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Dave Burnett is the CEO and Founder of AOK Marketing, a digital marketing agency specializing in AI-driven SEO, paid media, and lead generation. AOK Marketing helps companies grow by optimizing their online presence through modern tools and strategies. Dave is a digital transformation expert who has mentored over 1,000 businesses and trained professionals through the Canadian Marketing Association. He previously co-founded Achievers.com, which was acquired for $110 million, and has started multiple other ventures, including PromotionalProducts.com. In this episode… Google’s dominance in search is being questioned in the age of AI. With new tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity changing how people find information, is traditional SEO becoming obsolete? And how can companies ensure they’re still discoverable when clicks are disappearing? Online marketing and AI expert Dave Burnett unpacks the changing landscape of online search and explains why businesses need to look beyond backlinks and keywords. Dave emphasizes that entity authority — how consistently your business is represented online — is now crucial for visibility in AI-driven search. He shares strategies for optimizing websites, tracking prompts, and maintaining your brand's visibility in both traditional and AI-powered search results. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dave Burnett, CEO of AOK Marketing, about the intersection of SEO, AI, and digital marketing strategy. Dave shares insights on entity optimization, tracking AI search performance, and the tools that help him scale faster. The conversation also touches on ABM campaigns, technical SEO, and building AI-friendly web infrastructure.

Jason Barnard is the CEO and Founder of Kalicube, a digital brand consultancy operating in France and the US. Kalicube helps business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers understand how search engines and AI platforms interpret and display online information. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, Jason is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. In this episode… AI-generated summaries and chatbot answers are quickly changing how people search, sparking debate over whether SEO is becoming obsolete.  Some business leaders fear the rise of AI will wipe out traditional strategies, while others believe the fundamentals of digital visibility remain unchanged for now. What does this massive shift mean for businesses trying to get found online? Jason Barnard, a digital brand management expert, believes you can — but only if you adapt. He shares why keyword-first SEO strategies are no longer effective and how to instead focus on expanding human knowledge through content. Jason explains how machines perceive online credibility, why citations and mentions are the new backlinks, and how companies can restructure their sites to better serve AI bots. From reducing friction for crawlers to reframing personal branding stories, Jason outlines a roadmap for digital success in the AI era. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jason Barnard, CEO of Kalicube, about how generative AI is transforming SEO and online reputation. Jason dives into reframing brand narratives, optimizing for AI comprehension, and the importance of educating algorithms to build trust and visibility. He also shares strategies for utilizing AI as a writing partner and provides tips on minimizing technical friction on your site.

Dr. Jonathan Knaul, PhD, CD, is a retired Royal Canadian Air Force test pilot with over 30 years of service, including 23 years in flight testing on helicopters, UAVs, and specialized aerospace systems. He now serves as a Rotary-Wing Flight Test Pilot Instructor and Safety Manager at the National Test Pilot School in Mojave, California, where he trains the next generation of test pilots and engineers.  An Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and licensed Professional Engineer, Dr. Knaul has contributed to both aviation and space research while holding leadership roles in the military and industry. He is also the author of Final Approach: A Test Pilot’s Story of Caring for Loved Ones, blending his experiences in aviation with powerful lessons in resilience and caregiving. In this episode… Balancing a demanding career with the responsibility of caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming and isolating. Many face the emotional strain of supporting loved ones through illnesses like cancer or dementia while still trying to maintain their stability. How do you endure such challenges without burning out? Dr. Jonathan Knaul, a highly accomplished aerospace engineer, shares how he navigated these challenges by drawing on lessons from aviation and military service. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, preparation, and compartmentalization — skills he relied on both in the cockpit and at home. Dr. Knaul also emphasizes the value of recognizing vulnerability, particularly when burnout begins, and taking action by seeking medical advice or professional caregiving support, much like putting on your oxygen mask before assisting others. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dr. Jonathan Knaul, test pilot instructor at the National Test Pilot School, about his book, Final Approach. Dr. Knaul discusses the complexities of balancing service and family and opens up about emotional vulnerability, caregiving strategies, and mental health in the aviation profession.

Rani Dabrai is a Certified EOS® Implementer and the only one currently based in Ireland. She is a seasoned entrepreneur who started her first business at 25 and went on to lead ventures ranging from a global virtual assistant company to coordinating international trade missions for US governors and senators. After a successful exit, Rani served as Director of the World Trade Centre in Dublin, driving FDI and international trade. She now sits on UNICEF Ireland’s advisory council and is a Senior Partner to the Monaco Foundry. In this episode… Understanding what lies beneath the surface of a team is one of the most overlooked aspects of leadership. Missed cues, unspoken frustrations, and unaddressed conflicts can quietly derail growth and morale. How can leaders better “read the room” to unlock stronger communication, trust, and results? Seasoned entrepreneur Rani Dabrai emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and the ability to tune into what’s not being said. Drawing on her entrepreneurial journey — from founding a global virtual assistant company to coordinating international trade missions — Rani highlights the value of identifying gateway products, facilitating difficult conversations, and staying present with her teams. For her, long-term success depends on a leader’s willingness to address hard truths, adapt to change, and leverage human connection even in an AI-driven world. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Rani Dabrai, Certified EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide, about the power of reading the room in business. Rani shares how her upbringing shaped her emotional intelligence, the origins of her concierge company Miss Moneypenny, and how a drug dealer helped her discover her best marketing strategy. She also discusses EOS tools, team accountability, and the human advantage in the AI age.

