The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the CEO & President of Doug Thorpe Group, Doug Thorpe.   In today's world, employees want to be recognized as more than just a number on a payroll. The pandemic has accelerated this mindset shift, and leaders need to embrace this change and recalibrate their thinking to have open dialogues with their teams. Doug has worked with large corporate and entrepreneurial clients and noticed a trend where employees want to be recognized as whole human beings. He believes recognizing employees as individuals with unique needs and desires is crucial for creating a positive workplace culture. As a business therapist, Doug emphasizes the importance of coaching to improve leadership capacity and abilities. He believes changing behavior takes time and effort and prefers longer engagements to help clients achieve their goals. His website, dougthorpe.com, offers much information, and he invites visitors to join him for a 30-minute discovery call. During the podcast, Doug also discussed his new book, "The Exit Strategy Handbook," which focuses on helping business owners plan for their exit from their businesses. He emphasizes the importance of beginning with the end in mind and engineering decisions accordingly. One of the biggest challenges for business owners is figuring out how to make the business run without them being there. Doug recommends delegating, automating, or outsourcing repetitive tasks and developing a solid team with problem-solving skills. Doug's book is especially relevant now, as data suggests that up to 80 million baby boomers are getting ready to exit businesses they've built over the last few decades. It is essential to plan for the future and consider the nine different scenarios of what an exit could be about to maximize the outcome of that transaction.   About Doug Thorpe: Doug is a seasoned executive coach and business advisor with over 20 years of experience. His expertise lies in assisting small business owners to scale their businesses and develop leadership skills. A former US Army Captain and Senior VP in the banking industry, Thorpe's diverse background also includes founding five successful businesses. Known for his podcast 'Leading Powered by Common Sense,' he interviews and learns from renowned leaders worldwide. Over his career, he has provided more than 19,000 hours of leadership coaching, including engagements with major oil companies and global brands, significantly enhancing their market value.   About Doug Thorpe Group: The Doug Thorpe Group provides coaching and consulting services for senior executives and leadership teams. Recognizing that the skills which propel individuals into leadership may be different skills needed for consistent long-term growth, the group aims to facilitate adaptive learning. Over three decades, they've helped hundreds of teams build new capabilities, create clarity, and foster individual leadership styles. Their ideal clients are mid-cap companies with 100+ staff and eight-figure market values, particularly those feeling stagnant, undergoing transitions, or experiencing challenges in scaling their businesses. Doug Thorpe, the certified executive coach and experienced business advisor at the helm, functions as a business therapist, enabling leaders to identify opportunities for improved effectiveness while growing their businesses.   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 Doug Thorpe Group website at https://www.revenuegrowthengine.com/ Check out Doug Thorpe Group on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/company/dougthorpe-com/ Check out Doug Thorpe on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougthorpe/ Check out Doug Thorpe on Twitter at https://twitter.com/dougthorpe_com  Check out Doug Thorpe on Facebook at https://facebook.com/headwayexec 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Owner, President, Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur & Advocate for Healing of Pulse Marketing Inc., Serena Mastin.   Serena, a remarkable entrepreneur and advocate for healing, opened up about her past experiences leading to her success. Her journey is nothing short of extraordinary, filled with heartache and triumph. But what truly struck me was Serena's unwavering commitment to using her pain as a catalyst for positive change. In her book, "Exposed: You Can't Heal When You Hide," Serena fearlessly bares her soul, encouraging others to do the same. She highlights the importance of sharing our truth, whether uncomfortable or raw. Serena believes that healing can only occur when we remove our masks and bravely confront our inner demons. Serena's journey has transformed her into a compassionate leader who understands the power of vulnerability. She believes authentic leadership creates a safe space for others to share their truth without fear of judgment. Doing so can foster a sense of belonging and authenticity that empowers everyone to reach their full potential.   