

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

Jul 16, 2024 • 38min
93. What is Business Success?
"The numbers tell the story of where you've been, where you are, and where you wanna go.” How do you define "success" in your own life? Are you looking to break even, pay yourself, or reach that million dollar mark annually? Are these what truly defines "business success"? Defining success for yourself is key to building a business that works for you, your team, and your customers. What if redefining success could completely transform your life? Learn the four benchmarks we created that define success for our lives on today's episode. Key Takeaways: Don't get distracted by everythingIs profitability the only benchmark to define success? How can you stay profitable? The two factors to customer satisfactionHear why knowing your numbers and having accountability partners can make or break your business, especially if you're a financial advisor or CPA. We emphasize the critical role of customer satisfaction and product quality, both of which directly influence your business's reputation and employee retention. By openly addressing financial issues and always striving for customer satisfaction, you'll build a solid foundation for long-term success.Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/communityLinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupLocal Roundtable Events: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/isiroundtableIf 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/

Jul 9, 2024 • 51min
92. An Optimist, a Pessimist, and a Realist Walk Into an Office (Is One a Better Leader?)
Optimist vs. Pessimist vs. Realist: the game is on. “You’re not going to change who you are at your core, but... you can train your brain to create new habits.” Are you an optimist, pessimist, or a realist? Why does this matter in business, and how can it help be a better leader? You'll hear opposing viewpoints today as Big A and Wally discuss the differences and strengths of optimists, realists, and pessimists. Does one "win" over the other? We discuss the importance of blending different perspectives—whether you're a galvanizer or deeply analytical—to make more informed and balanced decisions as a leader in business. Key Takeaways: How to leverage the strengths and weaknesses you haveHow does stress play into your core leanings?Optimist vs. Pessimist vs. Realist.... is there a clear winner?Big A is an optimist, Wally is a realist–so it's going down on today's episodeOur conversation shifts gears as we dissect the balance between optimism, pessimism, and realism. We delve into how being analytical can sometimes be mistaken for pessimism and explore the strengths each outlook brings, particularly in professional and personal settings. Whether you're fostering optimism in your family or balancing realism and positivity in your business, we offer actionable advice to create a supportive environment for your company culture. Join us for a deep dive into the power of perspective and the nuanced interplay between optimism and pessimism.Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/communityLinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupLocal Roundtable Events: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/isiroundtableIf 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/

Jul 2, 2024 • 38min
91. How to Honor Our Past Milestones to Build a Fulfilling Life and Legacy
The key to the future is our past. As the leader of your business and your family, have you considered the gravity of honoring your past? Not just our wonderful American heritage, but memories of your past mistakes and successes, too?Why would two business guys care about writing Scripture on the studs of their home or going back to the exact spot where one of them got saved at 8 years old? We discuss how building a legacy by celebrating wins and setting up boundaries after our mistakes lays a foundation for your future family values. We answer a question you may never have thought about before: why should men care about building "memorials" and tributes to our past? Key Takeaways:What the Bible says about remembranceWhat in the world is an Ebenezer and why does it matter? Ideas for family traditions and how to impact your kids and grandkidsHow to foster connection with your family and friends From sharing captivating stories with grandkids to reflecting on the significance of holidays, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to the moments that shape our lives and the legacy we leave for future generations. Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/communityLinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupLocal Roundtable Events: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/isiroundtableIf 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/

Jun 25, 2024 • 58min
90. THE FORGE: How to Argue With Your Wife
“The mess of wrong timing is nearly always better than holding it [in].” Has it been a struggle wondering how to bring up certain issues with your wife? Do you ever wonder whether you should let an issue go or really hash it out? Today the four of us in THE FORGE explore how different couples manage difficult conversations, highlighting the importance of timing, patience, and humor in maintaining a healthy relationship.Key Takeaways:How to communicate effectively with your personality typeHow to make up after an argumentWhen do you "let go" of an issue or when do you address it? The culprit that starts an argumentEver wondered how addressing conflicts head-on can transform your marriage? Join us in this enlightening episode of View From the Top, as we equip you with essential strategies for navigating difficult conversations in your relationship. Discover how to effectively talk with your wife through real-life examples and expert advice from Anthony Witt and Brian Lawrence. Connect 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 valuableexperience 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 Brian Lawrence:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianelawrence/https://www.winsightmasterminds.com/Brian is the owner and founder of Winsight Masterminds. Leading a business can be overwhelming. "As an entrepreneur with a family, I know how important it is to surround yourself with others who understand what you're going through. Since 2016 I've led over 2,500+ mastermind calls and worked with hundreds of business owners who don't want to leave their success up to chance."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/

