

The Thoughtful Entrepreneur
Josh Elledge of UpMyInfluence.com
You’re gonna love this DAILY, commercial-free entrepreneur spotlight show. We feature CEOs and founders of 6-9 figure B2B companies. Agencies, coaches, consultants, and other leaders share not only their success stories - but their advice for business leaders focused on business growth.
You’re going to hear real stories from real people all in 15-25 minutes time - perfect for your commute.
On this podcast, your host, Josh Elledge encourages entrepreneurs to share not only their expertise but their stories and their hearts.
We believe that every person has a unique message which can positively impact the world. Even YOU! If you’d like to be featured on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, apply here: https://UpMyInfluence.com/guest/
You’re going to hear real stories from real people all in 15-25 minutes time - perfect for your commute.
On this podcast, your host, Josh Elledge encourages entrepreneurs to share not only their expertise but their stories and their hearts.
We believe that every person has a unique message which can positively impact the world. Even YOU! If you’d like to be featured on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, apply here: https://UpMyInfluence.com/guest/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 24, 2023 • 19min
1525 – Learning to be what Your Company Needs with Cross Impact’s Betsy Kauffman
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Organizational Expert, CEO of Cross Impact, Betsy Kauffman.
Connecting with Betsy Kauffman can provide numerous benefits due to her extensive expertise as an Organizational Agility Coach with a background in Fortune 500 companies. Her experience in leadership coaching, support for women in business, and organizational design can help you develop your leadership skills, optimize your organization's structure, and access valuable resources for professional growth.
Additionally, Betsy's involvement in the Charlotte Women in Business Mentoring Program and her extensive professional network offer opportunities for networking, partnerships, and collaboration to expand your connections and advance your career.
About Betsy Kauffman: Betsy is a globally recognized Organizational Agility Coach with more than 20 years of experience working in Fortune 500 companies as well as the Founder, CEO, and Coach at Cross Impact, speaker, and mentor in the Charlotte Women in Business Mentoring Program.
In addition to a Bachelor of Business Administration from James Madison University, she spent 20+ years working in corporate America trying to figure out how to balance motherhood, working full time, and climbing the corporate ladder in a competitive tech environment where women weren’t supportive of each other. Over the years, Betsy learned to find her voice and use it to positively support and influence colleagues, clients, and various companies.
In 2014, Betsy started Cross Impact when she realized the organizational work she was doing and 1:1 leadership coaching were desperately needed in organizations worldwide.
About Cross Impact: Cross Impact is an organizational design firm that focuses on creating connections for meaningful impact within teams, leaders, and organizations. They offer two main services: The Collaborative, a membership program for mid-level female leaders' development, and The Consultancy, which provides organizational design and leadership coaching services to mid-market organizations.
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 Cross Impact website at
Check out Cross Impact on LinkedIn at
https://linktr.ee/crossimpactcoaching
Check out Cross Impact on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/crossimpactcoaching/
Check out Cross Impact on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/CrossImpactCoaching
Check out Betsy Kauffman on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsykauffman/
Check out Aaron Steffey on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/SteffeyIns
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Apr 23, 2023 • 16min
1524 – Streamlining Surety Bonds with Propeller Bonds’ Aaron Steffey
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the CEO and Co-Founder of Proppeler Bonds, Aaron Steffey.
Connecting with Aaron Steffey can be valuable due to his extensive experience and expertise in the insurtech and insurance sectors. As co-founder and co-CEO of Propeller Bonds, Aaron knows firsthand how to streamline processes and solve challenges within the surety bond market. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals or organizations looking to optimize their bond issuance process or those seeking insights into the insurtech landscape.
Aaron's marketing, strategic management, and international business background can provide valuable perspectives on general business practices, industry partnerships, and digitization strategies. By connecting with Aaron Steffey, you may gain access to his wealth of knowledge, learn from his experiences, and potentially foster meaningful collaborations that could positively impact your business ventures or professional growth.
About Aaron Steffey: Aaron is the co-founder and co-CEO of Propeller Bonds, an insurtech managing general underwriter (MGU) equipped with a proprietary instant issue surety bond platform. He founded the insurtech company in June 2020 in Philadelphia with fellow co-CEO Chris Kolger.
Steffey kicked off his career in the insurance industry as a managing partner for his family’s Indianapolis-based insurance firm, Steffey Insurance Agency. During his 12 years with his family’s company, he recognized a need in the market for a comprehensive solution to help agencies streamline their surety services after having consulted on several insurtech product developments. From there, Steffey became inspired to build a company from the inside out to solve common pain points in surety bond issuance, leveraging his first-hand experience and knowledge of the insurance industry.
