

Authority in the Wild
Gabe Marusca
Welcome to Authority in the Wild Podcast. I'm your host, Gabe Marusca, helping action-takers achieve Freedom Through Entrepreneurs, without sacrificing the things that matter to you. From sales and engineering to freelancing and business consulting, I've worn many hats for the past 20 years. Leveraging that background, I host unscripted conversations with successful entrepreneurs, renowned business leaders, and subject-matter experts. Learn the insights, tactics, and business principles successful people rarely share elsewhere. Take what you discover and use it to build your path to freedom.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 10min
#147 - The Real Reason You Freeze on Stage w/ Ioana (Jo) Jongsma
🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ https://www.gabemarusca.com and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.She's coached 24 TEDx speakers across Europe, India, and the US. She's worked with 400+ leaders from 47 nationalities. And she spent her first six months teaching communication skills hoping every class would be canceled.Ioana (Jo) Jongsma breaks down why everything you've been told about managing stage fright is backwards and what actually works when the stakes are high.We cover:Why "be yourself" destroys nervous speakersThe neuroscience reframe that changes everythingWhat TEDx curators actually look for and the red flag that gets you rejectedThe three words you should never say in the first 10 secondsHow she accidentally offended a client from stage (and the lesson she'll never forget)Why AI can write your speech but will never replace presenceWhether you're pitching investors, leading a team meeting, or dreaming of the red dot this one's for you.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Ioana (Jo) Jongsma(02:10) From Introvert to Public Speaking(07:21) Understanding the Stress Response(13:44) Practical Tips for Managing Stress(27:27) Aligning Your Values with Your Presentation(33:51) The TEDx Selection Process(37:56) Motivation and Effort for TEDx Speakers(42:26) Identifying Your Target Audience(44:49) The Importance of Niching Down(49:28) Learning from Mistakes on Stage(57:30) The Future of Public Speaking in an AI World(01:03:30) Pro Tips for TEDx Speakers🟪 About the GuestIoana has been helping speakers find their words since 2008. She has worked with over 400 leaders, experts, founders, and policymakers of 46 different nationalities and across industries ranging from Tech, FMCG, Pharma, and Energy to Finance, Logistics, Agribusiness and European Commission Agencies. To date, Ioana has supported 24 TEDx speakers to deliver the talk of their lives on TEDx stages across Europe, India and the US. Ioana is an ICF Associate Certified Coach, a Gestalt Professional Certified Coach, and a NeuroMindfulness Master Practitioner.🟪 Connect with Ioana (Jo) JongsmaWebsite: https://www.onspeaking.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ioana-jongsma/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabemaruscaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaPura Vida!Gabe Marusca

Jan 20, 2026 • 57min
#146 - Tyler Wagner Can Get ANY Book Author on the Bestseller List
🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ https://www.gabemarusca.com and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.Tyler Wagner reveals how he guarantees bestseller status for any book. After dropping out of college at 19 with $80,000 in debt, he built Authors Unite into an 8-figure book marketing agency that has helped 5,000+ authors sell millions of books.In this episode, Tyler deconstructs the invisible mechanics behind bestseller lists, explaining why Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and New York Times all operate on predictable algorithms. He shares the exact system Authors Unite uses to guarantee minimum 10,000+ book sales and exposes why book quality has almost nothing to do with bestseller status.You'll discover Tyler's contrarian path to success: working for free at conferences, meeting Tim Ferriss backstage, building an entire business through cold outreach and partnerships instead of funnels or Facebook ads, and why he'd literally pay to intern for Ray Dalio. He also reveals the hardest moment in his 15-year journey—refunding $120K when the Wall Street Journal list vanished—and why old school sales principles beat modern marketing tactics.This conversation breaks down the exact constraints, decisions, and systems that turned a broke college dropout into a bestselling author factory. This conversation is zero fluff, but full with field-tested principles on building authority through substance.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Tyler Wagner(01:50) Dropping Out of College(08:57) Writing the First Book(11:16) Getting Into Conferences for Free(20:16) Becoming a Bestselling Author(25:53) Quality vs Algorithm(36:12) Starting the Podcast(43:13) The Future of Book Publishing(47:25) Starting a New Business Today(49:41) The Hardest No(52:19) Old School Marketing(56:11) Connect Tyler Wagner🟪 Key Topics DiscussedThe exact system behind bestseller listsWhy he'd literally pay Ray Dalio to work for freeHow he crashed $5K conferences using one email templateThe partnership strategy that replaced all paid advertisingWhy 8,000 sales calls built his business when SEO failedThe $120K refund story that almost broke himHow he guarantees bestseller status🟪 About the GuestTyler Wagner is the Founder and CEO of Authors Unite, a hybrid publishing and book marketing agency he started at 19 years old. He's a #1 New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and investor who has helped 5,000+ authors achieve bestseller status across every major platform. Tyler also runs Partner Profits and hosts The Tyler Wagner Show podcast with 2,500+ episodes.🟪 Connect with Tyler WagnerAuthors Unite Website: https://authorsunite.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerbwagner/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerbwagner/PartnersProfits Website: https://partnerprofits.io/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemarusca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemarusca/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabemarusca/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemarusca/Pura Vida!Gabe Marusca

