#MeetCoolPeople

On this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I got to sit down with Gwen Lepard, someone I've not only worked with as a client for almost two years but also someone who has truly impressed me with her dedication to helping others stay focused and get important work done. Gwen is a dancer, author, speaker, mentor, and above all, a purpose coach for creative entrepreneurs, writers, and coaches. Today, she walks us through her journey from a challenging past to creating the “Get It Done Labs”—a community-based solution for people who struggle to work alone or stay motivated. Gwen shares how her own experiences led her to study a variety of coaching modalities and ultimately develop a process that combines accountability, movement, and focused work sessions using the Pomodoro technique. I love her take on how group dynamics really fuel productivity for those who have trouble getting started or finishing projects by themselves. Here’s what stood out in our conversation: 🎯 Key Takeaways: Power of Accountability: Gwen’s Get It Done Labs leverages the simple, yet powerful, act of saying your goal out loud to a group, which helps participants stay on task and finally get those nagging projects done.Structured Focus with Built-In Self-Care: The labs use a rhythm of work and break times (the Pomodoro method, tweaked for movement and real-life needs) so participants can focus deeply without burning out. Plus, Gwen brings in elements like dance and quick meditations during breaks.Community Support for Solo Work: For folks used to working alone (especially new solopreneurs), having a supportive group makes all the difference in actually making progress. And it’s not just about work; sometimes it’s about taking that much-needed nap, too.Real-Time Tracking and Reflection: Many participants, including service providers and authors, learn exactly how much time their tasks take… Which helps them price, plan, and pace themselves better in the future.Fun and Flexibility: Gwen keeps it light, structured, and fun, letting people find their groove whether they’re writing a chapter, managing admin work, or clearing clutter. Her labs make productivity feel far less lonely. 🔗 Connect with Gwen Lepard: Grab her free mini course: Seven Reasons Why You Have Trouble Working Alone at https://getitdonelabs.com/7reasonsLearn more about her programs: https://getitdonelabs.com/ Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE 8-part audio course at ConvertMoreClientsNow.com/fum and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!

Today’s #MeetCoolPeople Podcast episode is right up your alley if you’ve ever thought about launching a podcast, leveling up your audio game, or just wondered what it’s like behind the mic. I had the pleasure of bringing on Jon Goehring, the talent behind Jon Goehring Voiceovers. If you’ve heard his work or seen his videos, you know he’s not just a guy with a good voice. He’s got a ton of knowledge about radio, podcasting, voiceover, and building real connection in your content. Jon got his start in local radio after realizing newspaper wasn’t the future, and when radio started to follow that same path, he pivoted again. This time into voiceover and podcast production, where he’s really found his stride. We talked about how media and technology keep shifting, but the core thing that matters most is authentic communication. Jon and I shared a lot about the difference experience makes. Not just hitting record, but understanding your audience, being yourself (without faking it), and keeping things professional without being stuffy. Here’s what really jumped out from our conversation: 🎯 Key Takeaways: Authenticity Connects: If you’re trying too hard to appear authentic, you’re probably not. Jon stressed the importance of being yourself and why listeners can spot a fake from a mile away.Professionalism Is About the Details: It’s not about having the most expensive gear. Make your bed, check your lighting, wear a clean shirt. Those little details add up, no matter your industry.Consistency Wins: Most podcasts don’t make it past the tenth episode. Decide you’re going to stick with it, even if it’s not flashy at first.Know Your Audience and Yourself: Don’t chase trends that make you uncomfortable. If it gives you the “ick,” skip it. Your real audience is attracted to your real voice.Evolve, But Don’t Lose Yourself: Platforms, tech, and tactics will change, but your transferable skills and genuine relationships are what last. 🔗 Connect with Jon Goehring: Find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-goehring/Visit his website: https://www.jonathangoehring.com/ Mention you heard him on #MeetCoolPeople—he’s offering a complimentary 30-minute chat for listeners who reach out! Want more ways to build real connections and turn them into clients? Check out my free training at ConvertMoreClientsNow.com/fum

