The Persistent Entrepreneur

Do the rules define you — or do you define your path inside them? Today David Hill talks with Lauren Wittenberg Weiner, bestselling author of Unruly and former CEO of WWC Global, about how entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators can rethink expectations and operate with more freedom. Lauren built a $100M consulting company after being told she "wasn't allowed" to work at her level overseas. That early moment sparked a career shaped by resilience, values, and strategic rule-bending. In this episode, she explains how rule-followers can evolve, how rebels can stay grounded, and how anyone can find space to create something better. Takeaways: • Why so many people feel stuck inside expectations • How to interpret rules instead of being boxed in by them • The difference between challenging limits and crossing lines • How moral grounding changes the way you take risks • Why entrepreneurs must understand the system before bending it • How to use norms and guidelines to your advantage • Why authenticity matters more than approval Guest Bio: Lauren Wittenberg Weiner is a bestselling author, speaker, and one of today's leading voices on leadership, service, and integrity. As the founder and former CEO of WWC Global, she grew one of the nation's top woman-owned national security firms while learning how to question norms without compromising values. Her book, Unruly: Deconstruct the Rules, Defy the Norms, and Define Your Success, empowers people to rethink the way they work, lead, and move through the world. Connect with Lauren: Instagram: @laurenwittenbergweiner LinkedIn: Lauren Wittenberg Weiner Facebook: Lauren Wittenberg Weiner Connect with David Hill: Website: https://www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Listen on Apple & Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895

This episode breaks down the real psychology behind winning and how everyday entrepreneurs can shift their mindset, discipline their actions, and rise into the small percentage of people who consistently achieve meaningful success. In this conversation, David Hill sits down with Larry Weidel, founder of the Big Hitters Podcast and a leader who built an organization of 500 offices and 15,000 agents while managing billions in assets. Larry shares clear and direct lessons on what separates consistent winners from those who struggle to stay on track. He explains why intent drives every result, why discipline is non-negotiable, and how many people fall short simply by underestimating the work required to reach their goals. Larry draws parallels between competition, business, and personal development, emphasizing that winning feeds confidence, momentum, and long-term stability. He also outlines how to eliminate excuses, take responsibility for outcomes, and avoid becoming your own biggest obstacle. From adopting a strong mindset to following through on action, Larry gives straightforward guidance for anyone looking to grow, improve, and win more consistently. This episode brings practical insights for entrepreneurs, creators, independent professionals, and anyone aiming for long-term achievement. Key Takeaways • How intent shapes results in business and life • The importance of discipline and self-management • Why most people underestimate the effort required to win • How to eliminate excuses and take ownership of outcomes • The difference between winning once and winning repeatedly • Why surrounding yourself with winners accelerates growth • The value of learning from losses without letting them define you About Larry Weidel Larry Weidel is the host of the Big Hitters Podcast and leader of the Big Hitters Community. He built a national financial services organization with 500 offices and more than 15,000 agents, overseeing $6.5 billion in assets. Larry focuses on helping people think bigger, aim higher, and build the mindset and work habits required to win consistently in business and life.' Connect with Larry Weidel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larryweidel/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larryweidel/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/larry.weidel TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bighitterscommunity Connect With David Hill Website: https://www.davidhill.ai YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill X: https://twitter.com/davidihill Listen on Apple & Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895 Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast if this episode helped you sharpen your mindset and elevate your approach to success.

Clean water shouldn't be a luxury. For millions of people around the world, it still is—until Sawyer Products steps in. In this episode of The Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, David Hill speaks with Kurt Avery, founder and CEO of Sawyer Products, about building a company that saves lives while running a profitable business. From insect repellents to breakthrough water filters that deliver ten years of safe drinking water for just thirty cents, Sawyer is transforming entire communities. Kurt shares how Sawyer grew from years of early struggle into a global humanitarian force that has already impacted more than 30 million people. His journey highlights the power of generosity, strong business fundamentals, and a commitment to innovation that serves humanity first. This conversation breaks down how to build a business with purpose, how to give even when resources are limited, and why serving others can become the engine that drives long-term success. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Sawyer filters provide a decade of clean water for only thirty cents • What it takes to lead a mission-focused business • How generosity and profitability can coexist • Why listening to customers reveals problems they don't know how to express • How technology and AI are shaping Sawyer's global impact • What it means to run a company with faith, discipline, and humility About the Guest – Kurt Avery Kurt Avery is the founder of Sawyer Products, a company known for life-saving water filtration systems and advanced insect repellents used around the world. Under his leadership, Sawyer has helped protect more than 30 million people across 80 countries and continues to save hundreds of thousands of babies every year. Kurt is also the author of the book Sawyer Think, a guide to building better businesses and using success to empower others. Learn More: Sawyer Products: https://sawyer.com Sawyer Foundation: https://sawyer.com/pages/foundation Book: Sawyer Think (Available on Amazon) Connect with David Hill: Website: https://www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Listen on Apple & Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895

