The Friday Habit

Kayvon Kian, an entrepreneur and senior advisor at McKinsey & Company, dives into the fusion of philosophy and business. He explores the concept of 'skeptic capital,' underscoring the importance of surrounding oneself with challenging thinkers. Kayvon emphasizes using historical philosophers like Socrates and Nietzsche as advisory tools for modern decision-making, urging listeners to ask, 'What would a wise person do?' His insights on embracing healthy skepticism and focusing on personal values provide a refreshing perspective on navigating life's uncertainties.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Chris Tyrell, founder of Chris’s Garage Doors, to talk about the unexpected road from seminary student to successful entrepreneur. Chris shares how faith, community, and a deep sense of purpose have guided his business journey—and why giving generously has always been part of the plan.Chris opens up about how a part-time job in the garage door industry sparked a bigger calling. Today, his company serves not just customers, but the greater good—donating 3% of revenue to local nonprofits and using the business as a platform for ministry. Mark and Chris explore the power of mission-driven leadership, the importance of building a strong brand, and the lessons learned from hiring, coaching, and networking.Whether you’re running a small business or dreaming about launching one, this episode is full of practical advice and honest insight from someone who’s built a business rooted in values—and impact.Key Takeaways:Chris’s journey from seminary to entrepreneurship was guided by faith.His company donates 3% of top-line revenue to local nonprofits as part of a mission to give back.Business can be a platform for ministry and community transformation.Reinvesting in your company is crucial for long-term growth.Relationships and networking play a powerful role in business development.Hiring for attitude often leads to stronger team culture and retention.A clear brand and purpose-driven culture can shape every aspect of your business.Business coaching and peer support help provide clarity and accountability.Understanding your “why” fuels more intentional decision-making.Connect with Chris:Chris’s Garage Doors LinkedIn

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Steve Van Diest, President of Acumen’s Front Range region, to unpack the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. From founding a thriving mattress business to launching a customizable pillow company, Steve’s path has been anything but linear.Steve candidly shares his experiences with burnout, making costly business decisions, and the challenges of building a healthy company culture. He opens up about the turning points that led him to give away a profitable business and the lessons he now imparts to other business owners through his work at Acumen.Key Takeaways:Burnout Isn’t Just a Buzzword: Steve reflects on how ignoring signs of burnout led to poor decisions and how he’s learned to identify and address it earlier.Trust, But Verify: The consequences of partnering without proper agreements and how a lack of structure nearly cost Steve his business.Building a Culture of Transparency: Why Steve prioritized hiring people with strong values over sales experience and how that shaped his company’s identity.The Power of Community: How being part of a peer advisory group transformed Steve’s approach to business – and why every entrepreneur should seek out similar connections.Connect with Steve:Website: Acumen ImpactLinkedIn: Steve Van DiestLearn More:Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the guide on working on your business rather than in it.Stay Connected:Subscribe to The Friday Habit for more real-life business lessons, candid conversations, and actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode, Patti Johnson shares her path from growing up in a small town in Oklahoma to launching a successful consulting business and becoming an author. She talks about what it really takes to start and grow a business, including the importance of research, networking, and building strong relationships instead of relying on traditional sales tactics.Patti and Mark also discuss the value of developing an exit strategy early, diversifying your client base, and learning through leadership challenges. Throughout the conversation, Patti emphasizes the role of mindset, resilience, and personal growth in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. She also shares key takeaways from her book Make Waves, including how managing your thoughts can drive meaningful action and change.Key Takeaways:• Starting a business takes calculated risk, research, and strong networks.• Relationships are more effective than traditional sales tactics.• Rejection is part of the process—don’t take it personally.• A resilient, positive mindset is essential for long-term success.• Know your business model and focus on delivering real value.• Authenticity builds trust—be yourself.• Plan your exit strategy early and diversify your client base.• Growth comes from discomfort and consistent action.• Good leadership balances honesty with optimism.• Managing your thoughts can drive meaningful progress.Connect with Us:Enjoyed the episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or colleague who’d find it helpful.For more insights and resources, visit TheFridayHabit.com.Connect with Patti Johnson:Learn more about Patti and her work at https://pattibjohnson.com/.Check out her book Make Waves wherever you get your books.Thanks for listening—and keep making waves.