About Serena Mastin: A true driver of overcoming self-limiting beliefs as she humbly climbed the ladder of success, Serena has overcome extreme obstacles, personally and professionally. She started her life in witness protection and nine different foster homes, leading to teenage addiction and homelessness, and most recently walked through the devastation of her husband's suicide. Serena has faced unimaginable adversity. Yet, despite her challenges, she found a real sense of purpose along the way. The most inspiring part of her story is her strength, resilience, and authenticity. She brings a wealth of knowledge and insight from industries across the corporate landscape. With over twenty years of experience climbing the corporate ladder, Serena’s career has included being knocked down, and climbing back to executive leadership roles with Fortune 500 companies, before carving her path by founding Pulse Marketing Inc. in 2013. In addition to being a visionary entrepreneur, Serena recently published her first book, Exposed: You Can't Heal When You Hide, a memoir recounting her life story in harrowing detail. In the book, Serena discusses her experiences with assault, addiction, homelessness, infidelity, mental health, and profound healing. Her thought-provoking story inspires others to embrace challenges and do it with passion. Serena profoundly relates her unique experience to everyday challenges striking a nerve with every audience, and has dedicated her life to personally and professionally empowering others.   About Pulse Marketing Inc.: Pulse Marketing, led by Serena Mastin, is a full-service, award-winning marketing firm known for innovative strategies and creative services. They challenge conventional marketing norms and aim to catapult businesses into industry-leading positions. Their mission is to enhance companies' presence through comprehensive strategies spanning print, advertising, social media, internet marketing, video, and web design. With a unique blend of strategic planning and creative artistry, Pulse Marketing is committed to providing businesses with a competitive edge.   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 Pulse Marketing Inc. website at https://pulsemarketingteam.com/ Check out Pulse Marketing Inc. on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/pulse-marketing-team/ Check out Pulse Marketing Inc. on Twitter at https://twitter.com/pulsemktgteam Check out Pulse Marketing Inc on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/PulseMarketingTeam/ Check out Pulse Marketing Inc on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pulse_marketing/ Check out Serena Mastin on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/serenamastin/ Check out Serena Mastin on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/heartfeltstories2023/ 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Owner, HR Strategist & Culture Creator of People-Powered Solutions, Lori-Ann Duguay. Lori highlighted employees' ten basic needs at work and how meeting these needs can attract and retain high-performing talent. She emphasized that while these needs have always been there, the pandemic has brought them to the forefront. In an increasingly remote and flexible work environment, work-life balance and positive employee experiences have become more critical than ever. Lori made an interesting point about the generational differences in the importance placed on these needs. While the needs don't change, how they are prioritized may vary across different generations. For example, younger generations are accustomed to instant feedback and require ongoing feedback to stay engaged, while older generations may prefer a different approach. Another key takeaway from the episode was the importance of clear communication and providing feedback. Lori stressed the need to avoid the notion that no news is good. Different personality styles and generations may require different types of feedback, so leaders must take the time to understand their team members' preferences and needs. Lori also shared some strategies for fostering a sense of purpose and impact within an organization. This includes aligning the work employees do with the broader meaning and effect of the company. Leaders can create a more meaningful and engaging workplace by highlighting how each employee's contribution contributes to the company's mission, vision, and values.   About Lori-Ann Duguay: With over two decades of valuable experience in a single organization, Lori-Ann is highly familiar with the dual-edged sword of stable pensions and benefits—referred to as 'golden handcuffs.' This experience fuels her commitment to assisting businesses in crafting stimulating workplaces that offer engaging and meaningful experiences to their employees. Lori-Ann specializes in aiding growth-focused companies to trigger organizational transformations by overhauling their workplace cultures. She is instrumental in constructing an all-encompassing employee experience and leadership framework necessary to attract and retain the workforce essential for thriving in the evolving world of work. Capitalizing on her career as an HR Strategist, Talent Development Expert, Professional Coach, and Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Lori-Ann merges her profound understanding of talent management and employee engagement. She guides organizations and leaders to implement a people-centric approach to leadership, talent development, and conflict resolution.   About People-Powered Solutions: People-Powered Solutions lead the way in workplace culture strategy and leadership development as the work landscape shifts. With 1 in 4 employees contemplating job changes, organizations must adapt to attract talent. The firm helps organizations shape work environments that draw and retain employees. Acknowledging that direct motivation isn't feasible, they focus on fostering highly motivating work environments. They help companies build compelling end-to-end employee experiences that decrease turnover, retain top talent, and enhance employee engagement. Meeting clients where they're at, they assist in crafting in-house capacity, infrastructure, and leadership essential for the new world of work. Using over 20 years of HR strategy experience in government and the potent Everything DISC Psychometric tools, they equip organizations with the necessary training, tools, and resources to unlock and sustain their team's potential.   