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Catie King is the Co-founder of Stradia Partners, a consultancy that empowers companies to optimize operations through low-code, no-code, and AI-powered technology solutions. Stradia Partners specializes in building scalable internal tools using platforms like Airtable and Retool to streamline workflows, consolidate data, and boost team efficiency across industries. With over a decade of experience in product management, Catie previously served as Head of Product at flyExclusive, one of the largest private jet operators in the US. Outside of her work in tech, she is also a musician and a strong advocate for data-informed decision-making. In this episode… Many growing companies struggle with inefficiencies, fragmented data, and time-consuming manual processes, especially when teams rely on outdated spreadsheets or lack the budget for full-scale development. How can these businesses leverage today's tools to simplify operations and scale smarter? Catie King, an experienced product manager turned tech founder, believes the solution lies in low-code, no-code, and AI-powered platforms. Drawing from her experience leading product at a major private jet company and now co-founding Stradia Partners, Catie shares how tools like Airtable and Retool empower non-developers to create sophisticated solutions that streamline workflows and reduce costs. She also unpacks how generative AI is accelerating this shift, making once complex tech accessible to lean teams. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Catie King, Co-founder of Stradia Partners, about building custom solutions using low-code and AI. Catie shares how her background in music and journalism led her to tech, why she believes in empowering operations teams, and how tools like Airtable, Retool, and generative AI are redefining modern software development.

Carrie Schochet is the Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, a boutique executive search firm specializing in senior-level placements for private equity and family businesses. Purple Squirrel Advisors is renowned for its personalized, "white glove" recruitment process, emphasizing cultural fit and long-term success in placements. Beyond her professional endeavors, Carrie founded CFO Next in 2013 to support transitioning senior financial executives through networking and resources. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Career Services Committee for Financial Executives International (FEI), advancing professional development for finance leaders. In this episode… Leaving behind a stable corporate career can be terrifying, especially when you're the primary breadwinner with a young family. Many professionals stay in roles that drain them because they fear the unknown or lack a clear path forward. What does it take to pivot from a high-pressure corporate role into a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey? Carrie Schochet, an experienced executive recruiter, faced this exact dilemma and chose to take control of her future. After an unsupportive return from maternity leave, Carrie left her job and moved her family to a new city, where she rebuilt her career from the ground up. She focused on serving small to midsize businesses, built strategic relationships within the private equity space, and launched CFO support groups to add value to her network. Carrie emphasizes the importance of authentic connection, value-driven leadership, and building a resilient team that can thrive through personal and economic challenges. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Carrie Schochet, Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, about the nuances of executive search. Carrie delves into the significance of cultural alignment in hiring, the evolving dynamics of the talent market, and her firm's unique "white glove" approach to recruitment. The conversation also touches on remote work trends, building long-term client relationships, and Carrie's philanthropic efforts.

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… It's easier than ever to create content, but standing out and building meaningful relationships remains a major challenge. How can B2B leaders and entrepreneurs use podcasting and AI tools to drive growth, deepen connections, and establish thought leadership in today's noisy landscape? John Corcoran tackles this challenge by sharing specific tools and strategies that have proven effective. He explains how ChatGPT can be transformed into personalized AI coaches across multiple life areas, using uploaded documents and tailored prompts to enhance its utility. John also outlines how podcasting can serve as a relationship-building mechanism, whether reconnecting with past contacts like Ed O'Keefe or converting existing content into multi-platform episodes. Additionally, he shares a simple yet powerful method for boosting YouTube engagement through paid views and follow-up emails, which helps elevate guest exposure and strengthens ongoing partnerships. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen interviews John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, about leveraging AI and podcasting for business growth. John dives into AI productivity hacks, how to repurpose content effectively, and why guest interviews build lasting credibility. He also touches on using podcasting to rekindle professional relationships, the benefits of tools like Gemini and Veo 3, and his top podcast recommendations in the investment and wellness spaces.

