Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business

In this episode, Brian sits down with Robert Chen, a retired Army veteran turned tech entrepreneur, who’s changing the game in B2B sales automation. After pivoting from an events and social media platform, Robert founded SupportSales.ai — a groundbreaking sales software that automates lead generation, personalized email outreach, and even replies to incoming leads. Robert shares how AI is streamlining sales, reducing costs, and making business growth more scalable than ever. If you’ve struggled with sales or outreach, this episode will give you a whole new approach.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 How to use AI to automate sales and streamline customer acquisition 🤖 Why personalization is key to cold outreach — and how AI can automate it 💰 How Robert’s software generates 600,000 leads per month (and how you can use it) 💼 Why AI can replace a sales team of 5 to 10 people for a fraction of the cost ⚡ The biggest emotional gap holding entrepreneurs back from using AI (and how to overcome it) 📈 How Robert plans to scale SupportSales.ai with an innovative "auto-referral" feature 🔑 Why sales success comes from consistent, scalable outreach — not waiting for leads to come to you📝 About Robert ChenRobert Chen is a retired Army veteran and former fintech software engineer turned entrepreneur. After learning to code in his mid-20s through a bootcamp, Robert built and pivoted several startups before launching SupportSales.ai — a B2B sales automation tool that automates outreach and lead generation using AI. Robert’s approach makes high-quality sales outreach accessible to small businesses, leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs competing with larger companies.🎯 Robert’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs "Keep going. Pivoting is hard, but it’s necessary. When you believe in your vision and keep pushing through the challenges, success will eventually follow."Key Takeaways from Robert’s Advice: ✔ Success comes from persistence — even after multiple pivots and setbacks ✔ Trust yourself and your instincts, even when others doubt you ✔ Momentum builds quickly once you gain traction — stay consistent📢 Memorable Quotes"We’ve reduced the cost of customer acquisition by 10x — AI is a game-changer for small businesses." – Robert Chen"AI isn’t replacing human connection — it’s enhancing it by automating the manual work so you can focus on relationships." – Robert Chen"If someone’s going to build it, I’d rather be the one to do it — and I’ll do it responsibly." – Robert Chen💡 Actionable Takeaways ✅ Try AI for sales outreach — automate lead generation and email personalization ✅ Focus on training AI to match your tone and business style for better results ✅ Don’t be afraid to pivot — new opportunities often come from failed ideas ✅ Test your outreach strategy consistently to fine-tune performance ✅ Start with the free plan of SupportSales.ai to explore AI-driven outreach🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit SupportSalesAI’s WebsiteConnect with Robert on LinkedIn

In this episode, Brian sits down with Graham Wood, founder of Shopik, a game-changing platform that automates product listings for resellers using AI and machine learning. After being laid off from Google, Graham leveraged his 20+ years of experience in aerospace, big tech, and media to create Shopik, helping companies cut down product listing time from 45 minutes to under 2 minutes. Graham shares his entrepreneurial journey, the role AI plays in streamlining business operations, and why knowing your market is key to scaling a business.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to turn setbacks (like layoffs) into business opportunities 🤖 Why AI and automation are essential for reducing business costs 💡 How to identify market gaps and build a solution that scales 🛍️ How to monetize a SaaS product and choose the right business model 💰 How to balance technology development with customer-driven features 📈 Why focusing on high-value clients first can accelerate growth 📸 How to use AI to extract product details from images and automate e-commerce📝 About Graham WoodGraham Wood is a seasoned entrepreneur and software engineer with over two decades of experience in big tech (Google), media (BuzzFeed), and aerospace. After being laid off from Google in 2023, Graham founded Shopik, a platform that automates product listings using AI and machine learning. His innovative approach to automation helps businesses save time and labor costs while increasing revenue through faster, more efficient listings. Graham’s experience spans from building apps to leading engineering teams at BuzzFeed and Google.🎯 Graham’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Find something you’re passionate about — and make it easier for others." ➡️ Your best business idea comes from solving a real-world problem ➡️ Passion fuels perseverance — you need to love what you’re doing to push through challenges ➡️ Focus on ROI — your product should save time or make money for customers📢 Memorable Quotes“AI is a tool — but you need to know how to use it to get the best results.” – Graham Wood“The quicker you can list a product, the more profitable it becomes.” – Graham Wood“Revenue matters, but passion is what will keep you in the game.” – Graham Wood💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Automate repetitive tasks using AI to save time and costs ✅ Focus on securing high-value enterprise clients first — scale from there ✅ Build solutions that solve real pain points for your customers ✅ Prioritize product-market fit over mass adoption in the early stages ✅ Track customer feedback and use it to drive product improvements🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Shopik’s WebsiteConnect with Graham on LinkedInFollow Shopik on LinkedIn