Today’s episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast is a little different. It’s just me, sharing some thoughts that have been on my mind lately. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments don’t come from the stage, but from sharing a simple meal with others. In this solo episode, I talk about why meals with friends and colleagues matter so much to me, and how those times can make your food and your relationships so much richer. If you know me, you know I don’t eat out often, unless it’s with someone else. For me, it’s not about fancy restaurants or what’s on the plate. It’s the people around the table, the laughter, the chance to swap stories, and to really connect. Whether it’s a low-key burger at In-N-Out or a little Cuban spot by Biscayne Bay, those shared meals have created some of the best memories of my life and career. Here are a few things I hope you’ll take away from this episode: It’s About Connection, Not Cuisine: The real value of a meal out is in the people you share it with, not how fancy the food is.Everyone Should Feel Welcome: Pick places where everyone can feel comfortable and included, no matter their budget.Business Relationships Grow Over Meals: Getting together for a bite after an event is often where the most authentic relationships (and ideas) take shape.Real Conversations Matter: Stepping away from screens and into real, face-to-face conversations helps you really get to know people, both personally and professionally.Make Time to Break Bread: Don’t Let Months Slip Away. Schedule that lunch or dinner with a friend, client, or family member. It just might make your day. I hope this episode reminds you to reach out, grab a meal, and make space for those genuine moments of connection. If you want to connect or chat about ways to turn business relationships into real friendships, you can reach me, connect with me at https://connectwithely.com. Now go schedule a meal with someone cool!

Today’s episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast features someone I was very excited to bring on… Dr. Kayvon K. Our conversations always leave me thinking deeper, so I knew you’d get a ton of value from hearing his journey and approach. Dr. Kayvon’s path isn’t your typical story: he started as a medical doctor, then moved into web design, internet marketing, and now focuses on business coaching (and he’s been doing it since 2006!). What I found most relatable was his honesty around making a big career shift. Moving away from pain, following genuine interest, and being real about how tough those decisions can be. We talked a lot about what makes messaging actually meaningful in today’s AI-driven world. Kayvon stressed that creating authentic, compelling messaging goes way beyond just having more content or using fancy copywriting “tricks.” He shared the real reason why being “memorable, unignorable, and referable” matters more than ever before. Here are some of my favorite takeaways from our conversation: Authenticity Isn’t Something You Manufacture: Trying too hard to “be authentic” usually backfires. Dr. Kayvon says your unique perspective, even if it’s bold or different, is what truly connects you with your audience.Start with “What the Market Needs” (Not Just What You Think They Need): Kayvon’s strategy is to actually talk to people, gather real market feedback, and use those conversations to shape your offers and messaging, not the other way around.AI Can Polish, But Can’t Replace Heart: There’s nothing wrong with using tools like ChatGPT to help structure or brainstorm, but Kayvon makes sure the initial message comes from real experience and personal point of view.Use Conversations for Both Research and Connection: Those “no sales” calls? They’re gold for understanding challenges, shaping your content, and naturally building relationships that could lead to business or referrals down the road.Build Content Around Real Questions: Take the questions your audience actually asks AND the ones they should be asking. Together, they become a treasure trove of useful, high-impact content. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Kayvon K: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkayvonk/Grab his free 7-Day Client Conversion Fix email course here: https://c.kayvonk.com/7CCF If you’re ready to stop blending in and start connecting with the right people in your market, Dr. Kayvon K is someone you want in your network! Want more ways to build real connections and turn them into clients? Check out my free training at ConvertMoreClientsNow.com/fum

