Becoming Preferred

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 25 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we help you level up your business and become the best version of you. We talk a lot on this show about how individuals can become the preferred choice in their industry. But what about the ecosystems we build? What happens when a company grows so fast that it starts to consume the very people who made it successful? Our guest today has seen the 'dark side' of rapid growth from the front row of corporate America. Bruce McLeod is the founder of Company Connections and the author of The Healthy Company Framework. Bruce has developed a revolutionary approach to business that doesn't start with the balance sheet or the C-suite's wealth—it starts with the health of the employee. Today, we’re going to discuss how to heal your organization, why 'people-first' is actually the ultimate growth hack, and how to build a legacy that lasts far beyond the next quarterly report. Join me for my conversation with Bruce McLeod. Guest Bio: Bruce McLeod is the author of The Healthy Company Framework and founder of Company Connections, a professional services organization designed to help companies and individuals who want to change their business and their life for the better. Bruce has spent over a dozen years in corporate America. In those years, he had a front-row seat to the negative effects rapid growth has on companies. From increased customer drops, high turnover and burnout of top talent, and the inability to solve new problems with new solutions, he developed and implemented an infinitely scalable framework that addresses these problems. And, unlike most approaches that focus on shareholder value or C-suite wealth, his solution starts with taking care of the people responsible for getting the work done: the employee. By healing the individual, companies are able to increase customer satisfaction, retain superstar employees, and leave a lasting legacy. Bruce is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and is happily married to his wife Emily. Resource Links: https://www.company-connections.com/https://a.co/d/8iLAMEO Insight Gold Timestamps: 02:57 I eventually realized that I'm most successful when I put all this stuff together 06:46 You can't have a healthy company without healthy employees 10:22 I do talk about boundaries a good bit 12:31 If I have people that really want to work here and are really connected to where I want to take this business, you end up at with a whole lot of wins 16:59 You call it healing the individual to save the company 20:43 That's the first principle, is having a good foundation 22:47 So, I think you've got two kinds of superstars 24:37 You have to know who hands me work and am I communicating with them in a way that makes sure they're equipping me well 28:25 What are we doing? Who is it for? How does it provide value? 32:41 A lot of companies and a lot of people are really good at reacting 34:19 Let's get everybody to think problems are solved two ways: reactionary and proactive 36:55 Let's talk about identifying the neglect early 38:48 How is your job impacting your life? 40:05 We've got company-connections.com 40:17 Look for the Healthy Company Framework Connect Socially: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rbmcleod Email: rbruce.mcleod@gmail.com Sponsors: Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://calendar.summit-learning.com/widget/booking/JKItVP7WErmCBjU2cCIx Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 24 Episode Overview: Welcome back to Becoming Preferred. The podcast to help you level up your game and become the best version of you. Today, we are joined by a returning guest who has reached the literal summits of the corporate world. He’s been a senior leader at Salesforce, PayPal, and Oracle, and he literally wrote the book on Sales Enablement. But today, we’re talking about a different kind of mastery. Imagine reaching the peak of your career, only to wake up surviving a stroke with a 2% chance of survival. Roderick Jefferson is back with us to discuss his powerful new book and movement, Stroke of Success™. This isn't just a survival story; it’s a strategic roadmap for every entrepreneur and executive who has ever traded their health for a headline or their peace for a paycheck. We’re going to talk about how to redefine resilience, why 'wholeness' is the ultimate KPI, and how to build a life that is as successful on the inside as it looks on the outside. Join me for my conversation with Roderick Jefferson. Guest Bio: Roderick Jefferson is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience in sales enablement leadership. He is also an acknowledged practitioner and a global keynote speaker. He understands how to create bridges between internal organizations to empower sales to exceed expectations. Recognized for his expertise, Roderick has earned numerous accolades, including being named among America’s Best Speakers by Selling Power Magazine, receiving the Sales Enablement Lifetime Achievement Award, and recognition as a Top Black Executive Leader. He is also a founding member of the Sales Enablement Society. He frequently presents at industry events and is the author of the Amazon #1 new release and bestselling books, Sales Enablement 3.0: The Blueprint to Sales Enablement Excellence™, The Sales Enablement 3.0 Companion Workbook™, and Stroke of Success™. Roderick has served on several Advisory Boards, including Autobound, Capella University, DemandFarm, Koridor, Leadoff.ai, National Speakers Association (NorCal), Sales for the Culture, Selleration Inc., and Walli Hr. Roderick has held roles in executive leadership, sales, sales enablement, operations, and customer service at 3PAR, AT&T, BusinessObjects, Magnit, Marketo, Oracle Marketing Cloud, NetApp, Netskope, PayPal, Roderick Jefferson & Associates, Salesforce, Siebel Systems, and Siteimprove. When he’s not working on consulting projects or onstage delivering a keynote, he can be found perfecting the art of barbecuing or playing bocce in his backyard with his family. Regarding my signature topic, keynote, and bestselling book, they have shifted from AI, sales, and the current state of selling to something I call “Stroke of Success™.” You can learn more here. Resource Links: https://roderickjefferson.com/https://www.roderickjefferson.com/stroke-of-successhttps://roderickjefferson.com/bookhttps://roderickjefferson.com/companion-workbookhttps://bit.ly/3zRVNJahttps://linktr.ee/roderickjefferson Insight Gold Timestamps: 06:52 I was at 22% heart function that gave me 2% chance to live 10:22 From the American Stroke Association, that one out of every four people, not just Americans, but people over the age of 25 in the world, will incur a stroke and you many not even know it 11:43 What was the first corporate habit you realized you had to permanently delete to protect your new life? 14:14 Literally I'm recharging my batteries every day rather than waiting until the weekend to recharge 17:30 Money just buys independence 18:25 Stop thinking that you're irreplaceable at work because you're not, and start acting like you're irreplaceable at home 20:17 I believe selfishness, if you do it right, it becomes self-care 22:35 If it's not something that you're putting out that's going to help others, then it's just marketing 26:35 I had to learn how to be present 29:48 Can you look in the mirror and say you like yourself, the person that's...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 23 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: www.lisacole.aihttps://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/

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 22 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: https://ascendpropathways.com/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/

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 21 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: http://organize365.com/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/

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 20 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: https://www.balancewealthpartners.com/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/

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 19 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: https://procedureflow.com/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:...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 18 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: https://coachjimjohnson.com/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:...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 17 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: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com/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:...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 16 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: https://ghostmoneythebook.com/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/

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 13 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: https://reednyffeler.com/https://www.teamsignal.com/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...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 14 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: Website:https://www.saahilmehta.com/Product Link:https://www.saahilmehta.com/work-with-me/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...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 13 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: https://mystorybuilders.com/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...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 12 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: Website:https://pentecostgroup.com/our-story/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...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 11 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: Website:https://team-maia.com/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:

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 9 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: https://www.frenchflorist.comhttps://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...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 9 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: https://www.fredjoyal.comhttps://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...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 8 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

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 7 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...

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 6 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.netWebsite: 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