Sales isn't about scripts—it's about trust. And according to Milam Miller, "charisma is the conduit to create that trust." In this powerful episode of The Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Hill sits down with Milam—author of The Charisma Craft and founder of Be Confident & Kind—to explore how charisma, confidence, and kindness fuel authentic leadership and unstoppable sales growth. Episode Summary Milam Miller, often described as "the real-life Ted Lasso," shares how leaders can transform the way they sell and connect by tapping into their humanity. From his career leading multimillion-dollar sports organizations to his mission helping entrepreneurs "be confident and kind," Milam breaks down why vulnerability, authenticity, and charisma are the new sales superpowers. He reveals why competence grows from failure, how warmth builds trust faster than any pitch, and why the future of leadership—especially in the age of AI—requires emotional intelligence more than ever. Whether you're selling products, ideas, or vision, this episode will reshape how you think about influence, leadership, and connection. What You'll Learn • Why charisma is the ultimate trust-builder in sales • How confidence and kindness drive long-term success • The "ABCs of Rizz" – Authenticity, Boldness, and Curiosity • How to project confidence using the "SHELL" technique • Why vulnerability builds deeper human connection • How AI is changing communication—and why charisma still wins 👤 Guest: Milam Miller Milam Miller is a former senior leader in European sports and the founder of Be Confident & Kind, a leadership and sales training practice helping teams reduce conflict and increase performance. Known as "The Real-Life Ted Lasso," Milam has led sales teams generating over $20M annually and is the author of The Charisma Craft – A Modern Leadership Guide to Enhance Your Rizz Factor, an Amazon Top Seller in Leadership Training, Management Skills, and Memory Improvement. Chapters 00:00 Building Trust Through Charisma 00:52 Welcome to the Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast 01:30 Introducing Today's Guest: My Lum Miller 01:50 Understanding 'Riz' and Charisma 03:40 The Charisma Craft: Developing Your Charisma 04:00 From Sports Leadership to Private Practice 06:59 The Importance of Connection in Sales 08:32 Confidence, Kindness, and Charisma 17:23 Developing Charisma: Tools and Techniques 19:49 Embracing Authenticity and Boldness 20:34 The Power of Curiosity in Sales 22:07 Overcoming Introversion with Charisma 23:16 The Shell Technique for Confidence 25:22 Navigating the World of AI 28:27 Building Trust and Connection 31:16 The Future of Charisma and AI 38:22 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion Learn more: https://beconfidentkind.com Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/The-Charisma-Craft 🎙️ Host: David Hill Website: https://www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill 🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895 👉 Book a demo call for Ring Leader AI: 774-214-2076

If your digital marketing isn't driving a clear ROI, you don't have a strategy—you have expensive noise. In this episode, Corey Morris, CEO of Voltage Digital Agency and author of The Digital Marketing Success Plan, joins David Hill to explain how to fix that fast. Episode Summary Digital marketing expert Corey Morris breaks down what every entrepreneur must know about data-driven marketing, ROI accountability, and how to adapt to the rise of AI. After 20 years in the field, Corey has seen too many brands waste money on tactics without strategy—and here, he lays out the blueprint to stop the bleeding. From understanding why most campaigns fail to mastering his START Process, Corey teaches how to align every click, ad, and piece of content with real business outcomes. He also explains how AI is disrupting SEO, search behavior, and ad targeting—and how smart entrepreneurs can turn that disruption into opportunity. In This Episode • How to tell if your marketing actually delivers ROI • Why most agencies sell tactics, not strategy • Corey's START Process for long-term digital success • How AI is reshaping SEO and Google search • The biggest opportunities and risks in AI marketing • When to walk away from a bad client or campaign Guest: Corey Morris Corey Morris is the President & CEO of Voltage Digital Agency, a Google Partner and author of The Digital Marketing Success Plan. He's contributed to Forbes, Search Engine Land, and Search Engine Journal, and speaks at major conferences across North America on SEO, AI, and marketing innovation. Connect with Corey Morris https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreymorris/ https://www.facebook.com/voltagekc Connect with David Hill: Website: https://www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Book a demo call for Ring Leader AI: 774-214-2076 If you got value from this episode, subscribe, like, and share to help more entrepreneurs master their marketing. Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments below. Listen to the full episode on all platforms: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895

