal illness. And what she discovered wasn't just a coping mechanism, it was a way to navigate adversity with strength, clarity, and even joy.

So whether you're riding high from a wonderful Thanksgiving, or you're carrying a heavy burden into the season, I believe this conversation will meet you right where you are. Gratitude isn't about ignoring your struggles. It's about finding solid ground in the middle of them. Enjoy this conversation with guest, Sandie Eggers.

Guest Bio: 

“Do nothing and be dead in a few days,” were the words Sandie Eggers heard from her husband’s surgeon, words that began her greatest season of challenge to date.

The two main things that enabled Sandie to weather this life storm were God and the transformational power of gratitude. Sandie is passionate about helping others by sharing what she’s learned so that they, too, can better navigate through their own life storms.

In addition to having authored the book, “Live Boldly and Embrace Joy” about her life-altering experience, Sandie also shares her knowledge through online courses, webinars, and workshops. She speaks to civic, religious, and corporate groups.

FUN FACT:

Sandie now lives in the low country. By God’s grace and blessing, she has achieved one of her personal goals: living in a place where the only “white stuff” she sees is beach sand.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.yourlifeabundant.com
• Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Embrace-Each-Day-Joy-Laughing-ebook/dp/B00LK9WKVC

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:37 The greatest adversity that I'd gone through was the terminal illness of my husband

05:55 While we couldn't control this monster called cancer….

07:11 It's easy when we're living in an environment like we're living

09:38 Your work centers a lot on fostering an attitude of gratitude

11:12 You talk about gratitude being a practice

12:12 There's some specific techniques that you can use when you're a pessimist 

14:09 You can begin to see the good out of a very bad situation

14:24 Declare an International Be Kind to (Fill in Your Name) Day!

15:40 Having gratitude to something outside yourself

18:48 How does the mechanism of gratitude get us out of that place, that negative space?

20:40 There's physical benefits, though, that come from having gratitude as well

24:06 How can we then cultivate gratitude, not only for the good things in our lives

25:40 Hey, thanks so much, I appreciate you

26:22 Remember that you’re not alone

27:55 Your book, Embrace Each Day with Joy

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/your-life-abundant

Email: sandra.eggers@protonmail.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we dissect the strategies and mindset of those who are not just successful, but irreplaceable in their markets they serve. Today, we have a true master of motivation and persuasion. Our guest is Mike Lipkin, president of Environics and a strategic coach to global CEOs, and the author of 18 books on leadership and high performance, including his latest book, The Potentiator.

What makes Mike’s approach unique is his foundation in deep, social values research. He doesn't just rely on generic platitudes; he uses proprietary data on human behavior to show you exactly how and why people make decisions, trust certain leaders, and choose one provider over others.

For our audience of entrepreneurs and business professionals, Mike is here to help us unlock the ultimate skill: how to create value from thin air, communicate with irresistible conviction, and transform every single conversation into a high-impact, trust-building event.

If you are ready to stop chasing clients and start magnetically attracting opportunities, this is your masterclass. Join me for my conversation with Mike Lipkin.

Guest Bio: 

Mike Lipkin helps clients navigate complex change, build strong teams and develop their personal brands/executive presence.

Mike is super-curious about clients’ hopes and dreams. He makes every conversation an uplifting experience. He uses metaphors and models to illuminate key messages. He focuses on immediate actions, while planning long-term strategies. Mike helps his clients tell their authentic story. In short, he excites clients into effective action. He is also always accessible – 24/7/365.

Mike was a senior executive at WPP Advertising for 10 years. In 2002, he founded a joint venture communication and training company with Environics, a leading research house. He is also a strategic coach to CEOs of top tier companies and a marquee keynote speaker, delivering over 50 sessions per year.

Mike is proud of his longstanding coaching relationships with CEOs and senior executives of world-class companies. He has written 18 books on leadership and high performance. He has also grown a multi-million dollar company from scratch. He has received feedback from hundreds of people that he has materially improved their lives.

Mike works with anyone who has a passion for personal evolution. His clients range from leaders of billion dollar multinationals to leaders of small companies. He also works with managers at all levels – individually and in groups.

Mike is a voracious reader of current affairs, personal biographies, and crime fiction. He works out seven days a week on the Peloton and Cross Trainer. He loves to travel with his wife to stylish destinations like Greece, France and Italy. He likes hiking in beautiful places. He mentors young talent and new immigrants to Canada.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.mikelipkin.com/
• Product Link: https://www.mikelipkin.com/books/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:40 I wanted to be a speaker, and yet I also had a stutter

05:47 I got depressed, I literally got clinically depressed

06:29 He wrote a book called Darkness Visible about his experience with depression

06:37 I thought, well, I'm going to write my own book on depression, and I called it Lost and Found, My Journey to Hell and Back

08:38 You need to have a strategy, and the best strategy I can provide anyone is the Ted lasso strategy

09:52 We are living at a time of what I brand EVAC, that's Extreme Volatility, Anxiety, and Chaos

10:15 You Belong Here

10:22 There are four hormones that enables the brain to operate at its best

11:43 Ultimately, dopamine comes from helping others; it's called "the helper's high"

13:29 Woody Allen once said, I've had many problems in my life, and most of them never happened

15:05 Every day without pain is a great day

17:29 I wrote a book called The Potentiator

18:18 I know that the most valuable currency is reciprocation

21:09 I am someone who knows I'm only as good as the people I surround myself with

22:21 The most rewarding words I can ever hear is, Mike, you helped me do things I couldn't have done on my own

25:14 I'll just focus on the 3 key ways to be change ready 

27:03 I'm in the process of writing an amazing book right now, it's called By Accident On Purpose

27:20 Things that start as an accident can turn into your life purpose

28:20 Go to YouTube and watch the Steve Jobs Stanford commencement address

28:58 "Food always tastes best when you're hungry." (Warren Buffet)

31:22 Successful executives, they look for the challenge, they believe in their ability to meet the challenge...

33:04 You've got to keep moving forward, even though you may have more than a 2% chance of an excruciating failure...

34:37 Keep on seeing every day as day one, around your ability to develop that muscle

35:41 It's mikelipkin.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelipkin/

(X): https://x.com/mikelipkin

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0wlN49LZjGgnC67s4Vg5CQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mike.lipkin/

Email: Mike.Lipkin@environics.ca

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to transforming how you build, scale, and lead your business. Today, we have an entrepreneur whose journey proves that massive growth isn't about working harder; it's about building smarter.

Our guest is Tyler Dunagin, a multifaceted founder, operator, and inventor. His success story is a masterclass in market selection and systemization. He took a historically manual service industry—and transformed it into a scalable, tech-enabled enterprise.

Tyler doesn’t just chase revenue; he builds ecosystems. He focuses on purpose-driven solutions and culture-first leadership.

If you're an entrepreneur looking to escape the "one-person hustle," or a business professional seeking the blueprint for achieving nearly 1000% growth through operational efficiency and an impressive long-term vision, this episode is your strategic guide. Join me for my conversation with Tyler Dunagin. 

Guest Bio:

Tyler Dunagin is a seasoned entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple seven-figure companies, including Turnserv, a platform revolutionizing property turnover processes for the housing industry. His portfolio features brands like ApartmentPainters.com, LiquidLiner.com, and ApartmentFlooring.com, each designed to solve specific operational challenges in single-family and multifamily housing.

With a track record of turning underperforming ventures into profitable enterprises, Tyler combines innovation, patented technology, and scalable systems to drive growth. He also shares his insights on entrepreneurship and market trends through podcasts, interviews, and blogs.

Outside of business, Tyler is a devoted father and Cleveland sports fan who enjoys restoring vintage cars and collecting sports cards with his sons.

Resource Links:

• Website: Dunagincollective
• Product Link: Turnserv

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:36 I've always been doing things as an entrepreneur

04:29 Eventually we were buying houses with these investors and flipping them

05:14 In the moment, it's tough to learn AND do

05:30 I got everything I asked for, and I don't like it at all

08:11 50% of renters move every single year

11:09 I got his blessing and I jumped out of corporate America

14:52 It is really hard to scale a business, to scale beyond one's own hands

15:37 I wanted to find something that was essential to everybody's daily life

18:33 We made it convenient, with a customer journey in mind

21:06 I think the very first thing is you have to understand their why

25:30 Being curious and trying to do something better in general

27:06 Giving them back more meaningful time in their day

28:50 You advise entrepreneurs to keep a visible list of delusional long-term visions

30:51 You can't work on what could be, when you are too overwhelmed by what is

32:08 I think that time lives in the margins

32:48 If it's only monetary, it's short-lived

35:53 You have to, have to, have to, understand where you're going

39:05 The second I'm into something, I'm all in

39:39 I view it more as work-life integration

42:19 The website is dunigancollective.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdunagin/

Twitter (X): https://x.com/tylerjdunagin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerdunagin/

Email: tdunagin@turnserv.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: Book Michael Vickers

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: Rainmakerdigitalsolutionsrainmakerdigitalsolutions.com

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to uncovering the strategies that make entrepreneurs and professionals the emotional favorite in the markets they serve.

Today, we’re shifting our focus from the boardroom to the hockey rink, but the lessons remain intensely relevant. Our guest today is Allan Kreda, a seasoned journalist with nearly two decades covering finance and the NHL for giants like the Associated Press, the New York Times and Bloomberg News. Allan has mastered the art of extracting the core truth, whether from a quarterly earnings report or a locker room.

He’s here to talk about his latest project: the book, Ken Morrow: Miracle Gold, Four Stanley Cups, and a Lifetime of Islanders Hockey. Morrow is one of the most uniquely accomplished athletes in history, winning the Olympic 'Miracle on Ice' gold, and the Stanley Cup in the same year.

We aren't here just for hockey stories, though. Allan's journey from investigative journalist to co-author provides a blueprint for every professional. Join me for my conversation with Allan Kreda.

Guest Bio:

Allan is a storyteller, author, and speaker who deeply values empathy and connection. Specializing in biographical storytelling, he seeks to ask the right questions and attentively listen to his subjects in order to craft accurate and heartfelt stories that honor their experiences.

Growing up in Brooklyn in the 70s, Allan developed a strong passion for hockey. He fondly recalls attending New York Rangers games with his father and brother, witnessing legendary players like Jean Ratelle, Vic Hadfield, and Rod Gilbert taking the ice. This formative experience instilled in him a lifelong love for the sport and a commitment to sharing the stories of those who have dedicated their lives to the game.

Resource Links:

• Website:  https://www.allankreda.com/
• Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Ken-Morrow-Miracle-Lifetime-Islanders/dp/1637276435

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:27 The professor at the time said, well, you've got to do something in the real world

04:51 I've always been about the long game, like long process, practice and process and incremental progress

07:58  What was the core compelling narrative gap that you identified that made this book a necessary project?

10:50  All he did is work at it, and quietly excel

11:22 That was 1980 with the Miracle on Ice

13:55  Memories vary

16:45  You can get involved with that story and then the lessons are learned

18:39  They might not always like it, but they can trust it

21:03 There's no limit to research

22:42 You started by listening, not interviewing

26:50  You kind of know when you have it, and you know when you don't quite have it

29:32 She was going through it with a different eye

31:30  If you're working with someone at a publishing house that's working with you, you're 80% there

32:06  It's like the endless term paper that never ends

34:44  Playing through pain, uncomplaining, and for the team

36:07  Always turning the page, always looking to the next game, thinking long term, not fearing losing

40:24  The perseverance sort of creates moments of happenstance

40:38  True success is really defined by compound persistence and consistency

41:17 The book is called Ken Morrow: Miracle Gold, Four Stanley Cups and a Lifetime of Islander Hockey

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allan-kreda-6a73942/

X: https://x.com/akreda 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajkreda

Email: akreda@gmail.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for entrepreneurs and business leaders dedicated to building a life of purpose and prosperity. Today, we have a guest whose journey proves that the most valuable lessons are often learned in the fire. My guest is Bennett Maxwell, a serial entrepreneur who went from door-to-door selling to building a nationwide franchise empire with Dirty Dough. He's a master of turning adversity into a competitive advantage, navigating a high-profile legal battle that ultimately propelled his brand into the national spotlight. 

But his story is more than just business. Bennett is an advocate for mental health and believes that true success is about building a business that supports your life, not consumes it. Today, we're talking about how he built a franchise system from the ground up, the critical mindset shifts required for explosive growth, and why he’s now focused on helping other entrepreneurs find their path to financial freedom. Get ready to learn the business playbook from a man who's seen it all. Join me for my conversation with Bennett Maxwell.

Guest Bio:

Bennett Maxwell is an entrepreneur and investor that likes to move fast and grow with other like-minded leaders.

