Don Finley is a seasoned innovator, founder and CEO of FINdustries, with a decade of experience in artificial intelligence, holding a computer science degree from the early days of AI’s “winter,” when the math was ready but the tech wasn’t. We spoke about the transformative wave of AI sweeping through businesses, how it’s reshaping work, and why it’s a rare opportunity—akin to the dot-com boom or social media revolution—to ride rather than resist. “You can either get crushed by the wave of AI or you can learn to ride it,” he says, framing the stakes perfectly.The conversation zeros in on practical AI integration, from a “crawl, walk, run” approach—starting with treating AI as a team member, then building tools that know your brand, to finally handing off outcomes to AI agents. Don shares a jaw-dropping example: a 20-page market analysis for his real estate business, churned out by AI in 30 minutes, that once took weeks. “That would have taken a lot of back and forth, some drafts… but in 30 minutes, my partners and I were able to digest one of these reports.” It’s not just efficiency; it’s about freeing up space for what matters—relationships, strategy, and creativity, the trio he believes AI shouldn’t touch.What’s most striking is Don’s vision of work as play, inspired by Alan Watts: “The goal in life is to make your work look like play and so that nobody knows that you’re working.” AI, he argues, can strip away the mundane—think customer service bots or automated sales research—so you’re left with the fun stuff: connecting with people, dreaming up strategies, and chasing creative sparks. Yet, he’s candid about the flip side, noting how AI’s rise has slashed freelance jobs in writing and coding by up to 20% in a year.There’s a personal thread here, too. Don’s trek up Kilimanjaro revealed a deeper truth: “I’m the reason for my own dissatisfaction… That sunrise and all the people that I dearly love are on this journey with me and I can’t find a way to enjoy it.” It’s a raw moment that ties his entrepreneurial drive to a quest for purpose—one AI can support but never define. He sees entrepreneurship as “the best reflection of my own internal state,” a mirror that AI can polish but not replace.Takeaways:AI’s a wave worth riding—think of it as a teammate, not a threat, and start small.It can slash grunt work (e.g., a month-long project down to hours), letting you focus on the human stuff.White-collar jobs are shifting—copywriting and coding gigs are down, but individual output is soaring.Purpose matters more than ever; as Don puts it, “It’s more important that you understand at the core level what drives you.”AI won’t save you from yourself—use it to amplify, not escape, your unique value.Rethinking work, joy, and thriving in an AI-driven world goes beyond just tech. Don’s blend of practical know-how and soul-searching makes it a must-listen.

Lance Mortlock is a seasoned strategist with 25 years of experience, an adjunct professor at the University of Calgary, and the author of Outside In Inside Out and Disaster Proof. We spoke about the critical role of strategy in today’s unpredictable, fast-changing landscape, where leaders face unprecedented complexity—from tariffs and geopolitical shifts to climate change and digital transformation. Lance unpacks why a well-defined strategy, paired with relentless execution, is more urgent than ever, drawing from his global work with organizations and his research into emerging trends.What stands out most is Lance’s emphasis on execution as the linchpin of success. He warns, “Strategy execution failure is at 90%. So strategies fail mostly because we don’t execute them well 90% of the time.” This sobering statistic underscores his core argument: it’s not enough to craft a brilliant plan—you have to follow through. He also highlights the chaos of modern leadership, noting, “One in ten CEO appointments fail within the first two years. It’s incredibly hard to lead right now.” Amid this turbulence, Lance offers a lifeline: his diamond framework, a practical tool to balance external trends with internal strengths and drive results.We explored 10 megatrends shaping 2025 and beyond—like the 147 zettabytes of data created in 2024 (most of it unused), the $2.5 trillion invested in digital, and 2024 being the hottest year on record. These forces demand strategic clarity, yet Lance points out common pitfalls: “We spend too much time emphasizing strategy development but not enough time on execution.” His framework—outside in, inside out, prepare to execute, and execute—cuts through the noise, offering a roadmap for leaders to navigate risk and uncertainty.Takeaways? First, speed trumps size—Lance echoes Rupert Murdoch: “The big will not beat the small anymore. It will be the fast beating the slow.” Second, talent is non-negotiable; he’s shocked that “only 36% of organizations have a talent management strategy,” given people bring plans to life. Third, simplicity wins—strategy must be clear so “employees understand, remember and believe in it.” This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone steering a business through today’s stormy waters—strategy isn’t optional, and execution is everything.