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, decentralization is emerging as a powerful force for change. This episode of The Friday Habit brings you a fascinating conversation with David Young, a pioneer in cloud computing and open-source technology.David shares his journey from studying ancient Greek and Latin to becoming a trailblazer in the tech industry. He offers valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship, the importance of perseverance, and the potential of open-source solutions to reshape how we interact with technology.Key Takeaways:The evolution of cloud computing and its impact on modern businessesHow open-source technology is challenging the dominance of big tech companiesThe importance of finding your "single hill" in business and communicating it effectivelyWhy privacy and data ownership matter in today's digital landscapeThe potential of decentralized technologies to foster innovation and competitionDiscover the Power of Open SourceDavid introduces us to Federated Computer, his latest venture aimed at making open-source tools accessible to businesses of all sizes. Learn how these alternatives to popular software suites can offer enhanced privacy, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.Entrepreneurial WisdomGain valuable insights from David's experiences:The importance of persistence in the face of rejectionWhy understanding your customer's pain points is crucial for successHow to navigate the challenges of bringing new technologies to marketA Vision for the FutureDavid paints a picture of a more decentralized technological landscape, where individuals and businesses have greater control over their digital lives. He challenges listeners to consider alternatives to the status quo and embrace the potential of open-source solutions.Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a small business owner, or simply curious about the future of technology, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the possibilities that lie ahead.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, hosts Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley engage with guests Mark Ackler and Mert Esheri, exploring the intricacies of entrepreneurship, the importance of building relationships, and the lessons learned from their experiences in the startup world. They discuss the journey from idea to execution, the significance of legacy in business, and the insights shared in their book 'Exiting Right'. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of business acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of trust, strategic alignment, and the long-term relationships that can be built prior to a sale. They discuss the successful acquisition of Instagram by Facebook as a case study, highlighting the need for companies to understand their value proposition and the chemistry between buyers and sellers. The conversation also introduces the concept of annual exit talks to normalize discussions around potential sales, and the importance of cultivating relationships with potential acquirers over time. Key takeaways include the significance of fit, alignment, integration, and rationale in successful acquisitions, as well as actionable advice for entrepreneurs considering an exit strategy.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark Labriola and Benjamin Manley welcome Natalie Dawson, EVP and partner at Cardone Ventures, to discuss her new book 'Teamwork' and the essential strategies for building high-performance teams. The conversation covers Natalie's journey from a failed business leader to a successful entrepreneur, the importance of team alignment, practical tools for team development, and effective hiring strategies. They also explore how to pitch ideas to a team and maintain alignment as the team grows. In this conversation, Mark Labriola II discusses the importance of effective team communication, onboarding strategies, training processes, employee termination, and compensation structures. He emphasizes the need for daily team meetings to foster a winning culture, the significance of intense onboarding to assess new hires, and the necessity of correcting issues promptly to maintain a healthy work environment. Additionally, he shares insights on how to structure compensation to motivate employees and align their goals with the company's vision. TakeawaysThe Friday Habit encourages a mindset of excitement and positivity.Building a high-performance team requires practical tools and strategies.Alignment within a team starts with clear mission and values.Failure can be a powerful teacher in leadership.Creating a culture of development is essential for growth.Effective hiring involves understanding candidates' long-term goals.Communication is key to gaining team buy-in for new ideas.Documenting processes helps in scaling a business.Team dynamics can be assessed through personality tests.Business owners should act as coaches to their team members. Implement daily all-team meetings to share wins.Onboarding should be intense to assess fit quickly.Use the Tell Me, Show Me, Let Me, Coach Me method for training.Correct issues in the moment to prevent escalation.Build a culture that encourages accountability and engagement.Incentivize employees with clear compensation structures.Foster a winning culture to improve morale.Document processes to ensure consistency in training.Encourage team members to take ownership of their roles.Align employee goals with the company's vision for growth.