You're going to want to grab a coffee for this one, because on this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I got to hang out with Gehan “G” Haridy-Ardanowski. We just clicked when we met during a recent event I was speaking at, and I knew I had to get her on the show. “G” has over 20 years in HR, training, and recruitment with companies like Cintas, 7-Eleven, CVS, Sara Lee, and PwC. She’s also the founder of Golden Synergy Touch LLC and the author of the eye-catching book "FROM SATAN TO SENSATIONAL HR!: 7 Ways to Humanize "Evil" Human Resources." “G” brought some much-needed real talk about what it means to humanize both HR and LinkedIn. We nerded out on company culture, personal branding, and why fitting in is completely overrated (she lives by “Go where you’re celebrated, not tolerated,” and I love it). She shared her journey of shifting from corporate to entrepreneurship and how she now helps small and mid-sized companies build true employee advocacy and bold brands… starting from the inside out. 🎯 Here are a few of my favorite takeaways: HR Doesn’t Have to Be the Bad Guy: “G”’s mission is to reframe HR as a driver of culture, not an enforcer of cold rules. Her book, inspired by her DisruptHR talk, is all about bringing empathy and humanity back where it belongs.LinkedIn Beyond Job-Hunting: Whether you’re an employee or a business owner, LinkedIn isn’t just for finding your next gig. “G” empowers teams to bring out their unique strengths and become advocates for both themselves and their companies, all starting with knowing yourself.Start With Strengths: “G”’s foundation for career growth (whether you’re a company or an individual) begins with CliftonStrengths. When you know what you’re great at, you can build authentic personal brands and stronger teams.Leadership Sets the Tone: Authentic employee advocacy and positive workplace culture have to start at the top. If your leadership encourages people to shine, you’ll have a much happier and more loyal team.Smile and Network: “G”’s parting advice? Don’t underestimate the power of a genuine smile, putting yourself out there, and having real conversations—on LinkedIn or in line for coffee. You never know where those connections might lead! 🔗 Connect with G: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/gehanharidy/Website: https://goldensynergytouch.com/ If you liked what you heard, send “G” a quick note on LinkedIn and let her know you found her through #MeetCoolPeople. That’s how the best connections get started! And if you want to see how my team and I can help you turn connections into clients, check out my free training at ConvertMoreClientsNow.com/fum

Hey everyone! Today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode is a must-listen if you want to make the most of AI in your business, without getting overwhelmed or lost in the hype. I sat down with Rachael Garnett, the “AI Whisperer,” cofounder of Eaas AI, and all-around optimist, to dig into what it really looks like to add AI into your business and nonprofit workflows. Rachael’s story is pretty unique. She didn’t chase AI because it was “the next big thing”—she started out experimenting with AI-generated art, especially cat-themed pieces (she is, after all, the LinkedIn Cat Lady), before bringing her prompting skills into her nonprofit grant writing and fundraising work. Over time, she figured out how to use AI to actually save time, reduce overwhelm, and get better results for both small businesses and mission-based organizations. One thing that makes Rachael stand out? She’s not selling quick hacks or the latest tool. She focuses on a process she calls the “AI Persona Method,” which turns AI into customized, task-specific team members that sound and work like you (or even better, as she admits!). 🚀 Key Takeaways: AI Personas, Not Just Prompts: Rachael recommends creating distinct “AI employees” for specific tasks instead of trying to do everything with one generic chatbot. Each persona is job-specific and trained in your voice, making output more effective and authentic.Start Where You Are: Don’t get stuck figuring out the “best” AI tool. Rachael suggests using what you’re most comfortable with first, then stacking different platforms (like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) for different strengths.Save Time & Money Without Losing Your Human Touch: AI can help you buy back your time, especially if hiring is out of reach or you’ve had bad experiences with agencies. The key is still checking, refining, and putting your personal touch on the output.Nonprofit Superpowers: If you’re running lean on resources but high on mission, AI can help you multiply your impact—think faster grant writing, communications, or event planning… without increasing costs.Experiment, Learn, and Don’t Be Afraid: You can’t break AI by trying, so start small and keep improving as you go. The field is always changing, and Rachael stresses the value of curiosity and ongoing education. 🔗 Connect with Rachael Garnett: Grab her free Top 10 AI Personas guide: lp.eaaservice.com/top10Connect with her on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-garnett-eaas/Learn more at Eaas AI: https://eaaservice.com/ Be sure to check out my NEW Building Your Follow Up Machine Audio Course https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/fum

What’s up, my friends! Today’s episode of #MeetCoolPeople is a fun one. I got together with Andy Greider, and let me just say, this guy’s brain is a goldmine for making connections that matter. Andy and I actually started chatting online through business circles, but really hit it off once we uncovered a shared love for music (and being a bit old-school with our mixtape references). Professionally, Andy is Managing Partner and Chief Dot Connector at Domestic Growth Capital LLC, where he works with companies bringing world-changing ideas to market, helps hospitals and private practices navigate tough business problems, and loves connecting the right people at the right moment. In this episode, we dug into everything from building solid business relationships, to the wild ride of working in healthcare, to the kind of life rules you need to stay sane and have a little fun. Here are a few takeaways from our talk: 🎸 Make Your Own Rules: Andy shared his “Three Rules That Became Five” for choosing clients and business partners. Top of the list: work with people you genuinely like, trust, and who don’t create ongoing drama. Seriously, business is better (and a lot more fun) when you’re with the right people. 🎤 Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: One thing that stuck with me is Andy’s approach to only taking on clients who are looking for answers—not just complaining about the issues. It's a good reminder that if someone wants to stay stuck in the problem, it’s okay to say no. 👥 Quality Connections Matter: If you’re making introductions, Andy says to always explain the WHY. Give context, add value, and don't just say "you two should meet." This helps everyone get more from the relationship. 🎶 Music Brings People Together: Whether it’s running sound at a gig or just sharing your favorite mixtape, music is a universal connector and Andy’s stories about the music world prove it. Abundance Over Scarcity: Andy looks for people who embrace collaboration, not competition. There’s more than enough room for all of us to win—lifting others up is part of the fun. 🔗 Connect with Andy: LinkedIn is the best place: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andygreider/Healthcare work: healthcareevolutiongroup.com ----- Want to learn how to create your own evergreen follow up machine? Get The "Building Your Follow Up Machine" Audio Course for FREE here: https://convertmoreclientsnow.com/fum Thanks for listening – and, as always, get out there and meet some cool people this week!

Hey friends, I’ve got something a little different for you on this episode of #MeetCoolPeople. I got to catch up with my friend Ben Roth, who might be one of the most passionate archers I know – and not just any archery, but Asiatic and horseback archery. If you’ve ever thought about what it takes to mix the worlds of entrepreneurship, horses, and slinging arrows, you’ll want to listen in on this one! Ben and I go back, meeting through Oregon’s archery community. What started for him as a creative way to opt out of high school PE (seriously) turned into a lifelong journey. First just riding and helping out at a nearby horse barn, then catching the bug for horse archery after seeing a Facebook post, and eventually starting a business as a distributor for some top Asiatic archery brands. I love Ben’s straightforward approach. For him, the joy’s in the simple stuff: the satisfaction of watching an arrow fly, the discipline of mastering an ancient skill, and the chance to teach and connect with others along the way. Here are a few nuggets from our conversation: 🎯 Key Takeaways: Passion Can Lead to Business: Ben didn’t set out to be an instructor or distributor – it grew naturally out of sharing what he loves and helping new shooters find their way.Community Matters: it’s all about the people you meet, the friends you shoot with, and the connections that stick for years.Start Simple, Stay Consistent: Whether you’re just picking up a bow or trying to teach others, focus on the basics, find the right gear, and don’t skip the safety! (Which applies to pretty much anything in life!)Teaching Is Its Own Reward: Ben lights up talking about helping new archers get that “aha!” moment and become independent in their practice.Real Talk on Business: Product-based businesses bring challenges, from inventory to suppliers dragging their feet. But Ben’s advice? Keep communicating and don’t lose sight of why you started. 🔗 Connect with Benon Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BenRothHorsesAreNeat If you’ve ever been curious about horseback archery or just want to chat bows, Ben’s your guy. And as always, if you’re looking to connect with more cool people (and maybe convert a few into clients), check out my free training over at https://ConvertMoreClientsNow.com.