Bennett is a serial entrepreneur, franchise mentor and mental‑health advocate. After exiting multiple companies (including Dirty Dough Cookies), Bennett now helps aspiring entrepreneurs build wealth through franchising while staying mentally resilient.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://bennettmaxwell.com/
• Product Link: https://bennettmaxwell.com/franchise/ 

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:31 I had purchased Dirty Dough with the intent of franchising it

05:54  Even working within an organization, you can still be an intrapreneur

07:19 T he emotion's typically attached with the journey rather than the destination

09:22 A lot of people  are chasing the thing that's going to fix their life

12:21  I've contemplated bankruptcy more days than I want to admit

14:39  I hired really good advisors that had been in the game

17:40  I guess the new mission statement is freedom from constant thought to live a life of ease and gratitude

22:46  I've always been able to do what I need to do whenever I need to do it

25:58  I couldn't fully enjoy it because I could never be present

29:54  Tell everybody what you're doing and try to find really good advisors

34:10 What are your goals?

35:54  it's really hard, I think to start something, because you just don't know what you don't know

38:29 Your website bennettmaxwell.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/

Twitter: https://x.com/bennettmaxwell0?lang=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bennettmaxwell35

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyho7xB9vJbK7lsYCKz0iYw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennettmaxwell35/?hl=en

Podcast - Deeper Than Dough: https://bennettmaxwell.com/podcast/

Email: bennett@franchiseki.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, where we help you become the emotional favorite in your market. Today we are in for a masterclass on a topic that is the very foundation of all business success: marketing. My guest is someone who has spent his entire career at the intersection of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and marketing innovation.

We have the privilege of sitting down with Greg Licciardi. As the Vice President of Sponsorships and Partner Programs at the Association of National Advertisers, the ANA, he works with some of the most influential brands in the world, helping them elevate their campaigns and connect with their audience. With an MBA from Fordham and over a decade of experience as an Adjunct Professor of Marketing, he’s not just a practitioner; he's an educator who understands the principles behind what works. He’s also the author of the new book, The Holy Grail of Marketing. From American Express to Univision, Greg has consistently delivered award-winning results and today he's here to share his hard-won wisdom with all of us. Get ready to rethink how you approach your marketing efforts. Join me for my conversation with Greg Licciardi.

Guest Bio:

Greg Licciardi received his MBA from Fordham University and his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Marketing at Fordham and Seton Hall universities for the past ten years.

As Vice President of Sponsorships and Partner Programs at the ANA, Association of National Advertisers, he consults with leading brands on how to elevate their marketing campaigns using the ANA's vast resources and events. He has also held senior leadership roles at American Express, Univision and Worth Media Group where he has won numerous awards.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://holygrailofmarketing.com/
• Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Grail-Marketing-Greg-Licciardi/dp/B0F8KP9TNK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4EP267K9ERYG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gylKSSBpgd1EJTYsGOSWvsJ-OmqnSJ8W62eDJe8pD3d7tcz7MXDrpeX9AtE_ziw1KqzF_wMbRCy4EPL2ypRVQq4nYCMnoAOSol0dAEWtqSGlh9vfeJ74nYHuWGWqmlIKw3W-DIs

 Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:37 This is a really good question because marketing has changed greatly

06:11 Your book is entitled The Holy Grail of Marketing

07:19 I  started researching other companies that were doing it really well

10:06 My goal with the book is to make it the must read modern day marketing book

11:08  I love the whole point of the right message at the right time, with the right individual and in the right environment

12:04  That's the positive side of AI, personalization with authenticity

14:18  How can we stop the customer from burning calories?

16:18 In that chapter I write about how sales and marketing are increasingly converging

21:10 I still teach the four Ps of marketing: Price, Product, Placement, and Promotion

23:30  I write about that in the book. I'm so happy you brought that up...the why

24:24  He calls it, What's your because?

25:30  A lot of today is about storytelling

28:05  Brands can't lose sight of the value of brand purpose

30:26  One campaign doesn't fit all niches

33:02  You also have to be a good networker

35:31  Don't always take the shortcut

36:19  The website is holygrailofmarketing.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greglicciardi/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greglicciardi/

Email: greglicciardi@gmail.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast! Do you ever feel like you've hit a ceiling in your business or career? You're successful, you've got a great team, but there's a nagging feeling that you're capable of more—if only you could get unstuck. Our guest to day understands that feeling better than anyone. He's the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, a coaching company built specifically for established business owners and professionals who are ready to b reak through to that next level of growth without sacrificing their health or their values.

With over two decades of leadership experience—from launching his first business at 21 to managing a national sales force of over 300—he knows the entrepreneurial journey from the ground up. He's ditched the generic, one-size-fits-all approach to coaching in favor of something deeply personal and effective and he brings a refreshingly honest and grounded voice to the conversation, and he's here to help us do the work that actually works. Please join me for my conversation with the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, Mike Irving.

Guest Bio:

Mike Irving is the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, a coaching company designed for established business owners who know they’re capable of more—but haven’t yet found a support system that truly meets them where they are.

With over two decades of leadership experience—from launching his first business at 21 to managing a national sales force of over 300—Mike understands the highs of entrepreneurial success and the hidden costs that often come with it: burnout, disconnection, and stalled progress.

Frustrated by one-size-fits-all coaching programs that glossed over individual nuance, Mike set out to build something different. The result was Advanced Business Abilities: a coaching platform that combines deeply personal insight with practical, strategic execution.

One of the unique aspects of ABA’s methodology is the Success Predictor Profile—a proprietary tool backed by 50+ years of scientific research—that helps easily and efficiently identify a person's strengths, weaknesses, and blindspots and allows ABA to give business owners a custom blueprint for growth, performance, and alignment.

Today, Mike works with owners leading teams of 5 or more, who are not just chasing revenue but want to lead with integrity, improve decision-making, and grow without sacrificing their health or values. His approach resonates with founders who are practical, values-driven, and actively investing in their long-term success.

Whether he’s coaching in a boardroom or speaking on a podcast, Mike brings a refreshingly honest, grounded voice to the leadership conversation—always focused on helping others do the work that actually works.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com/
• Free Discovery Session: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com/individual-sales-coaching/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:36  I found a job that I could learn how to do, going door to door, doing sales and commission only

04:36  What does it take to be successful today?

08:19  If I have resistance within me, that resistance can and will activate resistance in the other person

08:40 You developed the Success Predictor Profile

12:28  It's kind of like looking at a person through the analogy of a helicopter

14:19  Identifying if there are blind spots in general, competency is super important

19:45  One of the things I was very interested in is what you call the psychology of effortless selling

22:11  My definition for sales: Sales is effective communication towards action and commitment

24:59  One of the first questions that I ask every time...

26:15 Those stepping stones are attention, interest, desire, action, and commitment

28:31  It's really the art of the questions

31:19  Really comes down to the person's willingness to be completely open, honest, and transparent

33:16  There's a part of that process that is the result of win-lose thinking

35:02  It's a lie that most people believe, that in order to be successful or earn more money, I have to work harder

36:25  I often call it 'unseen leadership'

37:31  The first thing is to continue to work on yourself

38:14  I've never, ever, in my life, seen an opportunity wandering around on its own 

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irvingmike/

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-business-abilities/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedBusinessAbilities/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChbg_ESzS4rqG-Ew_DJ_utA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancedbusinessabilities/

Email: mike.irving@advancedbusinessabilities.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the people and hear the stories and insights that can help us build better professional and personal lives.

Have you ever wondered what separates a good idea from a truly brilliant one? Or how some companies seem to effortlessly innovate while others struggle to survive? Our guest today has made it his life’s work to answer those very questions.

Today, we're joined by Alan Gregerman, a renowned author, speaker, and consultant who believes we all have the capacity for genius. Alan isn't just about big ideas; he's about unlocking the incredible potential that exists within each of us and the organizations we're a part of. He’s going to share how a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us can lead to breakthroughs we never thought possible.

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking for that next big idea or a business professional trying to foster a culture of innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Get ready to rethink how brilliance actually happens and discover the keys to becoming more creative, innovative, and successful than you ever imagined. J oin me for my conversation with Alan Gregerman.

Guest Bio:

Alan Gregerman is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant, teacher, researcher, and community volunteer who is constantly trying to figure out how to unlock the genius in all of us and all of the companies and organizations we work for.  

Alan believes that we all have the ability to be way more creative, innovative, and successful than we ever imagined by having a better understanding of ourselves, the world around us, and how brilliance actually occurs.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://alangregerman.com/
• Product Link: https://alangregerman.com/resources/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

05:00  I think it was your first book, The Necessity of Strangers came out in 2013

05:41  The simple notion that 99% of all new ideas are based on somebody's thinking

08:10  We're all innovative if we're curious

09:23  We often think about innovation as you know, who's got a brilliant idea

11:37  I would never start an innovative thinking session in a room with a bunch of people who come in with what they know and their expertise

13:55 I start with purpose

15:02  So, what you've done is you've paid to figure out how to be the best of the worst

16:50  I ask audiences sometimes when I'm speaking, what if Apple got into your business? What would that look like?

19:04  They need to put their best customers at the center of their business, and they need to design around them

23:34  What kind of questions should they be asking to gain truly valuable insights?

24:22 The second is what I call serendipity

25:17 Strangers matter because they think differently than I do and my friends do

27:35 We need to eat our lunch before someone else does

29:06  I don't think being clever and curious costs money

30:39  We're going to get out there and figure out how to be more amazing together

32:23 We can't behave as though the world is going to stand still

37:00  We have to create cultures in which we're open to these ideas and willing to give them a fair test

39:36  The reality is every business can sharpen its pencil

40:12  Releasing a new book called Wisdom of Ignorance

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-gregerman-a33b236/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alangregerman5885

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agregerman/

Blog: https://alangregerman.com/blog/

Email: innovate@venture-works.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to empowering you to become the preferred choice in your industry, your business, and your life. Today we're tackling a topic that is essential for every entrepreneur and business professional striving for significant growth: momentum. We all have ambitious goals, but sometimes the path forward feels muddled by roadblocks, self-doubt, or just plain inertia. How do you consistently take action that truly matters? How do you move forward with genuine clarity and unwavering confidence?

Our guest today is an expert in exactly that. She helps individuals unlock their potential by teaching them how to build and leverage momentum. She's going to share actionable strategies to overcome those persistent roadblocks and propel you towards your most important objectives. Get ready to shift from dreaming to doing, with purpose and power. Please join me in welcoming the incredible Cat Mulvihill!

Guest Bio:

Cat Mulvihill is an acclaimed expert dedicated to helping business professionals and entrepreneurs transform their ambitions into tangible achievements. With a focus on "Using Momentum to Take Meaningful Action Towards the Goals That Matter," Cat empowers her clients to navigate challenges, conquer self-doubt, and consistently move forward with clarity and confidence. She understands the unique pressures faced by leaders and founders, providing practical, actionable strategies to overcome analysis paralysis, leverage small wins, and sustain progress even amidst demanding schedules.

Through her insightful coaching and proven frameworks, Cat equips individuals to identify their true priorities, dismantle roadblocks, and build unstoppable momentum towards their most significant personal and professional aspirations. Discover more about her work and how you can build your own momentum at CatMulvihill.com.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://catmulvihill.com 
• Product Link: https://catmulvihill.com/work-with-me/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:12 In 2024, I finally was diagnosed with ADHD

05:17 This idea of the Momentum Formula and that there are three different roadblocks and then there are three different approaches

07:32 You've got Method, Mode and Mindset

10:14 A lot of people know what to do, but they don't actually have a method or a plan in place

11:57 I call it BEEP: Biology Expectations, Environment, and Preferences

12:39 We all naturally either meet or resist expectations

16:18 I think where traditional advice starts to fail us is that they don't look at the why not

19:38 How important is it to have a clarity of your values and your mindset and linking that behavior to values?

22:45 I believe we all have blind spots

26:44 There was still a cost because the indecision was a cost

28:40 Over time, your preferences may change

30:32 H ow do I make it shiny and new?

32:36 I have actually reached out and said to another person, Hey, do you wanna be an accountability buddy on this?

34:47 I think that it's really important to embrace discernment

36:13 Your intuition's really quiet and fear is really loud

37:37 Are there specific practices you recommend for revitalization?

40:20 When you start to focus on some of those foundational habits...

43:25 Stay curious and to sort of step into the role of an observer

45:02 The website's catmulvihill.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvihillcatherine/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/catmulvihill

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/catmulvihill

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catmulvihill

Email: connect@catmulvihill.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, the show dedicated to helping you achieve more and reach your highest potential. Today, we have an incredible guest who is going to challenge everything you think you know about success and productivity.

