The Business Behind Your Business

Are you treating your LinkedIn profile like just another digital résumé? If so, you’re missing one of the most powerful business tools available. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Al Kushner—LinkedIn strategist, keynote speaker, and author of The AI LinkedIn Advantage—to uncover how business owners can use LinkedIn and AI to authentically build their personal brand and attract new opportunities. Al shares practical, time-saving strategies to help you optimize your profile, stand out from competitors, and create content that resonates with your audience. You’ll learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT to write engaging posts, leverage LinkedIn newsletters to expand your reach, and maintain authenticity in an AI-driven world. Whether your profile needs a total overhaul or a simple refresh, this episode gives you the actionable steps to start turning your LinkedIn presence into a growth engine for your business. Get Al's free LinkedIn profile optimization checklist www.linkedvantage.com/audit Al Kushner is an award-winning author and sought-after LinkedIn Growth Strategist, renowned for his innovative approach to digital networking. His groundbreaking book, The A.I. LinkedIn Advantage, has transformed how professionals and businesses leverage artificial intelligence to optimize their LinkedIn presence, grow networks, and drive meaningful engagement. Al’s expertise in blending AI-driven strategies with actionable insights has made him a trusted advisor and thought leader, empowering countless individuals to achieve measurable results on the platform. www.linkedvantage.com LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you think ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) only applies to big corporations, think again. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney welcomes back author and small business champion Bronwyn Reid to explain why ESG matters for SMEs. Bronwyn shows how ESG isn’t just box-ticking—it’s about building resilient businesses that attract customers, employees, and funding. You’ll hear why ESG is a competitive advantage, what practical steps you can take without being overwhelmed, and how to leverage what you’re already doing in your community and operations. What you’ll learn in this episode: Get Bronwyn's book here: Small Business - Big Impact: Why ESG Won't Save You But Smart Strategy And Real Action Will Bronwyn Reid is a successful business owner, bestselling author of three books, and winner of multiple business awards. Her books have been dubbed THE text books for small company – big business relationships. Now, as organisations become more aware of their ESG obligations, Bronwyn’s expertise and experience are critical to business success. Bronwyn and her companies have spent a lifetime being smaller suppliers to big organisations. Her environmental consultancy counts giants BHP, Rio Tinto and Glencore amongst their client base, as well as international research organisations and all levels of Government. She has also been on the other side of the big company/small business transaction, having worked in Corporate for many years – both within Australia and overseas. She understands, and fixes, the issues that prevent more valuable, profitable and long-lasting commercial relationships between the big and small end of town. Bronwyn is the “Google Translate” app for small business – big company relationships. She writes regularly for several SME publications including First 5000 (Medium-size business market), Kochies Business Builders and Inside Small Business. She is a regular conference speaker, for both corporate and SME audiences, and appears regularly on radio and business-related podcasts. She has been a member of BHP’s Local Buying Program Advisory Committee for 10 years. Bronwyn’s training programs Bronwyn’s other books: Small Company Big Business: How to find, keep and win big customers Small Company, Big Crisis LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Building a business that lasts isn’t about luck, start-up capital, or chasing every new trend—it’s about discipline, structure, and creating harmony between your work and personal life. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with serial entrepreneur Lance Cayko, co-founder of F9 Productions and host of the Inside the Firm podcast. Lance shares how he scaled from a two-person start-up into a thriving group of vertically integrated businesses, including architecture, construction, real estate development, education, and even a nonprofit. Listeners will discover how discipline creates freedom, why mindset matters more than money, and how to use systems and vertical integration to stabilize and grow your business. You’ll also learn: If you’ve ever wondered how some entrepreneurs manage multiple businesses while staying calm, focused, and in control, this conversation with Lance will give you practical tools and mindset shifts to apply right away. Lance Cayko is a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of wildly successful architecture and construction firms in Northern Colorado. His career in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry spans over two decades and includes several design awards including the international Architizer A+ Award for Architecture + Living Small in 2016. He co-founded F9 Productions, his architecture firm, in 2009 with his business partner Alex Gore after being laid off from a boutique firm