Beyond 8 Figures

Success isn’t just surviving chaos—it’s building toward your exit.In this episode, I talk with Philip Blackett, founder of Dream Business Makeover and LifeAfter40.com. He’s been through the fire—literally rebuilding a cemetery business during COVID while pulling double shifts at Chick-fil-A to make payroll.We talk exit strategy, leadership, and what really works when you’ve got to grow through chaos.🎯 You’ll Learn:Why most “busy” CEOs miss the pointHow to plan your exit (even if it’s years away)The 4 levers that grow revenue and valueWhat it looks like to lead when everything’s on fireReady to grow your business with a future? Let’s build your exit-ready roadmap. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Philip Blackett: LinkedIn, LifeAfter40.comRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

In this discussion, Richard Parker, founder of Diomo Corporation, shares his expertise in guiding aspiring business owners through the maze of acquisitions. He emphasizes the common pitfalls in chasing the wrong deals and unveils his '4-4-4-1-1' strategy to maintain focus. Richard highlights five critical filters to avoid disastrous purchases and reveals how to discern whether a business is chaotic or primed for growth. He also discusses the essential mindset shift needed before approaching sellers. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone contemplating buying a business.

Mark Cecchini, a wealth advisor at Quadrant Capital, specializes in helping high-growth entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of personal finance. In this engaging discussion, he unpacks the concept of a personal capital stack, the pitfalls of basic investment strategies, and the importance of professional financial guidance. Mark also shares insights on managing cash flow, the role of AI in finance, and crafting tailored investment strategies that align with personal goals. A must-listen for entrepreneurs looking to enhance their wealth strategy!

Join Kevin Bees, the founder of ProfitHive, who specializes in identifying profit leaks for businesses. He unveils the seven hidden areas where companies lose money and shares a straightforward framework to streamline finances without needing an accounting degree. Kevin discusses the importance of refining business practices, understanding key metrics, and maximizing profitability through strategic mindset shifts. He also emphasizes the need for effective marketing and enhances customer experience to boost profit margins.

Mikael Dia, founder of Funnelytics, shares insights on simplifying business operations for sustainable growth. He discusses the chaos that often follows venture capital investments and how to regain control through clarity. Key points include combating churn to maintain momentum and the four pillars for fulfillment while scaling. Mikael also reveals how Funnelytics helps businesses visualize customer journeys, enhancing decision-making without the guesswork, and emphasizes that success is about focus, not just scale.

In this discussion, John F. Kettley, founder of Sales Masters Guild, shares insights from his journey in helping entrepreneurs regain control over their businesses. He highlights the shift from working in the business to effectively leading it. Topics include overcoming the founder's plateau, the importance of aligning sales and delivery, and using strategic playbooks for success. Kettley emphasizes the significance of clarity in vision and the necessity for a reset when business feels overwhelming.

Let’s be honest—most founders are chasing traction without stopping to ask: Is this still what I want to build?In this episode, I talk with Amit Garg, Managing Partner at Tau Ventures, about what it means to build a purpose-aligned business from the ground up. From launching a hospital in India to raising $86M for a venture fund, Amit shares what real alignment looks like.🎧 You’ll learn:How to know if your business is actually venture-backableWhat founders get wrong about raising capitalWhy your pitch deck could be building a business you don’t want to runHow to use purpose as your operating systemWhy public thinking is the new investor filterIf your business looks successful but doesn’t feel right, it’s time to reset. 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Amit Garg: LinkedIn, XHospital For HopeTau VenturesData Driven

Success isn’t always what it looks like on the outside.In this episode, I talk with Justin Breen about what it really means to lead a visionary business—with clarity, intention, and zero fluff. We unpack Kolbe scores, mindset patterns, and the four traits that set true visionaries apart from the pack.🔥 Inside this episode:How to measure your life with two daily questionsWhy “more” often leads to misery—not meaningHow Justin uses pattern recognition to build rituals that scaleThe flywheel every founder needs: Mindset → Network → OpportunityWhat most founders get dead wrong about leadershipLet’s build better, not just bigger.  👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Justin Breen: LinkedIn, X, InstagramJoin BrEpic NetworkJustin’s Map of EQ and IQKolbeGallup Clifton StrengthfindersThe EnneagramWorking GeniusRead Epic Life by Justin BreenGood to Great by Jim CollinsBuilt to Last by Jim CollinsThe Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

What if everything you know about “value-driven copy” is wrong?In this episode, I talk to Will Green, Founder of Copy Road, about what actually makes copy convert. We dive into the difference between trust and tricks, and why the best copy doesn’t need a sales funnel—it needs a promise, proof, and process.🔥 What you’ll learn:Why most copywriting fails (and what to do instead)The dead-simple rule that drives Will’s 7-figure campaignsHow his offshore team is helping founders scale video at 80% less costWhy he thinks “free value” is overrated—and what to do insteadWhat founders get wrong when hiring copywritersWant to grow with less noise and more clarity? 👉 Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Will Green: Website, LinkedIn, X

Success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about how you communicate it. And when the message isn’t landing, it’s probably not your offer. It’s your story.In this episode, storytelling expert Karen Eber joins A.J. to explore how to build trust with storytelling—whether you're pitching, leading, or aligning your team. You’ll learn how to craft stories that connect, convert, and evolve with your business.🎧 Inside this episode:Why origin stories can actually hold you backHow to find your customer’s pain—and tell the story they needThe storytelling structure that works across leadership, sales, and cultureHow to plan a full year of strategic story contentWhy systems beat charisma every timeIf you're tired of messaging that doesn’t stick or storytelling that never quite clicks, let’s change that. 👉Work with A.J.🔗 Resources + Guest Links:Karen Eber: Website, LinkedIn, XBook mentioned: The Perfect Story by Karen Eber