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!

Dustin welcomes Dennis Yu! He’s a search engine engineer, author, and speaker. Dennis explains the formula for leveraging mentorship and strategic micro-targeting to create visibility and success in the digital world. He shares how powerful it is to make real connections, boost your content through the dollar-a-day strategy, and systematize mentorship to open doors. Dennis discusses the process of building influence, claiming your digital footprint, and making your network work for you. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, this conversation will challenge how you approach digital marketing and personal branding.Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction: Leveraging Success in the Digital World00:00:57 - Meet Dennis: The Traveling Entrepreneur00:01:51 - The Power of Mentorship and Relationships00:03:20 - Real-Life Success Stories with Dollar a Day00:04:21 - The Importance of Being Seen00:07:49 - Choosing Quality Over Quantity00:13:05 - Empowering the Next Generation00:20:37 - The Value of Networking and Amplification00:24:45 - The Power of Borrowed Credibility00:28:24 - Amplification Strategies for Success00:32:16 - Creating Engaging Podcast Content00:35:56 - Understanding Digital Marketing Mistakes00:36:43 - Leveraging Google Knowledge Panels00:39:31 - Practical Steps to Improve Your Online Presence00:43:54 - Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLinks and ResourcesDennis Yu Dennis on LinkedIn Dennis on InstagramAre You Googleable?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!Mentioned in this episode:Get a Free Strategy Call with Our TeamGo to https://7FigureLeap.com/strategy

Dustin shares how to create "win-win-win" outcomes by making clients the heroes of their own success stories. He breaks down a simple three-step process for capturing feedback, celebrating client wins, and turning those stories into powerful case studies. Using the example of Lashay Lewis, he explains how collaboration can lead to amazing business results, including a five-figure workshop generated from just two LinkedIn posts. This episode dives into strategies for spotlighting client achievements while growing your own business.Chapters00:00:00 - A Triple Win Unveiled00:01:00 - Becoming the Guide: A Storytelling Breakthrough00:01:34 - Elevating Clients: Celebrating Success Stories00:04:34 - The Power of Feedback: A 3-Step Blueprint00:06:00 - Case Study Spotlight: The Transformation of Lashay Lewis00:09:16 - Collaboration in Action: Workshop Secrets00:17:01 - From Inspiration to Action: Next Steps That Drive SuccessLinks 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!Mentioned in this episode:Get a Free Strategy Call with Our TeamGo to https://7FigureLeap.com/strategy

Dustin welcomes back Cassie Shea, a trusted collaborator and business coach who’s been instrumental in his seven-figure journey. They dig into the mindset shifts and identity work that Cassie encouraged Dustin to explore as he faced capacity limits and team-building challenges. Cassie shares her insights on scaling without sacrificing core values, the critical role of community, and why leaders must redefine their identity to create lasting impact. This conversation gives a look into the principles Cassie champions, and Dustin’s firsthand experience with putting them into practice.Chapters:00:00:00 - Diving into Identity for Entrepreneurs00:01:07 - Welcoming Back Cassie Shea00:01:49 - Reflections on Friendship & Business Growth00:02:59 - Quality Time vs. Impact in Business00:05:18 - Crafting the Seven Figure Leap Brand00:07:22 - Milestones on the Path to Seven Figures00:11:13 - Pushing Past Personal and Business Limits00:16:12 - Identity Shifts and Business Evolution00:27:31 - Practical Tactics for Lasting Growth00:30:21 - Designing a Hiring Strategy00:31:45 - Delegation and Operational Essentials00:33:14 - Rethinking Fulfillment for Success00:34:18 - Applying the "Who Not How" Mindset00:37:12 - Transformation in Leadership and Identity00:40:40 - Business Status Check and Future Roadmap00:48:20 - Gratitude Moments and Lessons Learned00:51:13 - Final Reflections and ConnectionsLinks and ResourcesCassie Shea’s Website Cassie Shea on LinkedInLet’s Worry About Everything by Cassie SheaDustin 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 Mariana Henninger, an Emmy-winning filmmaker turned brand video strategist, who shares how she went from documentary storytelling to helping entrepreneurs create impactful brand videos. She discusses the unique power of story-driven content, explaining how it builds trust, resonates with audiences, and drives business growth. Mariana breaks down her approach to capturing authentic brand stories that convert, revealing how her process equips entrepreneurs to engage deeply with their audience through meaningful, memorable videos.Chapters00:00:00 - The Power of Emotional Impact in Brand Videos00:00:52 - Meet Mariana Henninger: Artist Turned Entrepreneur00:01:43 - From Journalism to Filmmaking: Mariana’s Journey00:02:55 - Building Trust Through Deep Storytelling00:03:48 - The Hidden Challenges of the Entrepreneurial Spirit00:07:02 - Breaking Away: Mariana’s Shift from Corporate to Self-Employed00:11:40 - The Birth of Brand Magnetic and a Dive into AI00:17:30 - What Exactly is a Brand Video?00:21:05 - Leveraging AI: Custom GPT to Enhance Courses00:22:13 - Inside the Podcast Profits Accelerator00:24:05 - Going Deeper: The Signature Offer Unpacked00:27:18 - Elite Services for High-End Brand Clients00:29:46 - Looking Ahead: Future Growth and Vision00:33:22 - How to Craft Your Brand Story for Impact00:37:58 - Connect with Mariana: Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinks and ResourcesMariana HenningerEmpire Secrets PodcastBrandmagneticMariana on LinkedInMariana on InstagramMariana on YouTubeBrand Magnetic on InstagramDustin on LinkedInSimple Success CoachingEngaged Marriage 7 Figure LeapFireCreek SnacksThanks 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!Mentioned in this episode:Get a Free Strategy Call with Our TeamGo to https://7FigureLeap.com/strategy