Steffey holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from University of Mississippi and a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management and International Business from Villanova University. Throughout his experience, Steffey has become an expert on general business best practices including creating industry partnerships, digitizing a traditional industry, and alternative channel distribution.
About Proppeler Bonds: Propeller Bonds is an innovative InsurTech company focused on the $6B surety and fidelity bond market. As an MGA, Propeller utilizes a proprietary surety platform to instantly underwrite and issue bonds, increasing efficiency for carriers, agents, customers, and obligees. The platform eliminates pain points for agents and brokers while still paying commissions, allowing them to capitalize on their existing client base and web traffic. This benefits both experienced surety professionals, who can write more bonds with less effort, and agents without surety expertise, who earn commission through customer referrals.
Propeller's team has extensive experience in the insurance industry and technology, developing software solutions for top insurance companies and positioning the company to revolutionize the surety and fidelity bond market.
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 Proppeler Bonds website at
https://www.propellerbonds.com/
Check out Proppeler Bonds on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/propellerbonds/
Check out Aaron Steffey on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronsteffey/
Check out Aaron Steffey on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/SteffeyIns
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.

Apr 22, 2023 • 19min
1523 – Building Resilience to Change with LCubed Consulting’s Lisa Levy
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder and CEO of Lcubed Consulting, Lisa Levy.
Connecting with Lisa Levy can provide valuable insights into navigating organizational change and process improvement challenges. Her expertise in aligning people, processes, and technology offers a unique perspective on building agile and adaptable teams. Drawing from her experience as a best-selling author and successful consultant, Lisa shares practical knowledge that can help businesses adapt to constant change and maintain a competitive edge. By learning from her approach, which combines Project Management, Process Performance Management, Internal Controls, and Organizational Change Management, you can acquire the skills and capabilities needed to drive strategic results within your organization. Lisa's commitment to empowering clients with self-reliance can also foster a culture of continuous improvement, benefiting your business in the long run.
About Lisa Levy: Lisa loves a good puzzle. After witnessing the confusion that ensued after new technology systems were integrated into offices in the 90s, she didn’t panic. She saw an opportunity to establish effective processes that support employees and businesses grappling with evolving technology. Then a pattern emerged: internal teams kept failing to communicate with one another in the wake of change. To respond, Lisa founded Lcubed Consulting.
As CEO of Lcubed, Lisa helps companies align people, processes, and technology to utilize agility as a strategic advantage and acknowledge change is a business constant. Her secret sauce to success is leveraging key elements of Project Management, Process Performance Management, Internal Controls, and Organizational Change Management to build teams with the skills and capabilities to drive strategic results.
Lisa is the #1 best-selling author of Future Proofing Cubed, a book she created to share her insights on productivity, profitability, and process refinement in business. Lisa’s goal is to prepare her clients with the skills, capabilities, and self-reliance they need to thrive in the future without Lcubed’s guidance. With this notion, she has broken the typical consulting model.
Lisa holds her Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media Management from Northern Arizona University. She is a Project Management Professional and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Lisa enjoys spending free time with her family and basset hounds.
About Lcubed Consulting: They are a firm dedicated to providing businesses with comprehensive change management solutions aimed at enhancing process efficiency and overall operational effectiveness. By conducting a thorough strategic risk assessment, they identify the necessary steps for improving an organization's performance.
Catering to industry leaders, Lcubed Consulting offers an in-depth business analysis that focuses on three core areas: processes, people, and technology. This holistic approach ensures the delivery of maximum customer value. Lisa L. Levy, the Founder and CEO of Lcubed Consulting, is a highly regarded advisor and thought leader with a proven track record in elevating client performance, profitability, and growth.
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 Lcubed Consulting website at
https://lcubedconsulting.com/
Check out Lcubed Consulting on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lcubedconsulting/
Check out Lisa Levy on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisallevy/
Check out Lisa Levy on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/LisaLLevy1
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.

Apr 21, 2023 • 20min
1522 – Selling Better with Buyer-ology® Karen Green
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Business Coach and Mentor, Karen Green.
Connecting with Karen Green can benefit businesses seeking growth in the competitive UK retail market. As a renowned expert in challenger brands, Karen has a proven track record in helping businesses generate significant sales growth and secure listings in UK grocery stores. Her experience in raising investment funds can also support businesses looking to expand.