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 People-Powered Solutions website at https://bepeoplepowered.com/ Check out People-Powered Solutions on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/peoplepoweredsolutions/ Check out People-Powered Solutions on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BePeoplePowered Check out People-Powered Solutions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047389242657 Check out Lori-Ann Duguay on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/loriannduguay/ Check out Lori-Ann Duguay on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lorithepeopleperson/ 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Chief Growth Officer of Brand You Media, Zach Day.   Zach, the founder of Brand You Media, a filmmaker, film director, and a contestant/trainer for Ninja Warriors, discussed the importance of storytelling. Zach highlighted the importance of going beyond surface-level content. He delves deep into his clients' lives, asking the tough questions to uncover their authentic stories. By showcasing the conflicts and obstacles they've overcome, he adds depth and emotional impact to their narratives. It's all about creating that genuine connection with the audience. He also emphasized the power of branding, from brand colors and logos to having a professional online presence. Consistent content creation on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube is critical to building a solid personal brand. It's about putting yourself out there and sharing your story to captivate your audience.   About Zach Day: Zach is the Founder & Creative Director of Brand You Media, a video agency focused on helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs and coaches significantly impact the world. Brand You Media recognizes the challenges of running a business and building an engaged online audience. To address this, they have developed a unique three-step process that enables entrepreneurs to connect with their ideal audience and create a strong, engaged community around their message. Zach also hosts the Right Now Show Podcast. The podcast features conversations with successful entrepreneurs, coaches, and leaders who have achieved seven-figure success. The podcast aims to provide valuable insights and experiences that can inspire and support Gen Z entrepreneurs. Zach specializes in creating powerful brand stories through 2-5 minute videos for entrepreneurs and coaches who want to make a positive impact. These brand stories emotionally engage the audience and foster a deep connection. He also offers social media marketing services that focus on building credibility, authority, and brand awareness.   About Brand You Media: Brand You Media is a company dedicated to assisting purpose-driven entrepreneurs and coaches in significantly impacting the world. Recognizing the challenges of running a business and building an engaged online audience, Brand You Media has developed a unique three-step process to help individuals connect with their ideal audience and foster a robust and active community around their message. The company's primary goal is to empower entrepreneurs to share their powerful stories with the world. Brand You Media believes people are drawn to those they can relate to, like, and trust. By unlocking and sharing your personal story, you can establish a deeper connection with your community and inspire them to take meaningful action. Through their expertise, they help entrepreneurs effectively communicate their messages, build authentic connections, and inspire positive change. Their innovative approach enables individuals to make a lasting impact and fulfill their mission meaningfully.   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 Brand You Media website at https://mybrandyou.com/ Check out Brand You Media on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/iamzachday/ Check out Brand You Media on Facebook at http://facebook.com/brandyoumedia1 Check out Brand You Media on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@iamzachday Check out Zach Day on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-day-074902178/ Check out Zach Day on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/iamzachday 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Chief Growth Officer of VSA Partners, Ariadna Navarro.   Ariadna Navarro, Chief Growth Officer of Partners, a renowned brand strategy and design consultancy, shared some invaluable wisdom about defining a brand's ethos and standing. Defining a brand can be challenging, especially in an era where cancel culture and fear of missteps prevail. However, Ariadna says that if a brand remains honest and consistent about who they are, it will continue to thrive. She even highlighted Bud Light and Nike as examples of brands that faced backlash for their decisions but stayed true to themselves and their values. She also spotlighted Patagonia as a prime example of authenticity. Despite potential skepticism regarding their fleece zip-ups and commitment to saving the world, this outdoor clothing company wholeheartedly embraces their mission. This unwavering dedication to their purpose resonates with consumers and sets them apart.   About Ariadna Navarro:  Ariadna, originally from Venezuela, is a trailblazer connecting business strategy to brand and experience strategy to foster growth. As the Chief Growth Officer, she spearheads design, client engagement, and business development, applying a unique perspective on market trends and brand differentiation. Her expansive portfolio includes projects with leading firms like IBM, AT&T, and Wayfair. She is genuinely interested in emerging technologies, corporate acquisitions, politics, and filmmaking, holding a postgraduate degree in the latter.  