Johanna Laurent is a vibrant entrepreneur and advocate for positivity who has spent 25 years in business, fueled by an unshakable belief in the power of optimism. We spoke about her journey of turning blind faith into a tangible tool for personal growth, the importance of self-love, and how small, intentional shifts can combat the negativity bombarding us daily. Her mission is clear: to help people reclaim their inner light and make their lives matter through simple, actionable practices.What stands out most is Johanna’s insistence that positivity isn’t just a mindset—it’s a lifeline. She argues that we’re wired to cling to negative words for years, yet dismiss compliments in seconds: “When we hear something negative, we let that sit with us for a long time, sometimes years. But when we hear positive words, we don’t.” This insight drives her work, urging us to surround ourselves with affirmations to rewrite that script. Her approach is refreshingly practical—mugs with uplifting words, a pocket-sized book of phrases—because, as she puts it, “Time is valuable and we can’t waste it.”Another key topic is the courage to start without knowing everything. Johanna dismantles the myth of the “right time” with a bold call to action: “Stop waiting for the right time to start your life… When you start, that’s the right time.” Her own story—launching a new venture at 60—proves it’s never too late to bet on yourself. She also ties self-love to broader impact, revealing, “Loving myself means that I’ll have more love to give,” a reminder that personal growth fuels generosity.Listeners can learn how to interrupt negativity fast, especially in high-stress lives. Johanna’s tools promise a mindset shift “in seconds,” not hours: “I created the tool to shift your mindset in seconds so that with your busy life… you’re back into your life in a positive light.” It’s a game-changer for anyone feeling overwhelmed. She also reframes discomfort as expansion, noting, “When you’re uncomfortable, it’s a sign of expansion as well,” encouraging us to lean into challenges rather than retreat.Takeaways:Flood your space with positivity—words matter more than you think.Start now, not later; the “right time” is a myth holding you back.Self-love isn’t selfish—it’s the root of loving others and making a difference.Quick mindset shifts can keep you grounded, no matter how busy life gets.Johanna leaves us with a challenge: “You don’t need anybody to tell you you’re enough. You tell yourself that.” It’s a rallying cry to own your worth and spread light—one positive phrase at a time.

Emmy Sobieski is a seasoned institutional investor and author who has coached mentees to millions and worked alongside billionaires. We spoke about why so many talented professionals stumble into startups chasing equity that often turns worthless, and how to rethink your career as your most critical investment. The conversation zeroes in on her "Mega Wealth Money Flywheel"—a strategy blending building, investing, and advising in private markets to maximize rewards while slashing risks.What stands out most is Emmy’s push to treat time as your ultimate currency. “The thing you can’t get back is your time,” she says, urging listeners to stop falling for flattery or incremental pay bumps and start analyzing career moves like an investor would a stock. With 90% of startups failing within five years, she argues the stakes are sky-high—yet so are the opportunities if you play it smart. Her Silicon Valley-honed system isn’t just theory; it’s a practical roadmap for turning your skills into a wealth engine.We also unpacked her three books—Megawealth, Mega Wealth Careers, and Mega Wealth Investing—which break down how to pick leveraged industries, join boards, and think like an institutional investor. “You can never get your time back,” she repeats, driving home why every job should be a calculated bet on your future. The flywheel concept is clever: seed equity in startups, advise others, and leverage connections so “before you know it, in under 12 months…you have more opportunities than you know what to do with.”Key Takeaways:Time trumps money: Evaluate every career move like it’s your biggest investment, because “you can make your money back” but not the years spent on dead-end equity.Beat the 90% failure odds: Focus on startups with real potential by analyzing industries, people, and prospects—not just chasing a friend’s pitch.Spin the flywheel: Build at one company, invest in others, and advise strategically to create a self-reinforcing network of opportunities.Think like an investor: Merge career and investing strategies into one cohesive plan, because “it’s like two different worlds” otherwise.This isn’t about gambling on the next unicorn—it’s about stacking the deck so your talent and time pay off big. Emmy’s blend of insider wisdom and actionable steps makes this a must-listen for anyone tired of a graveyard of “dead equity.”