Brian Smith is the Founder of UGG, the globally recognized sheepskin boots brand. Originally from Australia, he transitioned from a career in accounting to entrepreneurship after studying at the UCLA School of Management. Brian launched UGG Imports in 1978 with minimal capital and a bold vision to introduce sheepskin boots to the American market. Over the course of two decades, he built the brand into a cultural icon renowned for its comfort and quality — before eventually selling it to Deckers Outdoor Corporation. In this episode… Every entrepreneur dreams of turning their idea into a household name, but few consider the financial hurdles and missteps that can threaten even the most promising ventures. What do you do when your product starts to gain traction, but the business is financially drowning? Brian Smith, the founder of a now-iconic footwear brand, shared hard-won lessons on breaking into a resistant market. Drawing from his experience as a surfer and former accountant, Brian explained how deeply understanding your target audience and reflecting on their aspirations can transform marketing outcomes. His breakthrough came when he stopped using professional models and instead featured young surfers in authentic settings. He also cautioned against the dangers of "profitless prosperity," where rapid sales growth outpaces financial planning, and stressed the importance of sound financial literacy and timing when scaling a product-based business. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Brian Smith, Founder of UGG, to discuss how he created an iconic footwear brand. Brian reveals how surf culture shaped UGG's early marketing, why selling a fast-growing business was necessary, and how he's mentoring modern entrepreneurs today. Listeners will learn about Brian's innovative marketing strategies and the critical role of resilience in business success.

David Meyer is a Partner at Spoke Marketing, LLC, a full-service marketing agency specializing in sales-driven brand storytelling and scalable marketing strategies. With a career spanning over 16 years at Spoke Marketing, David has been instrumental in guiding the agency through various economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis. An early adopter of Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), he now leverages his expertise to help clients implement the same framework, focusing on goal-setting, accountability, and achieving meaningful results. In this episode… Effective marketing often begins with a symptom: weak lead generation, under-engaged prospects, or uninspiring messaging. But without digging deeper, many companies jump straight into tactics — emails, ads, automation — without understanding the root cause. Could the misalignment between brand story and strategy be the real issue? David Meyer stresses the importance of diagnosing the real marketing problem by asking probing questions and uncovering the "why" behind symptoms. He guides companies to align messaging with their vision, values, and customer motivations. Through practical frameworks — like leveraging EOS structure, developing story-driven brand identity, and implementing sales‑ready tactics — David provides a clear pathway from introspection to measurable marketing outcomes. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews David Meyer, Partner at Spoke Marketing, LLC, about crafting story‑first strategies. David shares frameworks for asking the right questions, aligning messaging, planning campaigns, utilizing marketing automation, and measuring lead‑to‑sales impact.

Braydan Young is the Co-founder and CEO of SlashExperts, a leading peer-conversation platform that helps B2B companies accelerate revenue by connecting prospective buyers with real customers. Under his leadership, SlashExperts announced $2M in seed funding in April 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company. Braydan has a background in entrepreneurship, having previously co-founded Sendoso, a successful company that is a leading sending platform simplifying direct mail, gifting, and corporate gifting processes for businesses. Beyond his ventures, he serves as a mentor at ChicoSTART, offering guidance to emerging entrepreneurs. In this episode… Launching a startup is never easy, but scaling one introduces an entirely new set of challenges. Founders often struggle to balance rapid growth with operational complexity, investor expectations, and the pressure to remain profitable. How do entrepreneurs navigate these competing demands while staying true to their vision? Braydan Young turned a simple idea, sending Starbucks gift cards via email, into a fast-growing business by staying attuned to customer needs and market shifts. As demand expanded, he evolved the offering from basic digital gifting to full-scale warehousing and fulfillment, ultimately co-founding Sendoso and raising over $100 million in venture funding, including a $100M Series C. When market conditions changed, Braydan faced tough decisions, including multiple rounds of layoffs, which taught him the importance of transparent leadership and leading with empathy during difficult moments. These experiences shaped his approach to building more resilient companies. He emphasizes the value of listening to customers, staying flexible, and learning from setbacks to drive long-term success. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Braydan Young, Co-founder of SlashExperts, about startup growth, resilience, and innovation. Braydan discusses hypergrowth during COVID-19, the complexities of warehousing, lessons from fundraising, his new SaaS peer-to-peer model, and strategies for lean startup operations.