Before joining VSA, Ariadna led strategy at Interbrand. She currently resides in New York with her family.   About VSA Partners:  VSA Partners, a strategy and design agency, is committed to designing better human experiences. VSA creates impactful, measurable experiences in a busy world by merging consumer insights, data, and human-centered design. With fully integrated capabilities, including branding, advertising, data science, and technology, VSA operates from Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. As a part of 'Meet The People,' it leverages international collaborations. VSA's 40-year journey includes partnerships with renowned brands like Google, Nike, and IBM. Adapting to a hybrid working model, VSA encourages its team to define their workspaces - anywhere within the United States. This flexibility promotes solitude, collaboration, or small-group engagements, as needed. Geographic neutrality in hiring ensures diverse experiences and perspectives. Viewing their offices as flexible work hubs, VSA values human interaction, a change of scenery, and participation worldwide for employee wellbeing and organizational benefits.   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 VSA Partners website at  https://vsapartners.com/ Check out VSA Partners on Linkedin at  https://www.linkedin.com/company/vsa-partners/ Check out VSA Partners on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vsapartners/ Check out VSA Partners on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/vsapartners/ Check out Ariadna Navarro on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariadna-navarro-4426b54/ 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Chief Sales Officer, President, Master Trainer & Executive Consultant of Brooke M Dukes, Brooke Dukes.   Brooke shares her expertise in helping executives find fulfillment by aligning their passions with their actions. Fear is a common emotion that keeps many individuals from reaching their full potential. Brooke emphasizes that fear, whether it's fear of failure, success, imposter syndrome, or perfectionism, should not hinder personal and professional growth. Effective leadership strategies are crucial for success, especially in distributed or virtual teams. Brooke highlights the importance of understanding what motivates employees and using tools like anonymous assessments to gather valuable feedback. By aligning employees' goals with the company vision, it's possible to create a sense of purpose and engagement that can elevate organizations. She also emphasizes the need for companies to provide women with a voice and recognize their unique contributions. Diverse workforces enhance efficiency and effectiveness and foster a culture of innovation and growth. Women can showcase their strengths and bring positive change together by supporting and mentoring each other.   About Brooke Dukes: Brooke is a seasoned executive with 30 years of experience in roles such as CEO, Chief Sales Officer, President, Master Trainer, and Executive Consultant. She has worked with C-suite executives and entrepreneurs, helping them navigate personal and professional challenges. With strategic planning and transformation expertise, she has served Fortune 100 companies, including United Airlines, IBM, EDS, Lear, Isagenix, and Homepoint. She excels in assisting women to identify and overcome barriers, crafting unique plans tailored to their circumstances. Brooke earned her BS from Michigan State University. As a mother of two and an ardent traveler, she combines her passion for exploring the world with her mission of helping individuals achieve their dreams. She currently resides in Austin, TX.   About Brooke M Dukes: Brooke is a consultancy that specializes in personal and professional development. Recognizing the challenges faced by those who may appear successful yet feel stressed and overwhelmed, she provides customized solutions. These plans are designed to meet individuals in their current situation, identify their desired goals, and devise a strategic pathway toward them. The core premise of her service lies in helping people transition from near burnout to a more fulfilled and balanced life. Through her expertise, Brooke ensures that her clients envision change and successfully achieve it.   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 Brooke M Dukes website at https://www.brookemdukes.com/ Check out Brooke M Dukes on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/company/brookemdukes/ Check out Brooke M Dukes on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brookedukes/?hl=en Check out Brooke M Dukes on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/brookedukes/ Check out Brooke Dukes on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookedukes/ Check out Brooke Dukes on Twitter at https://twitter.com/brookedukes 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder & President of Build Scale Grow, Inc., Benjamin Friedman.   Are you a small business owner who needs help to take your company to the next level? Do you feel like you've hit a plateau and can't figure out how to break through? Benjamin shared some invaluable insights into founders' challenges when scaling their businesses. He stressed the importance of identifying knowledge and experience gaps and building suitable systems to reach your goals. As your business grows, it's crucial to find the right talent – full-time employees or fractional resources – and to take calculated risks to execute your vision. But where to start? Benjamin's book “Scale: Reach Your Peak” is an excellent resource for founders looking to apply academic best practices in real-world situations. You can level up your operations and achieve success by categorizing your business challenges and prioritizing your resources.   