in Boulder during the Great Recession. Since its inception, the partners have grown F9 from two employees grossing less than six figures to a team of 11. Throughout his now seasoned career, Lance has also served his community by managing a community garden in Longmont which he is now turning into a formal non-profit. He also teaches part-time at the University of Colorado Boulder and North Dakota State and co-hosts one of the top five architecture and business podcasts in the world, Inside the Firm. When he is not doing any of the above Lance is usually spending time with his family, fishing or editing his outdoor adventures for his YouTube channel, Fishing with Lance. When he's not fishing in Colorado he's back in North Dakota chasing Walleye and giant Paddlefish with his brother Lucas. www.insidethefirmpodcast.com LinkedIn - Inside the Firm Podcast LinkedIn - Lance Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in chasing algorithms and producing content at scale—only to lose sight of the real goal: connecting with people. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with TEDx speaker, author, and social media strategist Robin Nathaniel to explore how business owners can bring authenticity and human connection back into their marketing. Robin shares his proven SYNC Method—a simple yet powerful framework for making your content stand out by keeping it Simple, Yielding to intention, Natural, and Changing it up. You’ll learn how to avoid “AI sludge,” stop chasing vanity metrics, and instead create meaningful content that builds trust and drives genuine engagement. Whether you feel overwhelmed by the pace of digital change, unsure how to stand out online, or simply want to reconnect with your audience in a more authentic way, this episode will help you cut through the noise and rediscover the human side of social media. What you’ll learn in this episode: Get Robin's Free Social Media SYNC bundle (2 E-Books, 1 Checklist, and a Free Preview of my Book) - To claim, visit LandTheTalk.com Robin Nathaniel - TEDx Speaker, acclaimed author, and Telly Award Gold Winner, Robin Nathaniel, has a story of resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Beginning his career as a musician, Robin’s artistic roots laid a unique foundation for his journey. This experience in music, with its emphasis on connection and storytelling, naturally paved the way for his transition into the professional world of social media. Living by the motto "Connect. Create. Contribute," he aims to inspire a wave of positive transformation. LinkedIn TED Talk on YouTube Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

In today’s digital world, standing out as a small business feels harder than ever. Between endless noise, flashy marketing tactics, and conflicting advice, many business owners are left frustrated with wasted time and money. But what if narrowing your focus could actually unlock growth? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, Paul Sweeney sits down with Jennifer Christensen, Co-Founder and CMO of Beacon Media + Marketing, to unpack the power of niche marketing. Jennifer shares why focusing on a specific audience doesn’t limit you—it liberates you. She explains how to build trust with the right customers, remove barriers in their buying journey, and stop wasting money on ineffective tactics. Listeners will learn: If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing or struggled to get real results, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to focus your efforts where they matter most. Jennifer Christensen is the Co-Founder and CMO of Beacon Media + Marketing, a national digital agency they've grown over the past 13 years with a mission to help small businesses thrive. At Beacon, they specialize in ROI-driven marketing campaigns that deliver measurable impact for both businesses and non-profits. Jennifer's journey as an entrepreneur began in her early 20s with a company that ultimately failed — an experience that shaped her profoundly. She didn’t plan to start another company at 40, but that failure taught her the humility, character, and resilience that have fueled Beacon’s success. Today, Jennifer has the privilege of partnering with visionary leaders to grow authentic, sustainable brands. Their team now serves clients across the country with locations coast to coast. The work they do has purpose, and that purpose drives everything they build. Outside the office, Jennifer is a proud wife of 30 years, mom to three amazing adult kids, and a passionate traveller who loves time with family and friends. www.beaconmm.com Facebook Instagram LinkedIn - Beacon YouTube LinkedIn - Jennifer Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Too many business owners chase revenue while overlooking the bigger picture—building wealth and long-term value. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney speaks with Stephanie Hayes, business and exit strategist and founder of Assets to Exits. Stephanie explains why every business owner, regardless of size or stage, needs to think about an exit strategy—not just as a final step, but as a roadmap for smarter decisions and sustainable growth. Listeners will learn: This episode will help business owners reframe their thinking—so instead of simply hustling for the next sale, they can build businesses with value, flexibility, and lasting impact. Get Stephanie's free guide: 9 Types of Assets to Build in Your Service-Based Business Stephanie Hayes is the founder of Assets to Exits, a strategic pathway that helps business owners shift their focus from chasing revenue to building wealth. As a business and exit strategist, she works with small business owners and solo expert brands to design asset-based business models that create long-term value and open the door to full or partial exits. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in business model design, innovation strategy, and acquisitions, Stephanie shows entrepreneurs that exit planning isn’t just for Silicon Valley start-ups or large corporations—it’s a powerful tool for any business at any stage. She helps owners uncover hidden assets, align their growth strategies with long-term value, and ultimately build businesses that are profitable, sustainable, and transferable. Stephanie is also an acquisition entrepreneur, having purchased her first business while continuing to run a software company she co-founded more than a decade ago. She shares her insights and real-world lessons through her work with clients, as well as on her podcast Real People, Real Business. www.stephaniehayes.biz LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Are you chasing sales but still struggling to see money in the bank? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business Podcast, financial strategist and Profit First professional Pam Jordan explains why focusing on revenue alone is a dangerous trap for business owners. Instead, she shows you how to get radically intentional about profit—because at the end of the day, it’s not what you make, it’s what you keep. Dive into the crucial differences between sales, profit, and cash flow, and why so many business owners confuse them. You’ll discover how to shift your mindset and your numbers so your business works for you, not against you. In this episode, you’ll learn: If you want to stop leaving profit to chance and start building a business that delivers financial freedom, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply immediately. Pam Jordan is the CEO of Pivot Business Group. With her no-nonsense approach and expertise in financial analysis and strategic growth, Pam has become a driving force behind the success of fast-growing companies. With over 20 years of experience in assisting small businesses, Pam has mastered the art of translating the story of numbers to empower entrepreneurs. With her guidance and expertise, Pivot Business Group is dedicated to helping businesses reach their destinations while ensuring their financial engines run smoothly. Pam is also a wife and mom to 3 kids. www.pamjordan.com LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’ve ever had a great idea for a product or brand but weren’t sure how to protect it—or whether it was even worth pursuing—this episode will change how you think about intellectual property. In this conversation, Paul Sweeney speaks with Jeff Holman, founder of Intellectual Strategies, who combines engineering, law, and business expertise to guide innovators from concept to commercial success. Jeff breaks down the essentials of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets, and explains how small and medium businesses can use these tools strategically—not just to defend their creations, but to drive growth. You’ll learn why intellectual property should be part of your business plan from day one, how to validate your ideas without overspending, and the critical steps to avoid infringing on someone else’s rights. The episode also explores the dangers of skipping early-stage legal checks, the complexities of international IP protection, and how the “fractional legal team” model can give growing businesses big-company legal expertise at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re a start-up founder, an inventor, or a scaling business, this is a masterclass in protecting your innovation and building with confidence. Jeff Holman helps founders, innovators, and scaling companies solve one of the most frustrating problems in business: how to navigate legal, business, and strategic decisions without burning time, money, or momentum. As the founder of Intellectual Strategies, Jeff created the Fractional Legal Team model—designed specifically for start-ups and growth-stage companies who need expert legal help without the overhead of a full-time legal department. But legal is only part of the picture. Jeff is one of the rare advisors who blends the rigor of an engineer, the precision of an attorney, the perspective of an MBA, and the scrappy mindset of an entrepreneur. For over two decades, he’s worked with companies across SaaS, ecommerce, consumer products, and technology—helping founders not just protect what they’re building, but strategically grow it. Jeff’s guiding principle—both in business and in life—is simple: “Innovate with Confidence.” It’s not just a slogan; it’s the objective that drives how he supports his clients, how he operates his own business, and how he shows up for his family. Whether it’s guiding a founder through IP strategy, helping a leadership team build a real business strategy, or navigating a complex deal, Jeff’s focus is always on turning complexity into clarity—and helping people take bold, confident action toward what they’re building. When he’s not translating between the worlds of legal, tech, and business, Jeff speaks on topics like business strategy, innovation mindsets, and how companies can use fractional services to scale smarter. LinkedIn www.intellectualstrategies.