7-Figure Leap with Dustin Riechmann

Jay Papasan, the bestselling author and publishing expert, gives us the inside scoop about what really makes books, brands, and businesses successful. He's the co-author of The One Thing, and he shares how being a guest on podcasts lowkey became his secret weapon—helping his book sell millions while other authors' sales flopped. He explains how he landed over 600 podcast interviews, the snowball effect it had on his business, and why word-of-mouth always wins. If you've ever wondered how to stay relevant for a decade in a crowded market, Jay's strategy will change the way you think about growing your audience and building authority.Chapters:00:00:00 - The Industry Is Broken—Here’s How To Fix It00:00:54 - Meet Jay Papasan: The Accidental Publishing Powerhouse00:02:06 - From Bookstore Clerk to Bestselling Author—Jay’s Wild Ride00:05:40 - The Invisible Force Behind Million-Copy Books00:09:52 - The Best Kept Secret for Selling Books (That No One Uses)00:15:11 - How Podcasting Outperformed Every Marketing Strategy00:27:19 - The "Unplanned" Opportunities That Changed Everything00:27:36 - Why Consistency Wins (Even When You Don’t See Results)00:28:53 - The Science of Word-of-Mouth and Why It Can’t Be Bought00:30:08 - Where Do Your Customers Actually Come From? The Data Says…00:31:05 - The Podcast Guesting Hack That Multiplied Jay’s Book Sales00:33:11 - Why Relaunching The One Thing Podcast Was a No-Brainer00:36:02 - Podcast Formats That Keep Listeners Hooked (And What Doesn’t)00:40:11 - Should You Do Solo Episodes? Here’s What the Data Says00:47:44 - The Future of The One Thing—What’s Next for JayLinks and Resources:Jay Papasan Jay on LinkedInTheTwentyPercenterJay’s LinkTreeJay’s BooksDustin on LinkedIn7 Figure LeapThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to 7-Figure Leap? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

Dustin has an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Travis G. Parry, a best-selling author, successful entrepreneur, and thought leader in balancing business growth with family life. Known for his groundbreaking books Achieving Balance and Marry and Grow Rich, Dr. Parry explains how entrepreneurs can grow their businesses exponentially while maintaining harmony at home. From navigating workaholism to becoming a thought leader through podcast guesting and writing, Dr. Parry’s strategies and stories will inspire you to rethink what true success really looks like!Chapters:00:00:00 - Why Books Still Dominate Success00:00:50 - Meet the Balance Guru: Dr. Travis Perry00:02:32 - Cracking the Code: Family and Wealth00:03:34 - From Advisor to Thought Leader00:05:02 - Writing a Book: The Game Changer00:08:20 - A Life-Altering Wake-Up Call00:11:26 - Building a Business That Aligns00:13:49 - Thought Leadership: The Secret Sauce00:21:49 - Actionable Strategies for Business Harmony00:26:58 - Debunking Work-Life Balance Myths00:27:22 - The Hidden Power of Spousal Support00:28:11 - Transforming Expertise into Influence00:31:37 - Rewriting the Rules of Publishing00:35:15 - Turning Books into Revenue Streams00:37:36 - Marketing Your Book Like a Pro00:45:33 - From Paper to Profit: Mastering Sales00:50:04 - A Final Note on BalanceLinks and Resources:Dr. Travis G. ParryDr. Travis G. Parry on LinkedInBalanced Growth Show with Dr. Travis Parry Achieving Balance by Dr. Travis ParryMarry and Grow Rich by Dr. Travis ParryDustin on LinkedIn7 Figure LeapThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to 7-Figure Leap? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

In this engaging conversation, Joe McKay, a LinkedIn ghostwriting expert and solopreneur coach, recounts his fascinating shift from a stable government job in Australia to thriving in France. He reveals how he leveraged LinkedIn for consistent income, emphasizing the importance of authentic content and connection. Joe shares invaluable insights on pricing, positioning, and converting interactions into sales opportunities, all while aiming to help others find their freedom. His candid storytelling makes this discussion a goldmine for aspiring entrepreneurs!

Former NFL player and top 0.5% podcaster Marques Ogden joins Dustin to break down the champion’s mindset for podcasting and beyond. From being in the NFL to building an entrepreneurial empire, Marques shares the steps that helped him overcome setbacks, master resilience, and thrive in the podcasting world. In this episode, he talks about three keys to unlocking success, the power of self-hypnosis, and why mindset is the ultimate game-changer. Marques will surely inspire you to elevate your game!Chapters:00:00:00 - A Special Edition Unveiled00:00:30 - Crossing Paths with Marques Ogden00:00:59 - Why Mindset Defines Success00:02:20 - A Sneak Peek: Pod Profit Summit00:03:26 - Marques’ Transition from NFL to CEO00:04:40 - Mindset: The Best Definition You’ll Hear00:05:16 - Three Actions That Change Everything00:08:18 - Mastering Control in Chaos00:13:00 - Lessons Learned From 500 Episodes00:17:47 - The Michelangelo Effect Unpacked00:19:18 - Unlocking the Mystery of Self-Hypnosis00:24:26 - Reframe, Relaunch, Repeat00:25:40 - Diet and Discipline of a Podcaster00:28:33 - Positive Energy: Your Secret Weapon00:29:34 - The Art of Winning Relationships00:32:15 - Why Consistency Crushes Competition00:33:50 - How to Stay Connected with MarquesLinks and Resources:Marques OgdenMarques on LinkedInGet Authentic with Marques OgdenMarques on YouTubeMarques’ LinkTreeDustin on LinkedIn7 Figure LeapThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to 7-Figure Leap? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