About Benjamin Friedman: Benjamin is a seasoned financial and operational expert with over 20 years of experience. He founded Build Scale Grow Inc. in 2019, a company dedicated to helping startups scale and multiply. Friedman has held multiple senior roles, including Chief Operating Officer, where he has directed various departments, including sales, marketing, and legal. His leadership has led to five successful M&A transactions in the past decade. He authored the book “Scale: Reach Your Peak,” a comprehensive guide for business growth. Friedman values open communication, collaboration, and optimism in achieving company goals and individual performance. His approach fosters immediate problem-solving, building scalable systems, and implementing accountability metrics.   About Build Scale Grow, Inc.: Build Scale Grow, Inc. is a solution-oriented company aiding businesses aiming to make an impact in their industries. The firm provides strategic advice to navigate challenges and anticipate future obstacles tailored to each company's unique values and business model. Recognizing the focus of businesses on product or service expansion, Build Scale Grow helps alleviate concerns about infrastructure. They aim to provide support in building or optimizing teams, software, processes, and systems to expedite and maximize market reach. Their primary mission is to assist businesses in realizing their vision effectively and efficiently.   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 Build Scale Grow, Inc. website at https://www.webuildscalegrow.com/ Check out Build Scale Grow, Inc. on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildscalegrow/ Check out Benjamin Friedman on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminbfriedman/ 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the CEO & Culture Designer of Spoke and Wheel, Alla Weinberg.   As we spend a significant amount of time in our workplaces, creating an environment that is safe, inclusive, and empowering is essential. Alla Weinberg, CEO, and culture designer of Spoke and Wheel, discussed the importance of designing cultures of safety that empower people in the workplace. Alla highlighted that many business problems stem from a culture rather than a tactical or execution issue. She emphasized that between 50% and 70% of change, initiatives fail because executives must pay attention to the culture and bring their people along. Therefore, it is essential to create a culture where people feel safe to speak up, especially those from marginalized groups. Alla believes that psychological safety is the foundation of any culture, whether it's equitable, inclusive, innovative, or feedback-oriented. She works with clients on a longer-term basis, typically in three-month sprints, to map out their current and target cultures and make operational changes to achieve their goals.   About Alla Weinberg: Alla is a renowned culture designer and work relationship coach. Leveraging her design background and principles of neuroscience and positive psychology, she works with business leaders globally to create safe, trust-based workplace cultures. She incorporates 40 years of Gottman Institute relationship research in her unique approach. Weinberg offers team training, work relationship coaching, and culture design solutions. In team training, she imparts vital interpersonal skills. Through coaching, she aids in actualizing ideal team dynamics by setting goals and building trust. Her culture design fosters healthy relationships that yield emotionally, physically, and psychologically safe workplaces, thus boosting employee satisfaction and corporate profitability.   About Spoke and Wheel: ​​Spoke and Wheel is a pioneering firm that fosters exceptional relationships within companies. They believe that robust relationships form the cornerstone of successful businesses. Their services include virtual team training, coaching, and facilitation, providing teams with the necessary tools to grow, communicate, connect, and innovate. Key offerings include guidance during transition periods, fostering a safe work environment, facilitating courageous conversations, and nurturing the development of team leaders. They aim to instigate transformative changes in how teams relate to each other, driving increased effectiveness and productivity in the workplace. By enabling more meaningful connections, Spoke and Wheel is revolutionizing team dynamics.   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 Spoke and Wheel website at https://www.spokeandwheel.co/ Check out Spoke and Wheel on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/company/spokeandwheel/ Check out Spoke and Wheel on Instagram www.instagram.com/culture_of_safety Check out Spoke and Wheel on Twitter at https://twitter.com/iamallaw Check out Alla Weinberg on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/allaweinberg/ 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Co-Founder & Partnerships Director of MeetPartners Pte Ltd, Gil Petersil.   Gil understands the importance of building solid relationships in the business world. He knows that networking is not just about exchanging business cards but also about creating deep and meaningful connections that can lead to long-lasting friendships and partnerships.   