I’m excited to bring you another episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. This time, I sat down with Dan Smink, founder of Refract ROI, who has spent over sixteen years in digital marketing, focused on helping manufacturing companies build sustainable, scalable sales pipelines. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Dan first as a client, then as a friend, and now as an expert I genuinely trust to break down the “money side” of marketing. Dan’s story is a great peek into what it takes to switch from high-pressure, unpredictable project work to the stability of a subscription-based, digital service model. He’s also passionate about using modern marketing approaches to level the playing field for small and mid-size businesses… especially in industries like manufacturing. Key Takeaways: Why Subscription Models Matter: Dan revealed why moving from one-off projects to monthly recurring services changed his business—and how this switch can help any company stabilize cash flow, improve scalability, and boost its overall value.The Power of Data-Driven Marketing: We talked about how digital marketing empowers even small businesses to compete with the big players (think: outranking Amazon and Home Depot on Google for niche terms!), all because digital gives you access to data print ads never could.Niche Down for Bigger Results: Dan explained how focusing on manufacturers lets him use his background and create real impact. Serving a less competitive industry means smaller businesses can see outsized gains from even small marketing investments.Understanding the Buying vs. Research Terms: Dan broke down the difference between “buying” and “research” search queries and how choosing the right ad keywords makes every marketing dollar go farther.Community Impact Through Manufacturing: Dan has a real heart for helping manufacturers, since every manufacturing job supports multiple other local businesses—meaning his work helps entire communities thrive. If you’re thinking about diving into digital advertising or want to understand what it takes to grow your lead flow sustainably, you’ll get a ton from this episode. 🔗 Be sure to connect with Dan at: dan.smink@refractroi.com ------ Want help turning more connections into clients? Check out my free training at https://ConvertMoreClientsNow.com.

Today’s episode of The #MeetCoolPeople Podcast features someone I’ve been lucky enough to call both a client and a friend—Lori Howard. Lori’s an executive career coach and leadership strategist with deep roots in tech. She works with senior tech leaders who are ready to figure out “what’s next” and finds ways to help them step into their next role with clarity and real confidence. If you’ve ever struggled with personal branding or wondered how to stand out (whether you’re an executive, an entrepreneur, or somewhere in between), you’re going to want to listen in. Lori shares some great stories straight from her coaching practice, including why even seasoned executives find it tough to talk about what makes them special. We get into how tech leaders can identify their unique superpowers and why it’s critical to go beyond buzzwords, especially in interviews and high-stakes conversations. Here are some of my favorite takeaways from our conversation: Clear is Always Better Than Clever: Whether you’re talking about yourself in an interview or representing your business, clarity is what gets remembered (and gets results). Leave the clever taglines at home and make sure people know exactly how you can help them.Understand & Own Your Value: Lori talked about how many leaders assume their value is obvious, but it’s not. If you don’t clearly communicate what you bring, nobody else will do it for you.Your “Secret Sauce” is Your Advantage: That thing you do a little differently (even if you think no one else values it) might actually be the exact quality that sets you apart from the crowd.Positioning Isn’t Just for Entrepreneurs: Know your audience, the problems you solve, and the value you bring… then say it simply.Communication Matters at Every Level: From new entrepreneurs to C-suite tech leaders, learning to talk about your strengths and your impact is key. Don’t just focus on what you do… be able to articulate why it matters. 🔗 Connect with Lori: Visit her website: https://lorihowardcoaching.com/ ------ Want more tips on turning connections into clients? Check out my free training at https://ConvertMoreClientsNow.com.