Jan 13, 2026 • 49min
#145 - 2 Words That Kill Every Sale w/ April Palmer
🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ https://www.gabemarusca.com and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.Most salespeople give prospects the ick. They check boxes, recite scripts, and reek of commission breath. April Palmer does the opposite and closes enterprise deals by saying no, asking kindergarten-level questions, and letting clients talk 80% of the time.In this episode, April breaks down the invisible mechanics of sales that actually work: why telling prospects "this isn't right for you" builds more trust than any pitch, how to stop competing on price by solving problems nobody else sees, and the specific words that destroy credibility the moment they leave your mouth.She reveals her exact process for running discovery calls without feeling like an interrogation, the AI workflow that keeps her present during conversations, and why most salespeople are solving the wrong problem (hint: "I need to save 20%" is never the real issue).This isn't about tactics. It's about understanding what people actually buy and it's rarely what they say they need.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing April Palmer(02:08) April’s Early Sales Experience(04:53) The Importance of Connection in Sales(10:24) Building Trust and Setting Boundaries(15:50) Effective Sales Techniques and Tools(28:03) Creating a Personalized Sales Experience(29:06) Leveraging Tools and Team Collaboration(32:16) Understanding Customer Needs and Buying Behaviors(37:54) Consulting for Small Businesses(44:18) Effective Communication in Sales🟪 About the GuestApril Palmer is a sales strategist, educator, and recovering overachiever who helps fast-growing companies make smarter business and technology decisions. She specializes in enterprise sales, negotiation strategy, and making complex topics actually enjoyable to learn. Known for teaching humans how to sell without the sleaze, April turns messy business problems into practical, joyful insights.🟪 Connect with April PalmerLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hotmessbossInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotmessboss/Website: https://www.duckbillhq.com🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabemaruscaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaPura Vida!Gabe Marusca

Jan 6, 2026 • 50min
#144 - The Business Success Equation w/ Jonathan DeCollibus
🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ https://www.gabemarusca.com and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.Jonathan DeCollibus built 16 companies from the ground up. Most of them failed. But those failures taught him something most investors miss: business is just math plus courage. Now, as an investor in over 30 companies, he reveals the counterintuitive frameworks that separate entrepreneurs who scale from those who stay stuck.This conversation strips away the pitch deck theater. Jonathan explains why he spends 80% of his time evaluating founders and only 20% on business models. Why TAM slides mean nothing without proof of demand. Why perfectionism is just fear wearing a professional mask. And why his daily "20 minutes of hell" practice keeps him sharper than any morning routine.We deconstruct his repeatable system for creating irresistible offers, the incentive alignment formula he learned on a napkin from Frank Kern, and why he believes burnout only exists when you're living someone else's priorities. Jonathan breaks down the exact validation method he uses before investing a dollar, the belief that kills more startups than bad ideas, and how he'd rebuild from zero in 90 days using nothing but a phone and two feet.This isn't motivational content. It's diagnostic. If you're building a company, pitching investors, or trying to understand what actually moves the needle, this conversation reveals the invisible mechanics behind sustainable growth.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Jonathan DeCollibus(01:10) The California Farm Boy(06:51) The Transition from Builder to Investor(09:30) The Importance of Leverage and Clear Thinking(10:42) Investing in People Over Businesses(20:54) Creating Irresistible Offers(27:33) The Challenge of Perfectionism(32:27) Balancing Entrepreneurship and Personal Life(37:10) Adapting to Life’s Seasons(39:39) Rebuilding After a Setback(45:40) Quick Fire Questions(49:44) Connect with Jonathan🟪 Key Topics DiscussedWhy most pitch decks fail the investor test (and what to do instead)The 80/20 rule for evaluating investment opportunitiesHow to create offers that make saying "no" irrationalThe perfectionism trap that stalls progressDoor-to-door sales as accelerated business educationIntrinsic vs extrinsic value in market positioningWhy proof of demand beats TAM projectionsThe "20 minutes of hell" daily discipline practiceLiving by seasons instead of rigid routinesRebuilding strategy after losing everything🟪 About the GuestJonathan DeCollibus is a serial founder who has built 16 companies and currently invests in over 30 ventures while sitting on multiple boards. Starting as a California farm boy doing door-to-door carpet cleaning sales, he learned resilience through brutal rejection before building successful companies across multiple industries. His investment philosophy prioritizes founder psychology and clear thinking over traditional metrics.