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Jeremy Ames is the Co-founder and CEO of Guidant Financial, a firm that helps entrepreneurs access capital via retirement-fund rollovers, SBA loans, and administrative services. He co-founded the company in 2003 with just $10,000 and a laptop. Over the years, Guidant has helped over 30,000 people start or buy small businesses and franchises across the US. Jeremy also has experience owning franchise operations himself and has launched additional ventures in media and business services. In this episode… Many aspiring entrepreneurs dream of owning a business but feel stuck because of financial barriers. Between mortgages, family expenses, and the uncertainty of leaving a steady job, the leap to ownership can seem impossible. How can everyday people actually make the transition from employee to business owner? According to Jeremy Ames, a seasoned entrepreneur and financing innovator, the key lies in smarter, more accessible funding strategies. He highlights how retirement funds and SBA loans can be leveraged to buy or start businesses without the traditional roadblocks of capital. By demystifying these financial tools, he shows how thousands of aspiring owners have turned savings into startups. The impact has been transformative, creating opportunities for people who never thought business ownership was within reach. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jeremy Ames, Co-founder and CEO of Guidant Financial, to talk about empowering everyday people through smart financing. You will learn how retirement funds can unlock business ownership, why SBA loans remain powerful, and how innovative financing structures fuel growth. Jeremy also shares lessons on scaling, resilience, and the future of AI in entrepreneurship.

Collin Stewart is the Founder and CEO of Predictable Revenue, a sales outsourcing company that helps B2B businesses build repeatable, scalable sales development teams. Under his leadership, Predictable Revenue has become a recognized leader in sales consulting, delivering over 10,000 booked meetings and scaling outbound sales for more than 55 companies. Recognized for his data-driven, practical approach to solving sales challenges, Collin also hosts the Predictable Revenue podcast, which boasts over 400 episodes. In this episode… Struggling to turn sales calls into paying customers can feel like hitting a wall, even when your tools and tactics seem solid. Many founders assume their scripts or CRMs are the problem. But could the real problem run deeper, with outbound sales success depending less on what you say and more on how well you listen? Collin Stewart, a seasoned entrepreneur and sales expert, discovered this lesson the hard way. He spent years building a CRM to compete with industry leaders, only to realize sales teams didn’t need another tool — they needed clearer processes and better support. By asking questions instead of making assumptions, Collin aligned his solutions with real customer pain points and unlocked lasting growth. His advice is simple: listen closely to your customers before building anything. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Collin Stewart, Founder and CEO of Predictable Revenue, about effective outbound sales strategies. Collin explains how active listening drives better product–market fit and shares insights on nurturing early leads, avoiding over-automation, and landing your first customers on a tight budget.

Brennah Davis is the Founder of The Marketing Matchmakers, a service that helps small businesses connect with the right marketing agencies. With over a decade of experience running her own agency and scaling teams, she has developed a proven process for creating successful partnerships across North America and the Caribbean. Brennah combines her financial savvy and people-centered approach to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships. In this episode… The marketing world is changing fast, and many business owners struggle to keep up. With agencies making big promises and results often unclear, choosing the right partner can feel risky and overwhelming. Is there a better way to navigate the maze and find the right marketing partners without getting burned? Drawing on a decade of agency experience, Brennah Davis witnessed the common frustrations of mismatched expectations, unclear deliverables, and outright disappointments. This inspired her to create a more transparent and supportive process by founding The Marketing Matchmakers. She describes how her background — from a childhood shaped by entrepreneurial parents to running her own agencies — provided unique insights into both the business and relational aspects of marketing. Brennah’s approach centers on deep, empathetic listening and asking probing questions to ensure a true understanding of a client’s goals, rather than simply matching them with the most convenient agency. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Brennah Davis, Founder of The Marketing Matchmakers, about how she helps companies find the right marketing partners, what to watch out for when hiring an agency, and how clear communication can prevent costly mistakes. They also discuss the impact of AI on marketing and why Brennah believes transparency is key to lasting business relationships.

Desmond Clark is the President of Bear Down Logistics, a company that provides reliable freight and transportation services across the United States. He leads the team in delivering efficient supply chain solutions for businesses of all sizes. Before founding Bear Down Logistics, Desmond built a successful career in professional football as a former NFL tight end for the Chicago Bears. He now combines leadership skills from sports and business to drive growth and excellence in logistics. In this episode… Success on the field and in business doesn’t happen by chance. It takes a clear vision, relentless preparation, and the ability to adapt when life throws unexpected challenges. How can the mindset that drives a professional athlete translate into winning strategies for life and entrepreneurship? According to Desmond Clark, a 12-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl competitor, it begins with committing to the process of greatness and executing consistently. He highlights how focusing on small, daily improvements creates long-term growth. His journey — from overcoming a tough childhood to thriving in professional sports and later navigating setbacks such as financial losses and career changes — illustrates the power of resilience and discipline. By treating both sports and business as a series of repeatable processes, he demonstrates that greatness is built one deliberate step at a time. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Desmond Clark, President of Bear Down Logistics, to discuss how the discipline of professional sports can drive entrepreneurial success. They explore how early-life adversity shaped Desmond’s work ethic, how NFL lessons influenced his business mindset, and how consistent execution builds lasting results. Desmond also shares his “process of greatness” approach for thriving in logistics and beyond.

