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Measure Success Podcast

Business & Economics Podcasts

This is the Measure Success Podcast, which features top leaders on how they measure success in their business and life. We talk with CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, and extraordinary high achievers. The host, Carl J. Cox, is the CEO of 40 Strategy. 40 Strategy guides leaders to take their organization to the next level by designing world-class strategic plans and keeping them accountable to get it done. Go to 40strategy.com to learn more. As an entrepreneur and executive, Carl has been with 7 different companies that have grown from 2x to 7x. Carl is the author of Lost at CEO, An Entrepreneur's Guide to Strategy. This book reached #1 Amazon bestseller in 12 separate categories at launch, and a must-read for entrepreneurs and leaders.

Location:

United States

Description:

This is the Measure Success Podcast, which features top leaders on how they measure success in their business and life. We talk with CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, and extraordinary high achievers. The host, Carl J. Cox, is the CEO of 40 Strategy. 40 Strategy guides leaders to take their organization to the next level by designing world-class strategic plans and keeping them accountable to get it done. Go to 40strategy.com to learn more. As an entrepreneur and executive, Carl has been with 7 different companies that have grown from 2x to 7x. Carl is the author of Lost at CEO, An Entrepreneur's Guide to Strategy. This book reached #1 Amazon bestseller in 12 separate categories at launch, and a must-read for entrepreneurs and leaders.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Get Found in the New AI Economy

12/2/2025
In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl sits down with digital marketing expert Dave Burnett to unpack the seismic shift happening in search and AI. Dave explains why Google is no longer the only place customers look for answers and how large language models are reshaping discoverability. He shares lessons from his own journey—partnership failures, business resilience, and recovering from a traumatic brain injury—and how those experiences shaped how he leads today. Dave outlines the new rules of digital visibility, why PR is becoming essential, and how companies can position themselves to be found in AI-generated results. If your business relies on search, this episode gives you clear steps to stay ahead. Listen now.

Duration:00:39:24

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Double Revenue. Cut Costs. One Strategy.

11/25/2025
On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox speaks with Tammy Nam, CEO of The Brief, the AI Agency for marketers. Tammy shares how she doubled revenue at Viki while cutting costs and improving team morale—a rare combination that highlights her strategic clarity and leadership strength. She explains how The Brief helps marketers run smarter campaigns from start to finish using intelligent agents that analyze performance, generate content, launch faster, and learn continuously. Tammy also breaks down how leaders can protect their top performers, remove friction, and communicate with transparency. Listen now for practical lessons on growth, leadership, and AI-driven marketing.

Duration:00:28:22

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The Secret to Elite Business Performance

11/18/2025
In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox talks with Michael Erath, founder of Next Level Growth and author of The Five Obsessions of Elite Organizations. Michael shares his powerful story of losing a multimillion-dollar company to fraud and how that crisis transformed his view of leadership. He explains how elite organizations are built around five obsessions—great people, inspiring purpose, optimized playbooks, performance-driven culture, and sustainable profits. Tune in to learn how you can lead with purpose, build stronger teams, and achieve both a return on investment and a return on life.

Duration:00:38:10

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Radical Clarity: How Founders Lead with Purpose

11/11/2025
Many technical founders find themselves running companies almost by accident. They know their craft — but struggle to lead with clarity. In this Measure Success Podcast episode, Carl J. Cox interviews Pete Steege, author of Radical Clarity, to discuss how "accidental CEOs" can grow their businesses by uncovering their true story. Pete explains why clarity — not more effort — drives growth. He shares how to focus on purpose, align your team, and communicate with meaning so your message connects with customers. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to move from complexity to clarity.

Duration:00:28:33

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Leadership Without Accountability Fails

11/4/2025
Leadership alone doesn't drive success—it's only part of the equation. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Dr. James Chitwood shares how his TRAC framework—Training, Recognition, Accountability, and Communication—creates lasting organizational transformation. Hear how his military background shaped his leadership philosophy, why capitalism is at risk, and what it takes to build high-performing, people-centered teams. Listen now and learn how to lead through structure, not just inspiration.