Michael Richman is a Professional EOS Implementer with EOS Worldwide, a company that helps entrepreneurial leadership teams gain clarity, traction, and results through a proven operating system. With a background as a fifth-generation entrepreneur, he brings decades of firsthand experience in building and scaling businesses. Before becoming an EOS Implementer, Michael owned and operated a second-generation multimillion-dollar custom manufacturing company, culminating in a successful exit. He holds a degree in communications from the University of Southern California (USC) and an MBA in small business entrepreneurship from California Lutheran University. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs face the challenge of running and growing a family business while balancing legacy, leadership, and long-term sustainability. Scaling can feel overwhelming, employees may resist change, and eventually, the emotional weight of selling a business becomes unavoidable. How do you create clarity, build respect, and prepare a company for both growth and transition? Michael Richman shares how he navigated these challenges as a fifth-generation entrepreneur. By securing major accounts like Starbucks, Panda Express, and Family Dollar, Michael proved his value and helped expand his family’s custom manufacturing business nationwide. Later, he turned to the EO community and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to implement simple tools, such as scorecards, accountability charts, and people management systems — changes that unlocked growth, revealed hidden problems, and ultimately prepared the business for a successful exit. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Michael Richman, Professional EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide, about transitioning a legacy business and scaling with systems. Michael discusses custom manufacturing, high-trust B2B partnerships, and how the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) changed his trajectory.

Nitin Pachisia is the Founding Partner of Unshackled Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in immigrant founders while providing visa and employment support. Originally from India, he immigrated to the US in 2005 and built a career that spans Deloitte and experience as VP of Finance at ed-tech startup Kno, Inc., acquired by Intel. In 2014, Nitin co-founded Unshackled Ventures to help entrepreneurs overcome immigration barriers and accelerate growth. Under his leadership, the firm has invested in startups across AI, climate tech, and healthcare, closing multiple funds, including a $35 million Fund III. In this episode… Many ambitious entrepreneurs arrive in the United States with bold ideas but face significant obstacles when trying to start companies. Visa restrictions often force them into jobs unrelated to their skills, limiting their ability to innovate and create jobs. How can these driven individuals turn their vision into reality while navigating a system that seems stacked against them? Nitin Pachisia, an expert in early-stage investing and immigrant entrepreneurship, shares how determination, clarity of vision, and calculated risk-taking can overcome these challenges. Nitin explains the importance of identifying opportunities aligned with personal goals, building resilience through adversity, and seeking partners and investors who believe in your mission. He also emphasizes evaluating founders based on traits like obsession, curiosity, and self-awareness rather than just industry trends or current traction. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Nitin Pachisia, Founding Partner at Unshackled Ventures, about empowering immigrant founders to launch and grow companies. Nitin discusses overcoming visa-related barriers, the mindset needed to identify and invest in high-potential founders, and the value of unconventional career choices.

Pete Martin is the Founder and CEO of Vestara Advisors and the author of Scale Up Faster. Vestara Advisors specializes in helping tech and B2B service companies scale strategically and maximize valuation. A serial entrepreneur and expert advisor, Pete has closed over $1 billion in software deals and founded six companies, selling four of them, including one to KPMG. His book distills proven strategies from the fastest-growing bootstrapped companies into practical frameworks for scaling quickly without outside funding. In this episode… Many business owners dream of scaling quickly, but they face unpredictable revenue, cultural misalignment, and unclear exit strategy. Without clarity on their company’s true value drivers, they risk underpricing their business or losing strategic control. What if there were a way to grow faster, build a stronger culture, and sell for a premium without relying on external funding? Pete Martin, a serial entrepreneur and author of Scale Up Faster, shares his research from hundreds of high-growth, bootstrapped companies to reveal what works — and what doesn’t — when scaling. Drawing from interviews with nearly 100 founders who doubled revenues year after year, Pete reveals their counterintuitive strategies — like mastering a single marketing channel, building recurring revenue, and hiring solely for cultural and value alignment. He also offers a framework for preparing a business for sale, crafting a compelling growth narrative, and cultivating relationships with potential buyers well in advance of the exit. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Pete Martin, Founder and CEO of Vestara Advisors, about scaling businesses without outside funding. Pete discusses the importance of culture, his process for building recurring revenue, and how he achieved a 12x EBITDA sale. He also shares insights from his book, founder traits that drive growth, and the power of focused marketing channels.