In our fast-paced world, we're taught that being busy is a badge of honor, but what if that very belief is holding you back from your true potential? Our guest is here to show us a new way. Peggy Sullivan is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and researcher who has dedicated her life to helping individuals and Fortune 500 companies break free from the "hustle culture."

As a self-proclaimed "busyness addict in recovery," Peggy has developed a transformative, research-backed methodology called the "Busy Busting Framework," which she outlines in her latest book, Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More with Less. Get ready to rethink your approach to work and life, as Peggy shares her powerful insights on how to achieve peak performance without sacrificing your well-being or happiness. Join me now for my conversation with Peggy Sullivan.

Guest Bio:

Peggy Sullivan is a renowned keynote speaker, author, researcher, and expert in the field of overcoming busyness and achieving peak performance. With years of extensive research and a transformative methodology, Peggy has helped individuals and organizations unlock their true potential without compromising well-being or happiness. Her research-backed framework has been successfully implemented by numerous individuals, teams, and Fortune 500 companies, including Google, Bank of America, Blue Cross BlueShield, and Ingram Micro.

Driven by her mission to shift the narrative from busy to fulfilled, Peggy is dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses to prioritize meaning and happiness over the Huscle Culture. In her latest book, "Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More with Less," she teaches her signature Busy Busting Framework, a practical three-step methodology that has already benefited thousands, guiding them away from the busy treadmill and towards a life filled with intention, fulfillment, and remarkable outcomes.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.peggysullivanspeaker.com/
• Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Busyness-Achieve-Doing-Less%EF%BB%BF/dp/B0DGMPZTBG 

Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:23 I think you wrote your book, Achieve More by Doing Less. Break Free From the Busyness Trap, for me

03:22 I had four wake up calls

05:55 My dad and his family escaped the Holocaust

07:44 I knew I had a problem, but I didn't know what the solution was

09:10 We identified 25, what we call busy habits, low value activities

09:53 Whenever you're trying to change an addictive behavior, you have to replace it with dopamine

11:04 An interesting concept that you introduced was the concept of time poverty

11:44 We forget about how busyness impacts our colleagues, our friends, our workers, our families

13:52 And there are so many "times sucks"

15:20 It takes the average person 23 minutes to reclaim the mental state that they were in

17:52 I researched over 12,000 people to understand what values equate to quality of life

19:35 How do we get our mojo working in the right direction?

20:20 Being in customer service is a really hard job

22:07 I believe that values are very universal

25:01 In 2023 you came out and created the busy report

28:07 It takes daily diligence

28:37 What would you do with five to seven hours if you had new found time?

30:00 Human connection is the most important currency we have

31:52 Knowledge is power

32:30 The challenge is, when you're in the middle of it, sometimes you don't see

33:23 We can self-correct, but we need to become self-aware

34:03 Check out peggysullivanspeaker.com

35:19 As soon as you start to subtract low value things, you already feel relief

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peggysullivanspeaker

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVk8tpyJYL_aqyqb6HOLGA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peggysullivanspeaker/

TedX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo1Bmz8q-BM

Email: peggy@peggysullivanspeaker.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for professionals and entrepreneurs who are ready to build their expertise and dominate their industry. Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things, but still not getting the results you want? What if the key to unlocking your next level of success isn't about working harder, but about understanding the invisible habits of thought that are running the show?

Our guest today is a world-class expert on this very topic. She is a best-selling author of the book I See You. Her work is all about helping individuals and organizations achieve more without burning out by aligning their thoughts with their goals. She is on a mission to help people get out of their own way so they can build a life and a business they love. Please join me for my conversation with Amy Kemp.

Guest Bio:

Amy Kemp is the owner and CEO of Amy Kemp, Inc. In her work within this growing company, Amy helps leaders and business professionals understand how deeply “thought habits” impact every part of their work and lives.

As a certified Habit Finder coach, Amy has led over 400 female business leaders through a four-month small group engagement called Encounter. This experience is designed to help clients replace subconscious thought habits that are no longer serving them with more healthy ones. She has worked through the Habit Finder curriculum with hundreds of leaders in one-on-one settings and with leadership teams at small and large companies.

In addition, Amy teaches two engaging online courses each year in the fall and spring that are designed to challenge and expand her clients’ understanding of themselves and to welcome new, curious people into the scope of her work. Some of the most popular topics in her library of offerings are “Money Is a Mirror” and “A Boundary Is Not a Wall.”

Finally, with the launch of her first book, I See You: A Guide for Women to Make More, Have More, and Be More – Without More Work, on February 29, 2024, Amy has created an opportunity for everyone to learn and engage with her and the principles that guide her coaching. 

Resource Links:

• Website: www.amykemp.com
• Product Link: https://amykemp.com/habit-finder-assessment/ 

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:47 Nobody in here is smarter than anyone else

07:24 Your work really revolves around the idea fundamentally that thought creates habit, and habit creates results

09:30 We're hardwired to survive

10:35 In the title of your book, I See You, A Guide for Women to Make More, Have More and Be More...Without More Work

12:04 The core message of the book is that you can't outwork your thought habits

12:51 Women generally still carry the absolute majority weight of the unpaid labor in our world

14:40 If in fact you're choosing to do the unpaid labor...

16:40 I think families are businesses

18:50 There has to be an intentional division of that labor that isn't just falling on one person

21:23 Your work with the Habit Finder Assessment is really the cornerstone of your coaching

23:25 Everyone has a wall when you first encounter them

24:50 You need to have more guilt free play

27:11 That's the kind of energy that grows a business or that grows your leadership

31:20 If you want to sustain any kind of discipline in that way, it has to be connected to a deeper value or a deeper purpose

31:35 Playtime is an investment in growing my income and impact and influence

32:17 The world has a lot of external noise around what is success. For me, there's three pillars

33:15 Eventually, when you resist structure for long enough in those areas, structure imposes itself upon you

34:28 It's about knowing what you want to create, and then being intentional about creating it

37:31 You have to define what's success to you, none of it is going with you

38:19 I would pay attention to the opportunity for personal or professional growth that's right in front of you

39:22 The website's amykemp.com

Connect Socially:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/See-You-Guide-Women-More-Without/dp/1774584425/ref=sr_1_1

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amykempinc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykempinc/

Email: hello@amykemp.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred podcast. The podcast dedicated to providing business professionals and entrepreneurs with the strategies and mindset to not just succeed, but to truly thrive and create the life they desire. Today, we have a guest whose journey completely redefines conventional wisdom. He's a living testament that success isn't confined to traditional paths. In fact, sometimes, the most profound insights come from those who forge their own way.

Our guest is Ken Rusk, the bestselling author of "Blue-Collar Cash," host of the "Comfort, Peace & Freedom" podcast, and the visionary behind "The Path to a Successful Life" course. Ken built a remarkable empire and a life of purpose over four decades, all without a for mal higher education. He's not just building businesses, he's building lives, and fostering a truly employee-centric culture. Get ready for an incredibly insightful conversation that will challenge your assumptions and empower your professional journey. Join me now for my conversation with Ken Rusk.

Guest Bio:

Ken Rusk is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker who achieved WSJ Bestseller status with "Blue-Collar Cash" during the pandemic. He hosts the podcast "Comfort, Peace & Freedom" and empowers individuals through his impactful course, "The Path to a Successful Life."

Ken's unique journey includes appearances on Fox & Friends, Tucker Carlson Tonight, and America's Newsroom. His insights have been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Fox Business, and more. Without formal higher education, Ken's diverse accomplishments include awards like Top Workplaces in Ohio and numerous Franchise of the Year honors.

As the founder of Rusk Industries, he collaborates with notable figures and supports charitable organizations. With over four decades of experience, Ken continues to inspire through speaking engagements. He's currently working on a book about fostering employee-centric business culture for growth.

Resource Links:

• Website: kenrusk.com & veteransuccess.org
• Product Link: https://courses.kenrusk.com/ 

Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:21 Your book, Blue Collar Cash

05:44 Did you have a paper route?

08:32 You learn by what you see sometimes

10:20 I wish they would put out the same statistics that they do for professional football players

15:37 What was the biggest lesson I got out of college?

19:04 The law of supply and demand never fails us

21:12 I don't necessarily care what you do for a living as much as I care what you do with what you do for a living

22:39 Focus on the people, not the product

23:22 I've always thought that you had to go to college to be smart enough to be an entrepreneur

25:16 I call it putting a rudder on your boat

26:54 I practice being grateful

29:46 We're going to walk a higher tightrope, but we're going to raise the net

31:23 What's the lesson here? What's the opportunity?

33:05 There's always multiple pathways of things that are happening at the same time

34:28 That's kind of how I create the balance, by starting with the dessert and putting the meal second

35:51 The work intensifies, if you plan it within your fun

37:27 When you can love your work, secure your future, and find happiness for life, how does it get better than that?

39:56 Spontaneity is an amazing thing that people don't give credit for

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://courses.kenrusk.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenRuskOfficial/

Twitter (X): twitter.com/KenRuskOfficial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCobMStuxuarzLDFSMgX7u0A

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenruskofficial/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenrusk.official

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfort-peace-freedom-with-ken-rusk/id1660815664

Email: ken@kenrusk.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. The podcast that helps business professionals and entrepreneurs go from being just another option to being the emotional favorite. Today we're addressing a topic that so many of us navigate daily: the power of quiet leadership. The business world often celebrates the loudest voice in the room, but what if the most powerful leaders are actually the ones who are thinking, listening, and observing?

Our guest today is a living testament to this idea. With over two decades as a successful product and technology executive, he's led teams and scaled startups, but he's here today as the voice of the quiet thinker. He's the host of the Powerful Introvert podcast and newsletter, and he's on a mission to help introverted professionals and leaders embrace their natural strengths and thrive on their own terms. Please join me for my conversation with Greg Weinger.

Guest Bio:

What if the best leaders weren’t the loudest voices in the room?

Greg Weinger has spent over 20 years proving that introverts and unconventional thinkers can thrive in leadership. A seasoned product and technology executive, he has helped scale startups 10X to $70M+ in revenue, leading teams that build market-leading digital products and drive business growth. A Stanford graduate, he studied English literature, creative writing, and software engineering—giving him a unique ability to blend technical expertise, storytelling, and strategic thinking to make complex ideas accessible and actionable.

Greg is the author and host of Powerful Introvert, a Substack publication and podcast dedicated to helping introverts unlock their leadership potential. A sought-after speaker, he challenges outdated leadership norms and explores how organizations can create inclusive leadership structures that embrace diverse working styles.

He is also deeply interested in the intersection of technology and personal wellness, exploring how wearable biometrics and machine learning can optimize meditation, mindfulness, exercise, and sleep to help leaders operate at their best. His mission is to redefine leadership by prioritizing self-awareness, leveraging introverts’ strengths, and creating space for different leadership styles to thrive.

Greg speaks with depth, clarity, and a touch of irreverence, delivering insights that challenge assumptions, spark new ways of thinking, and provide practical takeaways for better leadership and performance.

Greg lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife of 25 years, their two cats, and their golden retriever, Mervin. He is a proud father of two college-aged children.

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:11 Introverts are looking inwardly first

02:21 Extroverts, the bias is outward first, they're acting, they're emoting

04:39 They talk about ambiverts

07:02 The more prepared introverts are, the generally the better off they are going into a situation

08:23 So, what are the most damaging misconceptions about introverted leaders

09:04 Just because they're quiet doesn't mean that they don't have anything to say

12:58 Why do we have such a bias towards the extroverted leader?

14:47 There are absolutely ways to do this in a way that are authentic to you

16:32 My personal practice, I wake up earlier and I am meditating for 40 minutes to an hour

20:05 How should we approach to make that introvert feel comfortable or that extrovert feel comfortable?

21:17 Introverts like authenticity

23:25 What's your advice for turning self-doubt into a source of confidence and credibility?

25:29 When you're vulnerable, you're speaking your truth, that's authentic

27:10 The phrase is: Let the puppy tire itself out

28:18 It's a constant practice to be as present as we can

30:45 There's never been a better time to understand yourself, accept yourself, and have support for becoming the leader that you ought to be

31:47 I started this podcast called Powerful Introvert

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryweinger/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerfulintrovert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerful_introvert

Podcast: https://www.powerfulintrovertpodcast.com/

Email: gweinger@gmail.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, the show dedicated to helping you master your mindset, amplify your influence, and become the undisputed champion in your field. Today, we have a great guest who embodies the fighting spirit of true success. He’s a former professional boxer who has taken the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking of the ring and translated it into a powerful framework for entrepreneurs and business professionals.