🟪 Connect with Jonathan DeCollibusWebsite: https://svperior.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-decollibus-deal-maker/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabemaruscaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaPura Vida!Gabe Marusca

Dec 30, 2025 • 43min
#143 - The False Creativity-Money Paradigm w/ Christian Brim
🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ https://www.gabemarusca.com and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.Why creative entrepreneurs who make money often burn out faster than those who don't and the profitability framework that solves both problems simultaneously.Christian Brim, author of Profit First for Creatives and host of The Profitable Creative podcast, deconstructs the false paradigm that creativity and profit oppose each other. This conversation reveals the operational mechanics behind sustainable creative businesses: value-based pricing that increases as you improve, the cash vault system that enables strategic decision-making, and the fractal application of the 80/20 rule where 1% of activities generate 50% of results.The conversation breaks down why profitability can mask fundamental business problems, how cost-plus pricing penalizes expertise, and the counterintuitive strategy of deliberately repelling customers to build focused authority. Christian explains the two-problem framework for all business challenges, the three-to-six-month working capital cushion that transforms reactive thinking into strategic planning, and how to identify the single most valuable hour in your business.Core insights: the difference between creating a job versus building a business, why saying yes to everyone prevents portfolio coherence, how to price based on customer value rather than your time investment, and the systematic application of delegation and automation to high-leverage activities.No inspirational filler. No motivational narratives. Pure operational clarity for entrepreneurs and creatives building authority through systems, not volume.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Christian Brim(01:44) The Profit Prophet(03:42) Profit First for Creatives(11:31) Value-Based Pricing(19:34) Building Your Brand(25:09) How to Stand Out(33:17) Maximizing Efficiency(41:24) Connect with Christian Brim🟪 About the GuestChristian Brim is the author of Profit First for Creatives, host of The Profitable Creative podcast, and founder of Core Group, a financial services firm specializing in creative businesses. Known as "The Prophet of Profit," Christian helps creative entrepreneurs build profitable, sustainable businesses through strategic financial systems and value-based pricing frameworks.🟪 Connect with Christian BrimWebsite: https://christianbrim.comCore Group: https://coregroupus.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianbrim🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabemaruscaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

Dec 23, 2025 • 44min
#142 - The Billion-Person Market You're Ignoring w/ Maxwell Ivey
🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ https://www.gabemarusca.com and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.Over 1 billion people globally have disabilities. 60 million in the US alone. And 95% of the internet is completely inaccessible to them.Maxwell Ivey, digital accessibility advisor known as the Blind Blogger, breaks down why accessibility isn't just a compliance checkbox—it's a revenue driver, an SEO multiplier, and a gateway to the most loyal customer base you'll ever build.In this episode, Maxwell reveals:Why accessibility features you use every day (like Dark Mode) were originally built for people with vision loss—and how that principle applies to every accessibility improvement you makeThe three business benefits of accessibility that have nothing to do with lawsuits: improved user experience for all users, higher search and AI bot rankings, and access to a massively underserved marketWhy companies with the biggest budgets are often the worst at accessibility—and how small-to-medium businesses can use this as a competitive advantageThe real cost of accessibility work (hint: it's not what you think) and which tools can automate 50-70% of the workHow to navigate a website with a screen reader—and why understanding this changes how you build everythingThe exact process Maxwell uses to audit websites and educate teams, from free checkers to hands-on consultingWhy "client-first" and "accessibility-first" are the same strategy—and how this approach builds sustainable businesses that don't burn out chasing customersMaxwell doesn't just talk compliance. He explains mechanisms. He reveals the invisible market dynamics at play. And he provides a clear roadmap for turning accessibility into a business asset, not a burden.If you operate a website, build software, or run any digital business, this episode exposes a massive leverage point most competitors are ignoring.