Dustin shares his most impactful client acquisition strategy: rooting himself in communities through genuine service and connection. He walks through his experience with the StoryBrand community, detailing how intentional participation—not pitching—led to over $200K in revenue, meaningful relationships, and lasting impact. Dustin breaks down the steps he took, the mindset that drove him, and the results of consistently showing up, serving, and building trust in spaces where people naturally connect. This episode is both a case study and a playbook for anyone looking to grow their business through authentic community involvement.Chapters:00:00:00 – A Strategy That Doesn't Start with Selling00:00:54 – The Playbook: Three Client-Getting Secrets00:01:43 – Why Community Isn't Just a Buzzword00:02:09 – Real Results from Real Relationships00:03:54 – $200K Lessons from StoryBrand00:08:54 – From Conversations to Clients00:19:51 – Small Circles, Big Impact00:25:02 – One Year, One Strategy, Big ResultsLinks and Resources:Dustin on LinkedIn7 Figure LeapThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to 7-Figure Leap? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

Dustin sits down with Mason Cosby, CEO of Scrappy ABM and keynote speaker, to talk about the purpose behind starting a podcast and how to measure its success effectively. Mason breaks down the only three types of podcasts that truly matter: the Content Engine, the Public Figure Podcast, and the Account-Based Podcast. Together, they discuss why downloads are a misleading metric, how to use podcasting to your advantage for business growth, and how to approach podcasting with a clear strategy instead of guesswork. Whether you're just starting out or trying to optimize your existing podcast, this episode will give you so many insights that crush the common assumptions about podcast success.Chapters00:00:00 – The Unexpected Origin of This Special Episode00:02:01 – The Mind Behind Scrappy ABM Steps In00:03:02 – ABM: The B2B Game-Changer Explained00:04:25 – Why Traditional Marketing Often Fails00:06:56 – How Podcasts Fit into the ABM Playbook00:11:16 – The Three-Category Podcast Playbook00:18:16 – The Secret to Building Raving Fans with Podcasts00:25:27 – What It Really Takes to Hit the Top 5%00:26:51 – Beyond Downloads: The Third Path to Podcast Success00:27:26 – Crafting a Million-Dollar Podcast Framework00:29:05 – Why Relationships Drive Podcast ROI00:30:32 – The Overlooked Business Potential of Podcast Content00:32:25 – Blueprint for a Pipeline-Generating Podcast00:37:57 – Adapting Podcast Strategies for Every Niche00:44:36 – Metrics That Actually Matter for Podcast SuccessLinks and ResourcesMason on LinkedInScrappy ABM PodcastDustin on LinkedIn7 Figure LeapThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to 7-Figure Leap? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

Dustin welcomes Karl Staib, founder of Systematic Leader, to discuss systems in building sustainable businesses. Karl shares how he ran a mushroom business in college and went on to balance a Fortune 100 career while growing his own ventures. They talk about the importance of identifying friction points, listening deeply to customers, and creating systems that not only solve problems but also drive growth. Karl also explains how entrepreneurs can stop running on chaos, use customer feedback to build better processes, and ultimately create a business flywheel that scales efficiently. This conversation is perfect for entrepreneurs looking to move from vision to execution without burning out.Chapters00:00:00 — Why Systems Are the Silent Superpower00:00:55 — Dinner Table Connections: Meet Karl Staib00:01:33 — The Origin Story: Entrepreneurial Sparks00:02:09 — The Mushroom Hustle: Karl’s First Venture00:05:07 — Marketing Careers and Uncomfortable Lessons00:06:07 — Work Happy Now: A Dream Meets Reality00:09:37 — From Frustration to Foundation: Systematic Leader is Born00:12:50 — Unpacking the Magic of Systems00:20:50 — Friction Points: Where Growth Stalls00:21:31 — Core Values Aren’t Corporate Fluff00:24:53 — Bitcoin Lessons for Business Leaders00:27:13 — The Interview Superpower: Talking to Customers00:30:42 — Turning Feedback into Flywheel Fuel00:36:16 — One Lighthouse, Many Beams: Final TakeawaysLinks and ResourcesKarl on LinkedInSystematic LeaderSystematic Leader PodcastDustin on LinkedIn7 Figure LeapThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to 7-Figure Leap? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

