The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

Mastering Sales: Embrace Authenticity and Build Meaningful Connections In a recent episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur podcast, host Josh engages with Justine Beauregard, a seasoned sales strategist and the voice behind the "People Over Profits" podcast. Their discussion centers on the significance of building authentic relationships in sales, emphasizing a sales approach that aligns with one's personality. Justine shares her journey, influenced by her entrepreneurial grandmother, which led her to discover that her ability to connect with people was her greatest asset in sales. This realization shaped her belief that sales can be an authentic expression of care for others. Justine's core philosophy, "people over profits," underscores the importance of prioritizing relationships for sustainable business growth. She advises sales professionals to focus on understanding and catering to the needs of others, creating meaningful interactions that lead to successful outcomes. Justine also addresses common sales anxieties, encouraging entrepreneurs to view sales as a conversation rather than a transaction. By shifting their mindset and actively listening, individuals can alleviate the pressure associated with traditional sales tactics and foster a more relaxed atmosphere. To support entrepreneurs in enhancing their sales skills, Justine offers various resources, including her podcast and a 14-day sales challenge. She also hosts speed networking events to help individuals practice their networking and sales skills in a supportive environment. By embracing these principles and leveraging available resources, entrepreneurs can transform their approach to sales, making it a more natural and rewarding part of their business journey. About Justine Beauregard: Meet Justine. She’s an expert sales coach + trainer who can help you close more sales with fewer objections by designing a sales process that fits you. She’s known for her ability to create meaningful connections and value quickly and has helped her clients reach up to 2,300% higher revenue in under 6 months.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Justine Beauregard's website at https://www.justinebeauregard.com/ Check out Justine Beauregard on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinejbeauregard/   Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!     More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

From Burnout to Breakthrough: Revolutionizing Your Business with AI In a recent episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur podcast, host Josh Elledge interviewed Jason Sherman, a tech startup founder, author, and podcaster, to delve into the complexities of entrepreneurship. This episode is packed with insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, offering practical advice and expert recommendations. The conversation provides a detailed guide to help navigate the entrepreneurial journey, breaking down key themes and tips discussed during the episode. The Thoughtful Entrepreneur podcast connects business owners and professionals with valuable resources such as partners, investors, influencers, and clients. Josh Elledge believes that everyone has a unique message that can positively impact the world, a mission reflected in Jason Sherman's extensive experience and insights. As the CEO and co-founder of tech startups Spinner and Vengo AI, and author of "Strap on Your Boots," Jason shares his entrepreneurial philosophy, marked by learning from both successes and failures, and his dedication to helping others succeed. Jason highlights the importance of viewing every project as a learning opportunity, regardless of its outcome. He stresses the significance of data-driven decision-making in entrepreneurship, explaining that validating business ideas through data is crucial for success. He discusses the development of Vengo AI, a platform for creating AI versions of oneself, and underscores the value of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable advisors, mentors, and team members. The conversation also explores current trends, noting the potential in less obvious, behind-the-scenes services, despite the allure of flashy ideas. About Jason Sherman: Jason Sherman is a successful entrepreneur, award winning filmmaker, journalist and tech startup expert. He has been featured by more than 10 media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, FOX News, and ABC News. He is fluent in Spanish, is a classically trained violinist, and is a regular speaker on FOX's Futurist TV Show: Xploration Earth 2050. Jason runs a technology consulting company and film studio from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has given guest lectures at Drexel University, Temple University, and University of Pennsylvania, as well as several hackathons and tech meetups. His methodologies on entrepreneurship and data driven decisions are his main source of education to those he helps all around the world. His new book Strap on your Boots is the culmination of his life's work to help other entrepreneurs succeed and is the focus of his course Startup Essentials, on Udemy. Jason's feature length films have won film festivals and are currently being distributed worldwide in thousands of retail stores and OnDemand in millions of homes. Jason had also carved out a career as a well known music producer in the late 90s when he performed around the world. An asset to the Philadelphia tech community, Jason enjoys mentoring other entrepreneurs and helping small business owners succeed. He volunteers his time and skill set to the Philadelphia tech community on a regular basis. His interests include technology, film, music, writing, traveling, going to cultural events, staying active, learning new things, and his Shih-Tzu