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Maxwell Ivey(01:32) Maxwell’s Insights on Business and Accessibility(02:02) Challenges in Implementing Accessibility(05:28) Improving User Experience Through Accessibility(09:07) SEO and Market Reach Benefits(23:26) Building an Accessibility-First Business(36:13) Maxwell’s Approach to Helping Businesses(42:13) Contact Maxwell Ivey🟪 About the GuestMaxwell Ivey is a digital accessibility advisor with nearly two decades of experience educating businesses about accessibility. Known as "The Blind Blogger," Maxwell specializes in helping small-to-medium businesses, nonprofits, and SaaS companies build accessible digital experiences that drive growth. He combines technical accessibility audits with team education and content strategy.🟪 Connect with Maxwell IveyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwellivey/Email: maxwell@theaccessibilityadvantage.comWebsite: theaccessibilityadvantage.com🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabemaruscaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

Dec 16, 2025 • 58min
#141 - The $3M Truth About AI Careers w/ Chris Hood
🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ https://www.gabemarusca.com and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.There's a 7-year gap between what AI can actually do and what people believe it can do—and that gap is costing businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars in failed pilots.Chris Hood is an AI strategist and author with over 20 years of pioneering enterprise AI initiatives at Google Cloud, Fox, Disney, and Domino's. Named a Top 30 Customer Experience Thought Leader by Global Gurus in 2024 and 2025, Chris authored "Infallible" and "The Customer Transformation." He currently advises Fortune 500 companies on AI transformation and teaches AI ethics at Southern New Hampshire University.In this episode, Chris exposes the invisible mechanics behind AI hype, revealing why "agent washing" has turned every company into an overnight AI expert, why Taco Bell is losing revenue from their AI implementation, and the shocking salary gap that proves data scientists (earning up to $3 million annually) are vastly more valuable than AI engineers.You'll discover the customer-first framework that prevents costly AI failures, why autonomous AI doesn't actually exist despite the marketing claims, and the exact tools and processes Chris uses to help Fortune 500 companies separate signal from noise. This isn't about chasing trends—it's about building authority through competence and systems that actually work.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Chris Hood(02:05) The Reality vs. Hype in AI(07:40) Understanding AI Capabilities and Misalignment(09:59) The Fear of Missing Out in AI Adoption(16:58) Practical AI Implementations(20:24) Leveraging AI for Customer Insights(24:39) Tools for AI Research and Implementation(31:01) Chris Hood’s AI Strategy Frameworks(35:42) Career Advice in AI and Tech(40:20) The Value of Data Scientists(42:43) Cybersecurity and AI(46:30) Ethics in AI(55:11) Connect with Chris Hood🟪 Key Topics DiscussedWhy data scientists command $3 million annual salaries while AI engineers top out at $600KThe concept of "agent washing"Why Taco Bell's revenue declined after implementing AI in their drive-throughsThe exact framework Chris uses with Fortune 500 companiesWhy autonomous AI literally doesn't exist, despite it being the most overhyped concept in tech🟪 About the GuestChris Hood is an AI keynote speaker, strategist, and author recognized as a top leader in AI-driven customer experience. With over 20 years pioneering enterprise AI initiatives, he has led AI strategy at Google Cloud, deployed production AI models, and developed innovative recommendation systems at Fox, Disney, and Domino's. He currently advises Fortune 500 companies on AI transformation and intelligent CX platforms while teaching AI ethics and business strategy at Southern New Hampshire University.🟪 Connect with Chris HoodWebsite: https://chrishood.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishood/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

Dec 9, 2025 • 47min
#140 - AI Is Killing Authentic Marketing w/ Caleb Roche
🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ https://www.gabemarusca.com and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.AI is destroying authentic marketing—and most brands don't even realize it. In this episode, Caleb Roche, Marketing Professor and CEO of Group Creative, reveals why 99.9% of TV commercials are likely AI-written and what that means for the future of advertising.Caleb operates at the rare intersection of academia and real-world execution. As an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Oklahoma Baptist University, he teaches future marketers how to think strategically. As CEO of Group Creative, he's generated over $10 million in revenue for clients by building systems that actually perform. This dual perspective gives him unique insights into consumer behavior, particularly Gen Z trends, and what separates theory from results.We deconstruct why American companies catastrophically fail when entering international markets—Walmart lost $1-3 billion in Germany because they didn't understand that friendly greeters are creepy there. We examine why consumers can't remember video content from 7 days ago and what that means for brand building. Caleb shares the Red Napkin Theory for creating unforgettable customer experiences and explains why customer retention is now more valuable than acquisition in today's economic climate.This isn't motivational content. It's a diagnostic look at invisible mechanics: how AI has made marketing narcissistic, why "guaranteed leads" promises destroy industry trust, when to say no to prospects even when you need revenue, and how to extract real consumer insights instead of surface-level pain points.