Duration:00:32:29

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Data Privacy Laws Every CEO Must Know

10/28/2025
In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox talks with Jenny Sheridan, attorney and founder of JL Sheridan Law, about how changing data privacy laws are shaping the way companies operate. Jenny shares insights on how businesses can stay compliant with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and similar state laws, the real risks of ignoring them, and how privacy can become a competitive advantage when managed strategically. Listen to learn how to protect your business, reputation, and customers in a data-driven world. 🎧 Stream now at https://40strategy.com/category/measure-success-podcast/

Duration:00:17:04

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Innovation Starts from the Bottom Up

10/21/2025
In this week’s episode of the Measure Success Podcast, I sit down with Richard Dunbar, CEO of Bottom Up Consulting and author of Bottom Up Breakthrough, to discuss how true innovation often starts from the ground up. Richard shares how empowering employees at every level builds trust, strengthens transparency, and improves retention. He explains why many leaders fear “bottom-up” leadership—and how shifting from a top-down model can uncover hidden ideas that transform organizations. From his experience in the Canadian Armed Forces to founding Bottom Up Consulting, Richard’s work proves that collaboration and agency aren’t just buzzwords—they’re measurable drivers of success. If you lead a team or manage operations, this conversation will reshape how you think about communication and engagement across your organization. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now and start unlocking innovation from within. #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #OrganizationalDevelopment #MeasureSuccessPodcast #EmployeeEngagement #Management #Entrepreneurship

Duration:00:25:26

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The 4 P’s of Startup Success

10/14/2025
Amanda Patterson, CEO of Rocket Fuel Labs, joins Measure Success Podcast to share how startups and high-growth companies can achieve predictable growth. She explains her Four P’s framework—precision, process, positioning, and performance—and why knowing your LTV to CAC ratio matters. We discuss how AI is reshaping marketing, why human connection is still the key differentiator, and how founders can break through growth plateaus. 🎧 Tune in for strategies to hit your numbers with confidence

Duration:00:32:58

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Profit Over Vanity Metrics

10/7/2025
On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox talks with Marley Majcher, CEO of The Party Goddess and author of But Are You Making Any Money? Marley shares her journey from early mistakes in the restaurant world to building a thriving events business while helping other entrepreneurs avoid the same pitfalls. You’ll learn: Why profits matter more than press or followers How to price your services with confidence Why time is your most valuable resource Practical steps to build a profitable, sustainable business Listen now and discover how to stop chasing vanity metrics and start measuring what matters.

Duration:00:40:01

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99% of Projects Fail—Here’s Why

9/30/2025
Why do 99% of projects go wrong? Dr. Thomas Zweifel, author of Gorilla in the Cockpit, joins the Measure Success Podcast to explain why the real cause is human—not technical. We explore: The “black box” of hidden conversations that sabotage progress Why mindset and accountability are key to successful projects How leaders can transform breakdowns into breakthroughs If you want to uncover the hidden reasons projects fail and learn how to lead with impact, this episode is for you. Listen now and gain practical insights you can apply today.

Duration:00:34:35

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AI, Tariffs & Survival in 2026

9/23/2025
Tariffs, AI, and pricing pressures are reshaping manufacturing and small business. On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox talks with Paul Menig, CEO of Business Accelerants, about why companies are “tariff-ified” and how leaders can adapt. Key takeaways include: How tariffs impact cost structures and margins Why gross margin dollars matter more than percentages The role of AI in manufacturing and marketing Practical steps to stay competitive in 2026 Listen now and learn strategies to survive and thrive in the face of rapid change.

Duration:00:36:30

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AI and Data Strategies for E-Commerce Success

9/16/2025
On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox welcomes Matthew Stafford, co-founder of Build Grow Scale. Matt shares how he turned a $1,000 investment in analytics into a billion-dollar path in e-commerce. They dive into the mindset shifts leaders need, how AI transforms data into action, and why profitability matters more than revenue growth. You’ll hear how one client scaled from $10,000 to a $60M run rate in just three years. Tune in for insights you can apply to your business today. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now

Duration:00:28:03

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From Chaos to Clarity: Cash Flow Tools

9/9/2025
Cash flow is more than money in the bank—it’s about clarity, planning, and purpose. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox talks with Michelle Röse, COO and co-founder of Breakaway Bookkeeping and Advising. Michelle shares how her team helps businesses forecast cash weekly, align budgets with reality, and make faster, smarter decisions. She also dives into why success isn’t only about profit—it’s about purpose, balance, and measuring what truly matters. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to strengthen cash flow and measure success in business and life.

Duration:00:32:00

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Thriving in Uncertain Times with Mark Murphy

9/2/2025
On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox talks with Mark Murphy, CEO of Northeast Private Client Group and top-ranked financial security professional. Mark explains why wealth is created not by holding assets, but by investing in your business, real estate, and smart financing. He shares how leaders can strengthen culture, improve liquidity, and turn volatility into opportunity. Whether you’re building wealth, scaling your business, or seeking financial freedom, this conversation offers practical insights for entrepreneurs and executives. Listen to the full episode now!

Duration:00:18:06

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Scaling Innovation Without Wasting Time

8/26/2025
Innovative ideas often die inside large companies — not because they lack potential, but because they don’t fit the organization’s existing priorities and processes. On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox speaks with Jim Bodio and Stephen Rich of BRI Associates, creators of Growth Forge. They share how their platform helps companies de-risk innovation by guiding teams through strategy definition, market evaluation, and execution planning. You’ll hear lessons from their time leading Intel’s new business incubator and discover how to overcome internal friction that can derail even the best ideas.

Duration:00:34:19

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Break the $30M Ceiling Using AI Strategy

8/19/2025
Professional services firms often face a growth ceiling — struggling to scale without losing client relationships or service quality. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox sits down with Mohan Rao of KnownWell to discuss how AI can help break through that barrier. Mohan explains how their platform turns everyday communication data into actionable insights, helping firms identify client risks, spot expansion opportunities, and strengthen account management. We also explore the “Playing to Win” strategy framework and how it applies to service-based businesses. Tune in to learn how you can use AI to scale without sacrificing client experience.

Duration:00:07:16

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The Curious Leader Mindset

8/12/2025
What if curiosity was the secret to getting unstuck? In this episode, Jon Bassford — CEO of Lateral Solutions and author of The Curious Leader — shares how leaders can overcome fear, break unhelpful habits, and create a culture of growth. We explore his TEDx talk, how to create operational excellence, and the difference between being busy and being effective. ✅ How to stop doing everything yourself ✅ Why psychological safety unlocks innovation ✅ Simple strategies to save time and money in operations Listen now and start building a more curious, effective organization.

Duration:00:38:26

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How Losing Her Business Launched Her Career

8/5/2025
What if a business disaster was the exact push you needed? Nicole Cramer’s story starts with a total digital wipeout: her Facebook group hacked, Instagram accounts stolen, website taken down. Instead of folding, she turned it into fuel for her long-delayed goal—becoming a full-time speaker. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Nicole shares how she pivoted, what she learned from professional speaking training, and how to build trust in an AI-saturated sales world. Key takeaways: How to rebuild after a tech breakdown Building a repeatable, profitable speaking business Using curiosity—not pressure—to sell with integrity 🎧 Tune in and learn how disruption can fuel your next chapter.

Duration:00:36:43

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AI is Here. Lead Like It.

7/29/2025
Trey Taylor returns to discuss what CEOs are getting wrong about AI—and why lazy usage is worse than no usage at all. From productivity tools to people leadership, this episode challenges leaders to take full ownership over how AI is integrated in their organizations. You’ll also hear how AI is being used in construction, insurance, and even quoting systems—and why quality control still starts with the CEO. 🎧 This is strategy for the future—listen now.

Duration:00:36:28

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How to Create Culture That Actually Works

7/22/2025
Ken Rusk, author of Blue Collar Cash, started in the trenches—literally. Today, he’s built a company where success means everyone wins. In this episode, Ken shares: The power of “timed pathways” vs. vague goals Why blue-collar jobs are an untapped goldmine How culture, transparency, and shared purpose drive retention If you want practical advice on building wealth, culture, and freedom (without a college degree), this one’s for you. 🎧 Tune in and rethink what it really means to succeed.

Duration:00:39:07