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Succession planning isn’t just about passing on a business—it’s about protecting your legacy, preserving value, and ensuring the people you care about aren’t left scrambling when you’re gone. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Rob Ferguson, seasoned CEO, trusted advisor, and founder of Ferguson Alliance, to unpack the essential steps for building a strong succession plan. Rob shares why waiting until you’re “ready to retire” is far too late, how to avoid the “founder’s trap” where the business can’t function without you, and why intangible assets—your brand, relationships, systems, and culture—are often worth more than your tangible ones. You’ll learn how to start planning from day one, create a business that can thrive without your daily involvement, and transition smoothly to the next generation or a buyer while keeping your purpose intact. Whether you plan to sell, hand over the reins to family, or keep the business in the community, this episode offers practical strategies and a mindset shift that will help you secure the future of your hard work. Get Rob's free eBook, The Prosperity Plan. Rob Ferguson has been a trusted advisor to family businesses since 2010. Prior to becoming an advisor, Rob had a distinguished career in leadership – including ten years as a CEO at two different companies. One was a public company with $300 million in revenue, the other a family business with $100 million in revenue where he successfully managed the restructuring and sale of the company. Rob has led companies through 10x growth, helped turn struggling companies around, and has conducted more than $100 million in acquisitions. Rob's company, Ferguson Alliance, is on a mission to increase the lifespan of family businesses. Rob believes that with the right foundation in place, businesses can live infinitely. LinkedIn www.ferguson-alliance.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Can you really be a great entrepreneur and a present parent at the same time? In this heartfelt and honest episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney is joined by Dan Peterson — founder of Flip Switch Social Media, and father of three — for a real talk about the challenges of entrepreneurship and parenting. If you're a business owner trying to juggle growing a business while showing up for your family, this conversation will resonate deeply. Dan shares how he’s learned (and is still learning) to give himself grace, why balance is a myth, and how embracing imperfection has actually made him a better parent and entrepreneur. You’ll walk away with: Whether you're a parent running a business or someone who supports one, this is a must-listen episode that acknowledges the messy, meaningful, and beautiful overlap of work and life. Dan Peterson has 25+ years of experience in small business management and ownership. Most recently (in 2012), Dan founded FlipSwitch Social Media, a nationally recognized, award winning social media agency that helps small to midsize businesses grow using the power of social media. Dan aims to help motivate and guide other entrepreneurs and businesspeople using his diverse range of experience across multiple genres of business. Dan is also a singer-songwriter acoustic guitarist who performs throughout Chicagoland on a regular basis. In 2008 Dan married his amazing wife Amy, and is the proud father of three daughters: Kylie, Taylor and Brooklyn. www.flipswitchsocialmedia.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

What if your next great client is already looking at your LinkedIn profile—right now—and you’re sending them away? In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with LinkedIn strategist and author Daniel Alfon to reveal how most business owners are misusing LinkedIn—and what to do instead. Daniel strips away the noise and shows you how to turn your personal profile into a high-performing business tool that attracts the right prospects and moves them to action. You’ll discover why your profile matters more than your content, why your company page isn’t where the action is, and how to create a focused presence that actually leads to revenue—not just likes, follows, or empty metrics. Whether you’re a B2B business, a consultant, or a service provider, this conversation will reshape how you think about LinkedIn and help you align your efforts with your business goals. Forget the pressure to post daily. It’s time to stop serving the algorithm—and start serving your business. Check out Daniel's LinkedIn cheat sheet here: www.danielalfon.com/#freebie Daniel states, "Our profile headline is the single most important real estate on LinkedIn. This cheat sheet contains examples, a formula and how-tos. All of those enable you to craft a killer Headline." Daniel Alfon is the author of "Build a LinkedIn Profile for Business Success", and he's been on LinkedIn since February 2004 (yes, you read right). Daniel sees LinkedIn as an extremely powerful tool that's mostly misunderstood. After training thousands of people on LinkedIn, Daniel developed a simple method that can help leaders reach their objective - without cold connecting, paying for a premium account, advertising or trying to become someone else. Daniel will get you thinking about your LinkedIn strategy, networking, and doing what's smart and not what's popular. LinkedIn www.danielalfon.