Conversations That Grow

In this revealing episode of Conversations That Grow, serial entrepreneur Jose Berlanga shares 40 years of hard-won business wisdom. From surviving a childhood accident that left him with third-degree burns to building and losing multi-million dollar companies, Jose's candid insights on leadership, growth pains, and finding purpose will change how you think about business success.Connect with JoseFind Jose's books on Amazon:The Business of Home BuildingDirt RichLook out for "Quantum Entrepreneurship" coming soonReady to grow your business through conversations?If you're thinking about using conversations to grow your own business through podcasting but don't have time to handle all the moving parts, we can help! Visit podjunction.com to learn more.📱 CONNECT WITH SADAF: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, we speak with Meredith Walker, founder of Fortifying Roots and strategic consultant. Meredith shares her extraordinary journey from becoming a caregiver at 23 for her quadriplegic mother to developing leadership expertise that transforms businesses.Meredith reveals how this profound personal experience shaped her approach to authentic communication and decision-making. She explains her philosophy that "80% of people's day-to-day work is controllable, but the 20% is where you unlock their true creativity potential that drives your business forward."We explore how leaders can set clear expectations while leaving room for creativity, why focusing on controllable factors during challenging times builds resilience, and how understanding what motivates each team member creates alignment with company goals.Meredith also shares her passionate commitment to mentoring youth, helping them see their potential beyond current circumstances. Her inspiring message reminds us that our circumstances don't define success - our decisions do.Links referenced in this episode:fortifyingroots.commwalkerthetalker.compodjunction.com📱 CONNECT WITH SADAF: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, Chris Vaughan shares how his father's simple advice—"happiness is the goal"—transformed his entire approach to business and life. After climbing the corporate ladder and "flying high" in consulting, Chris realized he was achieving everyone else's goals but his own.This powerful conversation explores how Chris applied his philosophy background to create a purpose-driven consulting firm that helps nonprofit associations rediscover their authentic mission. He reveals the surprising blind spots organizations have (most have never experienced their own member journey!), why "we've always done it this way" blocks transformation, and how leaders create organizations in their own image—for better or worse.Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or seeking more meaning in your work, Chris's insights on aligning success with happiness will challenge how you measure achievement. Perfect for entrepreneurs, consultants, and leaders who want to grow without losing their soul in the process.Links referenced in this episode:sequenceconsulting.compodjunction.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Sequence Consulting Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this conversation with Michael Davis, founder of Speaking CPR, we explore how truly listening can transform your business and leadership. Michael reveals how he discovered that clients valued him most for his listening skills, not his expertise, changing his entire approach to business.We dive into practical techniques for becoming a better listener, including the power of seeking clarity, embracing silence, and using storytelling to create "mental movies" that engage emotions, not just intellect. In a world where everyone is rushing to speak, Michael shares why slowing down to understand others makes you stand out "like a magnet."Whether you're leading a team, building client relationships, or simply wanting to communicate more effectively, this episode offers valuable insights that can immediately improve how people respond to you.Links referenced in this episode:speakingcpr.compodjunction.com52storytellinginsights.comCompanies mentioned in this episode: Speaking cpr Want help creating your own podcast? Visit us at podjunction.com or reach out to Sadaf directly on LinkedIn. Connect with Sadaf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

This episode centers on the essential role of meaningful dialogue in leadership and the impact of personal experiences on professional development. We delve into the insights shared by Mike Schentrup, a retired police captain and founder of Advanced Police Concepts, who reflects on his extensive career in law enforcement and the lessons learned throughout his journey. Notably, Mike emphasizes the importance of modeling behavior as a leader, highlighting that true leadership extends beyond mere authority and requires genuine engagement with others. We also explore how effective communication, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, fosters trust and cohesion within teams. Ultimately, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how our conversations shape not only our careers but also the communities we serve.Links referenced in this episode:AdvancedPoliceConcepts.compodjunction.comlinkedin.com/in/mikeschentrupCompanies mentioned in this episode: Advanced Police Concepts University of Florida Gainesville Police Department Connect with Sadaf: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon

In this powerful episode of Conversations That Grow, we speak with Terry Tucker, a former SWAT team hostage negotiator, cancer warrior, author, and speaker whose life is a masterclass in resilience and leadership.Terry shares his extraordinary 13-year journey battling a rare form of melanoma after being told he had just two years to live. He reveals how finding "meaning in misery" has helped him persevere through multiple amputations and experimental treatments.Drawing from his unique background in law enforcement and his ongoing cancer battle, Terry offers profound insights on building trust, influencing others during crisis, and leading with empathy. He explains why "leaders eat last" and how shifting focus away from ourselves during hardship can provide unexpected purpose.Whether you're navigating business challenges or personal setbacks, Terry's wisdom on resilience, trust-building, and meaningful connections will transform how you approach leadership when everything feels like it's falling apart.Links MentionedTerry's website: motivationalcheck.comSadaf Beynon's Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this eye-opening conversation, host Sadaf Beynon sits down with Christina Langdon, a former media executive who spent two decades climbing the corporate ladder, including 19 years at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and as CRO at Fast Company.After facing a life-changing leukemia diagnosis just as she was pivoting to a new career path, Christina's perspective on success underwent a dramatic transformation. Now, as a coach and consultant, she helps leaders tap into what she calls "human AI" – awareness and imagination – to create more meaningful success and avoid burnout.Links mentioned:LinkedIn: Christina LangdonInstagram: @christinalangdonbossladyWebsite: kite-labs.com or christinalangdon.comSadaf Beynon's Details: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sadafbeynon/

In this episode of Conversations That Grow, we chat with Drew Donaldson, strategist and founder of GroHaus. Drew shares why building relationships trumps talking business, revealing his unconventional sales approach that lets clients speak uninterrupted for the first 15 minutes. He takes us through buying out his business partners while his wife was six months pregnant, and how he immediately turned the company profitable by cutting unnecessary expenses. Drew offers fresh perspectives on contentment versus complacency, meaningful happiness versus status symbols, and why truly understanding your customers drives business success.Links Mentioned: GroHaus.org

In this episode, we dive deep with Matt Blair, COO and founding partner of REI Capital Growth. Matt shares how a single rainstorm conversation with his father in an empty Dallas apartment sparked a business that's revolutionizing how small balance investors access commercial real estate opportunities.We explore how conversations have shaped both Matt's business and personal life - from the month-long phone calls that formed the foundation of his relationship with his now-wife, to the persistent debates that helped refine their investment model through multiple SEC rejections.Links & Companies MentionedREI Capital Growth: reicapitalgrowth.comREITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)

In this episode of "Conversations That Grow," Dr. Ken Gembel reveals how a single conversation with an automotive CEO completely changed his career trajectory. The founder of Luck Unlimited (which stands for "Laboring Under Complete Knowledge") shares powerful leadership insights from manufacturing trenches to motocross tracks.Ken unpacks his unconventional approach to problem-solving, why he values listening to frontline workers, and how true success comes from passionate engagement rather than comfortable mediocrity. His story reminds us that behind every successful person isn't just "luck" but disciplined labor and complete knowledge of their craft.A must-listen for anyone wanting to transform their leadership approach and build teams that actually want to show up for work.Links Referenced:Instagram: @LuckUnlimitedApparel Instagram: @LuckUnlimited "Luck It With Lexi" podcast