My guest is a high-performance coach, a motivational speaker, and the founder of the Man Challenge. His philosophy isn't just about winning; it's about preparing to win, recovering from setbacks, and fighting like a pro in every aspect of your life. Join me for my conversation with the extraordinary Gavin Lance Topp.

Guest Bio:

Gavin Lance Topp is a former professional boxer who began his journey with 19 amateur fights, drawn to the sport for its physical and mental challenges. He went on to win and defend the Australian Junior Middleweight Title, and after a comeback in 2005, fought five international opponents before earning a World Title Eliminator bout in Germany. At his peak, he was ranked 12th in the world

Then in 2009 founded the Fight Like a Pro Rite of Passage Program — a transformational experience designed to help men rise into their full potential as husbands, fathers, and leaders.

After leading over 3,000 men through the program, Gavin authored A Rite of Passage, which has sold thousands of copies worldwide. Then in 2019 was inducted into Queensland boxing Hall of Fame. This journey led to the creation of the Man Alive Experience, an online mentorship platform connecting with men across the globe.

Resource Links: 

• Website: www.gavintopp.com
• Product Link: https://gavin-topp.mykajabi.com/manchallengetickets

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:42 W hen you're the new kid in town, sometimes you've got to fit in

05:51 Unless my heart was in it, I'm not doing it

06:56 You either compete or you create

08:24 My first book, A Rite of Passage for the Modern Man

08:57 There's 3 men inside every man

11:22 There's always more in a man than what he realizes

13:11 An angry guy is an easy guy to fight...he's predictable

16:33 What are your character traits that you can a hundred percent rely on?

17:35 When the dream is big enough, the odds don't matter

20:54 When you communicate a message that's attached to your purpose, that inspires people

22:52 There's more in you, you can do more, you can become more, you can achieve more

23:48 It's about coming up with the right questions, so then you get the right answers 

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavintopp-fightlikeapro/overlay/contact-info/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076350442592

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gavinlancetopp

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gavinlancetopp?igsh=MW1xanN6OTlsejMxbA==

Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wN5lgb1ixa84lN61IU6gc?si=1671c3f806154dd2

Email: gavin@ariteofpassage.online

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, where we bring you the insights and strategies to help you elevate your business and become preferred. Today, we have a true expert of sales and entrepreneurship joining us.

Glenn Poulos is here to share his unparalleled wisdom on sales strategy, consumer behavior, and how to build truly successful companies. Get ready to take notes, because Glenn is about to drop some serious insights. Join me for my conversation with Glenn Poulos.

Guest Bio:

Glenn Poulos is the co-founder, Vice President, and General Manager of Gap Wireless Inc., a leading product and service distributor for the mobile broadband and wireless markets. With over three decades of experience in sales, he has spent thousands of hours in the field or on the phone with customers and working with salespeople to help create several very successful companies.

After entering the sales field in 1985 as a Technical Sales Rep, Glenn founded his first company, mmWave Technologies Inc. in 1991 and simultaneously served as President of Anritsu Electronics Ltd. for 9 years. Using his extensive knowledge and experience in the industry, he lectures groups on sales strategy, consumerism, and what motivates people at a raw emotional level.

Glenn lives near Toronto in Ontario, Canada, where he enjoys hiking, skiing, and playing pickleball.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://glennpoulos.com/
• Product Link: Never Sit in the Lobby
• Product Link: Profit Powerhouse

 Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:39 You wrote a great book called Never Sit in the Lobby

02:15 I got thrown out of the Canadian government for working too hard

04:20 There's three things that you need in order to become an entrepreneur

06:40 The reason you're hitting the wall and bouncing off is because you're scared

09:35 I've learned far more from my failures than I ever have my successes

12:08 Even if you do fail, it's not a permanent situation

16:13 I'm not a PhD in balance

18:06 I call it the $12 million problem

19:18 Until you can give it up and you can put the right person in the right seat, you can't scale the business

21:48 My mom had a saying, which was, 'Don't don't focus on what you lose. Focus on what you get to keep'

24:00 For me it's always about leverage

25:38 The area that you want to focus on is like process first, and then people second

29:19 Find the right person to head up that process and scale it

32:25 I invariably want to fall asleep reading legal documents

34:07 In the hands of the best person, you'll still get the better result

37:06 The one thing that I think will never change

38:25 People buy from people

40:59 W hen there's something in it for you, your ability to absorb information, goes up significantly

43:03 A lot of failing salespeople, they make the mistake...

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenn-poulos-45bab86/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glenn.poulos 

Twitter (X): https://x.com/GlennPoulos

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenn.poulos/

Email: glenn.poulos@gmail.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. The show that's dedicated to helping you become the preferred choice in your industry, and in your life. Today, we have a truly remarkable guest who embodies the spirit of a long term vision, profound transformation, and impactful leadership.

Our guest, David J. Greer, is a 40-year veteran of the entrepreneurial world. He joined a young software startup at just 22, and for two decades he helped build it into a global powerhouse. After a powerful exit, David embarked on a two year sabbatical, sailing 5000 miles in the Mediterranean with his family. A journey that reshaped his perspective on success and life. David is a highly sought after entrepreneurial coach and facilitator. He's a true expert on cultivating high performing cultures, empowering people and crafting strategic plans that lead to high growth businesses. Join me for my conversation with David Greer.

Guest Bio:

David J. Greer is a 40+ year entrepreneur. At 22, he joined a young software startup, stayed 20 years, becoming co-owner, while building the company into a global powerhouse. After selling out of that business, he and his wife took a break, commissioning a sailboat in the South of France and home schooling their three children for two years while sailing 5,000 miles in the Mediterranean.

Since then, David has been an angel investor, senior executive helping entrepreneurial friends of his, and since 2015 he has been an entrepreneurial coach and facilitator. David is an expert on culture, people, and strategic planning to create high performing and high growth businesses.

David has 15 years of continuous sobriety, which is why he focuses on helping entrepreneurs who struggle with alcoholism and/or addiction.

Resource Links:

• Website:  https://coachdjgreer.com/
• Product Link: https://coachdjgreer.com/book/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:03 That's the essence of marketing and selling

04:22 While sailing more than 5,000 miles, 10,000 kilometers in the Mediterranean

06:34 I'm all in or all out

07:26 I'm an alcoholic, and I'd been a daily drinker for at least 20 years

11:13 I wrote my book, Wind In Your Sails: Vital Strategies that Accelerate your Entrepreneurial Growth

14:39 We were incredibly customer focused

16:45 We found out there were 5 really common things that people had problems with

23:16 Go out 3 to 5 years and pick a future date. What is your business going to look like on that date?

24:56 People, strategy, execution, and cash

28:06 I think those of us who really get to a certain level of performance realize it's the calendar or nothing

29:19 Work always expands to the time we allow for it

29:56 It took you longer to procrastinate

30:43 Lets more employees say no to those things that don't matter

33:37 So go 10X where you can go 10X

35:41 At the end of the day, the customer experience is about what do they feel?

35:49 Branding is what do people feel about you, and what do they say about you, when you are not in the room?

37:24 Strategic planning is a hundred page binder that sits on a shelf and no one ever looks at it

40:33 I'm really strong on weekly meetings with my team

41:38 You don't have to be so serious

41:55 Everything in life and in business is an experiment

43:49 I want you to know there is always light at the end of the tunnel

45:14 The website is CoachDJGreer

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidgreer/

Twitter (X): https://x.com/djgreer

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdjgreer/

Blog: https://coachdjgreer.com/blog/

Email: david@coachdjgreer.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, where we bring you the insights you need to stand out from the competition and thrive. Today, we have an incredible guest who has not only witnessed but actively shaped the evolution of marketing over the last few decades. From the very early days of the internet our guest has been at the forefront, adapting and innovating.

He's Gee Ranasinha, the CEO of KEXINO, an award-winning marketing agency that has been the secret weapon for over 400 startups and small businesses across 20 countries. Gee and his team help these businesses achieve the holy grail of success: growing awareness, reputation, trust and sales.

Prepare to extract some serious wisdom from a seasoned pro who understands exactly what it takes to become preferred in today's complex market. Join me for my conversation with Gee Ranasinha. 

Guest Bio:

Gee has been in marketing since the days of dial-up internet and AOL CDs. Today, he’s the CEO of KEXINO, an award-winning marketing agency. Over the past 16 years KEXINO has helped over 400 startups and small businesses in around 20 countries grow awareness, reputation, trust – and sales.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute Of Marketing, Gee is also Visiting Professor at two business schools, teaching Marketing and Behavioral Economics to final-year MBA students.

Outside of work Gee loves to cook, listens to music on a ridiculously expensive hi-fi, and plays jazz piano very badly.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://kexino.com/
• Product Link: https://kexino.com/services/marketing/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

05:50 A differentiator at the beginning was that we would lead with a business problem

08:43 Nothing every dies, it just gets fragmented

11:04 The vast majority of our total addressable market is not ready to buy at that exact specific time

13:47 The marketers of their day understood how we as buyers considered and remembered brands at the point of purchase

15:00 Thinking Fast and Slow

18:49 One of the biggest obstacles we face is ignorance of what marketing is

21:11 Nobody spent any time on the single biggest factor of any website that drives conversion

25:08 The reason it sounds too good to be true is because it is too good to be true

29:18 A thing called the 'sunk cost fallacy'

31:54 Price isn't necessarily the deciding factor, as how buyers perceive value

34:20 I would say the lion's share of the reason why a B2B sale happens is not because you are selling the best product...

37:34 The biggest competition is sometimes is not doing anything

38:51 Four words: Talk to your customers!

39:08 Our customers are our biggest advocates

40:30 A fantastic question to ask an existing customer...

42:01 The best way people can find you if they wanna reach out to you is kexino.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranasinha/

Twitter (X): https://x.com/kexino

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@wearekexino

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Kexino

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearekexino

Email: gee@kexino.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. In today's dynamic business landscape, simply doing business isn't enough to stand out. To truly thrive, to become the preferred choice, you need a strategy that elevates your brand, optimizes your operations, and magnetizes your ideal clients. But how do you make that leap from overwhelmed entrepreneur to empowered CEO? How do you build a business that truly "rules" your market?

Today, we have an absolute master of business strategy joining us.Someone who has guided countless entrepreneurs and leaders to not just survive, but to profoundly succeed. She's the brilliant mind behind Your Biz Rules. A speaker, author, and an undeniable force in helping you transform your vision into a profitable, scalable reality. Get ready to unlock the secrets to become truly unstoppable. We're thrilled to welcome the incredible Leslie Hassler!

Guest Bio:

Leslie Hassler is the powerhouse behind Your Biz Rules, a consultancy firm transforming small businesses into freedom-generating machines. Leveraging 17 years of entrepreneurial experience and a strong background in marketing, finance, and leadership, Leslie guides businesses toward predictable profits and sustainable growth. Your Biz Rules offers comprehensive business audits, the Profitable Growth Incubator program, private consulting, and Fractional CFO services. The firm is celebrated for igniting transformative profitable growth, reshaping businesses to fulfill the owner’s vision, and enabling clients to break through financial barriers.

Leslie’s holistic approach prioritizes profitability and a balanced quality of life for business owners. She is the author of First This, Then That and the upcoming Scaling Rich™, Recognized on stages across the U.S., including NAWBO and WBENC, Leslie is also a Past President of NAWBO DFW and an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business program. A mother of two and avid traveler, Leslie brings a well-rounded perspective to her work. Her mission is to ignite the potential within business owners, empowering them to conquer challenges, unlock unprecedented growth, and build a life of abundance and balance.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.yourbizrules.com/
• Product Link: https://www.yourbizrules.com/fractional-cfo-services/
• Resource: https://www.yourbizrules.com/becoming-preferred-podcast/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:22 You have the domain yourbizrules.com

04:28 Your business does need rules

06:27 In order to scale, you are going to need some core element of scalability

06:55 Systems, processes, technology, and people are core

07:58 You do speak about having a crystal clear ideal client definition

09:50 This falls under the adage of 'a confused mind does not buy'

10:18 We focus on psychographics, not demographics

11:20 Clarity is what helps distinguish you from the next person

12:30 At the end of the day, people are trying to buy solutions, they're not trying to buy work

15:35 I find that 99.99% of the people out there do not feel like their numbers people

18:53 Nobody needs more work, we need more ease

20:01 What you'll see is, we get you, we've got you, we've gone through something similar

22:37 Basically, you are making a client promise

26:19 E very interaction should reinforce that brand's promise and personality

26:24 Inconsistency erodes magnetism

27:34 One of our values is generosity

31:50 How many of you send out thank you notes?