Wolfgang. Specialties: Information Technology, Multimedia, Start ups, Web and Graphic Design, Mobile Apps, Networking, Film & Music Production, Sales, Branding, Search Engine Optimization, and much more. About Spinnr: Spinnr is a video friendship app to enjoy activities with new friends and groups who share your hobbies and interests. About Vengo AI: At Vengo, the team believes that AI-powered conversations with personality represent the ultimate sales tool. Their philosophy centers on the idea that technology should not only be powerful but also accessible and personable. Vengo envisions a world where AI transcends its role as a mere tool, becoming a partner that embodies the unique voice and personality of each business, thereby making interactions feel authentic and human. By integrating AI that reflects the essence of a brand, Vengo helps businesses future-proof their operations and enhance sales, allowing for seamless integration in just 30 seconds to close deals faster. Vengo is supported by top-tier companies such as Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI. The organization has assisted numerous businesses, influencers, and entrepreneurs in creating and customizing their own AI identities, transforming customer interactions into valuable engagements. Their clients include companies seeking to automate customer service, enhance marketing efforts, and increase sales through personalized AI interactions. Committed to democratizing AI, Vengo strives to make it a force for good, accessible to everyone regardless of background or resources. Their mission is to empower businesses of all sizes to leverage cutting-edge AI technology to achieve their goals and foster a more connected, efficient, and inclusive world. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Spinnr website at https://spinnr.app/ Check out Spinnr on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/appspinnr Check out Vengo AI website at https://www.vengoai.com/index.html Check out Vengo AI on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/company/vengoai Check out Jason Sherman on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsherman76 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

Navigating the New SEO Landscape: Adapting to AI and Changing Consumer Behavior In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Nick Musica, the founder and CEO of Optics In, LLC., a company specializing in SEO services. The episode delves into the current landscape of SEO, the challenges posed by emerging AI technologies, and practical strategies for businesses, particularly small enterprises, to improve their online presence. Here, we break down the key insights and actionable advice shared by Nick Musica, providing a comprehensive guide for businesses looking to enhance their SEO efforts. Nick Musica, based in San Diego, brings a wealth of experience in the SEO field. His company, Optics In, LLC., primarily serves small businesses, typically those with around 50 employees or fewer. Nick's insights are grounded in his extensive work with a diverse range of clients, making his advice particularly relevant for small business owners. One of the main themes of the episode is the misconception that SEO is "dying." Nick explains that while many marketing channels have faced challenges and changes over the years, SEO remains vital. People still use search engines like Google to find products and services, making SEO an essential component of any digital marketing strategy. Nick acknowledges that the SEO landscape is shifting due to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT and platforms such as TikTok. While some users may turn to these alternatives for information, a significant number still rely on traditional search engines. Therefore, businesses must adapt their strategies to meet their audience where they are. Nick discusses the implications of AI on SEO practices, noting that many businesses have attempted to leverage AI to generate content at scale. However, this often results in poor-quality material that fails to meet Google’s standards. While AI can be a useful tool for brainstorming and content structuring, it should not replace the need for high-quality, relevant content. About Nick Musica: Optics In, LLC's founder and CEO is Nick Musica, who has worked in digital marketing since 2003. Nick co-authored When Search Meets Web Usability, a book about SEO and web usability, in April of 2009. He taught a masters-level class on User Experience at NYU and has presented at SMX in Germany and ClickZ in San Francisco. About Optics In, LLC: Optics In, LLC has been assisting websites in improving their rankings on Google, Bing, and other search engines since 2019. The company is headquartered in North County San Diego, specifically in Carlsbad, California. They serve a diverse clientele, working with businesses locally, across the United States, and internationally. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Optics In, LLC. website at https://opticsin.com/ Check out Optics In, LLC. on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/optics-in-llc/ Check out Nick Musica on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickmusica Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

