

ISI Brotherhood Podcast
Aaron Walker
A podcast for growth-minded Christian businessmen who desire momentum and accountability in their business, family, finances, faith, and personal wellness. Each week, Aaron Walker, also known as Big A, shares authentically from decades of business ownership, marriage, and raising a family. He takes on listener questions and deep-dive into FORGE episodes with tried and tested co-hosts. Subscribe and visit our website https://www.isibrotherhood.com/podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 3, 2024 • 42min
113. Use Storytelling to Drive Your Business
"You’ve gotta get your story right so that your marketing is right so that your sales are right." Shane Sams, master storyteller, speaker, and owner of Flipped Lifestyle, gives us an excellent vision on how to transform your business by telling your own stories.How did Big A use story to build ISI and write his book, View From The Top? We're getting into the nitty gritty of stories and how they lead to the best customers we've ever had. Key Takeaways:How to find your best customer using storytellingHow should you tell your story?Values and mission statements don't drive salesWith insights from the ISI Brotherhood community, we uncover how storytelling can drive human transformation and create engaging customer experiences. Featuring Shane Sams in our ISI Community Roundtable video, this episode serves as a guide to aligning your business narrative with core values, ultimately leading to meaningful connections with your audience. Don't miss out on these insights—tune in to learn how to harness the full potential of storytelling in your life and business.Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://isibrotherhood.com/communityWhat Do I Want Challenge: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/whatdoiwantchallengeConnect with Shane Sams:Website: https://flippedlifestyle.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-sams-03199136/Or listen to Episode 23 to hear more from Shane Sams on this podcastIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

Nov 26, 2024 • 53min
112. THE FORGE: What's Keeping This Realtor From the Luxury Market?
What if you could transform your career and lifestyle in one bold move? Four seasoned business owners sit down with Trevor, a real estate entrepreneur determined to make a shift from the working-class market to the luxury sector. What's stopped him so far and why is his confidence in this decision lacking?Alongside our insightful cohosts, Anthony, a therapist and coach, and Bret, a seasoned construction business veteran, we dissect the complexities Trevor faces in his pursuit of success. This candid conversation unveils Trevor's journey from his Midwest roots to his current aspirations in the Southeast, highlighting the psychological and practical challenges of embracing a more luxurious lifestyle.Key Takeaways:Why hasn't Trevor committed to the luxury market yet?Where is God in your big decisions?How Trevor ended up in his own business after getting fired 5 timesIs it wrong to be looking for a new challenge? How do you feel confident in big decisions?Our discussion delves into the nitty-gritty of transitioning networks, branding transformations, and the personal sacrifices that come with targeting high-end clientele. As we wrap up, the dialogue shifts to broader considerations of personal fulfillment versus financial growth. We spotlight the role of mentorship and accountability, with Trevor reflecting on his goals and aspirations. The episode challenges him—and our listeners—to scrutinize their internal motivations and fears, encouraging a journey of self-discovery rooted in faith and values. Join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://isibrotherhood.com/communityConnect with Anthony Witt: witthouse.com or anthonywitt.comAnthony Witt is a professional licensed counselor and a business owner with a deep understanding of how entrepreneurship impacts personal health and those around them. Having bought, sold, and started multiple businesses, he has gained valuable experience at the intersection of personal health and business. His belief that "a healthy business owner creates a healthy business" underscores his approach to helping entrepreneurs thrive.Connect with Bret Barnhart:Barnhartexcavating.comBret Barnhart, Jr., is the fourth generation in his family to start his own excavation company. He began Bret Barnhart Excavating (BBE) in 2002 with $1,500, a single backhoe and truck, and a trailer. Since then, BBE has grown to an entire fleet of heavy machinery and trucks, averages just under 20 employees, and grosses $ 4 mil annually. Being specialized, along with having a personal mentor and joining a mastermind, has helped shape not only Bret's company but also himself as well. Bret and his wife, Crystal, have been married for 16 years and have two children, Cole and Adelyn.Connect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/</