34:59 If you haven't done the work, the preparation to get there...

35:34 If I were to come in and double, triple, or quadruple your business today, what would break tomorrow?

38:55 How do you move that relationship along?

40:10 I n order to grow, you've got to let go

40:58 You have to have the clarity in order to be able to focus

43:51 I call it my CEO days

46:00 I think we need to embrace the trend to become less time bound

46:36 I learned a long time ago, I'm actually not in control

47:38 If you're playing by last year's rules, you'll get last year's results

48:43 We have a special page just set aside for your audience, itt's going to be at yourbizrules.com/preferred

49:45 The website's yourbizrules.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliehassler/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/YourBizRules

Twitter (X): https://x.com/YourBizRules

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeslieHassler

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leslie.hassler/

Email: leslie@yourbizrules.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to empowering business professionals and entrepreneurs to achieve their highest potential. Have you ever felt that true leadership extends beyond just strategies and spreadsheets? That there's a deeper, more profound dimension to unlocking peak performance and genuine impact? 

Today, our guest has dedicated decades to exploring exactly that. Dr. Ron Stotts is a three-time bestselling author, with a PhD in Psychology. Ron isn't just an academic; he's a transformational guide who has delved into ancient wisdom, cutting-edge neuroscience, and the very essence of human potential. He's supported thousands in navigating their toughest challenges and stepping into their greatness. Prepare to shift your perspective on what it truly means to lead, live, and become preferred. Join me now for my conversation with Ron Stotts.

Guest Bio:

Ron is a three times bestselling author with a PhD in psychology and a Dr. of Chiropractic. He’s explored the depths of ancient wisdom and the latest in psychological, neurological studies, and leadership as he guides entrepreneurs and executives into the highest levels of conscious leadership.

Ron spent the last five decades exploring the deepest caves and soaring heights of both personal and spiritual journeys. He is intimate with all aspects of the territory. As a transformational guide, he has supported thousands of others on their journey as they’ve moved through their most difficult challenges and developed their greatest potential.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://ronstotts.com/
• Product Link: https://ronstotts.com/leadership-books/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:10 Recognizing that the answers were within myself

03:56 It was the worst best year of my life

07:47 T he biggest problem I see in leadership

09:25 One of my mentors, Buckminster Fuller

12:44 Meditation is always about a single pointed focus

14:10 That's the art of life, is to use breathing as your indicator

15:18 All I have to do is breathe and be curious, and that allows me to be present and conscious

20:12 My ego's only job is to make sure that I'm breathing, being curious and present

22:00 When you breathe, you feel, and so I don't want to feel, so I'm going to quit breathing

24:36 Are you willing to be yourself? And most people, hell no!

25:42 Their leadership is about really bringing out the best in others

25:57 Your level of consciousness determines how you see, experience, and react to everything in your life

28:18 Are there typically catalysts with the people you work with?

28:29 They have to be afraid enough, or excited enough

31:05 You have to have meaning in your life as a leader

33:20 Celebrate where you are

35:20 The lobster story is...

36:59 Breathe, just breathe

37:59 I call it the Stop Process

38:08 If you don't stop and heal your past...

38:54 Start with your biggest challenge

39:34 Quiet your mind enough so you can access big mind thinking

40:22 I live my life breathing and being curious and present

42:18 The website is ronstotts.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ron-stotts-14143236/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRonStotts 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNV6D59C3InwlZmpAOVls_g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronstottsofficial

Email: ron@ronstotts.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast! Today, we have a true titan in the world of digital marketing and growth—a master architect of scale renowned for transforming data into undeniable results. If you're a business professional or entrepreneur seeking your next breakthrough, looking to optimize customer acquisition, or aiming to understand the mechanics of sustainable scaling, you're in for a treat.

Our guest is the visionary founder of Round Barn Labs, a growth marketing agency that has been instrumental in scaling some truly impressive businesses. He is also the brilliant mind behind the "Always Be Testing" podcast and the insightful "Flywheel" blog on Beehiiv. He lives and breathes experimentation, data-driven decisions, and building lasting momentum. Join me now for my conversation with Tye DeGrange.

Guest Bio:

Tye DeGrange is the Founder and CEO of Round Barn Labs, a leading growth marketing agency specializing in affiliate and influencer marketing for top tech brands, including Grammarly, Nextdoor, Meta Quest, and Atlassian. With 20 years of experience in performance marketing, Tye has driven growth for startups and Fortune 500 companies across e-commerce, B2B SaaS, and Consumer Tech. A graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a degree in History, Tye began his career at Sequoia-backed AdBrite, one of the first ad networks. Under his leadership, Round Barn Labs has earned accolades such as Boutique Agency of the Year and recognition as a Top 30 Global Affiliate Marketing Agency. 

Based in Austin, TX, Tye is passionate about building growth-focused teams and identifying innovative revenue opportunities. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis, exploring Austin with his wife Blaine, and spending time with their two young children, Hayward and Gray.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.roundbarnlabs.com/
• Product Link: https://www.roundbarnlabs.com/services-2/affiliate-marketing-agency

Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:28 Your motto line, Elevate Trust and Embrace Influence

03:46 What's the evolution that you've seen and where do you see it moving to?

07:00 Are you monetizing effectively in a competitive way?

07:43 Is this juice worth the squeeze for you, all in, not just media costs

11:09 Your podcast is called Always Be Testing

14:08 First and foremost, you want to have kind of a solid tracking platform

14:18 Trust is really essential to everything we do

17:37 If it was taken away, would you have gotten that customer anyway?

18:06 Priced right is half sold

22:05 On paid search, is that still relevant

24:20 I also read Jim Collins' book, Good To Great

29:23 You might have a bigger impact than you realize

32:30 Affiliate tends to be a lot of cat herding, a lot of moving parts

34:28 You talk about embracing a culture of relentless experimentation and learning

36:10 The website is roundbarnlabs.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/round-barn-labs/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyedegrange/

Twitter (X): https://x.com/RoundBarnLabs

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlwaysBeTestingPodcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3bXEq0WGtkLiQn7K1PUVCh

Tye Degrange's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/always-be-testing/id1700913215

Blog: https://the-flywheel.beehiiv.com/

Email: tye@roundbarnlabs.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, where we look into the strategies and mindsets that drive success for business professionals and entrepreneurs. Today, we have an extraordinary guest who embodies justice, advocacy, empathy, and results: Tad Nelson.

Tad is a legal luminary with over 33 years of experience in criminal and family law. What sets Tad apart is his unique blend of sharp legal acumen and forensic science expertise, allowing him to transform daunting legal crises into pathways of empowerment. He’s not just about conventional representation; he’s about genuine advocacy with precision and profound understanding of the human experience. 

In this episode, we're going to extract invaluable lessons from his astounding 400 trials – a treasure trove of wisdom applicable far beyond the courtroom, to every high-stakes decision and challenge you face in your business and entrepreneurial journey. Get ready for some powerful insights! 

Guest Bio:

Step into the world of Tad Nelson, a renowned legal mind with a flair for turning daunting legal crises into pathways of empowerment and transformation.

Distinguished by his unique blend of legal acumen and forensic science, Tad's approach goes beyond conventional representation—it's about genuine advocacy with empathy and precision.

Whether unraveling complex divorce cases or high-stakes criminal defenses, Tad believes in empowering his clients through compassion, relentless dedication, and a profound understanding of the human experience. 

Discover Tad Nelson's unique perspective on law, life, and the quest for justice in a way that promises to captivate and engage every listener.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://tadlaw.com/
• Free Consultation: https://tadlaw.com/contact/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:40 I've always wanted to be a lawyer

03:28 The three most important things of being lawyer

04:06 You know, the biggest complaint with lawyers in the world, is communication

05:30 The reality of today's world, you can't make everybody happy

07:02 First thing, never make any assumptions

08:08 It takes 50% of the time to do 90% of the work

10:53 So many people don't realize that you can give too much information

13:53 People are good, by and large people are

16:36 The number one place that you find consensus

22:06 Whatever's going on in your business, can't affect your product

23:57 You need to establish boundaries

24:46 I don't live to work, I work to live

28:30 From our initial conversation, we lay out a path that we're gonna follow

28:40 The way you build up trust is, you do what you say you're going to do

29:36 Once they start trusting me for doing what I'm gonna do, then they'll start trusting my opinion

31:43 If there's something that you think that needs to be addressed, get it addressed

32:30 We use Otter AI, every conversation I have is recorded, summarized, and put in their digital file

35:59 The domain is tadlaw.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tad-nelson-437b63b/

Blog: https://tadlaw.com/blog/

Email: chaos@tadlaw.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. In this episode, we have a true financial powerhouse in the studio, ready to illuminate the often-murky waters of cash flow and profitability 

Stephanie is not just a CFO; she's a business owner herself, giving her a unique, boots-on-the-ground perspective on the challenges you face every day. Through her company, New Light Financial Solutions, Stephanie has a knack for seeing right through the surface-level issues and identifying the core reasons why your business might be struggling with profitability and cash flow.

Stephanie doesn't just diagnose the problem; she provides a clear path to fixing it. If you've ever felt like you're working harder but not seeing the financial results you deserve, get ready to unlock the secrets to a healthier, more profitable business. Join me for my conversation with Stephanie Smith.

Guest Bio:

Stephanie Smith is a CFO and a business owner. She uses her financial background to help business owners take the one clear path to generating more cash in their business. Being in the financial world, she can look at a business and spot the underlying reasons why it is not profitable and has poor cash flow. And... more importantly, she knows how to fix it.

Resource Links:

• Website: www.newlightfs.com
• Product Link: https://newlightfs.com/resources/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:28 My favorite subject was calculus

02:44 If you feel like you need a "just in case thing", then maybe that's not the right path

06:01 We don't always take the time to evaluate how the cash is supposed to be moving through our business

07:30 Where to begin is really following the money

09:27 We actually do Profit First in our business for ourselves

10:48 Why a business can be profitable but still struggle with cash flow

13:26 It's cheaper to get a customer who already knows, trusts and has bought from you, to buy from you again

16:32 H ow much is it actually costing you to sell something?

20:47 I've heard people say, you know, set a a financial date with yourself, with your business

22:26 What every CFO does should be similar regardless of the size

24:33 It's a good idea to start talking with a financial planner about other things that you can do with the business' money

25:56 You should definitely not base all your decisions off of your bank account, or based on the profit number that you have on your financial statements

27:56 I have a podcast that I run called Getting to the Bottom Line

31:53 If they want to reach you, it's newlightfs.com

32:03 We also offer a free Cash Flow Strategy

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieporcellosmith/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephanieporcellosmith/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@newlightfs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newlightfs/

Stephanie's Podcast Link: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5WTE9D35Qv2n46vqCoM7nW3EHd-ZuD5Z

Email: stephanie@newlightfs.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. In this episode, we have not one, but two incredible minds joining us. A dynamic duo who have dedicated their careers to empowering business professionals and entrepreneurs like you to achieve remarkable success through the world of franchising 

Jack and Jill Johnson are the powerhouse co-founders of The Franchise Insiders! Together, they bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record in guiding individuals to build generational wealth and gain genuine professional freedom through strategic franchise ownership.

So, if you have ever dreamed of owning your own business, or want to explore the potential of franchise ownership and learn how to build wealth and freedom on your own terms, join me for my conversation with Jack & Jill Johnson.

Guest Bio:

Jack Johnson, Founder of The Franchise Insiders, has empowered over 600 executives to achieve franchise success, build generational wealth, and gain professional freedom. With a proven track record in franchising, Jack played a key role in building and selling Home Care Assistance for $130M, where he helped grow the brand into a global powerhouse with 200+ high-earning franchisees. As the owner of Pink's Window Services, he brings both franchisor and franchisee perspectives to his mentorship. His earlier leadership roles at MGM Resorts International, Brand Ltd., and ConnectedBrands have shaped his expertise in business development, marketing, and strategic growth. Alongside his wife, Jill, Jack provides personalized, data-driven franchise consulting backed by years of industry success and deep professional relationships. 

Jill Johnson, Co-Founder of The Franchise Insiders, has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs to achieve business ownership success through personalized, data-driven franchise consulting. With a strategic background in marketing, business development, and account management, Jill’s career spans leadership roles at top companies including IBM, Zeta Global, Power Efficiency Corporation, TakeLessons.com, and Wynn Las Vegas. At The Franchise Insiders, she and her husband, Jack, have built a trusted system to help clients find the perfect franchise match, leveraging extensive industry insights and personalized mentorship. Jill’s diverse experience, including franchise ownership and executive coaching, empowers her clients to make confident, informed investment decisions for long-term success.