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, we welcome Eric Huberman, founder and CEO of Hawk Media. We explore Eric's entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced in the early stages of his career, and the strategies he employed to build a successful marketing consultancy. The conversation delves into the realities of entrepreneurship, the importance of adaptability, and the value of learning from experiences. Eric shares insights on competition, personal growth, and the significance of setting measurable goals in business. In this conversation, Mark Labriola II discusses the intricacies of managing client relationships, the importance of building a strong network in e-commerce, and the role of outsourced CMOs. He shares insights on reactive growth strategies, financial management for hiring, and the evolution of roles within a growing company. Mark emphasizes the significance of understanding purchase cycles in marketing and the need for hiring top talent to ensure success. He also reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on his business and introduces his new book, the Hawk Method, which outlines his marketing methodology.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, hosts Marc Labriola and Benjamin Manley engage with Youngsoo, who transitioned from a successful career in cryptocurrency software engineering to founding Urban EDC, an eight-figure e-commerce business. Youngsoo shares his journey, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection, risk-taking, and audience engagement in entrepreneurship. He discusses the challenges he faced, including job losses and the leap to Silicon Valley, and how he built his business by understanding his interests and validating his ideas through market research. In this conversation, Mark Labriola II shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of validating ideas through market testing, building trust with customers, and the necessity of financial preparation. He discusses the power of pressure and constraints in achieving success, the significance of feedback loops for continuous improvement, and the transition from being a solopreneur to leading a team. Mark also highlights the importance of strategic hiring, sourcing talent from the community, and managing multiple businesses effectively. He reflects on the need for new challenges and the organic growth of his second venture, GrowthJet, while expressing his desire to empower other entrepreneurs through education and mentorship.TakeawaysYoungsoo felt an inner drive to start a company from a young age.He transitioned from finance to tech, seeking fulfillment beyond corporate jobs.Taking risks in youth can lead to valuable life experiences.The regret minimization framework can guide decision-making.Youngsoo moved to Silicon Valley to immerse himself in the startup culture.He launched Urban EDC by reflecting on personal spending habits.Building an audience before launching a product is crucial.Validating business ideas through market research is essential.Understanding personal interests can lead to successful business ventures.Engaging with potential customers early can shape product offerings. Validate your ideas through market testing.Building relationships is key to business success.Financial preparation is crucial before starting a venture.Pressure can unlock your full potential.Feedback loops help in continuous improvement.Transitioning from solopreneur to team leader is essential for growth.Strategic hiring is important for scaling a business.Sourcing talent from your community can yield great results.Managing multiple businesses requires effective delegation.Empowering others through education is a fulfilling next step.

In this engaging conversation, Cole Rodgers shares his journey as an entrepreneur, life coach, and speaker dedicated to helping men reach their full potential. He discusses the importance of gratitude, navigating conflict, and the challenges he faced in his early career. Cole emphasizes the role of family and personal growth in shaping identity, and he offers valuable insights on overcoming adversity and finding purpose in life. In this conversation, Cole shares his journey of transformation, highlighting the struggles with entitlement, self-worth, and the importance of personal growth. He discusses the impact of loss and the necessity of truth in relationships, emphasizing the internal battles many face. The dialogue explores the significance of building a supportive network and the mission of the School of Man to create better men. Cole provides actionable steps for personal development, encouraging listeners to focus on their future selves and take consistent action towards their goals.TakeawaysGratitude is essential for personal growth.Navigating conflict is a skill that can be developed.Masculinity is often misunderstood and needs to be redefined.Personal experiences shape our approach to life and business.Success is a journey, not a destination.Vulnerability is a key attribute for leaders.Discipline is crucial for long-term success.It's important to connect with others before correcting them.Adversity can lead to significant personal growth.Helping others is a fulfilling mission.  Entitlement can hinder personal growth and happiness.Transformational journeys often require radical changes.Loss can lead to profound realizations about what matters.Internal battles are common and must be addressed.Comparison can detract from personal joy and progress.Building a supportive network is crucial for success.Writing to your former self can clarify your journey.Action is essential for personal development.Regret often stems from inaction rather than mistakes.Living authentically is key to fulfillment.