Peter Lang is a seasoned entrepreneur and M&A strategist who helps agencies and digital businesses grow through smart acquisitions and integration. He co-founded Uhuru Network in 2010, building it into a seven-figure digital sales and inbound marketing agency before exiting in December 2022. Peter is now Founder of Digital Agency Business, Owner of Digital Mastermind Group, and a board member at Lang Acquisitions, where he supports leaders and portfolio companies in driving growth through strategic M&A and collaboration. In this episode… Many agency owners struggle to break past growth plateaus using only organic methods. While expanding client rosters and service offerings can help, these paths are often slow, unpredictable, and resource-heavy. Could acquiring other agencies be a faster and more strategic way to expand capabilities, increase revenue, and build long-term value? Peter Lang, an experienced entrepreneur and M&A strategist, explains how intentional acquisitions can unlock rapid growth and solve operational challenges. Peter shares how to identify opportunities, align a seller’s motivations with your vision, and integrate teams without losing cultural balance. He also emphasizes the importance of having a clear long-term objective, building deal flow systems, and treating integration as a professional discipline to maximize the value of each transaction. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Peter Lang, Founder of Digital Agency Business and Owner of Digital Mastermind Group, about using M&A to grow agencies. Peter discusses sourcing and closing deals, creating a compelling vision for sellers, and best practices for integration. He also talks about cultural fit in acquisitions, avoiding common M&A pitfalls, and his journey from agency founder to advisor and dealmaker.

Clay Unicorn is the Founder and former CEO of Unicorn.Love, a venture studio that empowers entrepreneurs to build, scale, and exit high‑impact B2B companies. Under his leadership, Unicorn reached a $1.25 billion valuation and became known for its innovations in AI, technology, and venture development. Clay has been a consultant for some of the biggest names in tech: Google, Samsung, Facebook, and Comcast. He has played a pivotal role in launching and scaling ventures like Bowery, iPondr, and ReVision — turning bold ideas into multimillion‑dollar successes. In this episode… What do you do when your hard-earned agency falls apart, a big exit deal collapses overnight, and your business partner’s investments freeze assets? How do you recover with integrity — and even reshape your company into something more mission-driven? Clay Unicorn confronts these challenges head‑on, sharing actionable lessons from building and rebuilding multiple ventures. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with the right partners, recognizing the warning signs of misaligned visions, and protecting both your capital and emotional bandwidth. Clay recounts his journey from early candy hustles and agency launches to creating Unicorn.Love, an ethical venture studio, illustrates how failure can fuel smarter decisions, how small MVPs can lead to multimillion‑dollar funding rounds, and why embracing AI and calculated risk is essential for scaling ventures. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Clay Unicorn, Founder of Unicorn.Love, about transforming a traditional development agency into an ethical venture studio. Clay explores his evolution from selling candy as a kid to running conscious studio-backed startups. He discusses Scaffald, investing in Bowery, navigating AI shifts, brick‑and‑mortar lessons, and building ventures with founder-aligned equity while creating systemic value.

Travis Hoechlin is the CEO of RizeUp Media, an agency specializing in helping law firms generate new clients, increase revenue, and grow their businesses through online marketing strategies. With over 15 years of experience in legal marketing, he has significantly contributed to the company’s rapid success, including making the Inc. 5000 list two years in a row. His expertise lies in managing various aspects of marketing, from website development to SEO and pay-per-click advertising. Travis previously worked in the mortgage business before channeling his competitive spirit and sales acumen into founding RizeUp Media. In this episode… Many law firms struggle to attract new clients beyond referrals, leaving them unable to scale consistently or predictably. They often lack strong intake processes, fail to respond quickly to leads, and resist adopting modern marketing strategies. How can attorneys shift from reactive, referral-dependent growth to a proactive approach that drives steady business? Travis Hoechlin explains how attorneys can strengthen their client acquisition efforts by refining intake systems, embracing targeted online strategies, and focusing on relationship-driven growth. Travis emphasizes the importance of speed-to-lead, tracking conversion data, and coaching legal teams on handling inbound inquiries. He also shares how in-person networking, trade shows, and a seasoned sales team can outperform purely digital outreach for reaching attorneys. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Travis Hoechlin, Co-founder and CEO of RizeUp Media, about scaling law firm visibility and client acquisition. Travis discusses lessons from his baseball and mortgage careers, how to gain credibility with lawyers, and the role of intake in converting leads. He also covers the impact of AI on marketing, strategies for client retention, and the importance of diversification.