Jack & Jill Johnson - Co-Founders of The Franchise Insiders - Together, Jack and Jill provide data-driven, personalized franchise consulting, leveraging deep industry connections to help clients make informed, confident investment decisions. This powerful duo is eager to speak about creating Generational Wealth Creation, having real freedom, and how to live life on your own terms through business ownership.

 Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.thefranchiseinsiders.com/
• Product Link: https://www.thefranchiseinsiders.com/howwehelpyou

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:01 Franchise ownership is not passive, it is not a passive asset

06:11 The right franchisor can teach you so much about business ownership

07:24 Not everyone's cut out to be a business owner, and so franchising helps you be the business owner that you want to be

09:01 When a couple wants to start to get into a franchise

10:55 The All In podcast had the CEO of of Google on last week

13:12 You need to make sure you're well funded

17:08 The classic franchise investment mistake is this...

18:21 If you open up a franchise disclosure document and there is no item 19, close the franchise disclosure document

21:05 There's a great book, by the way, called The Wealthy Franchisee by Scott Greenberg

22:16 And so we work with some established brands that we love

23:48 What is the biggest challenge for employers? Employees!

26:08 A lot of people think that franchise fees are a profit center for the franchisor, and they're not

26:30 One of the most important questions you can ask is: How robust is your support team?

27:42 It's fun to work, when it's your business

28:14 Working on the business, not in it, is crucial

30:17 Is this person, someone that can play well with others and operate well within this sort of structured framework?

31:27 Franchise ownership is for people that like structure and support

32:17 One of the beauties of franchise ownership is if you try it and it's not for you, sell it

34:45 When you're looking at a business, ask yourself this question, Does somebody need this business?

36:40 The website's thefranchiseinsiders.com

Connect Socially:

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefranchiseinsiders/

Jack's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefranchiseinsiders/

Jill's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillstrasserjohnson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefranchiseinsiders

Twitter: https://x.com/JackInsiders

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi67lio6ORFwnN0DcZL_DmQ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefranchiseinsiders/?hl=en

Jack & Jill's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-franchise-insiders-inside-scoop-podcast/id1555258626

Email: info@thefranchiseinsiders.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. In this episode, I will be speaking with the incredible Brandi Heather. Brandi is an award-winning former college professor who has transformed into a leading voice on the science of play at work. With over two decades of experience across business, education, and healthcare, she now travels the globe, showing professionals how play can unlock mental wellness, genuine connection, and build resilience.

Brandi doesn't just talk the talk; she truly activates play in her engaging keynotes and training sessions, all grounded in fascinating neuroscience and physiology. So, get ready for some insights that might just change the way you work and live! Join me for my conversation with Brandi Heather. 

Guest Bio:

Brandi Heather is an award-winning former college professor, turned play scientist and thought leader on the science of play at work. With over 25 years of experience in business, education, and healthcare and making people smile, she speaks globally on how play fuels mental wellness, authentic connection, and resilience. But Brandi doesn’t just talk about play—she activates it. Her keynotes and training experiences, grounded in neuroscience and physiology, give professionals the tools to reset their stress response, restore their energy, and rethink how they lead, serve, and shine.

Brandi's talks are immersive, unforgettable experiences where audiences build personalized and collective solutions for burnout prevention, joy retention and innovation in real time. Side effects have included: spontaneous creativity, uncontrollable laughter, contagious enthusiasm, and unexpected conversations with fascinating humans. It’s the most fun you can have in a day of work. Come out and play.

 Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.brandiheather.com
• Product Link: https://www.brandiheather.com/product-page/minicourse-what-is-play

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:37 W hen students were in play, they were learning more

05:50 T hey would get up at 7:00 AM with hangovers to come to my class

06:34 T he people who are really good at what they do, have an element of play to it

10:05 W hat kinds of things constitute play?

12:08 One of the highest sales activities you can possibly do if you're in professional selling, is to do something playful with a client

14:12 Simply ask, When you're not working 12 hours a day, what do you do for fun?

17:09 When was the last time you did something so good that you lost track of time?

17:38 So those three things for me is....

19:54 How does play facilitate deeper and more meaningful connections among colleagues and within our teams?

20:18 That's what play opens up, it opens up a curiosity

21:57 Play is directly connected to how we cope and how we take care of our mental health

25:12 How does play contribute to fostering creativity and innovative thinking within individuals and organizations?

27:44 Figure out what your play is first

28:05 What's one thing at work you could do all day?

30:42 There's 3 things that we can really do

32:38 You don't have to schedule it, you have to start by noticing it

35:05 You offer a mini course, which I thought was interesting, called What Is Play

36:06 People ask all the time, how do you play in such a serious world?

37:00 So my hope for the future of play and for understanding our playful intelligence is...

37:44 It's brandiheather.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandiheather/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReturnToPlayToday/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandi__heather/

Email: info@brandiheather.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. Today, we're diving deep into the fascinating world where data meets dynamic creativity, and trust me, you won't want to miss this conversation. Our guest today is Kenny Ridgell, the brilliant mind behind Ridge Media. Kenny isn't your typical marketing guru; he approaches the game with the precision of a scientist, meticulously blending data, innovative strategies, and compelling creative to deliver tangible results. 

Kenny has a knack for taking the intimidating world of marketing analytics and making it accessible, showing founders, business professionals, and CEOs how to transform those numbers into real revenue. If you've ever felt lost in the sea of marketing jargon or wondered how to make truly data-driven decisions that impact your bottom line, then you're in the right place. Get ready to gain some serious insights as we explore Kenny's unique approach and uncover actionable strategies to revolutionize your marketing efforts. Join me for my conversation with Kenny Ridgell.

Guest Bio:

Kenny Ridgell is a data-driven marketing entrepreneur who has spent the better part of a decade merging art, science, and innovation into measurable growth strategies for his clients. After beginning his academic career as a biochemistry major, Kenny discovered a passion for business and marketing at the College of Charleston, where he graduated with honors. This distinctive blend of analytical rigor and creative thinking led him to launch Ridge Media in 2014 while still a student, ultimately shaping a unique approach to marketing that prioritizes experimentation, evidence-based decision-making, and tangible returns. 

Under Kenny’s leadership, Ridge Media has grown into a firm that stands apart by applying the scientific method to the marketing landscape. Each campaign is viewed as a hypothesis to test, a puzzle to solve. By combining strategic storytelling with systematic experimentation, Kenny and his team have consistently cut through digital noise and driven meaningful, sustainable revenue growth for an array of businesses.

What sets Kenny apart is his ability to translate complex marketing analytics into actionable insights that resonate with founders, CEOs, and business owners alike. He’s dedicated to simplifying the marketing process—focusing on what works, discarding the fluff, and ensuring every decision drives measurable results. His curiosity, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence make him an engaging thought partner for any podcast host looking to uncover the secrets behind successful, data-driven digital marketing.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://ridgemediallc.com/
• Product Link: https://ridgemediallc.com/services

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:50 I was solving problems for business owners, they actually wanted to be solved

05:20 If you can connect those dots, you can keep customers

07:48 They just weren't tying the dots together, showing them how whatever their campaign was doing and how it was performing was affecting the bottom line

10:17 Some of these different tools we have, one of them is called CallRail

13:15 We call it an ecosystem

14:37 There's another thing called Pearl Diver

16:35 You move them right past that into the programmatic advertising, which would be Stack Adapt

19:41 I think on the front side you've got to figure out what is your conversion rate

20:48 What's the most efficient spend for your marketing?

24:30 I think it's totally based on who your customer is

26:44 Can you share an example of a client success story?

30:55 AI helps you become a Superpower Human

36:17 I think the main thing is trying to understand that everyone's different

36:42 Finding people that were good in areas where I was weak

37:32 Not being afraid to put yourself out there, regardless of what industry or what you're getting into

40:48 The website is ridgemediallc.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-ridgell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ridgemediallc/

Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/showcase/6268406

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridge__media/

Email: kenny@ridgemediallc.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the 'Becoming Preferred' podcast, the show dedicated to empowering business professionals and entrepreneurs to become preferred in the markets they serve. Today we're diving into a topic foundational to sustained success, yet often overlooked in the relentless pursuit of business growth: our health and well-being.

It's no secret that we're living longer, but are we living healthier? Many of us wait for the engine light to come on – that health crisis – before we prioritize our well-being. But what if we could proactively optimize our health, energy, and mental clarity, not just for longevity, but as a strategic advantage in our entrepreneurial journey?

My guest today has dedicated his life to understanding how our bodies and minds can perform at their peak, focusing on natural, sustainable methods that build true vitality. Join me for my conversation with founder and CEO of Strength Geneisis, Dr. Derek Alessi. 

Guest Bio:

Dr. Derek Alessi is a health and fitness expert with nearly 30 years of experience helping people lose fat, reduce medications, and optimize their health—especially for adults over 45. After transforming his own health as a teenager, he earned a doctorate in health and physical education and a master’s in nutrition, dedicating his career to sustainable, science-backed wellness.

A frequent media guest with over 2,100 TV and 400 radio appearances, Dr. Derek simplifies fitness and nutrition, helping people take control of their health for life.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://strengthgenesis.com/
• Product Link: Mac oil - https://strengthgenesis.com/products/macadamia-nut-oil?variant=39585604731072
• Salad Dressing: https://strengthgenesis.com/products/origin-salad-dressing-marinade

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:30 I hit a high weight of 244 pounds in high school

04:47 I did know that any food that was convenience food, if it came in a can of bag or a box, I probably shouldn't be eating it

06:55 It's so difficult and impossible to change society, especially quickly, but you can change you

09:14 If I don't put this time in for me, I won't have anything for them

11:58 So often people want to jump right into strategy

12:33 Why are you worth saving?

12:55 The average person that starts a Keto diet lasts 11 days

17:06 If you knew you were gonna live to 150, would it change the decisions you're making now?

20:09 You're talking about accountability and tracking progress

23:08 When it comes to exercise, it's like the best antidepressant ever

26:20 I would say, I want you to start listening to podcasts while you're lifting weights

27:56 I want every tomorrow to be easier, and we're gonna make it easier by establishing these patterns

30:48 It's a series of habits

33:36 When you're resilient, you can rebound

34:56 I really can't stand it when I shoot myself in the foot

37:20 The slogan was: Better for the body, better for the planet

38:47 It's taking the practices of other businesses and adopting them for yourself

40:02 Go to strengthgenesis.com

40:32 You want to take care of your health before it's gone, because you want your health to take care of you

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-alessi-phd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strengthgenesis/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strengthgenesis/

Email: support@strengthgenesis.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

 Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast, the show dedicated to fueling the drive of business professionals and entrepreneurs like you. Today, we have a guest who is a true architect of achievement, a guiding force for growth, and a master of strategic advancement.

She's the visionary behind Forge Ahead, a company dedicated to empowering businesses and leaders to not just meet their goals, but to shatter them. With a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey, she brings a wealth of experience in transforming challenges into triumphs and potential into profit. Whether you're looking to refine your leadership, optimize your team, or strategically scale your operations, her insights are invaluable. Join me for my conversation with Courtney De Ronde.

Guest Bio:

Courtney De Ronde is the CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting and the creator of the Simple ScaleUp System™. She helps business and nonprofit leaders use a proven system to take charge of their personal and organizational development so they can fulfill their purpose and lead their organizations to do the same.

With 20+ years as a CPA and 15 years as a business leader, Courtney has firsthand experience running, scaling, advising, and serving small businesses. Today, she shares that knowledge as a speaker and consultant with her team at Forge. Recognized for her expertise in business intelligence, leadership, corporate finance, and productivity, Courtney presents at conferences and events nationwide. When she’s not helping companies grow, she enjoys time with her husband and three children on their latest family road trip or at home in Des Moines, Iowa.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.forgeahead.com/
• Product Link: https://www.forgeahead.com/services/business-coaching-and-training/ 

Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:35 I took an accounting class and it just clicked

02:50 Finances can feel like a foreign language

04:36 You keep thinking, I'll just keep doing what I did to get here

06:55 One of the biggest bottlenecks is that they're trying to do everything themselves

08:48 Empower other people to lead in this organization

10:28 I have to tell them, it's not going to be me to serve you

13:44 We call it the Simple Scale Up system, we really talk about four main areas of a business that you need to focus on when you're scaling

17:43 Anytime that a business is reliant on a certain personality, or their skillset, their connections...

