Beyond 8 Figures

What if stepping back from your business didn’t mean losing control—but gaining clarity?In this episode, I talk with Margo Crawford, founder of Business Sherpa Group, about the five-year succession plan that helped her shift from CEO to Chair—and the deep mental work it took to let go without giving up.You’ll learn:When to start planning your exit (spoiler: not when you're ready to leave)How to prepare your team to lead without youWhy most founder burnout is rooted in back-office frictionHow to measure success in more than revenueIf you're overwhelmed by complexity or craving more freedom, this one’s worth a listen.🎯 Listen now + explore what's next for your business. 👉 Chat with A.J.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Margo Crawford: LinkedInBusiness Sherpa Group Resources

Bruce Eckfeldt, a strategic coach and 5-time Inc. 500 founder, reveals how to transition from a founder's mindset to CEO-level thinking. He discusses the challenges businesses face as they scale, especially around accountability and strategy. Discover the effectiveness of a 3-day strategy sprint in identifying blind spots and how tailored coaching can outperform generic programs. Eckfeldt emphasizes the importance of balancing short-term solutions with long-term planning, and the critical role of mindset and trust in coaching for entrepreneurs.

Hamza Mudassir, a Cambridge lecturer and founder of Strategize, dives into the evolving landscape of strategic thinking in an AI-driven world. He discusses the concept of digital twins and their role in simulating business scenarios for better decision-making. The conversation highlights the mental challenges of leadership and the isolating nature of reactive strategies. Mudassir also emphasizes leveraging AI to analyze data, enhancing strategic clarity and innovation in entrepreneurship, allowing leaders to adapt to rapid technological changes.

What happens when your agency hits a growth ceiling—and brute force stops working?In this episode, Steve Maly shares what finally pushed him to adopt EOS, how it changed his team’s rhythm and decision-making, and why hiring a $500 intern changed the trajectory of his business.Here’s what you’ll take away:How to spot the real reason your growth has stalledThe hidden value of weekly meetings (done right)Why structure matters more than toolsHow to think like a strategist—not just a founder🎯 Ready to get out of the weeds and think bigger about your business? 👉 Let’s talk.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Steve Maly: LinkedIn, Maly MarketingEOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System)Baby Bathwater

Your brain is your business’s most valuable asset—so why aren’t you training it?In this episode, I talk with Paola Telfer, founder of Sens.ai, about how she turned a personal brain injury into a mission to help entrepreneurs perform better mentally. We dig into the science of neurofeedback, how to stay sharp under pressure, and why brain optimization isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for high-stakes leadership.🔹 What you'll learn:How brain training works and why founders need itTools to manage stress and sharpen focusHow to bounce back from burnout and mental fogListen now & build a smarter brain for the business you’re leading.🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Paola Telfer: LinkedIn, Sens.ai blog, Sens.ai InstagramGet Sens.ai: https://bit.ly/44VpVQ5 

What comes after the big exit? For Jess Stewart, it wasn’t freedom—it was confusion.In this episode, we unpack how she rebuilt both her purpose and leadership rhythm after selling her company. If you’re feeling stuck in your business or unsure about what comes next, Jess’s story offers a practical path forward.Here’s what we cover:The emotional and operational void after exiting a businessHow to install structure without losing flexibilityWhat leadership rhythms look like in real companiesFeeling stuck in the chaos of what comes after your big milestone? Let’s figure out your next chapter. 👉 https://bit.ly/3ZnqyzR 🔗 Resources & Guest Links:Jess Stewart: Website, Activate Community

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.