The Current State of Podcasting: A Comprehensive Guide In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Jeff Umbro, the CEO of Podglomerate. Jeff shared his extensive knowledge about the podcasting industry, offering valuable insights into its growth, best practices for independent podcasters, and effective monetization strategies. This blog post will break down the key points discussed in the episode, providing actionable advice and thorough explanations to help you navigate the podcasting landscape. Jeff begins by highlighting the impressive growth of podcasting over the past 16 years. According to the Edison Infinite Dial Report, approximately 132 million people in the U.S. listen to podcasts regularly, averaging about seven shows each month. This growth has been further accelerated by the pandemic, which increased streaming audio consumption. Podglomerate, founded in 2017, is a podcast services company that focuses on producing, marketing, and monetizing podcasts. They work with a diverse range of clients, from large corporations like Netflix and PBS to small businesses and individual creators. Jeff emphasizes that their goal is to help podcasters create high-quality content and effectively reach their target audience. Jeff also discusses the recent consolidation in the podcasting industry, with major players like Spotify, SiriusXM, and Apple acquiring smaller companies. This consolidation has led to a shift in the types of shows being produced, with a growing focus on ad sales and listener engagement. Despite these changes, advertising on podcasts remains highly effective. Jeff notes that podcast ads often outperform other digital mediums, attracting more brands to the space. He emphasizes the importance of creating quality content that resonates with listeners and advises podcasters to focus on engagement metrics such as social media mentions, listener feedback, and overall consumption patterns. For those with limited budgets, Jeff recommends leveraging owned properties like websites, newsletters, and social media to promote their shows and suggests cross-promotion with similar shows as a more effective strategy for audience growth. About Jeff Umbro: Jeff Umbro is the founder and CEO of The Podglomerate, the award-winning company which produces, distributes, and monetizes podcasts. The Podglomerate is a boot-strapped organization which now works with more than 70 podcasts and more than 30 million monthly podcast downloads. Jeff has written for and been quoted in Bloomberg, Morning Brew, Adweek, Quartz, Hot Pod, Paste, The Daily Dot, and more. Prior to launching the Podglomerate, Jeff had his hands in audience growth and business development for companies like Product Hunt, Serial Box, VotePlz, Talkshow, and Goldberg McDuffie Communications. About Podglomerate: The Podglomerate has been producing, distributing, and monetizing podcasts since 2016. Now representing more than 70 podcasts accounting for over 30 million monthly downloads, The Podglomerate’s clients have topped the podcast charts and have received features on every major podcast distribution app and national coverage in print, digital, radio, and television. The Podglomerate has worked with Freakonomics Radio, PBS, NPR, A+E, Lifetime, History Channel, Harvard Business School, MIT, Stanford, Lit Hub Radio, NPR stations (including KPCC/LAist, NHPR, WHYY, WUNC, VPM, WPM, GBH), WNET, Substack, Magnificent Noise, Expedia, Optum, CVS Health, Hubspot, and Hoff Studios, among many others. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Podglomerate website at https://podglomerate.com/ Check out Podglomerate on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/podglomerate/ Check out Jeff Umbro on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffumbro Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

Writing and Publishing for Business Growth In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Melanie Herschorn, the founder and CEO of Big Impact Books. Melanie shared her extensive knowledge on writing, publishing, and promoting books, particularly for business professionals such as attorneys, wealth advisors, and business owners. This blog post delves into the key themes discussed in the episode, offering detailed insights and actionable advice for aspiring authors looking to leverage their books for business growth and thought leadership. Melanie emphasizes the necessity of having a clear purpose before embarking on the journey of writing a book. She advises aspiring authors to consider their motivations: generating business, establishing credibility, or sharing expertise. Understanding your end goal is crucial, as it shapes both the content and marketing strategy of your book. Melanie suggests that potential authors start by identifying common questions they receive from clients or audiences, which ensures the material is relevant and valuable to readers. By focusing on these key questions, authors can create a structured outline that guides their writing process, making it less daunting. One of the key points Melanie makes is that a book should not be seen as an end in itself but as a means to an end. She recounts a success story of an author who printed only 12 copies of her book, sending them to potential clients, which resulted in substantial business growth. This illustrates that the impact of a book is not solely measured by sales but by how effectively it is used to generate leads and opportunities. Melanie encourages authors to think creatively about how to use their books, such as offering the book as a lead magnet, creating supplementary materials, or developing online courses. For more information and resources, listeners are encouraged to visit yourbigimpactbook.com and explore the offerings available to support their writing journey. About Melanie Herschorn: Melanie Herschorn wants to help you step into your spotlight as an authority. As a publisher and book marketing strategist for professionals, business owners, consultants, and speakers globally, she’s on a mission to support and empower authors to share their message with the world. Her experience as a celebrity publicist, award-winning Journalist, and long-time entrepreneur, gives Melanie a unique 360-degree view to guide her clients to create brand awareness, sell books, and position themselves as subject matter experts. Her new book, Make a Big Impact with Your Book, is out now. About Big Impact Books: Whether your goal is to inspire, educate or entertain, Make a Big Impact with Your Book equips you with strategies to make your mark as an author. This is your roadmap to achieving long-term success in the competitive world of publishing, whether you're in the midst of writing, or you're already published and have seen little traction. Inside you'll find expert insights for building awareness and credibility in your field, targeted marketing techniques and innovative ways to reach your audience, and much more!   