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Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice

Latest episodes

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Jun 13, 2025 • 20min

Redefining Business in the AI Era With John Corcoran

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.
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Jun 11, 2025 • 34min

Reimagining Money: Brandon Hatton’s Four Pillars of Conscious Wealth

Brandon Hatton is the President and Chief Investment Officer of Conscious Wealth, a values-driven wealth management firm dedicated to helping clients achieve financial well-being while fostering meaningful family connections, personal health, and perspective. He brings a diverse background in international education and finance, having begun his career at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management before continuing at Raymond James. Brandon is also the author of Conscious Wealth: Money, Investing, and a Financial Awakening for the Person Who Has It All and holds certifications as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®. In this episode… Financial success doesn’t always equal fulfillment. Many high-achievers accumulate wealth only to find themselves feeling disconnected, stressed, and unsure of how to preserve both their assets and their family’s values. What does it really take to create a life of abundance, meaning, and legacy? Brandon Hatton shares the powerful journey that led him from international classrooms to Wall Street boardrooms — and eventually to founding Conscious Wealth. Through personal upheaval and a reawakening of purpose, Brandon has built a new framework for wealth that integrates health, connection, mindset, and finances. He unpacks how families can communicate more effectively about money, how to transition wealth between generations, and why traditional financial planning misses key emotional and relational dynamics. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Brandon Hatton, President and CIO of Conscious Wealth, about redefining what it means to be truly wealthy. Brandon discusses his global experiences, his four-pillar philosophy, and how wealthy families can foster connection, resilience, and long-term meaning. This conversation provides an enlightening perspective for anyone looking to reimagine the purpose and impact of their financial resources.
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Jun 6, 2025 • 50min

Startup Trajectory: Building a Flywheel of Success With Dave Parker

Dave Parker is the CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global nonprofit network dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs. EO supports founders through peer groups, learning programs, and mentorship to help grow their businesses and themselves. With over three decades of experience in entrepreneurship, Dave has built five companies and successfully exited three, with one scaling to $32 million in revenue. He’s also a venture capitalist, author of Trajectory: Startup, and advocate for inclusive innovation and leadership in entrepreneurship. In this episode… Building a startup is a high-stakes rollercoaster ride — timing, funding, product-market fit, and personal resilience all matter. But what happens when the market moves faster or slower than your vision? Dave Parker, a seasoned founder, shares honest reflections on his five startups, including three exits, one failure, and valuable lessons learned along the way. He explains how entrepreneurs can de-risk decisions by understanding revenue models, tracking product-market fit with hard data, and staying self-aware. Dave also opens up about the emotional toll of failure and how EO creates a space for connection and support. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dave Parker, CEO of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, about building startups, scaling community, and investing with impact. Dave also shares insights on revenue modeling, the role of timing in startup success, and why EO is critical for founders navigating growth, uncertainty, and personal development.
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Jun 4, 2025 • 30min

Double the Business, Double the Impact With Elizabeth Yang

Elizabeth Yang is the CEO and Founder of Yang Law Offices and a Partner at OptiNizers. Yang Law Offices specializes in intellectual property and family law, while OptiNizers provides top-tier Filipino virtual talent to US businesses. Elizabeth is a best-selling author of six books and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member for District 2 in Monterey Park, California. She holds a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from UC Berkeley and formerly worked with Raytheon and NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. In this episode… Many professionals reach a point where they must decide between the security of employment and the freedom of entrepreneurship. But what happens when that decision involves juggling two entirely different careers — and family life? Elizabeth Yang tackled this dilemma head-on by leveraging her engineering background, legal education, and business acumen to forge her path. After experiencing the volatility of large law firms and the strain of long hours away from her children, she launched her law firm, Yang Law Offices, and simultaneously opened multiple indoor playgrounds. Elizabeth shares how she eventually decided to focus on the higher-margin legal business, how her four-year divorce led her to shift into family law, and how virtual assistants from her second company, OptiNizers, helped her scale efficiently. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Elizabeth Yang, CEO and Founder of Yang Law Offices and Partner at OptiNizers, about her multifaceted entrepreneurial journey. Elizabeth discusses how she built a law firm and indoor playground business simultaneously, what inspired her pivot to family law, and how her divorce shaped her practice. She also shares how remote teams can drive growth and her recent foray into local government.
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May 30, 2025 • 47min