What happens when a surfer, digital marketer, and golf addict sees a massive inefficiency in the sport he loves? He builds a startup to fix it. In this episode, Ryan Walsh, founder of Fairway Finder, reveals how he's disrupting the $84B golf industry by creating the "Google Flights of golf tee times."Ryan shares how he went from teaching surf lessons to fund his rent to launching a tech platform that’s solving problems for both golfers and golf courses. From spotting opportunities others ignored to navigating the challenges of being a nontechnical founder, Ryan drops insights that every entrepreneur—especially those thinking about tech or marketplace businesses—needs to hear.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to turn a personal pain point into a scalable business idea🧠 Why starting with a cash-flow business (like an agency) can fund your startup dreams💸 The monetization strategies behind a dual-sided marketplace🤖 How Fairway Finder is leveraging AI and automation to disrupt traditional booking systems🔎 The difference between startups, small businesses, and enterprises—and why it matters🔧 How to build tech products as a nontechnical founder (plus the “technical cofounder Venn diagram”)📊 Why obsessing over real customer pain is your competitive advantage📝 About RyanRyan Walsh is an experienced entrepreneur who spent a decade steering his digital marketing agency before diving headfirst into the golf tech scene. As the founder and CEO of Fairway Finder, he's revolutionizing how golfers find and book their tee times by offering a single, streamlined platform that not only simplifies the booking process but also introduces an innovative waitlist feature for the most sought-after courses. Born and raised in San Diego, Ryan's love for golf runs deep, which shows in his commitment to making Fairway Finder a game-changer for golfers everywhere. Whether he's hitting the fairways or tapping away at his keyboard, Ryan is committed to making golf more accessible and enjoyable for all.🎯 Ryan’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs“Start with a business that gives you cash flow—then use that money to fund your bigger ideas.”📢 Memorable Quotes“It’s hard for me to experience pain and not want to address it with some sort of business venture.” – Ryan Walsh“The best analogy for Fairway Finder is Google Flights—but for golf.” – Ryan Walsh“I wasn’t going to wait for permission from every golf course’s system. We built our own crawling tech.” – Ryan Walsh💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Identify problems in your daily life—those are often your best business opportunities ✅ Don’t overcomplicate your first venture—start simple and cash-flow positive ✅ Explore how to build value for both sides of a marketplace (buyer & seller) ✅ Use AI and automation to solve repetitive, time-consuming tasks ✅ Think in first principles: question industry norms and build from scratch if needed🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Fairway Finder’s WebsiteFollow Fairway Finder on TikTokFind Fairway Finder on InstagramConnect with Ryan on LinkedIn

In this episode, we’re joined by Azam and Raihan Dadabhoy, the brother duo behind Sensiply, a revolutionary job marketplace redefining how employers and job seekers connect. Sensiply’s flagship feature, SensiPitch, is a game-changing video pitch platform that allows candidates to showcase their personality, skills, and energy – breaking away from the limitations of traditional resumes. Azam and Raihan share how their personal frustrations with the job market inspired them to humanize hiring and build a community-focused tech solution that’s bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business 🚀 How leveraging video-based applications can elevate your hiring process and uncover hidden talent 🤝 Why humanizing hiring matters more than ever in a tech-driven job market 🔍 The power of proprietary AI to curate the best-fit jobs for candidates and streamline employer searches 🛠️ How Sensiply is focusing on community-driven growth by going door-to-door and hosting workshops 💡 Strategies for balancing short-term execution with long-term vision in startup growth 🔄 How focusing on mission-driven goals over mere tech solutions builds sustainable growth📝 About Azam & Raihan Dadabhoy Azam and Raihan Dadabhoy are the cofounders of Sensiply, a revolutionary job marketplace that leverages video technology to transform the hiring process. Azam, with a background in health analytics and policy, and Raihan, a recent USC political science graduate, combined their frustrations with traditional job applications to create SensiPitch, a video-first job application platform. Their mission? To humanize hiring and create meaningful connections between employers and job seekers.