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Big Impact Books website at https://yourbigimpactbook.com/ Check out Big Impact Books on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Make-Big-Impact-Your-Book/ Check out Melanie Herschorn on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-herschorn Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!     More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

A Deep Dive into Effective Leadership and Organizational Culture   In a recent episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Karl Martin, the founder of Arable, who shared his profound insights on leadership, organizational culture, and the essential qualities that define effective leaders. Karl's discussion was rich with actionable advice and expert perspectives, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in enhancing their leadership skills and fostering a positive organizational culture. This blog post will break down the key themes and tips from the episode, providing a comprehensive guide to effective leadership. Karl Martin introduced Arable as a company dedicated to enhancing leadership and culture within organizations. Their approach begins with building trust with CEOs, which then extends to their teams and the entire organization. Karl identified two significant shortcomings in current leadership practices: the lack of leadership education and the focus on skill sets over mindsets. He argues that leadership should be a core component of education, emphasizing the importance of teaching qualities such as bravery, kindness, and curiosity alongside traditional skills. Karl critiques the tendency to create specialized leadership programs, arguing that leadership should be integrated across all fields. He believes that every professional, whether a doctor, accountant, or president, should possess strong leadership skills. His book, "The Cave, the Road, the Table, and the Fire: Leading from a Deeper Place," explores the spatial nature of leadership and outlines four key qualities that leaders should cultivate: authenticity, bravery, kindness, and curiosity. These principles, along with Arable's bespoke programs, offer a valuable framework for fostering a culture of trust, growth, and effective leadership in today's complex organizational landscape. About Karl Martin: With over twenty-five years of experience building organizations and maximizing team potential, Karl Martin founded Arable in 2020, inspired by the lush Scottish countryside surrounding his home. Arable, named after the fertile land "capable of cultivation and growth," is dedicated to creating bespoke ecosystems where leaders and organizations can truly flourish. Karl coaches some of the world’s most influential leaders, including executives from Toyota Motors North America, NBCUniversal, X (formerly Twitter), Saatchi & Saatchi, the BBC, Joe Gibbs Racing, and more. Renowned for his deep, soul-centered coaching approach, Karl helps leaders embody the qualities of being True, Brave, Kind, and Curious through Arable’s unique leadership development system. Arable also partners with leadership teams to drive cultural transformation within organizations. A sought-after keynote speaker, Karl is also the author of three books, including his latest, The Cave, The Road, The Table, and The Fire, which explores how to lead from a deeper, more authentic place. He divides his time between his home in Scotland and the U.S. He’s married to Niki, and they have four grown daughters. About Arable Consulting:   Arable is an executive coaching, leadership development, and organizational culture agency who partners with leaders and teams to develop healthy cultures through our programs, consultation, and coaching. We launched in 2020 but carry over 50 years of experience building organizations and individuals to their potential. Arable is passionate about helping organizations grow well. We are committed to developing thriving teams and excelling leaders by creating cultures of health. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest     Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Arable Consulting website at https://www.arableco.com/ Check out Arable Consulting on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/arable Check out Karl Martin on LinkedIn at https://uk.linkedin.com/in/karl-a-martin Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

Navigating Growth in the Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industry In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Alastair Sanderson, the CEO of Operio Group. The discussion delves into the intricacies of the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturing industry, focusing on the growth and operational strategies of Operio Group. Alastair shares valuable insights on the company's operations, market dynamics, and strategic growth through acquisitions, offering a wealth of knowledge for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Alastair begins by explaining the essence of Operio Group, which derives its name from the Latin term meaning "to cover." The company specializes in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, emphasizing the intricate relationship between chemical and mechanical processes in tablet production. Alastair describes the manufacturing process as a "magical dance," where any