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Caleb Roche(01:52) One Foot in The Classroom and One in The Boardroom(03:52) Marketing Trends and Consumer Behavior(07:51) Challenges in Entering New Markets(14:59) The Role of AI in Market Research(20:55) The Importance of Humanity in Marketing(23:56) Understanding Pain Points in Business(25:19) In-Depth Conversations for Better Insights(27:14) Go-To-Market Strategy for Different Markets(31:34) Surviving Economic Challenges(36:41) The Red Napkin Theory in Marketing(39:15) Common Mistakes in Customer Relationships(43:07) Connect with Caleb🟪 Key Topics DiscussedWhy AI produces narcissistic marketing copy and how to spot itThe cultural disasters that cost Walmart billions in GermanyHow trends die in 7 days and what that means for your brandWhy customer retention beats acquisition in economic downturnsThe Red Napkin Theory for exceptional customer experiencesMarket entry strategies that don't require Walmart's budgetHow to extract authentic consumer insights through storytellingWhen guaranteed lead promises are destroying marketing trustWhy saying no to clients builds stronger agenciesThe shift from quality to quantity and how to reverse it🟪 About the GuestCaleb Roche, MBA, is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Oklahoma Baptist University and CEO of Group Creative. He helps entrepreneurs and consultants build data-driven marketing systems that generate measurable results. His agency has driven over $10 million in revenue for clients while launching entire product categories.🟪 Connect with Caleb RocheLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleb-roche/Website: https://www.goclubcreative.com🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

Dec 2, 2025 • 48min
#139 - How to Run a Remote First Business w/ Eric Dingler
🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ https://www.gabemarusca.com and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.Eric Dingler has spent over 30 years building and leading teams, and his approach to remote team leadership cuts through the noise. In this episode, he reveals why good managers often run businesses into the ground while great managers succeed because they refuse to change—and what that counterintuitive principle actually means for your team.Eric breaks down the invisible mechanics of recruiting and operating a remote team, drawing from five years of transitioning his leadership expertise from in-person to distributed work. This isn't about remote work tips or productivity hacks. It's about the fundamental leadership skills required to build a team that functions without constant oversight.The hiring framework that separates adults from people who need constant management determines your operational capacity and reveals why leadership isn't about getting it right, but about making adjustments—a reframe that changes everything about decision-making. Eric brings clarity to leading remote versus in-person teams through team laboratories where he experimented with different approaches to recruiting, training, and leadership, uncovering why talented managers can become organizational liabilities and whether you're building systems or just managing activity. If you've struggled to scale your team, wondered why your hiring process keeps producing the wrong people, or questioned whether remote work can actually deliver results, this episode deconstructs the systems that work—no motivational content, no philosophy debates, just field-tested principles for building authority through operational competence.🟪 About the GuestEric Dingler - Leadership expert with over 30 years of experience in team building, recruitment systems, and remote operations. Spent five years transitioning leadership frameworks from in-person to distributed teams.🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Eric Dingler(01:26) Is the Future Remote?(02:12) Differences Between Remote and In-Person Leadership(04:28) Building a Remote Team Culture(10:23) Recruitment and Onboarding Strategies(16:21) Ensuring Remote Team Performance(20:40) Balancing Flexibility and Accountability(21:45) The Role of Leadership vs. Management(24:57) Principles of Remote Work(27:01) Remote Work in Various Industries(29:13) Hiring Strategies for Remote Teams(35:41) Project-Based vs. Hourly Work(37:55) Personal Journey and Purpose(43:29) Best Ever Advice Eric Got🟪 Key Topics DiscussedWhy "hire adults, not babies" is more than a hiring slogan—it's an operational frameworkThe leadership skill that matters more than getting decisions rightWhat separates remote team success from remote team chaosWhy great managers succeed by refusing to change (and what that actually means)The recruitment and training systems that produce self-sufficient team members🟪 Connect with Eric DinglerWebsite: https://ericdingler.com/inthewildLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/m/in/ericdinglerPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/eric-dingler-leadership-podcast/id1724079001🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!