18:35 The size of your business is going to be limited by your capacity

20:20 You need to be able to follow the money through the organization

20:49 We also have a group coaching program called Scaling Leader

21:14 Four Steps to Scalability

22:50 If we look at information that's not accurate or trustworthy, it won't matter

26:34 You need the insights that come from the data

28:50 Their less crucial tasks, like the tedious email monitoring and things like that, for times of day where they have less energy

30:28 The biggest difference between for-profit and nonprofit

30:48 Nonprofit is not a business model, it's a tax status

32:48 A great place to start is to define who you are, and where you want to go

33:20 When you know who you are, and you know where you're going, you can use those two things, your values and your vision, as a filter for decisions

35:02 Whatever happens here is on me

36:36 Most people want to help each other out

37:41 One of the things we talk about in the Simple Scale Up System is the shift from relying on instincts, to relying on insights

38:03 Instincts are based on our experiences and our emotions

40:08 Our website is: forgeahead.com

40:47 We have an assessment called the Business Intelligence Grader

41:32 Contact courtneyd@forgeahead.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyderonde/

LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forgefmc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgefmc

Email: courtneyd@forgeahead.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. The show is dedicated to equipping you with the insights and strategies to become preferred. Today, an absolute powerhouse is joining us to share with us strategies and insights to help us with our presentation, sales, marketing and persuasion capabilities.

He's a popular author, an international speaker, and a consultant who has empowered countless individuals and organizations to achieve unparalleled success through the art and science of persuasion. His work cuts through the noise, providing actionable frameworks to communicate more effectively, negotiate more strategically, and ultimately, close more deals.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of influence, because this conversation is about to change the way you think about communication and impact. Join me for my conversation with Dr. Yaniv Zaid.

 Guest Bio:

Since 2003, Attorney and economist Dr. Yaniv Zaid – “Doctor Persuasion” – an international expert in the field of persuasion, has been a highly sought after consultant and lecturer, teaching others how to improve their marketing, presentation, sales and persuasion skills.

He has given over 2,500 lectures and workshops in 4 continents, and provided personal and business consulting services to over 950 companies and businesses in all fields, including banks, insurance companies and financial institutions, communication, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, high-tech and real estate companies, factories and product manufacturers, consulting and service companies, academic institutions, government ministries, the security industry, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations and professional bureaus.

The aim of his activity is to improve the marketing, sales, negotiation, presentation, speaking and persuasion capabilities of the managers and employees.

Dr. Yaniv Zaid has won 3rd place in the world championship for individual speakers and participated in the semi-finals of the European championship for group speakers.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.persuasion.co.il/en/
• Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.-Yaniv-Zaid/author/B009SNHYB8?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1741647487&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:56 I started writing notes, and the notes became lectures, and lectures became books

03:13 The Amazon bestseller list, it's called Public Speaking (in English)

04:41 The customers would like to talk about them, not about you

05:41 How do your clients think?

06:22 Today it is about inspiration and not desperation

07:55 You need to be Batman, and not Superman

10:13 If you invest in yourself, AI won't replace you

11:31 Every expert is a student

11:56 Use AI to help you maybe get ideas or something like that, but invest in yourself

14:30 It's a tool that's called social proof

16:05 You can always become an expert by telling me achievements you've done

17:14 If the conference brought this guy to lecture, he is probably an expert

18:46 Always think creatively, not competitively

20:38 This is the advantage of the digital era, for example: LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, mailing lists

23:04 If I exist in the market for 40, 50 years, I need to let's say, evolve all the time, and learn new tricks, new tactics, new platforms all the time in order to stay relevant

23:58 Soft selling, I'm not trying to sell you something, I tell you stories, and you buy

24:30 There is a line of lectures in the high tech companies, it's called F$%# Up Nights

25:21 I'm just offering you stories, and people love stories

27:44 I think people think for the short term, not for the long term

29:22 We talked about the Know, Like Trust mechanism

30:45 The most important rules in sales and marketing is first, love your clients

32:56 Find the ideal client and find their problems and needs

33:17 Don't try to be someone else, try to be the best version of yourself

33:51 The relationship starts when you land that customer

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yanivzaid/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drpersuasion

Twitter (X): https://x.com/yanivzaid?mx=2

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/YanivZaid

Instagram: https://instagram.com/yanivzaid

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yaniv_zaid

Email: yaniv@yanivzaid.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. Building a vibrant culture with happy people working to their full potential can be a real challenge. Today, we're joined by Nicole Greer, CEO of Build a Vibrant Culture™. Nicole's not just talking theory; she's giving us the practical, actionable steps to transform our teams.

Nicole isn't just a leadership and organizational development expert; she's a culture architect, a catalyst for transformation, and the visionary force behind Vibrant Coaching. She's going to break down her methodology, and give us the tools to create work environments where people truly flourish. Get ready to listen to a conversation that is going to be packed with wisdom and insights to transform your business. Join me for my conversation with Nicole Greer.

Guest Bio:

As CEO of Build a Vibrant CultureTM, Nicole Greer helps individuals, corporations, government, and non-profits become leaders who fulfill a mission, energize their teams, and build a vibrant culture. Using the S.H.I.N.E. Coaching Methodology™ and training programs, Nicole offers foundational tools and uncommon wisdom.

Resource Links:

• Website: www.vibrantculture.com
• Product Link: https://vibrantculture.com/assessments/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:31 I read a book a long time ago, and it said that, culture eats strategy for breakfast

04:51 I think people are so confused about the definitions, but this is the vibrant definition, the Nicole Greer definition

06:48 What is it like to experience you?

08:35 Core values are almost like our belief system

10:44 When we achieve that, we'll figure something else to accomplish

13:25 What about if you work for an organization that is visionless?

13:55 I have never been anywhere where I didn't look around and go: things could be better around here

15:42 People aren't very good about promoting themselves

18:21 Prior to project management software, we used to have to take notes

18:53 I call it IRP!

20:34 So, we're making a memory of the future

22:15 If it was legal, and we thought we could pull it off, we did whatever it took

24:55 We have to clean up this place because aesthetics matter

27:15 If you have what I call 'eagles'

28:47 Here's what leaders need to do

29:01 I take them through the S.H.I.N.E. Coaching methodology

30:32 One day they're going to say, "You want to be the manager, the sales manager?"

33:06 Here's the thing about conflict...

33:58 We have fight, flight, freeze, and deflect

34:56 We need to do what I call Employee Performance Management

36:22 Team is a verb, not just a noun

38:45 So I call it Vibrant Identity

40:20 What is most important on a team? Making good choices for the team

41:40 The website's VibrantCulture.com

Connect Socially:

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildAVibrantCulture

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolegreervibrantculture/

Free Discovery Session: https://vibrantculture.com/contact/#discovery

Nicole's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build-a-vibrant-culture-podcast/id1544479087

Email: nicole@vibrantculture.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast! We have a true connector and amplifier of voices joining us – Dana Lindahl. Dana is the founder of a leading podcast booking agency and has become the secret weapon for countless founders, executives, and industry leaders looking to share their stories on top podcasts. He doesn't just book appearances; Dana crafts messages that resonate and builds strategies that deliver real results, helping his clients grow their influence and connect with the audiences that truly matter. 

Now, Dana's stepping into the spotlight himself, and he's here to share his insider knowledge on personal branding, the power of thought leadership, and the art of captivating an audience. Get ready for some actionable insights and relatable stories straight from the trenches of building a successful business. So, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding thought-leader, or simply curious about the power of podcasting, you won't want to miss what Dana Lindahl has to share. Join me for my conversation with Dana Lindahl.

Guest Bio:

Dana Lindahl, founder of a leading podcast booking agency, is all about connecting thought leaders with the audiences who need to hear them. With a knack for spotting great stories and amplifying them to their fullest potential, Dana has helped countless founders, executives, and industry leaders snag the spotlight on top podcasts. Drawing on years of experience, Dana knows exactly how to craft a message that clicks and a strategy that works.

But Dana doesn’t just book podcasts—he transforms them into game-changers. Seeing podcasts as a powerhouse platform for storytelling and engagement, Dana has guided clients to grow their influence, connect with the right people, and drive real results. It’s this no-nonsense, results-driven approach that’s made him the go-to partner for leaders looking to step up their game and make an impact.

Now, Dana’s flipping the script and hitting the mic himself. On his podcast tour, he’ll dive into the art of personal branding, the power of thought leadership, and the secret sauce behind nailing audience engagement. Whether it’s talking entrepreneurship, leadership, or the ever-changing world of podcasting, Dana brings relatable stories, sharp insights, and actionable advice straight from the trenches of building a successful business.

When he’s not connecting leaders to their audiences, Dana’s all about helping people unlock their potential with creative, strategic thinking. A champion of empowering others to own their narratives, he blends practical tips with an infectious enthusiasm that makes success feel within reach. Whether you’re a founder, a business owner, or an aspiring podcaster, Dana delivers advice that sticks and stories you won’t forget.

Resource Links:

• Website: legendaryleadgen.com
• Website: leadbites.com
• Product Link: https://leadbites.com/services/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:48 I said I wanted to be a writer

05:05 We always hear, a rising tide raises all ships, well, the opposite thing is also true

08:36 What is your purpose for wanting to do more podcasts

11:11 Broaden the audience

12:16 What's one most crucial step that they should take to clarify their brand message

14:42 People remember stories so much better than they remember numbers and facts

16:35 I t's really about that engagement

18:17 R ather than sending them to your LinkedIn

22:15 So, for the people who are just very nervous about this sort of thing

24:36 T he written word doesn't convey itself in the same way that the spoken word does

26:47 The modern B2B buyer is doing most of the research before they even talk to somebody in sales

29:52 If there's ways that you can be writing about trends within your industry

31:01 Just being consistent and doing a lot of appearances

32:32 If people just shift their mindset on this: I'm doing marketing work

34:10 Can you share a brief success story?

35:48 Just start small, and build from there

37:02 LegendaryPodcasts.com

37:19 Go to LegendaryPodcasts.com/Becoming-Preferred you'll be able to download a free guide 

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-lindahl/

Email: dana@legendarypodcasts.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the podcast and get ready for an insightful conversation with a true relationship-building guru! Our guest today, John D. Hanson, has built his incredible career on the foundation of "win-win relationships," and he's here to share his secrets. 

You will learn how to cultivate these genuine connections in our fast-paced world, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, where John himself built a global network of over 30,000 from zero in just a few years – a journey we'll be unpacking for actionable steps you can take today.

So, if you're in sales, marketing, or simply looking to build stronger, more impactful relationships, you don't want to miss this. Join me for my conversation with John D. Hansen.

Guest Bio:

John D. Hanson has always prioritized Win/Win Relationships in Sales, Leadership, Customer Service, the Military, Non-Profits, Marketing, and LinkedIn. Starting in 2016 with zero connections, John grew his global network to over 30,000 professionals, showcasing the power of LinkedIn and 5th Dimensional Customer Experience.

As a dynamic speaker, B2B business coach, global author, and workshop innovator, John partners with entrepreneurial leaders and businesses driven by curiosity and courageous action. His programs—featuring high demand, transformational topics like Leveraging LinkedIn, Heroic Leadership, Earning Trust, 5th Dimensional Customer Experience, and

Empathy: Your Service Superpower—consistently deliver transformative value.

For 2025 and beyond, John’s mission is to equip 10,000 growth-minded, tech-focused small businesses with customized growth plans by 2030 through Growth Navigator Pro, an AI-powered tool delivering clarity, strategy, and results.

Join the movement to help entrepreneurial small businesses thrive. Refer a fellow visionary or growth-minded entrepreneur, and together, we can create a ripple effect of innovation, success, and lasting impact. 

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.johndhanson.com/
• Product Link: https://www.johndhanson.com/resources

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:10 What I learned was if I leveraged all the tools available to me that I could have success

04:59 If someone does this, they'll be automatically in the top 1% or less of all LinkedIn connections

07:53 Too often we get into the pitching right away

08:21 Number one is to optimize their profile first

11:24 What's in it for me is what drives all of us, and I think it's what intrigues us too

12:40 You're not allowed to tell your paying customers, they're not the most important customer

13:35 You're the most important customer

15:37 You're launching a new service: Growth Navigator Pro

16:19 It's not going to replace people, but I think it's going to replace the things that people shouldn't be doing

20:05 F athom or Otter AI both have automatic note takers (get links)

21:22 Empathy is a key part of your philosophy, you even call it Service Superpower

24:28 The reason why I put curiosity as one of those kind of non-negotiables

25:02 They call it the curiosity gap

27:01 So ask questions, read books, do your personal R&D, and get better

28:00 Video content on LinkedIn is viewed 20 times more than any other kind of content

28:22 In order for it to be effective, it needs to be authentic and not distracting

31:04 The question we always get asked is, well, what should I post?