misstep can lead to blame-shifting between mechanical and chemical teams. Operio Group aims to unify these disciplines under one roof, ensuring that when clients face challenges, the focus remains on solutions rather than assigning blame. A significant portion of Operio Group's recent growth has come through acquisitions. Alastair shares that the company has successfully integrated three acquisitions within a year, a feat he describes as a "digestion phase." This phase involves consolidating operations, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration among newly merged teams. Alastair emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong company culture during this transition, as merging different organizational cultures can lead to challenges. He believes in reassuring employees about job security during transitions while being transparent about potential shifts in staffing, allowing time for natural turnover to facilitate smoother integration. About Alastair Sanderson: Alastair Sanderson is an innovative entrepreneur and CEO of Operio Group, a leader in global manufacturing of tablets, capsules, and machinery. He founded London Fashion Arts in 2009, which was rebranded as LFA Machines and grew from $3,900 in its first year to $10 million by 2021. Under his leadership, LFA expanded internationally, opening offices in Texas and Taiwan, and completed key acquisitions that enhanced its offerings. Today, Operio Group employs over 280 people and generates around $100 million in annual sales. A high school and university dropout, Alastair has launched over 20 businesses, navigating both successes and challenges. An avid traveler, he has visited over 100 countries while balancing his family life in Kansas City. His journey reflects resilience and a unique approach to business, overcoming dyslexia to achieve remarkable success. About Operio Group: Launched in 2022, Operio Group started from the robust foundations of LFA Machines and Vivion Inc, uniting under a shared vision. This vision recognized that customers seek more than just machines or ingredients; they require comprehensive solutions to product creation. Operio's inception hinged on the synergy of Vivion's extensive ingredient knowledge and LFA's deep understanding of the machinery used for these ingredients. This collaborative approach allows Operio's brands to offer not just products, but also a wealth of support and expertise. The group's collective history spans over 100 years, marking a journey of continuous evolution and growth. Operio's portfolio has been further enriched by the inclusion of several notable brands: Stokes, Elizabeth, Scheu & Kniss and Compression Components & Service (CCS). Together, these brands under Operio Group offer a holistic approach to product creation, spanning from raw ingredients to sophisticated machinery, ensuring that customers have access to an all-encompassing service and product portfolio. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Operio Group website at https://www.operiogroup.com/ Check out Operio Group on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/operio-group/ Check out Alastair Sanderson on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alastair-s-7755b0140/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

Jurriaan Kamer, co-founder of a transformation coaching firm and author of "Unblock," shares powerful insights into organizational culture and decision-making. He discusses common workplace frustrations that stifle innovation, emphasizing the need for greater autonomy and a shift from bureaucratic processes. Jurriaan explores the intricacies of decision-making, highlighting the dangers of analysis paralysis. He also outlines key strategies to foster effective teamwork and cultural transformation, providing leaders with tools to drive real-time success.

The Transformative Power of Aesthetic Design and Lighting in Workplaces   In a recent episode of "The Thoughtful Entrepreneur," host Josh engages in a compelling conversation with Ben Rousseau, the founder and designer of Ben Rousseau Design. The discussion centers around the significant role that aesthetic design and lighting play in enhancing workplace environments. This blog post delves into the key insights shared during the episode, offering actionable advice and expert recommendations for improving lighting in both physical and virtual workspaces. Josh opens the episode by addressing listeners who are seeking connections with partners, investors, influencers, and clients. He shares his experience of having private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to uncover where their best business comes from. Josh offers a free video resource that outlines steps to achieve 100% inbound marketing in one’s industry over the next six to eight months, emphasizing a spam-free, ad-free, and sales-free approach. He invites listeners to visit his website, upmyinfluence.com, to access this valuable content. Following this introduction, Josh welcomes Ben Rousseau to the show. Ben is recognized for his expertise in creating beautiful and functional lighting environments that enhance the aesthetic appeal of various spaces, including offices, bars, and unique installations like the Ice Hotel in Sweden. Ben begins by explaining his approach to design, which focuses on using the beauty of lighting and high-quality materials to create spaces that foster productivity and well-being. He emphasizes the importance of both functional and decorative lighting, which not only helps individuals focus on their tasks but also contributes to a calming and aesthetically pleasing environment. Ben believes that a well-designed workspace can significantly impact how people feel about their work and their surroundings. Josh and Ben delve deeper into the specifics of lighting quality. Ben shares his experience of living