The Comeback Kid: Daniel Shemtob’s Story of Loss and Triumph

Daniel Shemtob is the CEO and Founder of Snibbs, a company that creates ergonomically designed, slip-resistant footwear for professionals in healthcare and hospitality. He also created the acclaimed food truck brand, The Lime Truck, which gained national attention by winning Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race twice. Building on his culinary success, Daniel opened Hatch Yakitori + Bar in Downtown Los Angeles, offering a modern take on Japanese skewers. After losing his home in the 2025 Pacific Palisades Fire, he partnered with World Central Kitchen to provide meals and Snibbs footwear to those affected. In this episode… What does it take to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger than before? From losing everything in the LA fires to weathering the tumultuous economic downturns of the past decade, resilience seems to be the cornerstone of a successful life. But how does one cultivate such tenacity in the face of adversity? Daniel Shemtob, a celebrated chef and entrepreneur, shares the candid story of his entrepreneurial journey marked by extreme highs and lows. After filing for personal bankruptcy in his early 20s following a failed real estate stint, Daniel shifted toward passion-driven work, launching the now-famous Lime Truck. Years later, when COVID-19 decimated his catering business, he doubled down on Snibbs, his footwear company, and pivoted by giving away shoes to essential workers — an act that unexpectedly catalyzed massive growth. Even after losing his home in the 2025 LA fires, Daniel partnered with World Central Kitchen to serve thousands of meals and distribute Snibbs footwear, showing that purpose and action can power recovery. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Daniel Shemtob, CEO and Founder of Snibbs, about overcoming adversity and scaling resilient brands. Daniel discusses rebounding from personal bankruptcy, how COVID-19 forced him to pivot, the inspiration behind Snibbs, and what he learned from losing his home in the LA fires.
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May 28, 2025 • 1h 13min

Building Your Dream Team: Why Professional Networks Matter With Charlie Garcia

Charlie Garcia is the Managing Partner at R360, a global invite-only community for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. R360 is dedicated to helping members and their families flourish across six capital dimensions: financial, intellectual, social, human, emotional, and spiritual. Charlie is a decorated United States Air Force veteran and has advised six US presidential administrations. He also founded Sterling Financial Investment Group, one of the fastest-growing private companies in the US, and has served on several corporate and governmental boards. In this episode… For many high achievers, building wealth and success doesn't always translate to fulfillment or impact. Entrepreneurs often face burnout, decision fatigue, or isolation, especially after a major liquidity event or business exit. Without the right community or purpose, even the most successful individuals can feel directionless or disconnected from their true potential. Charlie Garcia, a former Air Force captain turned financial entrepreneur, offers a compelling framework to shift this narrative. Drawing from his journey through military service, founding Sterling Financial, and advising six US Presidents, Charlie emphasizes aligning personal values with purpose. Through his leadership at R360, he encourages ultra-wealthy individuals to focus not just on financial growth but on flourishing across six dimensions of capital — financial, intellectual, social, human, emotional, and spiritual. He also shares how peer-based accountability, strategic mentorship, and lifelong learning communities like YPO and Vistage helped him evolve as a leader. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Charlie Garcia, Managing Partner at R360, about building purpose-driven wealth and community. Charlie shares insights into scaling Sterling Financial, lessons from the White House Fellowship, and how values-based leadership shaped the creation of R360. The conversation highlights the significance of aligning one's life purpose with personal and professional goals and the value of authentic leadership.
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May 23, 2025 • 43min

How Sean Bourquin Re-Engineered Success in the Lighting Industry

Sean Bourquin is the President and Founder of Full On Lighting, a premium lighting company specializing in high-performance mountain bike lights. With over two decades in the lighting industry, he previously founded First Light Technologies, a solar-powered outdoor lighting firm that became one of Canada's fastest-growing companies. Full On Lighting blends Sean’s technical engineering expertise with his passion for cycling, while XLYNX Materials, another of his ventures, focuses on pioneering molecular bonding solutions for industrial applications. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs face a moment when their secure, stable job no longer aligns with their deeper passions or curiosity. What happens when someone dares to leave that behind to pursue a vision no one else believes in? Sean Bourquin, a Canadian entrepreneur and engineer, shares how he transitioned from a shipyard apprentice to a leader in solar-powered lighting. When his ideas were dismissed by corporate leadership, Sean leaped to build his own company, innovating in solar lighting through smart, efficient designs and bold engineering. Focusing on municipalities and refining the sales approach through direct outreach and feedback, he scaled First Light Technologies into one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies. He shares how identifying municipalities as his core customer base, designing adaptive lighting systems that required no external configuration, and staying agile in sales execution were key to long-term growth. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Sean Bourquin, President and Founder of Full On Lighting, about starting, growing, and ultimately moving on from a wildly successful solar lighting business. Sean discusses his engineering-led sales strategy, the founding of Full On Lighting, and lessons from navigating founder conflict, legal battles, and reinvention.
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May 21, 2025 • 28min