Joaquin Cordero is the Founder and President of Lumen, a communications company that provides creative and advertising services including media commercialization, 360-degree agency work, BTL, print, and point-of-purchase services. He founded Lumen in 2009 in Guatemala, expanding it into El Salvador and Honduras and serving both local and global brands. Joaquin has also founded over eleven companies, and serves in leadership roles in the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, including Global Board Director and EO Global Chair-Elect. In this episode… Stepping away from the day to day demands of your own company can feel risky when growth and stability are on the line. Yet some of the most successful entrepreneurs insist that leading beyond their business creates new energy and ideas. How can taking on outside leadership roles actually spark innovation and strengthen resilience? According to Joaquin Cordero, a global entrepreneurial leader, dedicating time to serve in volunteer leadership opens doors to fresh perspectives and powerful relationships. He highlights how working with peers who run their own companies forces you to lead by influence and build trust instead of relying on authority. This approach has helped him foster a stronger company culture and inspire long term loyalty among his team. Joaquin’s experiences prove that growth often happens when you challenge yourself beyond your own organization. In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran speaks with Joaquin Cordero, Founder and President of Lumen, to talk about why stepping outside your business sparks innovation and resilience. They explore how serving in global leadership roles fuels personal and professional growth and how trust and collaboration transform company culture. Joaquin also shares lessons from navigating unexpected challenges and building long-term client relationships.

Ghazenfer Mansoor is the CEO of Technology Rivers, a Virginia-based firm that helps startups and healthcare organizations build compliant, AI-powered software through a structured product strategy approach. Under his leadership, the company has developed nearly 60 apps across industries, with a focus on healthcare and AI-driven productivity.  Originally from Pakistan, Ghazenfer’s early adoption of emerging technologies such as Java led to a career in the US, pioneering roles in mobile app development, and eventually founding Technology Rivers. He is also the author of Beyond the Download, where he shares practical strategies for app growth and innovation. In this episode… Staying ahead in a fast-changing tech world is no easy feat, especially when innovation often outpaces the ability to keep up. What does it take to transition from humble beginnings to making a real impact in the modern tech landscape? And with AI revolutionizing industries at breakneck speed, how do today’s leaders prepare themselves and their teams for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead? Ghazenfer Mansoor tackled these challenges head-on by embracing emerging trends before they hit the mainstream. Growing up in poverty in Pakistan, Ghazenfer leveraged unique educational opportunities to build a foundation in computers, then differentiated himself by mastering Java just as it was becoming a market disruptor. This decision not only opened doors to a career in the US during the dot-com boom but also allowed him to pivot successfully into mobile app development before the smartphone era exploded. Through lessons learned from his first startup, he pivoted to founding Technology Rivers, helping startups, especially in healthcare, develop compliant, AI-powered software. Currently, Ghazenfer focuses on leveraging AI tools to increase productivity tenfold, ensuring his team stays ahead by integrating the latest technologies into every layer of their workflow. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Ghazenfer Mansoor, CEO of Technology Rivers, about building a future-proof career in technology. Ghazenfer shares strategies for spotting emerging trends, integrating AI into technical and non-technical roles, and differentiating yourself in a competitive marketplace. He also explores continuous learning, productivity, and creating apps that users truly love and keep.

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… The world of podcasting and digital marketing is changing fast as generative AI and shifting SEO rules redefine how audiences find and consume content. With so much uncertainty, how can businesses ensure their podcasts remain visible, relevant, and powerful tools for authority building? According to John Corcoran, a seasoned podcaster and business strategist, the fundamentals of SEO and relationship-driven marketing remain more important than ever. He emphasizes that while AI and search engines may evolve, building credibility, cleaning up websites, and delivering valuable content are timeless strategies for growth. John highlights how tools like Ahrefs can uncover hidden technical issues and how reading the right resources can sharpen SEO strategy. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen interviews John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, to discuss adapting podcasting and SEO in the age of AI. They explore how generative AI impacts podcast growth, why tools like Ahrefs are essential for visibility, and the SEO books every marketer should read. John also shares how podcasting helps professionals in even the smallest markets attract clients and build authority.

Matt Zemon, MSc, is an educator, author, and leader in psychedelic wellness who focuses on the impact of psychedelics on mental health. He is the best-selling author of Psychedelics for Everyone, Beyond the Trip, and The Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics. His work centers on expanding access to psychedelic therapies, supporting veterans, and helping people find purpose, connection, and healing. In this episode… Psychedelics have moved from counterculture to boardroom, and more entrepreneurs are turning to them for healing and personal growth. But can these substances really transform the way business leaders think, feel, and lead? According to Matt Zemon, a bestselling author and educator in psychedelic wellness, the answer is yes. He explains how a guided journey helped him reconnect with his late mother, opening the door to profound emotional healing. He highlights the importance of mindset, environment, and source when approaching these medicines responsibly. For Matt, psychedelics didn’t just shift his inner world; they made him a more present father, a more grounded entrepreneur, and an advocate for veterans and others seeking transformation. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Matt Zemon, an educator, author, and leader in psychedelic wellness, to discuss how psychedelics are helping entrepreneurs heal and grow. Matt also shares insights on the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, MDMA, and 5-MeO-DMT. Discover how psychedelics can enhance emotional availability, why set and setting are vital for safety, and how these tools are supporting veterans with PTSD.

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.