Nov 19, 2024 • 49min
111. 5 Questions Every Alpha Male Needs to Answer
"You’re not controlling enough. I don’t mean controlling other people–I mean controlling yourself.” We confront the tension between strength and vulnerability, revealing how finding our identity can pave the way to more fulfilling relationships. If you want to be a better man who takes control of his life in a way that helps others, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways: Is it bad to be an alpha male? Is it bad to NOT be an alpha male?Where fulfillment and success divideHow telling the truth can change your relationships and your businessDo you always need to be accomplishing something?Explore the delicate dance between control and surrender in leadership from a Christian perspective. Wally and I dissect the societal myths surrounding alpha males, contrasting them with faith-based interpretations that value humility and a servant's heart. By sharing our personal journeys, we shed light on the struggle of seeking external validation versus finding genuine fulfillment. With the support of the ISI Brotherhood, we highlight how a community can be a catalyst for transformation, encouraging alpha males to address confidence issues and break free from self-sabotaging habits.Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://isibrotherhood.com/communityWhat Do I Want Challenge: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/whatdoiwantchallengeIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

Nov 12, 2024 • 42min
110. I'm Successful and I'm Bored
What if success doesn't make you happy? There is an often unspoken challenge of feeling bored and unfulfilled despite achieving your entrepreneurial dreams. Through personal stories and insights from Mark Nichols, a seasoned Chick-fil-A owner-operator with over 33 years under his belt, we explore what to do with boredom and burnout.Key Takeaways:How do you get the best payoffs while bored?How do you move forward when you're bored? The path to get successful and boredWays to get out of the boredom mindset“When you obtain that goal you've been working towards for years, that doesn’t scratch the itch like you thought it was going to.” If you're successful and thought you'd be happy by now, here what these guys in their sixties with years of experience have to say about pursuing happiness and finding real fulfillment in your life. Through candid conversations, we emphasize that taking a step back to adjust your "why" is not only okay but essential for achieving long-term fulfillment. Learn how to use breaks as a tool for gaining clarity and rejuvenating your passion for both work and life.Connect with Mark Nichols by joining the ISI Community:Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://isibrotherhood.com/communityIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

Nov 6, 2024 • 44min
109. Are You About to Have an Affair?
“We’re all just one bad decision away from ruining our lives.” What has led you down this path, and where do you go from here? As entrepreneurs and business owners, there is a level of disconnection that we have with our wives because oftentimes they don't get our business or what we're going through. They don't understand us... et cetera, et cetera, right? The lies and excuses get us to a point of no return. If you're about to have an affair or are in the thick of one now, this episode will help you discover what pitfalls to watch out for and how to move forward. We discuss everything from emotional intimacy to sexual frustrations and how if we're not proactive, we will make a bad decision that was never intended in the first place. Key Takeaways:Good intentions, safeguards, and bad decisions3 core problems and how to prevent themIf you're deep in pornographyHow to protect the sanctity of your marriageMarriage is a journey filled with love, endless learning, and even temptations. We share candid stories of what happened in our own marriages to push us to record an episode like this. Whether it’s about learning to express personal needs or the subtle ways temptation sneaks in, we aim to reassure and guide you through the complexities of sustaining a strong marriage.Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://isibrotherhood.com/communityIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

Oct 29, 2024 • 42min
108. How to Build an Abundant Life Through Human Connection with Derek Champagne
What if your distractions are sabotaging your closest relationships? Open your eyes to the hidden costs of the digital age with Derek Champagne, who joins us to discuss the urgent issue of loneliness and the power of meaningful human connections. Derek brings a fresh perspective with engaging stories and powerful metaphors, challenging us to rethink our approach to abundance and sharing in our daily lives.What distractions are doing to our bodies and relationshipsAre you emotionally unavailable for your family? Why fixing isolation is a LEADERSHIP conversationHow men of faith can strive for an abundant life There is an alarming rise of loneliness especially among young adults, and its severe health implications are enough for us as leaders to bring human connection back. Listen in to hear how we can have a role in breaking isolation. By prioritizing relationships and removing unnecessary interruptions, you can create a life filled with success and significance. Join us as we uncover the courage required to break free from the digital chains and craft a masterpiece of meaningful connections in your life.Resources:3 Amigos Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trMOanQQIJ8Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://isibrotherhood.com/communityLinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterConnect with Derek Champagne:Derek's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theartistevolution/If you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

Oct 23, 2024 • 58min
107. Which Mastermind Group Should You Choose?
There is an abundance of mastermind groups out there–which one is right for YOU? Today we're discussing how to tap into a powerhouse of knowledge and support to transform your business journey. We'll unravel the various decisions you must make before choosing the ideal mastermind group for you. We kick off with personal tales of our own initial skepticism about mastermind groups, revealing how vulnerability and transparency can become unexpected allies in your success story. Listen as we explore the criteria for selecting the most fitting peer advisory group, whether you're seeking a business-centric circle, a holistic growth experience, or a balance of both. Key Takeaways:Foundational criteria of different types of mastermindsQuestions to ask yourself when choosing a mastermind groupTypes and categories of masterminds and peer advisory groupsDownloadable guide with categorized groups, links, and moreNavigating the business landscape alone can feel like being adrift in uncharted waters. Reflecting on our own experiences, we’ve faced the challenges of entrepreneurship without mentorship, missing out on the invaluable guidance that peer advisory groups provide. Listen as we dissect the overwhelming plethora of options out there and arm you with the tools to make decisions that will enhance accountability and drive your progress forward.Mastermind Group Guide: https://isibrotherhood.com/whichoneIron Sharpens Iron Community: https://isibrotherhood.com/communityIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