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and EntrepreneursRaihan Dadabhoy: "When you're feeling down, you're actually in the best part of the movie. Lock in and keep pushing, because greatness is just a doorway away."Key Takeaways from Raihan's Advice:Embrace the grind—difficult moments are where growth happens.Every 'no' is just part of the journey; persistence is key.Keep knocking on doors—success is on the other side of perseverance.Azam Dadabhoy: "Have faith regardless of wherever you are in life. There is no clear direction to success; every rejection is just a redirection to something greater."Key Takeaways from Azam's Advice:Trust in the journey—even setbacks are part of the bigger picture.Redirection often leads to growth opportunities you didn’t anticipate.Keep your faith strong; it’s the anchor during turbulent times.📢 Memorable QuotesRaihan Dadabhoy:"If employers can see the real person behind the resume, the entire hiring process changes.""We're not just matching jobs; we're building opportunities for people to be seen."Azam Dadabhoy:"The hiring process shouldn’t be just about paper—it’s about people." "Every rejection is just redirection. Learn to embrace it and keep moving forward."🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Sensiply’s WebsiteConnect with Azam on LinkedInConnect with Raihan on LinkedInFollow Sensiply on LinkedIn

In this episode, Brian sits down with Coltrane Kubo, co-founder of Aidgentic, an AI automation agency helping solopreneurs and small businesses streamline workflows and maximize efficiency. Coltrane shares how AI can do more than generate content—it can automate operations, enhance creativity, and serve as a true business partner. If you’re looking to save time, automate repetitive tasks, and leverage AI to grow your business, this episode is a must-listen!💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 Why most entrepreneurs are underutilizing AI—and how to tap into its real power 🤖 The difference between AI automation and AI agents (and why it matters for your business) 💰 How to implement AI-driven processes that actually increase revenue 📩 AI-powered customer service, outreach, and social media automation—how to build a system that works 🛠️ Why solopreneurs need AI more than anyone else (and how to use it to replace tedious tasks) 💡 Coltrane’s #1 framework for deciding which AI tools to use in your business📝 About Coltrane KuboColtrane Kubo is a co-founder of Aidgentic, an AI automation agency helping small businesses and solopreneurs to save time by automating repetitive tasks and leveraging AI tools. The idea for Aidgentic was born from Coltrane’s experience in growth marketing, where he used AI automation to optimize his latest role at a marketing agency and help free his team to focus on the high-impact strategic and creative work they did best.Before founding Aidgentic, Coltrane’s entrepreneurial journey began with scaling a passion project website to over a million annual users. Originally from Hawaii, he attended college at UC San Diego and currently lives in New York City. Drawing from his diverse experiences in growth marketing, sales, and data-focused economics, he now partners with clients to create and deploy innovative AI solutions in their businesses.🎯 Coltrane’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Lean into your uniqueness. Don’t be afraid to be unconventional."💡 Key Takeaways: ✔️ More businesses will sound the same as AI becomes widespread—your uniqueness will set you apart ✔️ AI should amplify your humanity, not replace it ✔️ The world needs your authenticity and creativity—don't hold back📢 Memorable Quotes💬 “AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a business partner that can amplify your strengths.” – Coltrane Kubo 💬 “Solopreneurs need AI the most, because they’re wearing all the hats.” – Coltrane Kubo 💬 “If you’re using AI the same way as everyone else, you’re missing the real opportunity.” – Coltrane Kubo💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Identify repetitive tasks in your business—these are the first things to automate with AI ✅ Use AI to extend your personal brand—not just to generate content, but to enhance customer relationships ✅ Experiment with AI agents to handle workflow automation, outreach, and business operations ✅ Before implementing AI, map out your processes manually—understand where AI will truly save time ✅ Leverage AI as a thinking partner—use it for idea refinement, strategic planning, and creativity🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Aidgentic’s WebsiteConnect with Coltrane on LinkedInFollow Aidgentic on LinkedInSubscribe to Aidgentic’s YouTube Channel