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’ve ever played a sport—and especially if you’ve tried to turn your sporting passion into a business—this episode is a must-listen. Paul Sweeney sits down with Pete Moore, founder of Integrity Square and the driving force behind the HALO sector (Health, Active Lifestyle, Outdoors). Pete has helped generate over $1.5 billion in transactions across fitness, wellness, and sports businesses. In this episode, he shares why many ex-athletes struggle to transition into business—and how they can use the same mindset and strategies from sport to win in the business world. Listeners will learn how to rethink their business like a sports team: building a playbook, taking timeouts, knowing your competitors inside out, and putting your team in uniform—literally. Pete also unpacks why the word “wellness” is outdated and how “HALO” offers a more aspirational, results-driven framework for anyone in the fitness, coaching, or health ecosystem. If you want practical strategies, fresh ideas, and an inspiring push to think bigger, this is the episode to energize your next business move. Get Pete's book Time to Win Again. Pete Moore, founder of Integrity Square—a leading financial advisory firm that’s helped drive over $1.5 billion in transactions across the HALO sector. Pete’s worked with everyone from boutique fitness studios to major wellness brands, and he’s the author of Time to Win Again, a book packed with actionable takeaways for business owners navigating change and growth. Pete’s also the host of the HALO Talks podcast, where over 8,000 professionals tune in for insights on strategy, investment, and innovation in health and wellness. LinkedIn www.thehaloacademy.com www.halotalks.com www.integritysq.com Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Are you feeling stuck in your business—like you're pushing a boulder uphill with no reward in sight? In this episode, business coach and leadership expert Liz Wolfe joins host Paul Sweeney to unpack why hard work isn’t always the answer, and how your leadership style might be the hidden culprit holding you back. With over 25 years of experience coaching entrepreneurs, Liz shares practical strategies to help you move from frustration to momentum. You’ll learn: Ask powerfully, Give wholeheartedly, Receive graciouslyIf you’ve ever compared yourself to others on social media, questioned your abilities, or wondered why success feels out of reach despite your efforts—this episode will help you identify what’s really keeping you stuck and what steps to take to break through. Liz Wolfe is a business coach who got her entrepreneurial start growing up on a sheep farm in Western Pennsylvania. Later she moved to NYC to get as far away from the farming life as possible. She started her business with her husband 25 years ago and coaches individuals to get unstuck so they can launch and grow an abundant business. Liz coaches her clients to incorporate the three keys to an abundant business: Ask Powerfully, Give Wholeheartedly, and Receive Graciously. She also plays the ukulele and is half of the singing duo Ukulicious. Get Liz's download Overcome the 5 Biggest Fears of Selling Book a free business strategy session LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you've ever looked at your business bank account and wondered, “Where did all the money go?”—this episode is for you. Discover why so many small business owners feel frustrated when their business shows a profit on paper but has no cash to show for it. In this powerful episode, certified Profit First professional Debbie Deknight breaks down how traditional accounting sets businesses up for financial confusion—and how the Profit First system flips the formula to help you take control of your cash flow, get clarity, and build sustainable profits from day one. What you'll learn: Sales – Profit = ExpensesfirstDebbie shares real-world advice from decades in the accounting industry and gives listeners a clear roadmap to reduce stress, build financial resilience, and finally stop dreading tax time. Whether you're in your first year or looking to overhaul your cash flow strategy, this episode offers immediate, actionable steps to start running a healthier, more profitable business. Debbie Deknight is the founder of Right Way Profits and Bookkeeping LLC. She leverages her 30+ years of accounting expertise and her certification as a Mastery Profit First expert to guide businesses toward financial clarity. She empowers business owners to make informed decisions that lead to real, lasting profitability. Debbie's goal is to help organizations achieve financial independence through clear and efficient cash flow and accounting strategies. If you're serious about building a profitable business, Debbie is here to provide you with the guidance you need for long-term success. www.rightwayprofits.com LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