Liz Steblay is a mentor, champion, and author who’s spent over 20 years guiding solopreneurs to success. We spoke about her journey from an unexpected layoff at a Fortune 500 company to building a fulfilling career as an independent consultant, and how she’s distilled her wisdom into her book, Succeeding as a Solopreneur. Our conversation unpacked the realities of going solo—why so many hesitate (33% would rather skydive than take the leap!)—and how to overcome the biggest hurdles, like fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD), while carving out a profitable niche.What stands out most is Liz’s raw honesty about the emotional and practical sides of solopreneurship. She doesn’t sugarcoat it: “Fear, uncertainty, and doubt never really go away,” she admits, reflecting on her two-decade journey. Yet, she offers a lifeline with her “name it and tame it” strategy—slowing down to identify whether it’s fear, uncertainty, or doubt whispering in your ear, then tackling it head-on. For instance, she says, “If you’re really nervous about ‘Can I really make a living doing this?’—that’s an uncertainty. So then the next question is, how can I learn more about this… so that I can go forward with confidence?”We also dug into why niching down is non-negotiable. Liz warns against the trap of being a “jack of all trades”: “If you put yourself in your client’s shoes, they want to hire an expert. They don’t want to hire a generalist.” She sees your LinkedIn profile as a “storefront window”—not a dusty resume, but a vibrant display of how you solve problems now. “Don’t make it all about what you’ve done in the past. Instead, make it about how you help people now, how you make a difference,” she advises.The chat wasn’t just theory—Liz shared real-world juice. She recounted how she once realized an agency would pocket $45,000 just for introducing her to a client: “I thought to myself, that’s nuts. I’m not going to give up $45,000 just for an introduction… and you don’t have to either.” Her fix? Build a warm network and lean into relationships, not sales pitches. One clever tip: reconnect with old contacts using the “flattery approach”—“I’d love to pick your brain about something. I value your opinion.”Takeaways:  Tame the FUD monster by naming it—fear, uncertainty, or doubt—and seeking answers to shrink it.  Narrow your niche to stand out; clients crave experts, not generalists.  Turn your LinkedIn into a client magnet—think storefront, not scrapbook.  Skip the middleman and keep more of your earnings by nurturing your network.  Start small, charge what you’re worth, and build wealth over time—Liz’s book is a $20 roadmap to get there.From her accidental start to coaching thousands, Liz’s story is a masterclass in turning setbacks into freedom. Whether you’re on the fence or already solo, her insights light the path to a career that’s yours—FUD and all.

Beau Eckstein is a seasoned expert with over 26 years of experience guiding real estate entrepreneurs and business owners, and we spoke about unlocking the secrets to financial freedom through small business ownership. With a mission to help 100,000 aspiring entrepreneurs over the next decade, Beau shares actionable strategies for leveraging SBA financing, tax codes, and real estate to create lasting wealth. His passion lies in demystifying business acquisition and growth, whether through franchises, home-based models, or existing companies up for grabs due to retiring baby boomers.The conversation centers on a powerful idea: the tax code favors business owners, not W-2 employees. Beau explains, “The tax code in the States here was not written for W2 employees. It’s written for small business owners. If you know that and you can unlock the secret of getting more cash flow and keeping more in your pocket,” you’re already ahead. We explored how SBA loans—government-backed financing tools—can turn dreams into reality, from buying a million-dollar business with just $50,000 down to starting a franchise for as little as $12,000 out of pocket.What stands out most is Beau’s “Triangle Method”—a trifecta of tax strategy, operating a business, and real estate. He breaks it down: “That is the most powerful wealth creation vehicle out there.” Imagine a tech worker earning $500,000 annually, crushed by taxes, then offsetting it with a laundromat’s equipment depreciation, generating cash flow, and parking profits into real estate. It’s a cycle of wealth-building that’s both practical and eye-opening.Listeners can learn how to match their personality to the right business model—whether it’s a low-employee, laptop lifestyle or a hands-on HVAC empire. Beau’s optimism shines when he says, “There’s no better time with technology… It’s never been easier understanding the financing, understanding your options out there.” We also tackled overcoming fear, the biggest hurdle for 90% of people who dream of entrepreneurship but stay “just over broke” in their jobs.Key Takeaways:SBA Financing Unlocks Opportunities: You can finance 90% of a business purchase, even startups, with good credit and a solid plan.The Triangle Method Works: Combine tax strategy (like Section 179 depreciation), a cash-flowing business, and real estate for exponential growth.Start Small, Win Big: A vending machine business or franchise resale can be your gateway to financial independence.Fear is the Enemy: As Beau urges, “You don’t want to wake up one day and say, I wish I would have done that. Today is the time to do it.”This episode is a roadmap for anyone tired of the corporate grind or seeking a legacy beyond a paycheck. Beau’s blend of hard-earned wisdom and infectious enthusiasm makes it clear: business ownership isn’t just about money—it’s about taking control of your future.