To achieve this, Gil suggests spending quality time with others, sharing personal interests and passions, and being vulnerable by sharing struggles and challenges. He also advises to be bold, ask for help when needed, and audit and refresh your network to align with your goals. Finally, Gil recommends to find common interests with others, attend events, or volunteer together to create a strong bond. By following these tips, Gil believes anyone can build a strong network and succeed in today's business environment.   About Gil Petersil:  Gil is a renowned global thought leader specializing in business strategy, networking, and mastermind methodology. As Co-Founder and Partnership Director at MeetPartners, he unites educational projects fostering personal and business development. A prolific international speaker and business strategist, Petersil aids companies in advancing communication management, networking, and knowledge-sharing techniques.  An advocate for continuous learning, Petersil leverages an "Edutainment" approach to teaching. His experiences living and working in numerous countries contribute to his comprehensive understanding of human psychology and creative marketing strategies. Notably, he has mentored over 1000 startups and has spoken at as many international events. With over 20 years of corporate world experience, Petersil is celebrated for his ability to align businesses with their original purpose, fostering beneficial partnerships and making a lasting impact.   About MeetPartners Pte Ltd:  MeetPartners is a multinational firm operating across major cities like Moscow, London, and Singapore that focuses on personal development, business events, and educational tourism. Renowned for working closely with global experts and influential business coaches like Tony Robbins, MeetPartners holds an exclusive relationship with Robbins within the Russian market. The company excels in organizing large-scale business-related events, with a single record group of 1700 individuals attending a Tony Robbins event in Singapore in 2018.  Its ambitions extend to bringing Robbins to Russia, achieving this goal on September 1, 2018, with an anticipated audience of 25,000. By consistently surpassing market expectations and setting high-reaching goals, MeetPartners continues to make strides in its industry, supported by its shareholders and advisory board.   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 MeetPartners Pte Ltd website at  http://meetpartners.ru/ru/ Check out MeetPartners Pte Ltd on Linkedin at  https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetpartners/ Check out MeetPartners Pte Ltd on Facebook at  https://www.instagram.com/meetpartners/ Check out Gil Petersil on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilpetersil/ Check out Gil Petersil on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/gilpetersil/ Check out Gil Petersil on Twitter at  https://twitter.com/GilPetersil Check out Gil Petersil on Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/gil.petersil/ 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.  

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Founder & Principal of JHL Solutions, Juli Lassow.   As a retail consultant, Julie shares her wealth of expertise on how retailers can provide their customers with high-quality products that exceed their expectations. She emphasizes establishing strong partnerships with suppliers to achieve this goal.  Building solid partnerships starts with understanding customers' preferences and expectations. By doing so, retailers can identify products that will sell well and ensure their suppliers can meet the demand. Regularly sharing updates and feedback with suppliers ensures that both parties are on the same page and can address any issues quickly. Retailers should also focus on creating a welcoming and enjoyable shopping environment by paying attention to small details in-store. To achieve the best results, retailers can seek the help of an independent negotiator to evaluate their interests and position objectively. This can lead to more impactful results and ensure both parties feel satisfied with the final agreement. With a positive and collaborative approach, retailers can establish strong partnerships with their suppliers, resulting in high-quality products that meet and exceed customer expectations.   About Juli Lassow:  Juli is an expert in retail with over two decades of experience. As the founder of JHL Solutions, she specializes in developing private-label partnerships that transform the relationships between mass retailers and suppliers.  Lassow's distinct expertise lies in owned brand product development, supplier matrices, global sourcing, and compelling negotiations, predominantly for Fortune 50 and 500 organizations. Beyond her professional role, she is a speaker, author, and devoted advocate for sustainability, leading her industry toward a more conscious future.   About JHL Solutions:  JHL Solutions is a consultancy firm aimed at demystifying the process of creating successful owned brand partnerships. The firm bridges the gap between retailers, suppliers, and strategies to maximize product value.  Founded by retail expert Juli Lassow, JHL Solutions can provide value at any stage, whether you require a completely new solution or wish to overhaul an existing structure. The firm's services cater particularly well to organizations whose needs aren't met by larger retail consultancies, providing tailored, practical strategies for brand development.   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 JHL Solutions website at  http://www.jhl-solutions.com/ Check out JHL Solutions on Linkedin at  https://www.linkedin.com/company/jhl-solutions/ Check out Juli Lassow on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/julilassow/ 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.