In this episode, we sit down with Fernando Menendez, the founder of fscales, a performance creative agency helping e-commerce brands thrive through data-driven ad strategies and high-converting user-generated content (UGC). With experience managing over $21 million in ad spend and working with major brands like Red Bull, Fernando shares his journey from media buying at SocialCode and MuteSix to building his own agency. His insights into the importance of UGC, strategic ad testing, and data-backed creative decisions will inspire you to rethink how you approach growth for your business. If you’ve ever wondered how to create ads that don’t just run, but convert—this episode is for you.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to effectively leverage UGC (User Generated Content) to build trust and drive sales in a competitive ad space📊 Data-driven ad strategy: Why understanding your ad account data is crucial for campaign optimization🎯 Why speed matters in ad testing and iteration—and how Fernando's team at fscales accelerates the process🔎 Creative detective work: How digging through Reddit threads, product reviews, and social comments can inspire impactful ad concepts🔄 The importance of modular ad testing: Discover how to split-test hooks and creative variations for maximum impact🔥 Scaling strategies for Meta and TikTok ads that drive down customer acquisition costs and improve ROAS💡 Understanding advertorials and landing pages: How to convert clicks into customers with optimized content📝 About the GuestFernando Menendez is the founder of fscales — a performance creative agency that helps eCommerce brands grow through data-driven UGC and paid social ads management, mainly on Meta and TikTok.He started as a media buyer at two of the most influential agencies in the space: SocialCode, Facebook’s first official Ads API partner, and MuteSix, where he rose from junior to Director at the agency with the most case studies published by Facebook.When he started freelancing, fscales evolved to solve the exact problems he faced as a creative-minded media buyer: needing high-converting creatives, but not getting them personalized to what works for that brand fast enough.So he built the service he always wished he had: a team that deeply understands ad account data, translates it into actionable creative strategy, and runs ads that are proactively optimized from script to scale.Over his career, Fernando has managed over $21 million in ad spend, helping brands like Red Bull, Allegiance Flag Supply, and Spongellé achieve significant growth through end-to-end data-driven execution.🎯 Guest’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"The only problem is the belief that you have a problem." Fernando believes that challenges are simply opportunities for growth. By shifting your mindset from obstacles to learning experiences, you unlock the ability to iterate, improve, and thrive in business.📢 Memorable Quotes“People sell to people. UGC is powerful because it’s real people talking about real experiences.” – Fernando Menendez“Marketing is like being a detective—you’re constantly connecting the dots and solving puzzles.” – Fernando Menendez“Even if you have the best video in the world, if you can’t get people to stop scrolling, the rest doesn’t matter.” – Fernando Menendez🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit fscales’ WebsiteConnect with Fernando on LinkedIn

Sales is often the biggest challenge for entrepreneurs—but what if you could bring in elite sales talent to close more deals for you? In this episode, Neal Rummler, founder of Maverick Marketing, reveals how he built a multi-million dollar sales operation that helps home service businesses maximize revenue through upselling. From his door-to-door sales roots to running a scalable sales team, Neal shares invaluable sales strategies, the power of scripts, and why most entrepreneurs struggle with closing deals.If you've ever wondered how to sell more without feeling pushy, how to hire external sales talent, or how to structure your business for growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🔹 Why sales scripts work—and how to master them without sounding robotic🔹 How to upsell effectively—the best timing, phrasing, and strategy to increase revenue🔹 How to bring in top-tier sales talent—why Neal’s model works for home service businesses (and could for yours too!)🔹 The art of non-confrontational selling—how to get prospects to sell themselves🔹 How sales reps get into a slump—and Neal’s best strategies to get them out🔹 Why “mastering monotony” is the key to long-term business success📝 About Neal RummlerNeal Rummler is a seasoned sales expert and the founder of Maverick Marketing, a company that has helped home service businesses generate millions in upsells. With over a decade in direct-to-consumer sales, Neal has developed a repeatable sales framework that empowers businesses to convert more leads, increase lifetime customer value, and scale revenue fast.He started his journey as a Jungle Cruise skipper at Disneyland, transitioned into summer sales, and even went through law school before realizing his true passion was in high-impact sales strategies. Now, he’s bringing elite sales talent to businesses that need it most.🎯 Neal’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Become a master of monotony."Neal’s biggest piece of advice is to get really good at doing the same thing over and over again. Every successful business thrives on repetition, optimization, and mastery of a core process—whether it's sales, marketing, or product delivery.