Oct 15, 2024 • 38min
106. 3 Reasons Why Your Business Won't Make It
"Without vision, the people perish." Ever wonder why some businesses end up flushed down the drain? We discuss how to avoid the most common traps entrepreneurs find themselves in that often lead to dead-end companies with no way to scale or grow. We lay out the ways of maintaining a consistent vision and a direction in your business and how that lays the groundwork for passionate and talented employees that keep the business running smoothly. If you're ready to change these 3 things, your company will flourish. Learn how to keep your team aligned and motivated, ensuring everyone is clear about the destination and the route to get there.Key Takeaways:Watch out for these traps that lead to a failed businessHow to delegate to your team wisely What's a Chief Reminding Officer? #1 Reason you're not going to scale your businessThrough examples like Chick-fil-A's success, we highlight why identifying where your time is best spent can amplify your impact. Discover how understanding your customers and adapting to market trends can significantly elevate your business, keeping you relevant in today’s ever-evolving marketplace. Tune in for a treasure trove of insights to help you minimize the risk of failing.Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://isibrotherhood.com/communityLinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupResources:"Traction" by Gino Wickman"The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael GerberIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

Oct 9, 2024 • 43min
105. Should I Turn My Hobby Into a Business?
Should you turn your hobby into a business? Jim Cockrum joins us on today's episode to give us a fresh, Biblical perspective on whether or not you should follow your passion–and his countercultural answer will probably surprise you! Jim is convinced that the key to business success is explicitly much easier than you think, although it might ruffle some feathers. Hint: It's not about whether your passionate about your business or not. Key Takeaways:Why you're asking the wrong questionHow to decide on turning your hobby into a business or notRethink the role of passion in your professional lifeThe PROVEN way to find fulfillment and success in businessJoin us for an enlightening session as we explore a countercultural way of doing business with our guest, Jim Cockrum, who wrote Silent Sales Machine 9.0. He provides a wealth of wisdom on navigating this transformative journey from hobby to business (or not?) in order to be successful. Our conversation boldly questions conventional ways of creating a business idea, proposing that true fulfillment in business emerges from a much different angle than the world comes at it. Through compelling stories and real-life examples, we share how passion often follows one key idea which Jim reveals in today's episode.In the final chapter of our discussion, we challenge you to rethink the role of passion in your professional lives. Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://isibrotherhood.com/communityLinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupConnect with Jim Cockrum:Jim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimcockrum/Jim's Free Business Owners Community: https://silentjim.comSilent Sales Machine 9.0 Book: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Sales-Machine-9-0-Cockrum/dp/0692516603If you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/

Oct 1, 2024 • 34min
104. The Counterintuitive Way to 10x Your Life
"Most people are looking to cut–how can we make just a little money? It's all about the bottom line." Are you running yourself into the ground every day to make things work? Most business guys are working overtime to make the extra dollar and 10x their financial situation by the end of the year. Some are overworked just to make ends meet. How can these guys 10x their lives? How did Big A succeed in having several successful businesses by the age of 50? Today's episode is all about making the most of your life–and how to do it when you're in the trenches. Key Takeaways:The paradox of rest and growth3 ways that seem counterintuitive to making your life betterDoes less really equal more? How and why should we value rest when we're already burned out?These counterintuitive strategies aren’t just business tips; they’re life-changing methods to enhance personal satisfaction and family life. We challenge the conventional 10X growth mindset, urging you to aim for holistic improvement as a businessman, husband, and father.By prioritizing what truly matters and minimizing distractions, you can achieve a deeper impact. Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://isibrotherhood.com/communityLinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupIf you want to hear more speakers like this every month and be with the guys on the call, join the Iron Sharpens Iron Community today: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/isi-communityConnect with Big A:View From The Top Website: https://isibrotherhood.comThe ISI Newsletter: https://www.isibrotherhood.com/newsletterBig A’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwalkerviewfromthetop/