The Necessary Entrepreneur

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins sits down with dynamic keynote speaker, coach, and leadership strategist Dr. Karim R. Ellis to unpack what true success really looks like. Together, they dive deep into the power of mentorship, the role of character development, and the value of serving others on the path to purpose. Dr. Ellis shares powerful personal stories and hard-earned wisdom about rising through adversity, mastering your message, and building influence through strategic networking. From unforgettable speeches to transformational life lessons, this conversation is filled with insights for anyone looking to lead with clarity, elevate their craft, and make meaningful impact. Whether you're an entrepreneur, speaker, or purpose-driven leader, this episode will challenge and inspire you to keep growing—with intention. Dr. Karim R. Ellis is a nationally recognized speaker, leadership trainer, and mindset expert known for helping individuals and organizations unlock their full potential. Whether he’s on stage delivering a keynote or coaching behind the scenes, Dr. Ellis brings energy, clarity, and heart to everything he does. 📌 Find Out More About Dr. Elliswww.karimellis.com www.instagram.com/karimellis2.0 www.linkedin.com/in/karimellis www.facebook.com/karimellis2.0 www.youtube.com/karimrayellis www.tiktok.com/@karimellis1 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, bestselling author Craig Johnson joins host Mark Perkins to discuss the creation and evolution of the Longmire series—one of the most iconic modern Western literary franchises. Craig shares the real-life inspiration behind Sheriff Walt Longmire, the role of Wyoming's rugged landscape in shaping his storytelling, and how life experiences continue to fuel his creativity. The conversation dives into the entrepreneurial side of being a full-time author, from navigating the publishing industry to maintaining creative control. Craig reflects on the early challenges of writing, the value of reader connection, and how perseverance and authenticity helped him build a devoted fanbase. They also explore how the Longmire series transitioned from page to screen, the cultural impact of the Longmire TV show on Netflix, and the ongoing influence of rural life, solitude, and community in Johnson’s work. This episode is a must-listen for writers, creatives, and anyone who values grit, storytelling, and the long game of building something meaningful. 📌 Find Out More About Craig Johnson:https://www.craigallenjohnson.com/ https://www.facebook.com/OfficialCraigJohnson/ https://www.instagram.com/ucrosspop25/ https://x.com/ucrosspop25  📘 Get His New Book:  Return to Sender 📌 Connect With Us:Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Amanda Goetz joins Mark Perkins for a candid conversation about ambition, self-worth, and the evolving definition of success. Amanda unpacks the concept of "toxic grit"—the relentless pursuit of achievement without intention—and why it's time to replace blind hustle with aligned, purpose-driven action. They explore Amanda’s transition from chasing titles and ego to building meaningful, mission-led ventures. She shares lessons learned through hardship, the power of process over outcome, and the value of having “coaches and pacers” along the journey. With a strong focus on intentional hustle, real-world experience, and systems for success, Amanda encourages entrepreneurs to think critically, work smarter, and embrace the roles they play in life with clarity and grace. Whether you're scaling a startup or redefining your personal goals, this conversation offers practical tools and perspective for building a life—and business—that actually works for you. 🎯 Topics Covered: The myth of hustle culture and the rise of toxic grit Intentionality in career and personal development Building mission-driven brands The value of mentorship, coaching, and collaboration Balancing ambition with fulfillment Creating systems that support growth 📌 Find Out More About Amanda Goetz: https://www.amandagoetz.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagoetz/ https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ https://x.com/AmandaMGoetz https://www.youtube.com/@goetzam 📌 Connect With Us: Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this powerful episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, bestselling author and mindset coach Tommy Breedlove joins Mark Perkins to explore what it truly means to live and lead with intention. Tommy unpacks the journey from pain to purpose, sharing how self-awareness, vulnerability, and clarity are the keys to becoming the kind of leader others want to follow. They dive into the real cost of success, the dangers of ego, and why intentional living beats chasing wealth every time. Tommy shares hard-earned insights on overcoming failure, practicing self-care, and building a personal philosophy that sustains peace of mind, happiness, and long-term impact. You’ll learn: Why clarity and purpose drive lasting success The mindset shift from distraction to direction How to embrace failure as a launchpad for growth Why putting yourself first empowers you to lead others The importance of self-regulation, belief, and legacy How to rekindle dreams and define your own version of happiness Whether you're building a business, rebuilding your life, or redefining success, this conversation is a masterclass in self-leadership, personal transformation, and the pursuit of being legendary. 📌 Find Out More About Tommy Breedlove: https://tommybreedlove.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/legendarybook/ https://www.instagram.com/tommybreedlove/ https://www.facebook.com/tommybreedlovelegendary/ https://www.youtube.com/@tommybreedlove2692   📘 Get his book Legendary: Legendary 📌 Connect With Us: Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this conversation, Tim Castle shares his insights on negotiation, self-regulation, and personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself and the power of negotiation as a meta skill that can influence various aspects of life, including leadership and communication. Tim recounts his journey of overcoming challenges and the pivotal moments that shaped his belief in the possibility of success. The discussion also touches on the role of effective communication in negotiations and the need for clarity in one's goals to navigate life's challenges successfully. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of sales, negotiation, and personal growth. They discuss the importance of securing a flagship client as the first step in building a successful business, the 'Nine Before Nine' strategy for effective prospecting, and the significance of personal branding in today's world. The dialogue also emphasizes the need for self-worth and empowerment in the younger generation, the role of adults in personal growth, and the evolving landscape of negotiation in the age of AI. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of giving value and creating meaningful connections in both personal and professional realms. Tim Castle is a bestselling author, performance coach, and negotiation expert dedicated to helping people unlock their full potential in business and life. With a background in high-stakes sales and a passion for mindset mastery, Tim is the author of The Art of Negotiation and Be The Lion, where he shares frameworks for confidence, influence, and fearless leadership. His mission is simple: empower people to believe that anything is possible through action, clarity, and purposeful connection. 🔥 Tim shares proven strategies from his renowned work in sales psychology, negotiation, and self-discipline—designed for entrepreneurs, creators, and closers who want to lead with purpose and achieve the impossible. Takeaways Self-regulation is crucial for effective negotiation. Believing in oneself can change the course of one's life. Negotiation is a skill that can be developed and refined. Every interaction is a negotiation, whether we realize it or not. The ability to ask the right questions can open doors. Understanding human behavior is key to influencing others. Setting clear goals is essential for success in negotiations. Communication plays a vital role in leadership and relationships. Embracing rejection can lead to personal growth and resilience. The journey of personal growth is ongoing and evolves over time. The first domino in business is securing your flagship client. Prospecting is crucial for sales success. The 'Nine Before Nine' strategy helps build momentum in sales. Personal branding is essential in today's world. Empowering the next generation is vital for societal change. Self-love and self-care are key to personal growth. Negotiation should be seen as collaboration and creativity. AI can enhance our capabilities, not replace them. Giving value to others leads to personal fulfillment. Experiences and adventures shape our growth and purpose. 💬 Whether you're negotiating funding, selling a vision, or building momentum in your business, Tim Castle breaks down timeless frameworks and real-world stories to help you shift from pressure to power. 📌Find Out More About Tim Castle:https://www.timjscastle.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcastle3/ https://www.instagram.com/timjscastle https://www.facebook.com/TimJSCastle https://x.com/TimJSCastle https://www.youtube.com/@TimCastle 📚 Tim's new book, The Momentum Sales Model, is out now. 🛒 Get it here: The Momentum Sales Model 📈 Perfect for entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, and high-performers. 📌 Connect With Us: Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark Perkins welcomes Danny Lehr — co-founder of Caffeine & Kilos, gym owner, and now author of the powerful new book, Win the Next Hour. Danny shares real-world insights on what it takes to do the hard things, make meaningful progress, and build momentum through consistent, mindful execution. Drawing from years of entrepreneurial experience, he breaks down the exact mental frameworks that have helped him grow multiple businesses, balance priorities, and enjoy the process — without burning out. 🧠 Topics Covered: 80% proficiency with 2 year commitment The secret to prioritizing by importance, not urgency How to simplify your path to success by focusing on the next hour Developing mindfulness as a business advantage Taking advantage of unexpected opportunities Building a life and business you actually enjoy Whether you're building a business, writing your first book, or just trying to get unstuck, this conversation will change how you approach time, goals, and growth. 📌Find Out More About Danny Lehr:https://dannylehr.com/ https://www.facebook.com/danny.lehr.9 https://www.instagram.com/danny_lehr/ https://shop.caffeineandkilos.com/ https://www.instagram.com/caffeineandkilos/ https://www.facebook.com/CaffeineAndKilos https://www.youtube.com/@CaffeineAndKilos 📚 Danny’s new book, Win the Next Hour, is out now. 🛒 Get it here: Win Your Next Hour 📈 Perfect for entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, and high-performers. 📌 Connect With Us: Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, former Navy SEAL Commander and best-selling author Rich Diviney joins host Mark Perkins to talk about the mental edge required to lead, perform, and thrive when the stakes are high and the path isn’t clear. Drawing from his new book, Masters of Uncertainty, Rich explores what it takes to stay calm, adaptable, and effective when everything around you is unpredictable. He breaks down the irony of leadership, the difference between finding talent vs developing talent, and how to recognize when you're simply burning through dopamine without creating anything meaningful. Topics covered include: Why the best leaders focus on the “how” instead of the “why” Building meaningful horizons instead of chasing success for its own sake How to pick your next mountain when you've already climbed a few Navigating uncertainty in both combat and entrepreneurship What real peak performance looks like outside of the highlight reel This conversation is for anyone looking to sharpen their mental game, upgrade their leadership, and thrive in the chaos of business and life. 