In today’s crowded digital landscape, where businesses fight for attention and AI-generated content floods every channel, one element consistently cuts through the noise: genuine emotional connection. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Geoffrey Stern, founder and CEO of Voice Express and the consumer brand VoiceGift, to explore how emotional engagement can transform even the most ordinary product into something deeply memorable. What you’ll learn: Geoffrey shares how a voice-recording device used in the Build-A-Bear Workshop evolved into a powerful tool for emotional storytelling and connection across industries—from personalized gifts to aged care, education, and even neonatal therapy. He makes a compelling case that every business—no matter the product or service—has the potential to create lasting value through emotionally resonant customer experiences. This episode challenges business owners to rethink what they're really selling. It’s not just goods or services—it’s meaning, memory, and connection. Whether you're a start-up founder or an established business leader, this conversation will inspire you to look at your offerings in a new light and ask: what emotional value are you creating? Geoffrey Stern is an early pioneer of voice chip and network computing convergence. With multiple patents covering the online personalization of voice-enabled print media, Stern has been at the forefront of using Voice and on-demand media to drive commerce and enhance communication. Stern's products have been used in voice-enabled toys, sentiment expression, photo imaging, direct mail, packaging, and Point-of-Sale signage, to name a few. Stern founded and is the CEO of Voice Express Corp., which as the exclusive provider of Sounds to Build-A-Bear Workshop, has shipped over 80M electronic sound devices, enabling consumers to express their emotions and put a smile on the face of young and old alike. Stern is currently focused on building the VoiceGift® consumer brand where gift-givers and crafters can express their emotions in the most natural way possible..... with their voice. Recently, Stern has been focused on using voice to enhance memory-making and promote increased exposure to the spoken word by young children by introducing the VoiceGift PLAY™ voice recorder for adults and children. Stern also serves as president of PEF Israel Endowment Funds established in 1922 to enable tax deductible donations to Israeli non-profits. PEF touches every facet of Israeli life and provides support to the diverse population of Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze and Bedouin living in Israel. Stern lives with his wife in Connecticut were they enjoy the sounds of their three children and four grandchildren when blessed with a visit or playing a VoiceGift. voice.gift voice-express.com LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Public speaking is no longer just for TEDx headliners or CEOs on giant stages. Whether you're pitching to clients, speaking at industry events, or simply leading a team meeting, how you communicate can determine how your business is perceived. In this episode, Carmen Sederino, founder of Illuminated Story, reveals how small and medium business owners can turn public speaking from a fear into a business growth weapon. Carmen shares how even the shyest business leaders can learn to deliver powerful, memorable messages—from one-on-one conversations to major keynotes. You'll hear practical, real-world tips for overcoming anxiety, shifting your mindset, and presenting in a way that creates real connection with your audience. This episode is packed with tools to help you stop hiding and start showing up with confidence and clarity. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Whether you’re an introverted expert, a numbers-driven accountant, or a passionate founder with a mission, this episode will show you how to bring your message to life—and why your audience needs to hear it. Carmen Sederino is the founder and visionary behind Illuminated Story, a revolutionary approach to transforming high-stakes presentations into unforgettable performances. With a unique blend of theatrical artistry, business acumen, and communication expertise, Carmen has established herself as the premier strategist for leaders seeking to elevate their public speaking from mere words to lasting impact. Drawing from her background in theatre and two decades of experience in corporate business, Carmen crafts bespoke experiences that push the boundaries of traditional keynote presentations. Carmen's work architects moments that move markets, shape opinions, and catalyse change. For those who understand that true leadership is about more than just being heard—it's about being unforgettable—Carmen Sederino and Illuminated Story offer the ultimate pathway to commanding the spotlight and leaving a lasting legacy. www.illuminatedstory.com Free Master Class LinkedIn Instagram Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

In an era flooded with AI-generated content and marketing noise, how do small and medium-sized businesses truly stand out? This episode delivers a fresh, deeply human perspective on how to use AI—not just to produce more content, but to create authentic connections and lasting customer loyalty. If you're overwhelmed by automation tools or worried about blending into a sea of sameness, this conversation with marketing veteran Stephen Sakach will help reframe your strategy. What You’ll Learn: Stephen also shares how his platform, aiCMO, helps business owners articulate their mission and create emotionally resonant campaigns that differentiate them from the competition. If you want marketing that speaks to your audience—not at them—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Stephen Sakach, co-founder of aiCMO and Founder/CEO of Zero Company, is a pioneer in empathetic AI and marketing with three decades of experience in digital media, journalism, and human consciousness studies. Committed to embedding empathy into business, he created the B.L.I.S.S. (Build Love Into Scalable Systems) ethos to help organizations scale with compassion. As host of the BLISS Business Podcast, he transforms research and insights into actionable strategies, while leading aiCMO to help organizations create authentic, purpose-driven connections with their audiences. aicmo.io theblisspodcast.com zerocompany.com LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