in California, where the natural light is rich and colorful. He contrasts this with the often flat and uninspiring lighting found in many workplaces. He explains that good lighting should mimic natural light, making spaces feel more alive and enjoyable. About Ben Rousseau: An award-winning British artist and designer, renowned for his work across high-end product design, commercial installations, and luxury residential interiors. His expertise as a designer, engineer, and light artist allows him to exploit the transformative power of lighting in creating bespoke spatial experiences. About Ben Rousseau Studio: Ben Rousseau Studio is an award-winning British design house based in Brighton, UK, with a strong presence in both Europe and the US. Led by Ben Rousseau, our ethos is to guide you on an exhilarating creative journey to make your dream interior or statement piece a reality. We specialize in working with high-net-worth individuals, luxury brands, and top-tier designers to create custom pieces that are as unique as our clients. At Ben Rousseau Studio, you gain access to a multifaceted team combining the talents of a designer, an engineer, and a light artist. We approach each project with the same meticulous attention to detail as an event producer designs a live stage show, ensuring that every interior or installation tells a compelling story and creates a lasting impression. Our signature blend of drama, desirability, and functionality is achieved through cutting-edge lighting, innovative technology, premium materials, and precision craftsmanship. Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out Ben Rousseau Design website at https://benrousseau.com/ Check out Ben Rousseau on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrousseaudesign/ Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.  

Leadership Insights: Navigating Challenges and Enhancing Team Performance In the latest episode of *The Thoughtful Entrepreneur*, host Josh engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Joelle Kaufman, the CEO of GTM Flow. The discussion delves into leadership, team dynamics, and personal resilience, particularly in the face of unexpected challenges. Joelle shares her expertise as a revenue catalyst, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for leaders looking to improve their team's performance and efficiency. Josh kicks off the episode by emphasizing the importance of networking for business growth. He shares his experience of having private conversations with over 2,000 leaders to understand where their best business comes from. To help listeners enhance their networking skills, Josh offers a free video resource that outlines steps to achieve 100% inbound marketing in their industry over the next 6 to 8 months, without relying on spam, ads, or sales tactics. Listeners are encouraged to visit [upmyinfluence.com](https://upmyinfluence.com) to access this valuable content. Joelle Kaufman, with over 25 years of experience in building brands and optimizing team performance, joins the conversation. As a revenue catalyst, Joelle works with CEOs and their leadership teams across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. She emphasizes the importance of operating with focus, clarity, momentum, and a mindset of continuous learning. Joelle shares that she has developed five key levers that leaders need to pull to enhance team performance, which she offers as a resource for listeners. About Joelle Kaufman: Joelle Kaufman developed the Curveball Method through 25 years of navigating high-stakes business challenges. This approach, born from personal adversity with cancer and honed in the tech industry’s fast-paced environment, equips leaders to transform unexpected challenges into opportunities. As a seasoned go-to-market executive, Joelle has: • Served as CMO/CRO for companies including Bloomreach, Adify, and WorkBoard • Led category creation and revenue growth strategies for multiple startups • Guided numerous teams through periods of significant change and uncertainty The Curveball Method integrates neuroscience insights, leadership frameworks, and practical tools. It’s now implemented by leading tech companies, impacting over 150,000 professionals across various industries. Joelle’s expertise spans: • Developing high-performance Sales & Marketing teams • Building resilience and adaptability in leadership • Implementing effective OKRs for accelerated growth With a background that includes Harvard Business School, training in transformational coaching, and experience as a public speaker (on topics ranging from the Recipe for a Top Tier S&M Team, secrets to building a highly effective team, the future of digital engagement to the value of OKRs to accelerate growth), Joelle brings a unique perspective to leadership development and organizational change. Using Joelle’s approach, leaders and teams excel in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.   About GTM Flow: GTM Flow brings 25 years of designing, leading and optimizing sales, marketing and customer success teams for scale. Growth, predictability and focus all improve when your go-to-market has flow. Align your companies on the most important GTM challenges to address. Develop leaders who can lead agile teams. Leverage OKRs to keep people aligned, focused and accountable.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out GTM Flow website at https://gtmflow.com/ Check out GTM Flow on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/gtmflow Check out Joelle Kaufman on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joellekaufman Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!   More from UpMyInfluence: We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here. What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here. Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.