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe for more high-performance conversations with real-world entrepreneurs and leaders. #RichDiviney #MastersOfUncertainty #TheNecessaryEntrepreneur #Leadership #PeakPerformance #DopamineCrash #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #DevelopingTalent #Uncertainty #MeaningfulGoals Find out more about Rich Diviney & The Attributes:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richdiviney/ https://www.instagram.com/rich_diviney/ https://www.facebook.com/r.diviney https://theattributes.com/ https://www.instagram.com/theattributes/ https://www.youtube.com/theattributes Purchase Rich's Books: https://theattributes.com/buy 📌 Connect With Us: Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this high-impact episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, Mark sits down with world-renowned performance coach and bestselling author Todd Herman—the mind behind The 90 Day Year and The Alter Ego Effect. Todd has helped Olympic athletes, Fortune 500 CEOs, and elite entrepreneurs achieve peak performance, and today he shares his wisdom with our audience of driven creators and leaders. We dive deep into game-changing strategies around: ✅ How to seek out the best mentors and know who to listen to ✅ Discovering the greatest leverage points in business and life ✅ Unlocking creativity and becoming a world-class problem solver ✅ Why solution finding is the most important skill in today’s world ✅ The origin and power of the 90 Day Year system ✅ Building elite habits through identity and intentional action This episode is a masterclass in clarity, focus, and execution for anyone serious about taking their game to the next level. 🎯 Whether you’re building a business, scaling a brand, or leveling up personally, Todd’s insights will help you take massive action with precision. 📌 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with top entrepreneurs! 🔥 Follow Todd Herman:Websites: https://toddherman.me/                 https://www.90dayyear.com/                 https://alteregoeffect.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@todd_herman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/todd_herman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toddhermanconnect X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/todd_herman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddherman1/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@todd_herman?lang=en   📌 Connect With Us: Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

In this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with John Hussey, longtime NFL referee turned CEO of CUDDLY, the leading fundraising platform for animal rescues. John shares his journey from the high-pressure world of professional sports to building a mission-driven business that’s transforming pet adoption and rescue support. We cover key topics, including: ✅ The Midas Touch – Turning passion into profit and long-term success ✅ Going All In – The mindset shift needed to fully commit and scale a business ✅ Affiliate Growth Strategies – Leveraging partnerships to expand brand reach ✅ Purchasing with Purpose – How CUDDLY connects pet lovers with rescues to drive meaningful change This episode is packed with entrepreneurial insights, leadership wisdom, and business strategies that can help you build a brand that makes a difference. If you’re interested in scaling a purpose-driven company, leveraging strategic partnerships, and creating impact, you won’t want to miss this conversation! 📌 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with top entrepreneurs! 🔥 Follow CUDDLY:Website: https://cuddly.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUAGvVfcMcQ2m_mK6ivzytg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welovecuddly Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welovecuddly X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/welovecuddly LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuddly/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@welovecuddly  📌 Connect With Us: Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167

What does it take to leave the corporate world behind and build a thriving business from the ground up? On this episode of The Necessary Entrepreneur, we sit down with Dylan Jahraus—entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist—to talk about her journey from the corporate environment to launching and scaling her own ventures. Dylan shares how her early career shaped her entrepreneurial mindset, why she intentionally hires athletes for their grit and mental toughness, and how taking action—rather than waiting for the perfect plan—creates clarity and momentum. 🔹 Transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship 🔹 Why athletes make some of the best employees 🔹 How action leads to clarity and success 🔹 Smart financial and business growth strategies 🔹 Overcoming fear and building resilience This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to take control of their career, embrace uncertainty, and build something extraordinary. 📌 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations with top entrepreneurs! 🔥 Follow Dylan Jahraus:  https://www.youtube.com/@dylanjahraus https://www.instagram.com/dylanjahraus/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/dylanjahrausofficial https://www.tiktok.com/@dylanjahraus https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-jahraus-1467a020/ https://dylanjahraus.com #DylanJahraus #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Mindset #Grit #Success #TheNecessaryEntrepreneur #ActionCreatesClarity 📌 Connect With Us: Website: https://www.thenecessaryentrepreneur.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thenecessaryentrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenecessaryentrepreneur/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNecessaryEntrepreneurPod X (Formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/MPerkinsTNE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tnepod/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tneclips Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6xhGUE1yzy2N0AemUOlJPx?si=d1c5c316af404f15 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/no/podcast/the-necessary-entrepreneur/id1547181167