This episode features a full-circle moment as Dustin welcomes Hector Santiesteban, the founder of Amplafy Media and the original producer of this very show. Hector shares his journey from sales and internet marketing to building a thriving podcast production company that emphasizes profitability over vanity metrics. Together, they explore the foundational principles of podcasting success, Hector's 3 Ps framework—platform, perspective, and product—and how to leverage these elements to create a podcast that drives real business results. Packed with insights and advice, this discussion is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and thought leaders looking to amplify their voice and impact.Chapters00:00:00 - Transforming B2B with a Human Touch00:00:43 - Who Is Hector Santiesteban?00:01:28 - From Selling Knives to Amplifying Voices00:02:14 - How Amplafy Media Came to Life00:03:24 - Overcoming Podcasting Hurdles00:05:15 - Where Podcasting Meets Business Growth00:08:49 - Why Profitability Should Be Your Priority00:11:08 - The Great Debate: Guesting vs. Hosting00:18:22 - Bridging the Gap: Turning Listeners into Leads00:25:38 - AI's Role in Podcasting Today00:29:39 - Unlocking the Value of Solo Shows00:30:19 - Creating Smarter Content with AI00:31:09 - The Changing Landscape of Podcasting00:32:51 - What Amplafy Media Brings to the Table00:41:12 - Demystifying the 3 P’s of Podcast Profit00:48:20 - Aligning Podcasting with Your Business Goals00:51:52 - The First Steps to Starting Strong00:55:44 - Parting Advice and Hector’s Final WordsLinks and ResourcesHector on LinkedInAmplafy MediaLinks to Hector’s Podcasts and MoreDustin on LinkedIn7 Figure LeapThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to 7-Figure Leap? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

Leadership coach Hakim A. Lakhdar joins Dustin for an eye-opening conversation about leadership in all its forms. Sharing stories from a journey that spans Harvard Law, global reform projects, stunt work, and bartending in Vegas, Hakim explains how clarity, confidence, and compassion shape transformational leadership. He also discusses the surprising twists of his career, the critical role of self-leadership, and why values should guide every decision. If you're an entrepreneur feeling stuck or a leader wanting to grow, Hakim’s insights will inspire and challenge you to reimagine how you lead.Chapters00:00:00 The Comfortable Cat vs. The Wild Hunt00:00:50 LinkedIn Sparks a Game-Changer00:03:00 Kickball Lessons and Peer Counseling00:04:46 ROTC Routines and Leadership Lessons00:07:19 Guitar Duets and Defining Self00:08:54 Stunts, Soap Operas, and Stair Falls00:11:58 From Vegas Bars to Kindergarten00:12:43 Harvard’s Surprise Call00:15:54 Building a Business in Chaos00:18:49 Navigating Entrepreneurial Turbulence00:22:52 What They Don’t Tell You About Leadership00:23:43 Facing the Self-Judgment Mirror00:24:51 The Snapshot That Changes Everything00:25:12 Team Access: Coaching on a New Level00:29:34 Clarity, Confidence, and the Power of Compassion00:31:20 Self-Leadership for the Solopreneur00:33:26 Unearthing Your Personal Core Values00:38:47 The Right People, The Right Time00:41:15 Signing Off with InspirationLinks and ResourcesHakim on LinkedInLakhdar CoachingAccess Your Leadership PodcastSchedule a 30 Minute Connection MeetingDustin on LinkedIn7 Figure LeapThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to 7-Figure Leap? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!

Dustin welcomes Ernesto Mandowsky, an expert in business systems and the founder of Million Dollar Machine. Ernesto shares the path he took from baking challah bread to designing scalable systems for entrepreneurs. He explains how constraints can drive creativity, the importance of structured systems for growth, and his “Five Recipes” framework that transforms businesses into scalable enterprises. Ernesto also discusses creating freedom through organization, empowering operators to optimize workflows, and the intersection of art and science in delivering exceptional value. You’ll walk away with a lot of information to systematize your business(es) and unlock your full potential.Chapters00:00:00 - Unlocking Personal Vision for Team Excellence00:00:48 - Meet Ernesto Mandowsky: The Systems Maestro00:01:36 - A $30,000 Night: Ernesto’s Hospitality Genesis00:02:22 - Where Hospitality Meets Technology: A Unique Intersection00:03:41 - What Small Businesses Can Learn from Restaurants00:06:21 - The Hidden Power of Systems and Constraints00:09:55 - From Side Hustles to Career Pivots: Ernesto’s Journey00:20:03 - Building a Million Dollar Machine: The Five Recipes00:25:17 - The Roadmap to Scaling: Business Growth Phases00:27:55 - Balancing Vision and Operations for Success00:29:49 - How Systems Create Freedom in Business00:33:29 - Empowering Operators to Drive Business Growth00:35:31 - Ernesto’s Vision for a Scalable Future00:40:41 - The Growth Scorecard: Your Path to Clarity00:47:01 - Wrapping Up: Key Insights and Next StepsLinks and ResourcesErnesto on LinkedInMillion Dollar MachineDustin on LinkedIn7 Figure LeapThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to 7-Figure Leap? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave us a review!