Entrepreneurs on Fire

Ann Hiatt, a Silicon Valley veteran with experience working for Jeff Bezos at Amazon and Eric Schmidt at Google, shares her insights as a CEO consultant. She emphasizes the importance of invisible tasks in achieving success and constantly reinventing oneself for career growth. Ann discusses embracing fear and the power of saying yes, along with leadership strategies during crises. She encourages self-reflection to define a personal path to success, reminding listeners that there is no single route to achieving their goals.

Ron Parisi, a CPA known for his insightful tax and accounting advice for entrepreneurs, dives into the impressive income report for October 2024. He reveals a gross income of $140,470 with a striking net profit of $129,603. The discussion highlights marathon planning for business success, linking it to fiscal strategy for 2025. Personal tales of adventures, reflections on family life, and the importance of setting intentions as we approach the new year add a relatable touch. Practical tips for entrepreneurs aiming to stay committed to their business plans are also shared.

Kevin Rogers, founder of Copy Chief and expert in direct response copywriting, shares valuable insights for entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the critical components of great copy: Clarity, Authenticity, and Trust, also known as CAT. Kevin discusses the importance of storytelling in marketing, revealing how personal narratives engage audiences on a deeper level. He explores the evolving landscape of copywriting influenced by AI, highlighting the need for a human touch in all communications. Tune in for tips to enhance your copywriting skills and connect with your audience.

Van Carlson, founder and CEO of SRA 831(b) Admin, is an industry leader in enterprise risk management. He emphasizes the fallacy of doing it all yourself and the importance of hiring the right team. The conversation dives into the 831(b) plan, a unique tool that allows business owners to self-insure while benefitting from tax exemptions. Carlson explains how traditional insurance often fails to protect intangible assets, stressing the need for tailored solutions. He also shares insights on business succession strategies and how calculated risks can spark financial success.

Josh Mellicker, a serial entrepreneur and tech revolutionist, shares his insights on problem-solving skills crucial for success. He emphasizes that problem-solving is a learnable skill relevant in business and relationships. Josh highlights the importance of distinguishing real problems from mere symptoms, advocating for focused solutions. He also discusses brainstorming techniques to spark creativity, drawing parallels with March Madness to underline collaboration. His tips aim to enhance awareness and analytical thinking for entrepreneurs.

Shelly Lefkoe, co-founder of the Lefkoe Institute, is an author and international speaker focused on helping entrepreneurs conquer limiting beliefs. In this conversation, she reveals how our beliefs shape our success across all areas of life. Shelly discusses the profound effects of childhood experiences on adult perceptions and how self-sabotaging beliefs can hinder growth. She provides insights on dismantling these mental barriers to unlock potential and emphasizes practical steps for personal transformation.

Mike Zeller, an entrepreneur with over $300 million in sales and a mentor to high-level business leaders, reflects on pivotal lessons learned from losing $1 million. He emphasizes that crises can transform us and the importance of understanding our identity as a foundation for success. Zeller shares insights on using personality tests to find your 'Zone of Genius' and the impact of supportive teams. He discusses how strategic partnerships can stabilize chaos, ultimately leading to breakthroughs and growth through self-awareness and commitment.

Dorie Clark, a prominent business thinker and professor at Duke University, discusses the importance of long-term thinking in a fast-paced world. She emphasizes the need for strategic patience in achieving success and the value of building authentic relationships over time. Dorie suggests 'optimizing for interesting' as a key principle for personal growth and stresses that many give up too soon due to social media pressures. Her insights challenge listeners to embrace failures as learning opportunities and to commit to incremental progress.

Shaun Ferguson, a graduate of The Citadel and decorated former US Army officer turned police officer, delves into profound topics rooted in societal challenges. He emphasizes the importance of self-approval and escaping toxic environments. The conversation navigates the need for accountability in law enforcement, particularly regarding police brutality and racial tensions. Shaun also shares personal anecdotes on empathy and communication between communities and police, illustrating the emotional demands on officers while inspiring listeners to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Misa Chien, founder of Authentic Asian, empowers Asian American female leaders by fostering authenticity and community. She shares her journey, emphasizing that success is often built on the ashes of failure and the critical role of resilience, especially facing dyslexia in a non-diverse environment. Misa humorously recounts a cooking mishap during a televised competition while highlighting the struggles of fundraising for women and minorities in Silicon Valley. She advocates for embracing personal growth and authenticity as key elements in building a successful personal brand.