Scaling Your Wealth Through Real Estate: The Henish Pulickal Way

Henish Pulickal is the Founder and CEO of CalHomeCo, a San Diego-based full-service real estate company. CalHomeCo specializes in investment property acquisition, fix-and-flip, pre-foreclosure acquisitions, and property management. Henish has over a decade of experience in real estate and is known for his integrity-driven approach, creative financing strategies, and commitment to empowering both clients and agents. He is also affiliated with ARO Real Estate of America and is an active Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member. In this episode… Navigating the world of real estate can feel overwhelming, especially when foreclosure or financial uncertainty looms large. For many homeowners, understanding their options — or even having someone trustworthy to talk to — can make all the difference. But how do you build a business that not only thrives on these conversations but also transforms communities? Henish Pulickal, a seasoned real estate investor, shares how he built a diverse real estate business by leading with service, creativity, and integrity. Henish discusses his unique approach to pre-foreclosure outreach, how he developed infill properties in high-demand California markets, and why ethical deal-making consistently wins over both clients and team members. From flipping homes to redeveloping a boutique hotel, Henish brings valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and relationship-building. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Henish Pulickal, Founder and CEO of CalHomeCo, about using real estate to create value and solve problems. Henish shares insights into flipping homes, infill development, ADUs, team leadership, and staying agile during market shifts. Whether you're an aspiring investor or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode promises valuable lessons on creating opportunities and sustaining success in the real estate industry.
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May 16, 2025 • 27min

Monetizing Your Expertise: A Conversation With Kathy Weidner

Kathy Weidner, known professionally as Kathy Mills Chang, is the CEO and Founder of KMC University, a company specializing in comprehensive consulting, training, and support services designed to help chiropractic practices streamline operations and improve profitability. Her team — composed of certified specialists with over 250 years of combined experience — offers a wealth of knowledge to the chiropractic community.  Kathy holds multiple certifications, including Certified Medical Compliance Specialist (MCS-P), Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO), Certified Professional Chiropractic Coder (CCPC), and Certified Clinical Chiropractic Assistant (CCCA). She is also actively involved in the Entrepreneurs' Organization, currently serving as the US West Regional Growth Director. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs hit a wall when they realize their hard-earned expertise doesn’t automatically translate into a profitable business. How do you take what you know and turn it into scalable products or services that others will pay for? Kathy Weidner, a veteran of the chiropractic industry, faced these exact challenges and found success by turning her deep knowledge of chiropractic billing and compliance into a scalable, online education business. She shares how she built KMC University by first solving urgent pain points for practitioners and then transforming that expertise into structured training and consulting services. Kathy emphasizes the importance of being solution-oriented, creating systems that work beyond herself, and leaning into opportunities like public speaking and community involvement to grow her influence and impact. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Kathy Weidner, Founder and CEO of KMC University, about building a business from niche expertise. Kathy talks about her entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of her online education platform, and the power of community through EO. She shares lessons on leadership, client retention, and creating scalable business models.
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May 14, 2025 • 36min

Growing a Contractor-Based Business and Kids With Alexandra Kaplan

Alexandra Gabriele Kaplan is the Founder and CEO of Kaplan Interpreting Services, a leading provider of certified medical and court interpreting services across the United States. With over 17 years of experience as a certified Spanish court interpreter, she is renowned for her precision in high-stakes environments, including courtrooms, hospitals, and corporate negotiations. In 2017, Alexandra founded Kaplan Interpreting Services, which now offers services in over 200 languages, supported by a global network of over 7,000 certified linguists. She holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Washington University and is also an alumna of the Latino Business Action Network's business scaling program at Stanford University. In this episode… Running a business based on freelancers can feel like a juggling act — especially when you’re also raising four kids. How do you manage a team of independent interpreters, serve critical healthcare and legal clients, and still preserve your family time? Alexandra Gabriele Kaplan answers this challenge by sharing the systems, mindset, and professional networks that allowed her to scale from solo interpreter to founder of Kaplan Interpreting Services. Drawing on her healthcare administration background, Alexandra highlights how she built trust with clients, vetted contractors, and responded with resilience during crises like COVID-19, all while maintaining personal balance. Her strategy of building strong relationships with both clients and interpreters has been key to her success, proving that clear communication and mutual respect are crucial in maintaining a well-functioning business ecosystem. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Alexandra Gabriele Kaplan, Founder and CEO of Kaplan Interpreting Services, about scaling a nationwide interpreting network. Alexandra discusses managing quality across languages, adapting during the pandemic, and the entrepreneurial programs that shaped her leadership. She also offers insights on building reputation, navigating AI disruption, and balancing work and family.

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