📢 Memorable Quotes💬 "Most entrepreneurs are so passionate about their product that they overwhelm prospects. You need to get them to sell themselves instead." – Neal Rummler💬 "Sales scripts don’t make you sound robotic—bad delivery does. The best salespeople master scripts so well that they sound natural." – Neal Rummler💬 "If I were 18 again, I wouldn’t go to college. I’d learn a high-value skill, work for someone else, and then start my own business." – Neal Rummler💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Use scripts to close more deals—but deliver them naturally with confidence and practice✅ Upselling is easiest when trust is built—learn when and how to offer additional services✅ If you’re struggling with sales, hire someone who loves it—you don’t have to do it all✅ Sales slumps are mental—take a step back, reset, and return to proven strategies✅ Don’t overcomplicate business—find what works and repeat it relentlessly🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Maverick Marketing’s WebsiteFollow Maverick Marketing on InstagramConnect with Neal on LinkedIn

Your brand’s visuals speak volumes before you even say a word. In today’s episode, Dana Francks, co-founder of JK Creative NYC, takes us behind the scenes of high-end visual branding and post-production. From working with major brands like Under Armour to helping small businesses craft premium aesthetics, Dana shares the secrets of how to make your brand stand out visually—without breaking the bank.We dive into:How Dana transitioned from corporate life to entrepreneurshipThe power of branding and visual identity for businesses of all sizesAI vs. authentic visuals—what’s working now and what’s nextRunning a lean creative agency with a focus on efficiency and high-impact results💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business✅ How to elevate your brand’s visual identity—even on a small budget🎨 The secrets behind elite product photography & branding (and how even small businesses can achieve it)📸 Why high-end brands don’t always reshoot photos—and how post-production can save you time & money🖌 AI vs. Authenticity: How to leverage AI in branding without losing the human touch💡 Running a business efficiently—How Dana and her co-founder streamline operations with minimal overhead📝 About Dana FrancksDana Francks, Co-Founder of JK Creative NYC, is a skilled post-production industry leader with over 10 years of experience in high-end retouching. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Visual Studies with a concentration in Art Practice and Technology from The University of Pennsylvania School of Arts & Sciences. Dana specializes in Post-Production workflow, Art Direction, and Client Service. 🎯 Dana’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs💡 "Do what you're good at. If you focus on using your strengths, it won’t feel like work—it’ll feel like purpose."Key Takeaways:✔ Leverage your strengths—Success comes from mastering what you’re already great at✔ Don't overcomplicate branding—Small tweaks can make a huge impact✔ Efficiency is everything—Running a business doesn’t have to be hard if you plan ahead📢 Memorable Quotes🖼️ “People don’t realize how much post-production impacts branding—it’s what makes products look premium.” – Dana Francks🎯 "AI is a tool, not a replacement. Authenticity still wins in branding." – Dana Francks🔥 “Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be complicated. Streamline, execute, and keep it simple.” – Dana Francks💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Invest in professional visuals—Great branding increases trust & perceived value✅ Use AI as a creative tool, not a crutch—It should enhance, not replace authenticity✅ Optimize your processes—The best brands aren’t always the biggest; they’re the smartest✅ Work with specialists—A great creative partner can elevate your brand beyond DIY solutions🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit JK Creative’s WebsiteConnect with Dana on LinkedIn

Change is inevitable—but navigating it with clarity, purpose, and intention can make all the difference. In this episode, Sami Packard, an expert in design thinking, organizational change, and relationship coaching, shares her insights on how entrepreneurs and couples can embrace transitions with confidence. As the founder of Coupledom, she helps successful couples design fulfilling lives together, blending strategic decision-making with deep self-awareness.Whether you're an entrepreneur balancing business and relationships, or simply navigating a life pivot, this episode will leave you with powerful tools to approach change with self-compassion, clarity, and confidence.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🚀 How to embrace change without overwhelm—and why uncertainty can be an opportunity for growth.💭 The power of self-empathy—how understanding yourself first leads to better decision-making in business and life.💡 Why strategic planning isn’t just for business—how Sami’s “relationship off-site” went viral and changed her life.❤️ The key to thriving in relationships as an entrepreneur—balancing ambition with presence.