With her extensive background in launching and managing various businesses, Karen has developed a keen understanding of what works and what doesn't in the industry. She helps solopreneurs and companies create clear, actionable growth strategies by offering coaching and mentoring services. Karen's expertise as an international speaker and best-selling author further demonstrates her ability to provide valuable insights and guidance.
About Karen Green: Karen is a B2B sales expert who started life as a successful retail buyer for Tesco and Boots, before crossing the table and working as a Commercial Director - covering everything from Christmas puddings to Sushi. Karen now uses this vast experience to help SME business owners and sales team to sell more and sell better by understanding the psychology of how their customers buy. She has helped clients achieve enviable success from gaining listings in UK retailers to winning major contracts with the likes of Nike and Amazon.
She is the author of two Amazon best sellers, "Buyer-ology - Know Your Buyer, Sell More and Sell Better" and “Recipe to Success – The Ultimate Guide to Negotiation” which was shortlisted for Business Books awards 2018.
Karen is a sought-after speaker who delivers keynote speeches at major events such as IFE and Retail week live and creates bespoke workshops for UN ITC, Virgin and Enterprise nation alongside her own training and mentoring programmes She is a passionate and highly knowledgeable foodie, judging at all the major awards including Great Taste, Grocer Own Label and Quality Food awards.
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 Food Mentor website at
https://www.foodmentor.co.uk/foodmentorlinks
Check out Karen Green on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekarengreen/
Check out Karen Green on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/thekarengreen
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.

Apr 20, 2023 • 25min
1521 – With A Purpose Behind it with Founder and CEO of Elev8 IO and Great Dane Ventures’ Gary Garth
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Founder and CEO of elev8.io & Great Dane Ventures, Gary Garth.
Connecting with Gary Garth could be beneficial for several reasons, particularly if you are an entrepreneur or involved in a high-potential startup. With a wealth of experience in founding and scaling businesses, Gary possesses valuable insights and knowledge in various aspects of entrepreneurship.
As the founder and CEO of Great Dane Ventures, The Accelerator Platform, and Elev8 Media, Gary has a vast network of connections and resources that could help you grow your business. By connecting with him, you may gain access to expert advice on sales, marketing, growth strategies, incubator programs, and advisory services.
Gary's experience as an author and featured expert in prominent publications further solidifies his expertise and reputation in the industry. Connecting with him could allow you to learn from his successes and failures, giving you a competitive edge in the market.
About Gary Garth: Gary Garth is the Founder and CEO of Great Dane Ventures, The Accelerator Platform and Elev8 Media. Author of 'The Zero to 100 Million Sales Blueprint' book and 'The Goals, Grit & Greatness' planner. He also leverages his resources as a sales leader and angel investor, helping high-potential startups go-to-market, scale, and become profitable via 360 degrees sales and marketing support, incubator programs, advisory services and proprietary technology, engineered with the purpose of empowering entrepreneurs. He has been featured in Inc., Forbes, Success, and many other prominent publications.
A serial entrepreneur since 2002, Gary has started and successfully exited six companies, including large outbound sales call centers, radio advertising networks, and an award-winning, eight-figure digital marketing agency. Born in Denmark, Gary now lives in Medellín, Colombia.
About elev8.io: Elev8.io is a prominent growth accelerator and digital marketing agency specializing in the addiction treatment and mental health care sector. Their primary mission is to assist clients in achieving profitable admission rates through a comprehensive suite of digital marketing strategies. With a holistic approach, Elev8.io provides services such as sales enablement, customer relationship management (CRM), and the implementation of cutting-edge tech solutions.
By leveraging their expertise, Elev8.io empowers addiction treatment and mental health care organizations to reach their target audience effectively and efficiently, ultimately improving patient outcomes and expanding their reach. With a keen focus on the unique challenges of this industry, Elev8.io stands as a valuable partner for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the field of addiction treatment and mental health care through strategic digital marketing.
About Great Dane Ventures: They are a dynamic angel investment and accelerator firm identifying and nurturing startups with exceptional growth potential. By offering a comprehensive suite of services, including 360-degree marketing and sales support, tailored incubator programs, expert advisory services, and cutting-edge proprietary technology, Great Dane Ventures aims to empower entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and achieve unparalleled success.
Their unique approach focuses on understanding the individual needs of each startup and providing customized support to accelerate growth and drive profitability. With an experienced team of industry experts, Great Dane Ventures is well-equipped to identify promising startups, mentor them through various stages of development, and facilitate their transformation into prosperous, thriving businesses.