Jun 18, 2024 • 49min
89. Everything is "Figureoutable," Right?
"We can’t control anything… except our attitude–that we are in 100% percent control of.” Can everything truly be figured out? Big A and Wally have their own opinions about whether changing your mindset can change the way you figure out your biggest issues. Ever considered how persistence and creativity can turn seemingly insurmountable obstacles into opportunities? Big A tells how he transformed a burned-down building into a bustling business space. Key Takeaways:Is everything really "figureoutable"?How mindset can help you fix your biggest problemsCan you really do anything you want to do?How to face the issues you don't think you'll ever get out ofWe discuss how faith and collective support can turn challenges into growth opportunities, and hear a poignant family moment where faith and prayer led to unexpected financial relief. Join us for an episode brimming with actionable insights, personal stories, and an optimistic outlook designed to help you navigate life's challenges with a solution-oriented approach.Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/communityLinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupLocal Roundtable Events: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/isiroundtableIf 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/

Jun 11, 2024 • 54min
88. Why Successful Business Owners Seek Out This #1 Necessity
"You’re not asking for someone to make your decisions for you, you’re saying 'I need more information than I can get on my own.'" When you become a successful business owner, you'll find you need unique perspectives more than ever because your decisions are more important than ever. Key Takeaways:Why success and loneliness often go togetherHow to make decisions that don't leave your business or family in a bad placeWhy do successful business owners look for deeper relationships? How to shorten the learning curve on running a successful businessThrough personal stories, we reveal the struggles of feeling alone despite being surrounded by money and success, and how finding a community of understanding peers can offer much-needed perspective and actionable advice. Leadership isn't just about making decisions, it's about how important those decisions turn out to be when one is poorly made. We discuss the challenges of solopreneurship and the pitfalls of trying to do everything on your own–and where that often leads you. Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/communityLinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupLocal Roundtable Events: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/isiroundtableIf 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/

Jun 4, 2024 • 1h
87. Why Relationships Matter More Than Anything Else
Exploring why relationships matter the most in life, the podcast delves into building strong connections in business and personal life. It discusses the significance of being a servant leader and navigating disagreements in long-term marriages. Emphasizing authenticity, growth, and open communication, the hosts share personal anecdotes on nurturing meaningful relationships.

May 28, 2024 • 57min
86. How Do I Show Up for My Kids AND My Business?
"I wanna be there for my kids, and at the same time I wanna be there for my office, my team…I wanna make a living.” There is true hardship in the struggle to make things happen at your business and to be there for your kids. You do not want to wake up one day and live in a house full of strangers, but at the same time you have responsibilities to provide for your family. How do we do both well?Key Takeaways: Ask your child THIS question to help you set the best boundariesHow to deal with the guilt of being a business owner and fatherThe "no fails" that will make your family more intentional with each otherDo sport events really matter to your kids? We discuss practical strategies to set boundaries, like turning off work phones over the weekend and involving family in understanding work commitments. Our conversation highlights the significance of open dialogue, apologizing, and seeking forgiveness when necessary. Big A and Wall, along with Anthony Witt and Brett Barnhart, dive into the multifaceted challenges of balancing work and family life. We get honest about our intentions with our kids, how hard it can be to make things happen, and the very best strategies for having real relationships with your kids. Join our conversation on our LinkedIn Group: www.viewfromthetop.com/groupBecome a member of the ISI Community at: http://viewfromthetop.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 valuableexperience 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:Bret’s Calendar Link: https://calendly.com/barnhartexcavating/view-from-the-topBret’s LinkedinBret 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 $4mil annually.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/

May 21, 2024 • 55min
85. The Truth About Mastermind Groups
"I wanted genuine relationships with people where it’s okay to say 'I’m not okay.'" Leadership comes with a side of solitude, and it takes a village—or in this case, a mastermind—to fill that void with true camaraderie and counsel. We're peeling back the curtain on the raw, unfiltered experiences that shape us, from the loneliness at the top to the joy of hitting those major milestones.Key Takeaways:What Big A thought a mastermind was until he joined oneWhat a mastermind is and why it mattersHow it's different from your churchWhat does an authentic relationship look like? "I was starving to death for authentic relationships." This episode isn't just a reflection but an open invitation to like-minded Christian businessmen ready to amplify every aspect of their lives. It's a testament to the power of authentic relationships and the courage borrowed from peers. Whether you're searching for connection, eager for growth, or both, discover how the ISI Brotherhood’s culture of continuous improvement and shared success can help you carve out a purposeful, fulfilling path. Join us for a conversation that's as transformative as it is enlightening, right here where iron sharpens iron.Iron Sharpens Iron Community: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/communityLinkedIn Group: https://www.viewfromthetop.com/groupLocal Roundtable Events: https://go.viewfromthetop.com/isiroundtableIf 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/

May 14, 2024 • 1h
84. Set Yourself Up to Be a Stellar Podcast Guest
Alex Sanfilippo, Founder of PodMatch.com, shares key strategies for excelling as a podcast guest, emphasizing the importance of storytelling for SEO, audience engagement, and preparing for interviews. He discusses the benefits of being a guest on podcasts, the value of podcast guesting for building a brand, and tips for crafting a powerful call to action. Alex's insights provide valuable advice for aspiring guests and podcasters looking to connect with like-minded professionals.