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

Genres:

Business & Economics Podcasts

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

Website:

http://measuresuccess.libsyn.com/website

Email:

rise25editor@gmail.com

Episodes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stop Surviving, Start Scaling with Idan Shpizear

7/15/2025

What’s more powerful than a strategy? Belief. In this episode, Idan Shpizear—CEO of 911 Restoration—shares how he helps entrepreneurs move from fear and doubt to clarity and execution. He unpacks: The difference between belief and knowing Why your inner world shapes your business results How simple mindset shifts unlock new revenue This is one of our most mindset-driven, actionable conversations to date. 🎧 Tune in and discover how your mind may be the key to your next level.

Duration:00:47:55

From Body Shop to Billion Dollar Brand

7/8/2025

What does it take to grow from 1 to over 650 locations—and stay CEO the entire time? Matt Ebert, founder of Crash Champions, shares his incredible journey on the Measure Success Podcast. He breaks down how private equity, cultural alignment, and a clear vision helped him lead one of the largest collision repair networks in the country. Key takeaways: Navigating private equity while staying in control Scaling talent without compromising culture Building apprenticeship programs to address labor shortages Why consistency matters more than shortcuts Tune in to learn what it really takes to scale—and keep your people and purpose intact. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

Duration:00:42:15

Why Most Podcasts Fail (And What Works)

7/1/2025

Why do most podcasts fail-while others grow trust, community, and clients? In this episode of Measure Success, Carl J. Cox interviews Tom Schwab, founder of Interview Valet. Tom shares real-world advice on why podcasting works best when it’s rooted in service and strategy—not ego. Learn how to avoid “podfade,” what metrics really matter, and how to grow your influence with clarity. 🎧 Tune in to explore why your voice matters more than your downloads-and how to share your message in a way that lasts.

Duration:00:40:13

Why 80/20 Isn’t Enough Anymore

6/24/2025

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox speaks with Perry Marshall, author of 80/20 Sales and Marketing, about why the Pareto Principle is more important—and misunderstood—than ever. They dive deep into why 80/20 now looks more like 95/5 in our digital world, how tech is amplifying inequality, and what leaders must do to stay focused, relevant, and profitable. You’ll learn how to eliminate distractions, double down on strengths, and why the ability to make clear decisions is the most valuable asset in today's marketplace. 🎧 Listen now and refocus your strategy with timeless truths and fresh insight.

Duration:00:42:27

Why Sales Data is Failing & How to Fix It

6/17/2025

Most sales teams are working with bad data—and it’s costing them revenue. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Robert Kall, CEO of Cien, explains how AI-powered sales intelligence is helping companies clean up their CRM data, improve forecasting, and drive more conversions. Key insights: ✅ How bad sales data hurts revenue growth ✅ Why most CRM data is inaccurate—and how to fix it ✅ How AI helps sales teams improve forecasting and performance If you want to eliminate bad sales data and unlock more revenue, don’t miss this episode. Interested in becoming a podcast sponsor? https://calendly.com/erin-gibney/15-minute-meeting-sponsors

Duration:00:25:19

Successful Sales Strategies That Actually Work

6/10/2025

Scaling a business takes focus, consistency, and the right people. Gui Costin, founder of Dakota, built a $40 billion sales and marketing firm by staying committed to long-term strategy and execution. In this episode, he shares how he grew his business, built an effective sales team, and created a system that works. Key insights: ✅ Why most sales teams fail and how to fix it ✅ The key to building a business that scales ✅ How private equity firms can raise more capital If you’re serious about growing your company the right way, don’t miss this episode. Subscribe and set notifications to our YouTube Channel.

Duration:00:37:38

How to Build a Business That Makes a Difference

6/3/2025

A sock company that changes lives? Yes. John and Mark X. Cronin, the team behind John’s Crazy Socks, prove that a business with heart can also be a business that thrives. In this episode, they share their journey from a small startup to a global brand, all while prioritizing inclusion, impact, and customer happiness. Key insights: ✅ How a simple idea became a multi-million dollar business ✅ Why purpose and giving back drive growth ✅ What businesses can learn from their customer-first approach If you want to build a company that stands for something bigger than profit, this episode is for you. Interested in becoming a podcast sponsor? https://calendly.com/erin-gibney/15-minute-meeting-sponsors

Duration:00:33:37

How to Grow Your Startup with Smart Branding

5/27/2025

Small businesses and startups need strong branding to stand out and grow. Jason Sherwood joins the Measure Success Podcast to explain why branding isn’t just about logos—it’s about creating trust, recognition, and customer loyalty. Key insights: ✅ Why branding matters for small businesses ✅ How to build a brand that attracts customers ✅ The biggest branding mistakes startups should avoid If you want to turn your business into a recognizable brand, this episode is packed with insights you can apply today. Let 40 Accounting Help!

Duration:00:30:22

The Truth About Starting a CPA Firm

5/20/2025

Going from a big firm to building your own CPA business takes courage, strategy, and the right mindset. Frank Milone, co-founder of FML CPAs, shares his journey from working at Ernst & Young to running a successful accounting firm. He explains the key lessons, mistakes to avoid, and how small firms can thrive today. Key insights: ✅ Why he left a major accounting firm to start his own ✅ The biggest challenges in running a CPA business ✅ How small firms can compete and grow If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, this episode will help you understand what it really takes. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Duration:00:38:33

How to Identify High-Drive Sales Talent

5/13/2025

Hiring a great salesperson isn’t luck—it’s science. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Croner explains how companies can identify high-drive salespeople before they make a bad hire. He breaks down the psychology behind top-performing sales reps and how to build a team of closers. Key insights: ✅ The three essential traits of elite salespeople ✅ Why traditional hiring methods fail in sales ✅ How to predict whether a candidate will succeed If you want to stop guessing and start hiring salespeople who can close, don’t miss this episode.

Duration:00:24:15