Struggling with self-doubt or pressure as an entrepreneur? Learn how to think like an elite athlete. In this episode, Dr. Cindra Kamphoff reveals the mindset strategies used by NFL players and Olympians to build confidence, resilience, and unstoppable mental strength. In this powerful conversation, host David Hill sits down with Dr. Cindra Kamphoff — mental performance coach to the Minnesota Vikings and Team USA Track & Field — to uncover how entrepreneurs can master the same mindset tools as top athletes. Dr. Cindra shares actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt, manage pressure, and build the confidence needed to pursue your biggest goals. From her "Learn, Burn, Return" method to the "Truth Meter" framework, you'll discover how to silence your inner critic, reframe failure, and perform at your best — even under stress. Whether you're leading a team, launching a business, or chasing a dream that scares you, this episode gives you the mental tools to stay focused, confident, and resilient through every challenge. Key Takeaways How to transform anxiety into focus and excitement The "Learn, Burn, Return" tool for bouncing back fast after setbacks Why confidence is a decision, not just a feeling The truth about inner critics — and how to quiet yours Daily mindset routines used by elite athletes and leaders Why psychological safety drives peak team performance Guest Bio: Dr. Cindra Kamphoff Dr. Cindra Kamphoff is an award-winning keynote speaker, certified mental performance coach, and author of the Amazon bestseller Beyond Grit: Ten Powerful Practices to Gain the High Performance Edge. She has provided mindset coaching for the Minnesota Vikings and U.S. Olympic Track & Field team and is the founder of the Mentally Strong Institute, where she and her team help leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs unlock mental toughness and resilience. Her podcast, The High Performance Mindset, ranks in the top 0.5% globally with over 4 million downloads. Her next book with Simon & Schuster, coming soon, dives into the science of confidence. 🔗 Connect with Dr. Cindra Kamphoff Website: https://mentallystronginstitute.com Book: Beyond Grit on Amazon Instagram: @mentallystronginstitute LinkedIn: Dr. Cindra Kamphoff Connect with David Hill Website: www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Ringleader AI Demo Call: 774-214-2076 Subscribe & Review the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895

Do your money stories hold you back? Are limiting beliefs around wealth silently robbing you of opportunities, confidence, and financial freedom? In this episode of The Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, David Hill sits down with Bill Cates, CSP, CPAE—known worldwide as The Referral Coach and author of The Hidden Heist: Stop Robbing Yourself of Lasting Wealth. Bill unpacks the hidden beliefs that keep entrepreneurs from creating lasting wealth. From tying your self-worth to your net worth, to growing up with broken money stories, Bill explains how awareness is the first step to rewriting your financial future. This episode dives deep into: Why your self-worth drives your net worth (and not the other way around) How childhood "money stories" shape financial behavior for life Why saving without investing is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make How entrepreneurs can break free from bottlenecks caused by money anxiety The truth about compounding and why time is your greatest financial ally Simple ways to recognize and rewrite limiting beliefs about money Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this conversation will challenge how you think about money, value, and freedom. About the Guest Bill Cates, CSP, CPAE is passionate about helping the next generation "get right with money." Known for his work as The Referral Coach to top financial advisors (helping generate billions in assets), Bill now focuses on guiding younger leaders, entrepreneurs, and future millionaires toward true financial freedom. His latest book, The Hidden Heist – Stop Robbing Yourself of Lasting Wealth, blends humor and storytelling to help people spot limiting beliefs, adopt simple financial principles, and make smart decisions that lead to lasting wealth. Bill believes that everyone—no matter where they start—deserves the chance to create financial confidence, stability, and freedom. 📘 Learn more: The Hidden Heist 🌐 Business site: referralcoach.com Connect with David Hill Website: www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill 👉 Book a demo call for Ring Leader AI: 774-214-2076 👉 Subscribe & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895