Great Dane Ventures is committed to fostering innovation and promoting a culture of entrepreneurial excellence through strategic partnerships, valuable connections, and a vast network of resources. By investing in the future of startups and entrepreneurs, the firm plays a crucial role in shaping the business landscape and contributing to economic growth
The Thoughtful Entrepreneur audience will be able to apply for a FREE copy of ´The Zero to 100 Million Sales Blueprint':
Get your FREE copy of 'The Zero to 100 Million Sales Blueprint' at www.0to100million.com using the COUPON code: tte
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 Great Dane Ventures website at
https://garygarth.com/angel-investing/
Check out Great Dane Ventures on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/great-dane-ventures/
Check out elev8.io website at
https://elev8.io/
Check out elev8.io on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/elev8io/
Check out elev8.io on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/elev8.io
Check out elev8.io on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/elev8.io/
Check out elev8.io on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/elev8_io
Check out Gary Garth on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garygarth/
Check out Gary Garth on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/iamgarygarth/
Check out Gary Garth on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/gary_garth
Check out Gary Garth on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/garygarth.official
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.

Apr 19, 2023 • 17min
1520 – How we Represent Ourselves with Ugly Mug Marketing’s Wayne Mullins
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Founder of Ugly Mug Marketing, Wayne Mullins.
Connecting with Wayne can provide valuable insights into effective marketing strategies and entrepreneurial success. As a seasoned entrepreneur, Wayne has extensive experience across numerous industries and regions. He is known for his ability to challenge assumptions and uncover hidden values, enabling clients to achieve their goals. By engaging with Wayne, you can benefit from his expertise, innovative thinking, and problem-solving skills, which can help elevate your business and marketing efforts. Top CEOs, best-selling authors, and startups have sought his practical advice and guidance, making him a valuable resource for any entrepreneur or business professional.
About Wayne Mullins: Wayne is a devoted entrepreneur, strives to deliver exceptional experiences and form a high-performing team at Ugly Mug Marketing. Often dubbed "the guru's guru," he is sought after by top CEOs, best-selling authors, and Silicon Valley startups for guidance. Wayne enjoys assisting entrepreneurs in reevaluating assumptions, uncovering untapped value, and achieving seemingly impossible goals. His expertise spans 91 industries, 34 states, and 11 countries, showcasing his diverse and extensive experience.
About Ugly Mug Marketing: Ugly Mug Marketing is a results-oriented marketing agency dedicated to helping businesses achieve their goals through effective branding, website development, and marketing strategies. They focus on delivering tangible outcomes that drive growth and success for their clients.
With a team of skilled professionals, Ugly Mug Marketing works closely with clients to understand their needs and tailor solutions that maximize impact. Their commitment to exceptional service and a results-driven approach has made them a trusted partner for businesses seeking to enhance their brand, optimize their online presence, and amplify their marketing efforts.
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 Ugly Mug Marketing website at https://www.uglymugmarketing.com/
Check out Ugly Mug Marketing on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ugly-mug-marketing/
Check out Ugly Mug Marketing on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ugly-Mug-Marketing/200440849972203
Check out Ugly Mug Marketing on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/uglymugmarketing/
Check out Wayne Mullins on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fireyourself/
Check out Wayne Mullins on Instagram at
https://instagram.com/fireyourself
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.

Apr 18, 2023 • 20min
1519 – Hiring Start to Finish with Vidcruiter’s Sean Fahey
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the CEO and Founder of VidRecruiter, Sean Fahey.
Connecting with Sean Fahey can benefit those seeking insights from an experienced professional in the remote recruitment industry. As the CEO and Founder of a rapidly growing company, VidCruiter, Sean possesses valuable entrepreneurship and human resources expertise. You can access his knowledge of best practices for efficient recruitment, remote hiring, and HR technology implementation by engaging with him.
Additionally, Sean's passion for sharing his success stories and learnings provides a unique opportunity for individuals and businesses to learn from a proven leader in the field.
About Sean Fahey: Sean is an award-winning business leader, serial entrepreneur, and CEO of VidCruiter, one of the fastest-growing remote recruitment companies on the market. He holds an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Florida Atlantic University, and after years of first-hand recruitment experience, he’s passionate about sharing what he knows so others might find the same level of success he has.
About VidRecruiter: VidCruiter simplifies the hiring process by providing HR tech software significantly reducing time-to-hire while improving the candidate experience and helping employers find better-qualified applicants. The company uses Recruitment Process Modelling to digitize and customize the workflow, allowing it to mirror and enhance existing recruiting processes, ensuring a smooth online transition. Their services include live and pre-recorded video interviews, interview scheduling, skills testing, automated reference checks, audio interviews, and video proctoring.