Tom Verboven is a leadership strategist focused on selecting and developing the right leaders to create value for individuals, organizations, and society. We spoke about what makes a great leader, how leadership selection impacts business success, and the hidden risks of getting it wrong.Leadership decisions can make or break an organization. As Tom puts it, “If you select the wrong leader, you're in trouble.” Using Boeing as a case study, he explains how one leadership decision led to a cultural shift that cost the company billions. But it’s not just about big corporations—founders and startups face similar challenges when choosing who will take the helm. “Do we have complementary skills in the team? Is everyone aligned and thinking the same way? That common ground is crucial.”Drawing from his own experience as a semi-professional basketball player, Tom highlights the parallels between sports and business leadership. “We won championships not because we had the strongest individuals, but because we had the strongest team.” A leader’s role is not just about making decisions but about fostering trust, alignment, and a winning spirit.Tom also reveals why selecting C-suite executives is often treated like a coin flip. “One out of two CEOs leave within 18 months,” he says, emphasizing the lack of structured evaluation at the highest levels. Instead of relying on gut feelings, he advocates for a holistic approach: pre-analysis, strategic profiling, and ongoing development to ensure leaders thrive.With organizations facing unprecedented uncertainty—from AI disruption to geopolitical crises—Tom sees a shift in leadership priorities. “The behavioral skills are becoming more important. Influence, creativity, energy—things AI cannot replace.” And to navigate the paradoxes of modern leadership, executives must embrace both extremes: “Full-on strategy, full-on execution. Full-on AI, full-on humanity.”Key Takeaways:Leadership selection isn’t luck—it’s a process. A structured approach improves success rates beyond the usual 50/50 gamble.Culture matters. A leader must align with the organization's DNA or risk losing trust and credibility.Ego clashes can sink startups. Founders must ensure alignment on vision and expectations early on.Winning teams over winning individuals. Strong leadership fosters collaboration and healthy competition.New leadership demands balancing extremes. Future CEOs must navigate strategy and execution, digital and human, short-term gains and long-term vision.If you’re a leader—or selecting one—this episode will change how you think about leadership success.

Brent Kesler is a former chiropractor turned financial educator who discovered a powerful system that transformed his life and finances. We spoke about how he eliminated $984,711 of debt in just 39 months without working harder, taking additional risks, or changing his cash flow—and how you can do it, too.Brent introduces us to a concept that has been quietly used by wealthy families like the Rockefellers and Walt Disney for over 200 years. As Brent puts it: “It’s not new. It’s not on trial. It’s been proven time and again.”At the heart of his method lies a surprising tool: a specially designed whole life insurance policy in a mutual company that pays dividends. If the term “life insurance” triggers doubts, Brent has this to say:“I know what you’re thinking—life insurance? What in the hell are you talking about? That’s because we’ve been conditioned to think we know everything about it. But you don’t.”Brent explains how this system works to recapture, recycle, and reuse your money—whether for debts, expenses, or investments—so you keep wealth within your family instead of leaking it out. He shares relatable examples, including buying cars, paying taxes, or even charitable giving:“Imagine getting all the money back for every single car you’ve bought, driven, and sold. Not just a little, but all of it.”Key Takeaways:Wealth Without Extra Work: Brent paid off nearly a million in debt in 39 months by adding just one simple step to his financial life.Misconceptions About Life Insurance: Not all policies are created equal. The tool Brent teaches is “specially designed for high immediate cash value—within 30 days.”Recycle Your Money: Learn how to use the same money repeatedly for cars, taxes, or investments, without losing its earning potential.Proven Concept: Walt Disney, McDonald’s, and even Pampered Chef began using similar methods to fund their growth.Brent’s method isn’t about selling you a product; it’s about teaching you how to think differently about your money and keep it working for you. As he says:“If you knew how this worked, you’d already be doing it.”Learn how to take control of your financial future, pay off debt, and build wealth—all with the resources you already have.Want more? Brent offers his ebook “Mapping Out the Millionaire Mystery” for free. Visit his website or email him directly to learn how to start your journey.This episode is packed with actionable insights to help you rethink the way you handle your money. Don’t miss it!