TJ Pitre is the Founder and CEO of Southleft, LLC, a front-end application design and development agency based in New Orleans. With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, he has grown Southleft into a multimillion-dollar agency, partnering with global brands such as IBM, Google, Caterpillar, and PetSmart, as well as community-driven organizations—all without relying on traditional sales or marketing methods. Before founding Southleft, TJ held prominent roles, including Director of Internet Front-End Development for Martha Stewart Living and web developer for Emeril Lagasse's restaurant group. In this episode… Growing up in poverty can shape a person's outlook in profound ways. For some, it creates limiting beliefs; for others, it becomes fuel for ambition. But how does one break free from generational cycles of hardship to build a thriving business in the competitive world of technology? TJ Pitre found his escape in art, which led him down a winding path of freelance graphic design, web development, and ultimately entrepreneurship. Along the way, he worked with some of the biggest names in media, including Emeril Lagasse and Martha Stewart, honing his skills in front-end development. With encouragement from mentors and family, TJ launched Southleft, building an agency that bridges the gap between design and development while serving high-profile clients. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews TJ Pitre, Founder and CEO of Southleft, LLC, about his inspiring rise from poverty to business ownership. TJ discusses his early creative pursuits, his career working for Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse, and the leap of faith that launched Southleft. He also touches on growing up without financial stability, the pivotal role of mentors, and how he built long-term client relationships.

Nathan Whittacre is the Founder and CEO of Stimulus Technologies, a managed IT services provider specializing in internet services, cloud computing, and VoIP solutions across multiple US states. With a bachelor's and master's degree in computer science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nathan has been at the forefront of the tech industry for over 30 years. He is an accomplished author of The CEO's Digital Survival Guide, host of the Stimulus Tech Talk podcast, and frequent keynote speaker on topics like AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. In this episode… Running a tech company for decades isn't just about having the right product — it requires weathering recessions, embracing evolving technologies, and constantly adapting. How does a family-run business grow from a garage startup to securing $140 million in government funding? Nathan Whittacre, a lifelong tech enthusiast, shares how he transformed his early passion into Stimulus Technologies, a resilient IT services provider. He recounts surviving multiple economic downturns, adjusting to industry shifts such as the rise of Dell, and responding to global crises like COVID-19 by scaling remote solutions. Nathan also explains how hiring a CEO coach and joining a peer group helped him transition from a tech-focused founder to a strategic business leader. His bold move to pursue public funding allowed Stimulus to expand broadband access to underserved communities, demonstrating the impact of vision and adaptability in the tech sector. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Nathan Whittacre, Founder and CEO of Stimulus Technologies, about building a sustainable tech business. Nathan talks about transitioning from building computers to managed services, navigating recessions, and capitalizing on government grants. He also discusses his early ventures, the impact of mentorship, and staying ahead of technology trends.

Rich Schuette is the Founder and CEO of Avalan Wealth Management, a firm based in Santa Barbara that specializes in personalized financial, business, and investment planning for entrepreneurs and affluent individuals. Rich brings over 25 years of experience in the financial industry and is known for his relationship-first, truth-over-tact approach to advising. He also hosts The Road Already Traveled podcast, where he explores the entrepreneurial journeys of his peers and shares practical financial insights. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs build their wealth through grit, innovation, and risk-taking, only to risk losing it due to poor financial decisions or advisors who won't tell them the hard truths. Without trustworthy guidance, even the most successful business owners can see their fortunes dwindle — sometimes within a generation. So, how do you ensure your hard-earned wealth lasts? Rich Schuette shares how personal experiences, especially his grandfather's financial journey, influenced his approach to wealth advising. Rich explains why standing firm in the face of wealthy, strong-willed clients is essential, even if it costs you business. From avoiding trendy investments to building a resilient, value-aligned firm, Rich offers actionable strategies that blend empathy, accountability, and expert financial planning. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Rich Schuette, Founder and CEO of Avalan Wealth Management, about how to build and protect entrepreneurial wealth with integrity. Rich shares lessons from his grandfather's investing mistakes, explains why emotional intelligence is key in financial advising, and discusses how to combat investment fads and misinformation.

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.