Dustin explores a popular question in podcasting: can introverts thrive as guests? By breaking down real stories of clients who’ve overcome their fears, he debunks myths about personality types and shows how podcast guesting can work for anyone. From the anxious to the ultra-shy, Dustin shares practical strategies that helped introverted clients shine in front of the mic, proving that success doesn’t require a loud personality—just a clear voice, preparation, and a few tricks. Through examples, he demonstrates how introverts can take confident strides toward podcasting success.Chapters00:00:00 Pushing Past Fear with Support00:00:35 Exploring Podcast Guesting for Introverts00:00:49 Introversion vs. Extroversion Unpacked00:01:23 Julie’s Inspiring Success Story00:05:30 Lachey’s Journey to Confidence00:08:28 Mike’s Story of Nailing the Prep00:09:20 Actionable Tips for Guesting Success00:14:22 Encouragement and Final InsightsLinks And ResourcesDustin on LinkedInSimple Success CoachingEngaged Marriage 7 Figure LeapFireCreek SnacksThanks 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!Mentioned in this episode:Get a Free Strategy Call with Our TeamGo to https://7FigureLeap.com/strategy

Matt Garland, President and Co-Founder of SPI Media, talks about the realities of running a business in today’s creator economy. Matt shares his journey from corporate leadership to becoming a driving force behind SPI’s shift from courses to community-based models. He breaks down how simplifying your offer stack can be a game changer, the importance of focusing on recurring revenue, and the evolution of business strategies in a crowded market. If you’re looking for actionable insights on building a future-proof business, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Chapters00:00:00 – The Struggles No One Talks About00:00:38 – Meet Matt Gartland: Master of the Creator Economy00:01:22 – From Baseball Cards to Business Mogul00:02:09 – The Bold Leap: Corporate Life to Startups00:03:23 – Surviving and Thriving in the Creator Economy00:04:43 – How Content Publishing Changed Forever00:07:08 – Behind the Scenes with Pat Flynn and SPI00:09:03 – The Secret Shift to Community-Driven Business Models00:15:28 – Reinventing SPI’s Business Model and Offer Stack00:19:03 – Community Offers: What Makes Them Irresistible00:20:56 – Personal Growth Through Business Evolution00:22:37 – Leadership Changes at SPI: A New Era00:24:41 – The Next Big Move for Matt Gartland00:25:49 – Beyond SPI: Expanding Matt’s Vision00:29:56 – Unlocking the Power of Community Engagement00:32:44 – Stay Connected with Matt GartlandLinks and ResourcesMatt on LinkedIn SPI Media Smart Passive Income PodcastSPI MastermindsDustin on LinkedInSimple Success CoachingEngaged Marriage 7 Figure LeapFireCreek SnacksThanks 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!Mentioned in this episode:Get a Free Strategy Call with Our TeamGo to https://7FigureLeap.com/strategy

Dustin breaks down a simple but effective strategy for creating podcast pitches that get results. He walks through a three-part email template designed to help you land guest spots on top podcasts. Dustin shares insights on how to open with a strong relational anchor, craft compelling bullet points that point out the value you can bring, and finish with a clear call to action. By following these steps, you can drastically increase your chances of getting a "yes" from podcast hosts. Whether you’re new to podcast pitching or looking to improve your approach, Dustin offers a practical guide you can use right away.Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction: The Power of a Personal Touch00:00:52 - Crafting High-Acceptance Podcast Pitches00:01:28 - Cutting Through the Noise with Precision00:01:45 - Breaking Down the Perfect Podcast Pitch Template00:02:41 - A Step-by-Step Guide to Email Success00:04:34 - How to Write Compelling Bullet Points00:08:28 - Why a Clear Call to Action Matters00:10:29 - Expanding Your Pitch Across Platforms00:13:06 - Wrapping Up: Resources and Next StepsLinks And Resources:Dustin on LinkedInSimple Success CoachingEngaged Marriage 7 Figure LeapFireCreek SnacksThanks 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!Mentioned in this episode:Get a Free Strategy Call with Our TeamGo to https://7FigureLeap.com/strategy

Liz Wilcox shares how she built a successful $500K business through low-ticket memberships, starting with a $9-a-month offer that helps people write better emails. Liz talks about her journey from an RV travel blogger to becoming an email marketing expert, and why she focuses on beginners who don't have a lot of money to spend. She explains how podcast guesting played a huge role in growing her business and how her low-ticket model allows her to serve more people while keeping things simple. Tune in to hear Liz's approach to email marketing and why she believes you don’t need high-ticket offers to succeed.Chapters00:00:00 - How to Get Started with Email Marketing00:00:51 - Meet Liz Wilcox: The Email Marketing Queen00:03:03 - From Travel Blogger to Email Marketing Expert00:04:34 - The $9 Membership Model: Why Low-Ticket Works00:07:15 - Building a Business Around Beginners00:12:22 - The Secret Weapon: Podcast Guesting00:17:45 - Launching and Scaling a Low-Ticket Membership00:25:54 - Liz Wilcox Today: Success, Goals, and Future Visions00:32:27 - Final Thoughts: Why Podcast Guesting and Email Marketing Are a Powerful DuoLinks And Resources:Liz WilcoxLiz on LinkedInLiz on InstagramDustin on LinkedInSimple Success CoachingEngaged Marriage 7 Figure LeapFireCreek SnacksThanks 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!