Nov 25, 2025 • 48min
#138 - The Three-Bucket Wealth System w/ Stoy Hall
🟪 Join 500+ Smart Entrepreneurs ➤ https://www.gabemarusca.com and learn each week for free, how to build client acquisition systems that scale revenue and impact, without burning out or breaking down.What if everything you've been taught about wealth is wrong? Stoy Hall, founder and CEO of Black Mammoth, argues that wealth has nothing to do with the zeros in your bank account—and that money isn't just a tool, it's a partner.In this episode, Stoy breaks down his three-bucket wealth system that prioritizes mindset before mechanics, reveals why even billionaires can't build wealth alone, and shares the exact exercise he uses to help clients break through decades of money trauma. From growing up with a single mother working 14-hour days to discovering true wealth in a Tanzanian village, Stoy's journey challenges every assumption about what it means to be financially free.You'll discover why filling your emergency fund too quickly actually hurts you, how to use the red-green highlighting method to expose your real relationship with money, and why Stoy's own children will only receive 50% of their college tuition paid upfront. This isn't your typical financial advice—it's a complete reframe of how money, happiness, and legacy intersect.🟪 About the GuestStoy Hall is the founder and CEO of Black Mammoth, a modern family office built specifically for women and minority business owners who want to take control of their wealth and stop feeling alone in the process. A former college football player who traveled to Tanzania in 2011, Stoy spent 4.5 years working at the Boys and Girls Club before becoming a financial planner. He also hosts the No BS Wealth podcast.🟪 DisclaimerThis content is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals before making financial decisions.🟪 Key Topics DiscussedWhy wealth is defined by happiness and freedom, not dollarsThe three-bucket savings system (short-term, mid-term, long-term)How to identify your first money memory and why it mattersThe red-green expense highlighting exerciseWhy you should fill your emergency fund slowly over 18 monthsMoney as a partner vs. a tool—and what that mindset shift unlocksBuilding trust structures for children that teach rather than enableStarting financial education at age 3Breaking generational cycles of financial traumaWhy rich people all have teams (and you should too)🟪 Timestamps(00:00) Introducing Stoy Hall(02:27) Defining Wealth(03:19) Personal Experiences Define Wealth Perspectives(05:02) Mindset and Financial Literacy(08:01) Stoy's Upbringing and Role Models(12:42) The Path to Financial Planning(14:25) How To Educate Yourself Financially(18:30) Mindset and Money Management(24:12) Breaking Down Emotional Barriers(25:44) Building a Short-Term Safety Net(26:30) Automating Your Savings(28:19) Filling Multiple Buckets Simultaneously(36:17) The Concept of Money as a Partner(40:02) Planning Your Legacy(44:09) Educating Children About Money(46:37) Words of Wisdom🟪 Connect with Stoy HallLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stoyhall/Website: https://www.blackmammoth.com/Podcast: https://nobswealth.com/🟪 Connect with Gabe MaruscaWebsite: https://www.gabemarusca.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gabemaruscaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabemarusca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabemarusca/X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gabemaruscaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maruscagabe/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabemaruscaUntil Next Week,Pura Vida!