33:50 If I'm just there to sell the most expensive thing, or the thing that makes me the most money, they'll be able to tell that

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-d-hanson-heroic-success/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elevatingpeopleandbusinessestoheroicsucces

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@john.d.hanson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_d_hanson/

Email: john@7waysmenu.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome to another episode of Becoming Preferred, where we explore the latest strategies and tactics to help you level up your knowledge and improve your skills. Our guest is Scott McCrady, the CEO of SolCyber. With over 25 years of experience, Scott has been at the forefront of protecting people and businesses around the globe. 

In this episode, we'll delve into the misconceptions that small businesses, entrepreneurs, and business professionals have about cybersecurity, and discuss the impact of human behavior on cybersecurity breaches. Scott will also provide actionable advice on tackling ransomware threats and securing remote work environments. So, whether you are an entrepreneur, a business professional, or simply interested in learning more about cybersecurity and how to protect yourself, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Please join me for my conversation with Scott McCrady.

Guest Bio:

With 25 years of experience working in the networking, telecommunications, and information security space, Scott McCrady is currently serving as the CEO of SolCyber Managed Security Services. Scott has worked with large companies and start-ups, among them IBM and EDS, where he held Security Engineer and Team Leader positions (US and London).

Previous to SolCyber, Scott built the Asia-Pacific-Japan business at Symantec; he ran the global Managed Security Service, and the Symantec and Accenture Joint Venture. Scott then transitioned to FireEye pre-IPO to create their global MSS and System Integrator, and traveled to Singapore to help build their APJ business. After a successful run with FireEye, Scott helped spin out SonicWall from Dell to private equity and reconstitute the business into a profitable, cash flow-positive entity.

This experienced guest wants to tell start-up founders, IT Security Managers, CISOs, and other cyber risk management enthusiasts how cybersecurity is improving technology services. He simply wants to make our listeners' life easier, more successful, and safer!

Resource Links:

• Website: https://solcyber.com/ 
• Product Link: https://solcyber.com/security-journey/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:03 Cybersecurity has become a big business

05:20 Over 50% of small businesses that get breached go out of business within 2 years after a breach

05:54 What's the biggest mistake that they make when it comes to cybersecurity?

07:21 What happens in cyber is everyone just sort of forgets about these layers of defense

10:01 Two casinos, big casinos, in Vegas were breached

13:21 T he technologies around cyber are really good

13:27 The attackers generally tend to login, not break in

15:43 W e used to call it the crunchy exterior with the soft gooey middle

17:18 I s AI good for cybersecurity?

19:54 Cyber insurance is a great thing to have, especially for small, medium businesses

23:32 You can also go to third parties that have what we call vCISO, Virtual Chief Information Security Officers

26:36 You can do it...Is it worth your time?

30:21 The biggest problem we have right now...

32:22 F or most organizations, it's probably a very good idea to use the Cloud

36:53 W hat I tell everybody is, you've got to think about the vertical

37:10 The thing that most companies should really think about is, what's your core vertical?

39:06 Figure out what the basics are, or have somebody that can help you with the basics

40:31 A term called EDR evasion techniques

41:10 You've also got a mobile MDR

42:13 Mobile is becoming the single biggest vector to get ahold of the credentials and the IDs

42:34 If anybody wants something truly fun, go look up Pegasus mobile attacks. It is a rabbit hole that is fascinating

42:57 It’s solcyber.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmccrady/

LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/solcyber/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solcybermssp

Twitter (X): https://x.com/SolCyberMSS

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0YRGrauXqhQRgFcqCCcm4e?si=872fab72886640b8&nd=1&dlsi=e28253273f5447b1

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@solcyber

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solcyber_mssp/

Email: scott@solcyber.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

On today’s episode, we have a fantastic guest joining us who knows exactly what it's like to feel completely drained and overwhelmed, and more importantly, how to break free.

Beverly Beuermann-King is an expert in guiding individuals and organizations from that state of burnout and stress, to a place of true resilience and vibrant engagement.

With years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, Beverly is here to share her invaluable insights. In this episode, we're diving deep into practical strategies to truly work smart, and most importantly, live smart. Get ready to transform the way you approach your work and life! Join me for my conversation with Beverly Beuermann-King.

Guest Bio:

For over 20 years, Beverly Beuermann-King has specialized in stressed out, over-extended, and struggling teams, by helping them to control their reactions to stress, build resiliency against workplace challenges and live healthy, successful lives through her S-O-S Principle™. As a professional resiliency and wellness management consultant, she uses her humorous and energetic style to provide well-researched, down-to-earth tips and strategies that fit into an already busy life. She takes the complicated and makes it simple for teams to implement.

Beverly works with corporate teams, front-line workers, agencies and association audiences who want to reduce stress, build resiliency, improve communication and be more engaged.

Whether you are looking for a consultant, keynoter, panel moderator, virtual presenter, or workshop at your conference, Beverly will ensure that your team has the right tools and knowledge to become more resilient, healthier and productive.

 Resource Links:

• Website: https://worksmartlivesmart.com/
• Product Link: https://worksmartlivesmart.com/stress-wellness-resources/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:21 When we talk about stress

04:21 When we share our tools of how we've overcome or how we've coped

06:17 From burned out and stressed out, to resilient and engaged

06:53 The buckets are Situation-Ourself-and Support (SOS)

09:05 Jennifer Moss talks about burnout and the six kind of contributors

10:35 Do they have the right people, in the right job, right now?

11:28 Values are the rules of engagement

13:02 Are you willing to hire, fire, and promote based on those values?

13:20 Great new website

14:13 Strategic Hope has components to it

18:36 Wellness Wednesday eNewsletter

19:20 Understand what the payoff is

20:10 There are certain industries that are set up to build toxicity

22:00 Disengagement, you've talked about distraction, and you've talked about dread....you call them the three Ds

23:59 When you're communicating around change, are you giving people the right information?

25:51 The pandemic has really pushed mental health conversations ahead by years

27:08 Are you seeing threats that are external to this?

28:19 You say it best: Healthy minds plus healthy relationships equals a healthy workplace

30:47 The website is worksmartlivesmart.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverlybeuermannking/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Work.Smart.Live.Smart

Twitter (X): https://x.com/sostostress

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BeverlyBeuermannKing

Email: info@worksmartlivesmart.com

 Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

On this episode of Becoming Preferred, we’re tackling a challenge every growing business faces: scaling without chaos. My guest, Nick Foy, is here to show us how. Nick is an expert in aligning technology to build seamless processes, helping businesses escape the disruption that comes from disconnected solutions. 

Nick’s passion lies in empowering businesses to scale efficiently, creating streamlined workflows that eliminate bottlenecks and foster sustainable growth. He’ll be sharing his insights on how to leverage technology strategically, ensuring your systems work for you, not against you. If you’re ready to unlock your company’s potential and build a foundation for seamless scaling, join me for my conversation with Nick Foy.

Guest Bio: 

Nick Foy is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Evangelist of Silverdale Technology, which provides access to world-class processes, systems, and change management methods regardless of their size or budget. Going against the grain of the ERP industry, Nick and his team are 'democratizing ERP' with their unique perspectives, such as their standard business process library, fixed price implementation and money-back guarantees.

Nick is well placed to do so, with over 30-years of experience in business and technology consulting and leadership positions, particularly in logistics and supply chain, at Amazon, Capgemini Consulting, ModusLink Corporation, 3663 First for Foodservice, and The Glenmorangie Distillery Company.

Born in Scotland and currently living in rural Washington, USA, Nick is a frequent traveler, having made it all around the US, Europe, and Asia for work. He also spares time for his interests, such as being an aspiring guitar player, whisky sampling as a hobby, and being an early adopter and owner of a large tech graveyard of discarded first editions.

Resource Links:

• Website: SilverdaleSilverdale: Expert Odoo Partner for Seamless ERP Solutions
• Product Link: SilverdaleComprehensive Odoo Audit Services | Silverdale 

 Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:51 Building processes is not a priority

06:58 Just keep asking why until you actually get to the root cause

08:38 You should spend way more time understanding the problem

10:25 Processes have a half-life

12:59 BPMN.io Business Process Model and Notation

13:32 If you can't see it, you can't optimize it

17:13 We are an official Odoo partner. Odoo is an all in one business software

18:49 Don't try and do it yourself

21:24 What are you missing out on?

22:35 What's the role of company culture in a successful process or tech implementation? 

24:52 W hat's the one piece of advice you'd give to a business owner who feels completely overwhelmed...

26:03 Frustration doesn't help at all

27:49 What it allows you to do is to do more, and to do better (AI)

29:29 I t's never too early, but it's always too late

31:37 If you are willing to adapt and adopt some of those processes, actually the engagement can be quite lightweight 

32:28 Silverdale.us

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickfoy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silverdaletech/

Email: somroo.hassaan@silverdaletech.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, and get ready to supercharge your sales strategy! Today, we welcome Ken Lundin, a true sales powerhouse. With over 20 years of experience, and a staggering $1 billion in revenue generated, Ken brings the science of sales to life. He's not just talking theory; he's delivering results. 

Author of "Strategic Selling Unleashed," Ken's insights have graced Forbes, stages, and podcasts worldwide. If you're ready to transform your sales approach and unlock explosive growth, then you're in for a treat. Join me for my conversation with Ken Lundin.

Guest Bio: 

Ken Lundin, President and Founder of RevHeat, has a passion for helping others navigate their sales challenges. With over 20 years in the industry, Ken has weathered multiple market shifts and understands the strategic pivots necessary to thrive in uncertain times.

A firm believer that sales is a science and that it is possible to systematically and predictably grow sales, Ken's record bears witness to the effectiveness of his approach. He has generated over $1 billion in sales and earned a reputation as a business growth expert.

Ken has developed roadmaps, frameworks and processes to help businesses master the critical stages of growth essential for success in any environment. His insights and experience have led to multiple keynote speeches, citations in Forbes online, and many podcast appearances. He has also shared much of his learning in his recent book, "Strategic Selling Unleashed." 

Ken's innovative methods and strategic acumen make him an ideal podcast guest for shows catering to senior executives looking to supercharge their sales teams and achieve unparalleled market success.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://revheat.com/
• Product Link: https://revheat.com/sales-services/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:06 Strategic Selling Unleashed

07:29 You're a strong advocate for the science of sales

10:16 Do you have tools that help with that?

11:59 It's part of our perfect meeting framework

13:32 We went from the average deal having 6 people influence…

14:05 Anytime somebody makes a buying decision, they have personal and professional risk

15:46 There's a massive fear of change

16:50 If you can de-risk a deal, you can shorten sales cycle times pretty significantly

17:28 How do you make it so you appear to be the most likely company on the planet who understands their needs

20:44 Do you want to know the number one way to accelerate sales? Get them to be 10% better!

25:10 Would you rather be liked or loved, more than respected and trusted?

26:27 The elite are always trying to figure out why they'll buy, and the average seller's just trying to get them to the next step in the process

28:12 The number one thing nobody's talking about

31:05 How important is personal branding for sales success in today's environment

34:26 It’s RevHeat.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kglundin/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kglundin?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXrDyJgLNoAgz2zqOlEKayA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kglundin/

Email: ken@revheat.com

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources: https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred! Today, we're diving deep into the art of customer connection with a true visionary. Get ready to meet Katie Smith, the Queen of the Customer Journey! Katie transforms marketing chaos into strategic success, empowering businesses to build meaningful relationships and promote real values. She's not just about clicks and conversions; she's about crafting experiences that resonate. 

Katie understands that in today's world, consumers crave authenticity and connection. She'll be sharing her insights on how to build a customer journey that not only drives sales, but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. If you're ready to ditch the stagnant strategies and embrace a more impactful approach, you're in the right place. Join me for my conversation with Katie Smith.

Guest Bio: 

Katie Smith, known as the Queen of the Customer Journey, is a visionary marketer dedicated to transforming chaos and stagnation into strategic success. Her approach empowers businesses to connect with consumers, promote shared values, and be a force for good in today’s world.

Based in Livingston, Montana, Katie infuses her love for adventure and public lands into her work. With a background in environmental science and psychology, Katie’s unique journey from outdoor guiding to a Masters in Public Relations led her to found Wild Path Consulting, where she assists rebels and disruptors in bringing their business visions to life. Dedicated to providing the best experience for the customer, Katie crafts tailored marketing strategies that align with company goals, fosters strong teams, and drives sustainable growth.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://followthewildpath.com
• Product Link: https://followthewildpath.com/sustainable-marketing-services/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:33 You're known as the Queen of the Customer Journey

04:54 First of all, what is your business goal?

06:35 The customer journey