If you’ve ever been frustrated by a team member, confused by a client’s behaviour, or struggled to influence outcomes in your business—this episode is for you. Host Paul Sweeney welcomes experts Josh Davis and Greg Prosmushkin to explore the power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and how small and medium-sized business owners can use it to become more effective communicators, leaders, and decision-makers. In this engaging and practical conversation, Josh and Greg demystify NLP—explaining it not as a manipulation tool, but as a science-backed, real-world framework for better understanding yourself and others. You’ll learn how to uncover what truly drives people (including your employees, clients, and even yourself), why our internal “maps of reality” often lead to misunderstanding, and how to use specific mindset shifts and tools to build stronger, more aligned relationships. Listeners will walk away with: Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode is a powerful introduction to transforming your relationships and results—starting from within. Get the book here: The Difference That Makes the Difference: NLP and the Science of Positive Change Josh Davis, PHD is an internationally bestselling author of Two Awesome Hours and certified Trainer and Master Practitioner of NLP. He is the founder and director of the Science-Based Leadership Institute. He earned his PhD in psychology and neuroscience at Columbia University. Greg Prosmushkin is a highly successful trial lawyer and entrepreneur with a diverse range of business ventures. His discovery and use of NLP have been key factors in his success. Josh's LinkedIn Greg's LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

How to Lead with Happiness, Hope, and Human Connection—Even in Tough Times If you're a small or medium business owner struggling with team morale, leadership challenges, or just the daily grind of running a business, this episode is for you. In this inspiring conversation, Dr Calvin Lawrence Jr—a seasoned educator, leadership expert, and author of The Happy Leader—shares the powerful case for leading with joy, purpose, and genuine human connection. You'll learn how to cultivate a resilient and motivated team culture, even during adversity. Dr Lawrence offers deeply relatable insights and real-world leadership strategies that don’t require big budgets—just big hearts. He reminds us that strong leadership is less about titles and more about influence, trust, and consistency. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll discover: Whether you lead a team of two or twenty, this episode will help you step into a leadership style that creates loyalty, resilience, and success—without losing your soul in the process. Get Dr Lawrence's book here: The Happy Leader Dr Calvin Henry Lawrence Jr is a nationally respected leadership expert, motivational speaker, and author of "The Happy Leader: Relatable Stories of Influence and Hope". With 41 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, he’s the founder of CalvinLawrenceSpeaks, where he inspires audiences through messages on leadership, mentorship, and purpose. A former teacher, coach, and college dean, Dr Lawrence believes relationships are the foundation of leadership. He holds a doctorate from Baylor University and speaks regularly at schools, conferences, and faith-based events across the US. YouTube www.calvinlawrencespeaks.net LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram

Imagine waking up to find your website gone, your email list inaccessible, or your brand’s identity being misused online—and you have no idea how to take it back. That’s the nightmare too many business owners face because they’ve unknowingly handed over control of their digital assets. In this episode of The Business Behind Your Business, host Paul Sweeney sits down with Paige Wiese, founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, to help you make sure that never happens to you. Paige draws on over 15 years of experience helping business owners protect their online presence to share eye-opening stories and a simple, effective strategy for taking back control. Whether you're a start-up founder or a seasoned business owner, this episode is your wake-up call—and your game plan. 🎯 Listen now to learn how to: This episode is packed with practical advice you can implement right away to keep your brand safe, your systems organized, and your business growing. Paige Wiese is the founder and CEO of Tree Ring Digital, a top-ranked Denver-based marketing agency that develops high performance websites and digital marketing strategies for businesses nationwide. With 16 years of industry experience, Paige has seen companies and CEOs struggle to manage and maintain their assets through growth or transition. She has recently developed a proprietary digital asset management service to track and protect companies’ over 200 data points. Paige is a dedicated speaker and mentor on the topics of brand protection and business growth. Get your free Digital Asset Assessment LinkedIn Support the show https://thebusinessbehindyourbusiness.com/ Connect with us: Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Instagram