Luisa Molano is a business growth strategist and coach helping female entrepreneurs scale their revenue without losing themselves. We spoke about the moment she realized her long-climbed corporate ladder was leaning against the wrong wall—and how she found the courage to leap into entrepreneurship.Luisa’s story is a familiar one: she followed the script, climbing to a national director role in a Fortune 200 company, only to realize—within three days—that the dream job wasn’t the dream anymore. “Where did the feeling go? Where did the excitement that I felt about this promotion go? It disappeared.” Instead of seeing it as failure, she reframed it as an opportunity, asking herself, What if I worked for myself?In this conversation, Luisa unpacks the five pillars of building a business with both external and internal success:Discover – Define your mission, vision, and values. "Go for what you want, not what you think you can get."Identity – Develop unshakable confidence in who you are. "Understanding who you are is your superpower."Establish – Build a business model that aligns with your goals, not distractions. "If your head is spinning with every new tool or trend, you’re not alone."Systematize – Create processes that sustain your success. "Your business can’t just live in your brain and on sticky notes."Refine – Stay in action and optimize as you grow. "If you’re not improving and refining, you’re back to square one."Luisa also shares why she founded Herlocity, a global network for female entrepreneurs designed to provide the support she wishes she had in her early years. She emphasizes the importance of AI in today’s entrepreneurial landscape and challenges those hesitant to embrace it: “If you haven’t started to leverage AI in your business, you’re doing yourself a disservice.”This episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs navigating growth, change, and the reality of building a business on their own terms. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re on the right path, Luisa’s journey might just give you the clarity—and the push—you need.

Brook Shepard is the Founder, CEO, of Mason Interactive and a seasoned performance marketing expert with 16 years of industry experience, leading a firm that manages billions in client assets. We spoke about the evolution of digital advertising, the rising dominance of creative strategy, and how AI is reshaping media buying without replacing human ingenuity.Brook shares key insights from his journey—starting in the early days of search advertising when gaming platforms was the norm, to today’s landscape where Meta and Google dominate. He reveals how creative has transformed from a secondary consideration to a primary driver of success:"Creative actually wasn’t as important in a client’s campaigns 10 years ago or even 5 years ago before iOS 14… But now, creative is more important than ever and needs to be informed by data."We explore how AI enhances, rather than replaces, creative work. By analyzing thousands of ad variations across years of data, Brook’s team uncovers the patterns behind high-performing campaigns:"AI helps us analyze data over vast data sets. It does not replace the human intent of the idea and the story that we're telling."Through real-world examples, Brook breaks down how businesses can optimize their ad spend. Whether it’s a coffee brand achieving a 4x increase in click-through rates through systematic testing, or a jewelry company using organic content to fuel paid campaigns, the lesson is clear—data, design, and strategy must work together."If you don’t know why an ad was successful, you can’t double down on it. And if you can’t double down, you can’t scale."Brook also shares personal reflections on leadership, growth, and the importance of continuous learning:"Each day, I ask: What haven’t I done today that I want to do better tomorrow? How can I put more weight on my marketing bar?"Key Takeaways:AI is a tool, not a replacement – It accelerates analysis but doesn’t replace creative storytelling.Creative strategy now defines success – The right visual, message, and call-to-action can multiply ad performance.Testing is everything – Isolating variables and refining continuously can drive massive results.The right agency is like a well-engineered machine – Big enough to deliver global impact, small enough to keep leadership hands-on.Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on data-driven creativity and the future of advertising.