Each product can be used independently or as part of VidCruiter's fully optimized recruitment platform. The software helps organizations transition to remote hiring and modernize outdated recruitment practices, such as phone interviews and manual reference checks, making the hiring process more efficient and effective.
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 VidRecruiter website at https://vidcruiter.com/
Check out VidRecruiter on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vidcruiter/
Check out Sean Fahey on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-fahey-vid/
Check out Sean Fahey on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/sfahey
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.

Apr 17, 2023 • 21min
1518 – What You Can Bring to The Table with Talents Ascend’s Robyn Grable
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Founder and CEO of Talents ASCEND, Robyn Grable.
Connecting with Robyn Grable provides an opportunity to learn from an experienced leader with a deep understanding of inclusive employment strategies. As the Founder and CEO of Talents ASCEND and Veterans ASCEND, Robyn has worked extensively in human resources and talent acquisition, focusing on supporting underserved talent pools. Her private sector and U.S. Navy background offers valuable insights into workforce management and human capital planning. By connecting with Robyn, you can gain knowledge on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and potentially improve your organization's talent acquisition strategy.
About Robyn Grable: Robyn is the Founder and CEO of Talents ASCEND and Veterans ASCEND, now part of The ASCEND Collective (501c3), which she created to help employers invest in a talent acquisition strategy intentional model of inclusivity for military talent, people with disabilities, and justice-involved candidates.
Her unwavering commitment to inclusive employment is well-served by her corporate and military experience, including more than 30 years of private sector human resources after nine years of service in the U.S. Navy. Her ongoing study of America’s workforce has made her a leading voice on advocacy, removing barriers, and providing connections to successful employment for our underserved talent pools. In recognition of her work, Robyn was named among the 2023 GSA Women of Influence.
She focused primarily on workforce management, human capital planning, recruitment, process and procedure evaluation, strategic alignment, and relationship management in the private sector. She created skills assessment programs at blue chip companies McDonald’s Corporation and McGraw-Hill. During her tenure as a Strategic Client Partner at ADP, a leading human capital management firm, Robyn successfully managed and grew the largest client portfolio of Fortune 100 companies.
Today she is focused entirely on ensuring the skills of veterans, military spouses, people who happen to have a disability, and second-chance candidates are recognized and valued for their talent and that America’s employers implement intentional change to realize the full value of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all to truly ascend.
About Talents ASCEND: Talents ASCEND is an AI-powered diversity talent sourcing platform that enhances profitability and inclusivity for employers. By adopting a skills-based approach, it addresses hiring challenges intensified by the pandemic. The platform connects organizations with the right candidates based on their skills, fostering a diverse and well-prepared workforce.
Talents ASCEND streamlines the hiring process, enabling businesses to focus on interviewing, onboarding, and retention. The proactive, deliberate, and inclusive talent strategy not only reduces costs but also improves retention and promotes diversity. By prioritizing candidates' technical and soft skills, Talents ASCEND ensures that each hire is the right fit for the job, ultimately contributing to the company's long-term success.
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 Talents ASCEND website at https://talentsascend.com/
Check out Talents ASCEND on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/company/talentsascend/
Check out Talents ASCEND on Facebook at
https://facebook.com/talentsascend
Check out Talents ASCEND on Instagram at
https://instagram.com/talentsascend
Check out Talents ASCEND on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/talentsascend
Check out Robyn Grable on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynjgrable/
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.

Apr 16, 2023 • 24min
1517 – Types of High-End Clients with Elizabeth Cake Emporium’s Elizabeth Solaru
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to the Director of Luxury Business Emporium, Elizabeth Solaru.
Connecting with Elizabeth Solaru, director of Luxury Business Emporium, offers valuable insights into the luxury market. Her diverse background, including experience as a scientist, headhunter, and entrepreneur, uniquely equips her to understand high-end clients' psychology and buying habits. Elizabeth's expertise can help you navigate the complexities of luxury selling, enabling you to make informed decisions and effectively cater to your target audience. By engaging with Elizabeth, you can learn from a seasoned professional with a proven track record in the luxury industry.
About Elizabeth Solaru: Elizabeth is an author, an international keynote speaker, and an award-winning entrepreneur. Formerly a scientist and headhunter, she has honed her expertise in understanding luxury clients. She has successfully set up and run the world-renowned and multi-award-winning atelier Elizabeth's Cake Emporium and the Luxury Business Emporium.