Diluted focus gets diluted results. In this episode of The Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Hill sits down with AJ Vaden, CEO and Co-Founder of Brand Builders Group, to uncover why personal branding is the key to long-term success. AJ shares her journey of losing a multi–8-figure business overnight, rebuilding from scratch, and discovering that the one thing no one can take away from you is your reputation. From working with top thought leaders like Lewis Howes to helping entrepreneurs define their "who" and break through obscurity, AJ explains why clarity, intentionality, and focus are the foundation of building wealth and influence. If you've ever felt stretched too thin or unsure how to stand out, this conversation will help you reframe your approach and get laser-focused on the one thing that truly moves the needle. Key Takeaways: Why multiple streams of income might be killing your momentum. The difference between a reputation and a personal brand (hint: intentionality). How AJ and her husband rebuilt from zero after losing their first business. The Sheehan's Wall framework for breaking through obscurity. Why focusing on who you serve is the #1 step in building a personal brand. 3 actionable strategies to start building your personal brand today. About the Guest: AJ Vaden is the CEO and Co-Founder of Brand Builders Group, a personal brand strategy firm dedicated to helping mission-driven messengers become wealthy and well-known. She is also the host of The Influential Personal Brand Podcast, a keynote speaker, and author of the upcoming book Wealthy and Well-Known: Build Your Personal Brand and Turn Your Reputation into Revenue. AJ has worked with clients ranging from New York Times bestselling authors to 8-figure entrepreneurs, teaching them how to clarify their message, stand out, and monetize their reputation. 📲 Follow AJ on Instagram: @aj_vaden 🌐 Learn more: https://brandbuildersgroup.com Connect with David Hill: Website: www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Podcast Subscribe & Review: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895 #PersonalBranding #AJVaden #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BrandStrategy #PersistentEntrepreneurPodcast

In this powerful episode of the Path to Mastery Podcast, David Hill sits down with Grant Cardone, CEO of Cardone Capital and leader of the 10X movement, to uncover the truth about fear, success, and scaling beyond limits. Grant shares how he overcame fear even at the height of success, why he doesn't chase happiness, and how he focuses instead on obligations, growth, and building an empire. You'll also hear Grant's insights on the broken education system, raising kids to succeed outside outdated models, and the importance of thinking bigger to create lasting impact. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or striving for the next level in life, this episode delivers practical and unapologetic truths you can use now. What You'll Learn How fear can persist even with success and how to eliminate it Why chasing happiness is overrated and how to focus on bigger goals The mindset shift from motivation to obligation What it takes to 10X your business and lifestyle Insights into building legacy, raising kids, and fixing education through entrepreneurship Why success is about scaling impact, not just closing sales Guest: Grant Cardone Grant Cardone is the CEO of Cardone Capital, overseeing $5 billion in assets under management. He is the author of 8 business books, creator of 13 best-selling business programs, and CEO of 7 privately held companies generating $750M annually. Forbes recognized him as one of the top social media business influencers in the world. Grant is known for his 10X philosophy, global impact, and relentless drive to push beyond limits. Connect with Grant: Website: www.grantcardone.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantcardone Connect with David Hill Website: www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Subscribe & Review the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895 #GrantCardone #10X #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #OvercomeFear #ScalingBusiness #PersistentEntrepreneurPodcast #CardoneCapital #SuccessMindset #WealthBuilding

In this episode of The Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Hill sits down with Tony Palow — the Marriage Warrior himself — to explore the principles that can strengthen marriages and transform family legacies. Tony reveals why many couples don't truly have a "communication" problem but rather a comprehension problem, how to transform stubbornness into steadfastness, and why treating marriage as a covenant instead of a contract is the foundation for lasting love. If you want to divorce-proof your marriage, strengthen your family, and create a legacy that lasts, this episode is packed with wisdom you can apply today. What You'll Learn in This Episode The difference between a contract vs. covenant mindset in marriage Why communication issues are really comprehension issues How to redeem stubbornness into steadfastness The role of vision statements in marriage, business, and life How to divorce-proof your relationship through principles, not preferences The importance of forgiveness and how men and women process it differently Practical strategies for building marriages that thrive for generations About the Guest Tony and Susan are passionate international marriage coaches with over 20 years of experience helping couples build stronger, healthier relationships. Through retreats, conferences, and one-on-one coaching, they teach kingdom principles that transform how couples relate to one another. Tony, a certified life coach with a Master's in Clinical Pastoral Counseling, and Susan, a skilled nurse, combine their expertise to offer real solutions to real issues. Married for 33 years, with five children and four grandchildren, they live out the principles they teach with authenticity and energy. Connect with Tony: facebook Instagram About the Host David Hill is a two-time author, business coach, world-class sales trainer, top real estate broker, Ironman, and 23 years sober. His mantra is "I exist to persist," and through The Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, he brings inspiring conversations with relentless entrepreneurs and leaders who've mastered perseverance. Connect with David: Website: www.davidhill.ai Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/davidihill Subscribe & Review the Podcast: Apple Podcasts: The Persistent Entrepreneur