🔄 How iteration & experimentation lead to better decisions—whether in business, life, or love.🏆 Why defining success on your own terms is critical—avoiding the trap of “shoulds” that create stress and misalignment.📝 About Sami PackardSami Packard is a seasoned facilitator, coach, and change expert with over 10,000 hours of experience in design thinking and organizational transformation. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofits, helping them navigate complex transitions and implement innovative solutions.Sami’s personal journey of applying these skills in her own marriage led to the founding of Coupledom, where she now helps high-achieving couples create intentional, fulfilling relationships—especially in times of change. She’s also a TEDx speaker and a passionate advocate for self-inquiry, self-compassion, and the power of presence in decision-making.🎯 Sami’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs & Entrepreneurs"Make as far as you can see."Instead of trying to plan every step, focus on the next visible step and take action. Entrepreneurship (and life) is about iteration and discovery. The path unfolds as you move forward.📢 Memorable Quotes"Change is terrifying for most people, but the more we practice self-compassion, the more we can navigate it with ease." – Sami Packard"We don’t have to do more. Sometimes, doing less leads to a more fulfilling life." – Sami Packard"Your best decisions come when you understand yourself first—self-awareness is the foundation for everything." – Sami Packard💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Embrace iteration—don’t stress about planning every step, just take the next one.✅ Prioritize presence—even in a busy life, create small moments of self-connection.✅ Define success on your terms—stop chasing external “shoulds” and focus on what actually matters to you.✅ Use strategic planning in your personal life—business tools like off-sites and retrospectives can improve relationships too.🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Coupledom’s WebsiteSubscribe to Coupledom’s SubstackFollow Coupledom on InstagramConnect with Sami on LinkedIn

Tracy Bednar is no stranger to high-stakes leadership. From managing a $3 billion P&L at Best Buy to working with industry giants like Fitbit and Google, she knows firsthand what it takes to deliver results under pressure. But after years of grinding in corporate, she hit a breaking point—leading her to reinvent success on her own terms.Now, as an executive coach and corporate trainer, Tracy helps high-achieving professionals increase their influence and impact—without sacrificing their well-being. In this episode, she shares how to escape burnout, master communication, and unlock your zone of genius so you can lead with clarity and confidence.💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business🔥 The #1 mindset shift that high-achievers must make to sustain success🚀 How to achieve MORE while working LESS (without guilt!)💡 The secret to negotiating for what you want—even in high-stakes roles🔄 Why most professionals limit themselves to black-and-white thinking—and how to break free🧠 The power of communication in leadership—and how to get heard at the highest levels🎯 How to build influence and impact without overextending yourself📝 About Tracy BednarTracy Bednar is an executive coach and leadership advisor. She brings sanity, common sense and humanity into the workplace without compromising results. Most frequently her clients come to her because work doesn't feel good anymore. She helps them with navigating necessary tough conversations so they can create influence and begin to make an even bigger impact while actually enjoying what they do. She does this through 1-on-1 executive coaching as well as group leadership programming.🎯 Tracy’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs and Entrepreneurs"Your success will multiply when you spend more time in your zone of genius—doing what you’re uniquely gifted to do. Everything changes when you stop trying to be good at everything and start focusing on where you create the most impact."💡 Key Takeaways from Tracy's Advice:✔ Identify your zone of genius—the intersection of what you love, what you're great at, and what drives impact✔ Delegate or eliminate distractions—not everything deserves your time✔ Success should FEEL good—if it doesn't, something needs to change📢 Memorable Quotes💬 "Most high-achievers think they have only two choices: keep grinding or quit. But the truth is, there’s an entire spectrum of possibilities between those extremes." – Tracy Bednar💬 "Your biggest growth comes from the conversations you're avoiding." – Tracy Bednar💬 "If you want to increase your influence, master the way you communicate. Your impact depends on how well you’re understood." – Tracy Bednar💡 Actionable Takeaways✅ Map out your zone of genius—what are you BEST at, and how can you do more of it?✅ Start negotiating for what you need—whether it’s flexibility, support, or resources✅ Identify one area where you're overworking and find a way to streamline or delegate✅ Practice clear, confident communication—your success depends on how well you articulate your value🔗 Links & ResourcesVisit Tracy’s WebsiteConnect with Tracy on LinkedIn