Author of the best-selling book OPULENCIA, Elizabeth is the co-host of the Luxury Business Podcast and Luxury News Weekly Podcast, a humorous and informative news commentary podcast focusing on luxury news and the business of luxury. Creator of the first million-dollar cake NFT, Elizabeth is considered to be a leading expert in the world of luxury selling.
As an international speaker, Elizabeth has spoken in 30 cities worldwide. Charming and engaging, she can impart her content to her clients with a unique style that is remembered long after the event. She is widely regarded as one of the few people to truly articulate high-end clients' psychology and buying habits. She does not shy away from tough questions and manages sensitive subjects professionally.
Luxury Business Emporium: They stands out as a beacon for those seeking to create and grow their luxury businesses, particularly in the early stages when resources may be scarce, and connections are limited.
Elizabeth understands the struggles faced by entrepreneurs in the luxury space. She navigated these challenges firsthand, from feeling overwhelmed by the myriad of tasks and decisions to feeling stuck in the face of adversity. This experience enables her to provide targeted, empathetic support for those venturing into high-end products and services.
The Luxury Business Emporium specializes in helping entrepreneurs attract the clientele they desire. By offering personalized coaching, actionable insights, and expert guidance, they help clients identify the right strategies to build and maintain relationships with affluent customers. Their deep understanding of the luxury market's nuances allows them to share unique, tailored advice that can give businesses 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 Luxury Business Emporium website at https://luxurybusinessemporium.com/
Check out Luxury Business Emporium on Facebook at
https://luxurybusinessemporium.com/#
Check out Luxury Business Emporium on Instagram at
https://luxurybusinessemporium.com/#
Check out Luxury Business Emporium on Twitter at
https://luxurybusinessemporium.com/#
Check out Elizabeth Solaru on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-solaru-1ba901/
Check out Orlando Gomez on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/FinkaJerkovic
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Apr 15, 2023 • 24min
1516 – How Commercials Work Today with Stellar Lense Productions’ Orlando Gomez
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Creative Director of Stellar Lense Productions Inc, Orlando Gomez.
Connecting with Orlando Gomez can be a valuable opportunity for individuals and businesses seeking to elevate their visual storytelling. As a video strategy expert and the creative director of Stellar Lense Productions Inc, Orlando brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. His impressive portfolio, which includes collaborations with prominent brands like Uber, Baskin-Robbins, Dove, and Samsung, as well as countless small businesses, showcases his ability to create engaging and impactful video content tailored to a variety of industries and audiences.
Orlando's expertise translates a brand's message and values into captivating narratives that resonate with viewers. Connecting with him lets you gain insights into the latest trends and best practices in video production and storytelling, helping you stay ahead of the curve. Also, his diverse background and adaptable skill set make him a valuable resource for those looking to refine their storytelling techniques or seeking guidance in creating memorable video campaigns.
About Orlando Gomez: Orlando J. Gomez is the founder of video production company Stellar Lense Productions, a video strategy expert specializing in visual storytelling for business. Orlando had worked with companies like Uber, Baskin-Robbins, Dove, and Samsung, as well as hundreds of small businesses across America to create video campaigns as engaging as your favorite Netflix shows.
About Stellar Lense Productions Inc: The magic of storytelling lies in its ability to forge connections, drive transformation, and ignite inspiration. At Stellar Lense Productions Inc, they recognize that video surpasses being a mere branding tool; it serves as the ultimate platform for showcasing one's identity, vision, and values to the world.
They specialize in diverse video content, including commercials, TV and film productions, music videos, and more. Their mission is to empower businesses, organizations, and artists to forge meaningful connections with their target audiences. By harnessing the unparalleled creative potential of video, Stellar Lense Productions Inc helps clients convey their unique narratives in captivating and memorable ways.
Dedicated to turning stories into compelling visual experiences that resonate with viewers, Stellar Lense Productions Inc leaves a lasting impact. They invite clients to embark on a creative journey together and demonstrate the extraordinary power of storytelling through video.
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Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Want to learn more? Check out Stellar Lense Productions Inc website at https://www.stellarlenseproductions.com/
Check out Stellar Lense Productions Inc on Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/stellarlenseproductions/
Check out Stellar Lense Productions Inc on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/stellarlenseproductions/
Check out Orlando Gomez on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlandojgomez/
Check out Orlando Gomez on Twitter at
https://twitter.com/FinkaJerkovic
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!
More from UpMyInfluence:
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