How to Scale a Business

Hector sits down with Robert Manasier, CEO of InFocus Brands, to explore the realities of scaling a business by reading market trends and removing ego from decision-making. Robert shares how failure became his greatest teacher, why execution always outweighs ideas, and how simplifying processes is the key to sustainable growth. They discuss the importance of honest feedback, calculated risks, and building teams that prioritize accountability over ego. Tune in to hear Robert explain the mindset shifts and methodologies that drive long-term success in an ever-changing market.Chapters00:00:00 – Where Market Wisdom Begins00:00:58 – Teenage CEO: Lessons from Robert’s First Failures and Triumphs00:03:11 – The Invisible Skill: How to Read Markets Before They Speak00:04:54 – Adapt or Expire: The Relentless Reality of Market Shifts00:10:30 – Teams Without Ego: Building a Culture That Executes00:11:42 – Predictions vs. Patterns: Spotting What’s Next Before It’s Obvious00:22:01 – Scaling Simplified: Why Complexity is the Silent Killer of GrowthLinks and ResourcesRobert on LinkedInIn Focus Brands on LinkedInIn Focus Brands on YouTubeAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Scale a Business? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Jacob Kelly for a conversation about the intersection of marketing, content creation, and genuine connection with audiences. Jacob shares his experiences from growing one of the top podcasts in the world to building impactful marketing campaigns, breaking down why chasing trends often leads to hollow results. They explore the balance between art and media, the underrated power of newsletters, and how businesses can use podcasts as more than just content—they can be sales tools. Tune in to hear a fresh perspective on how brands can truly resonate with their audience.Chapters00:00:00 – The Unfiltered Opening: Meet Jacob Kelly00:00:30 – From Sports Marketing to Podcast Stardom: Jacob's Origin Story00:02:08 – Why Most Businesses Fail at Online Marketing00:04:08 – The Podcast Hack That Doubles as a Sales Tool00:08:03 – Newsletters Aren’t Dead: Why Jacob Still Bets on Email00:12:21 – Timeless Marketing Strategies That Outlast Trends00:21:56 – Art vs. Media: Why Your Business Needs to Know the Difference00:24:35 – The Wrap-Up: Key Takeaways and Final ThoughtsLinks and ResourcesJacob on LinkedInJacob on InstagramJacob on TikTokArtwell PodcastArtwell SubstackAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Scale a Business? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Maresa Friedman to discuss her unique approach to helping businesses thrive. Maresa, known as the "Executive Cat Herder," shares how she handles the messy realities of entrepreneurship, cuts through the noise, and identifies the blind spots holding founders back. She explains why integrating personal and professional lives is critical, pushes back against myths around success, and tells the importance of mindset and authenticity in achieving real growth. It’s an awesome conversation about the tough questions leaders need to face and the hard truths that drive meaningful change.Chapters00:00:00 - A Name You Won’t Forget00:00:25 - Unpacking a Fresh Perspective00:01:29 - Myths That Refuse to Die00:03:15 - What’s Hiding Beneath the Surface?00:04:43 - The Mindset Alchemy00:06:20 - The Tug-of-War We All Face00:08:57 - When Leaders Become Heroes00:17:51 - Breaking Boundaries at Home00:21:26 - Lessons Etched in Gold00:24:09 - The Doorway to Something MoreLinks and ResourcesMaresa on LinkedInThe Executive Cat HerderAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Scale a Business? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector welcomes Natalie Doyle Oldfield; an incredible author, coach, and speaker. Natalie shares her journey from navigating the 2008 market crash to developing a research-backed framework for building trust in business. She talks about the role of trust equity in solving common business challenges like client retention, sales slumps, and customer complaints, while breaking down her trust triangle model. Together, they explore how building trust can change organizations for the better and drive sustainable growth.Chapters00:00:00 - Opening the Gateway to Trust00:00:29 - From Marketing to a Market Crash00:02:19 - The Trust That Builds Businesses00:04:07 - A Framework Born from Crisis00:06:36 - Spotting Hidden Trust Barriers00:12:21 - When Trust Transforms Teams00:18:23 - Decoding the Trust Triangle00:23:01 - A Final Word on Trust’s PowerLinks and ResourcesNatalie on LinkedInSuccess Through TrustThe Power of Trust: How Top Companies Build, Manage and Protect ItTrusted: The Proven Path To Customer Loyalty And Business GrowthBuilding Trust With Your Customers: A Workbook : Eight Guiding Principles to Building and Protecting TrustAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Scale a Business? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector welcomes Dr. Shikha Goodwin to the show. She’s a neuroscience expert with a passion for exploring how the brain shapes resilience, decision-making, and growth. Together, they discuss the connection between brain health and entrepreneurship, breaking down ways leaders can improve focus, manage stress, and navigate challenges. Dr. Shikha shares how she went from engineering to biomedical research, explaining the science behind everyday actions like exercise, community, and mindset. Tune in to hear how to strengthen mental capacity and build a foundation for long-term success!Chapters00:00:00 – Opening the Conversation: A Warm Welcome00:01:25 – The Journey That Shaped Dr. Shikha00:05:27 – Founders’ Hurdles and Practical Wisdom00:08:28 – Exploring the Brain’s Role in Innovation00:13:40 – Strategies to Maintain Peak Brain Performance00:19:16 – Why Nature Plays a Vital Role00:21:55 – Scientific Insights on Finding Purpose00:24:14 – How Resilience Shapes Leaders00:25:49 – Trauma and Its Impact on Leadership00:29:00 – Personal Stories of Triumph Over Adversity00:34:31 – Community and Positivity as Game Changers00:38:38 – Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinks and ResourcesDr. Shikha Jain GoodwinDr. Shikha on LinkedInSAIKR on LinkedInGoogle ScholarNeurotreeAcademiaBrain Sciences CenterAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Scale a Business? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector sits down with Georgia Vanderville to discuss her journey as she went from an accidental candle maker to a thriving entrepreneur. Georgia shares how a simple gift sparked the beginning of her candle business, the challenges she faced in scaling her vision, and the personal growth required to embrace her role as a leader. She opens up about the internal battles many entrepreneurs face, the mindset shifts that shaped her path, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience, opportunity, and creating lasting impact.Chapters00:00:00 - The Unveiling of a Unique Journey00:01:00 - Georgia’s Bold Leap into Entrepreneurship00:02:09 - Crafting Success: The Birth of a Candle Empire00:04:25 - The Spark That Ignited It All00:08:10 - Rising Above: Lessons in Resilience and Growth00:13:50 - The Power of Personal Evolution00:23:23 - Pearls of Wisdom: Parting AdviceLinks and ResourcesGeorgia on LinkedIn Shortie’s Candle CompanyShortie’s Candle Company on FacebookAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Scale a Business? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Ross McDaniel joins the show for a follow-up conversation that takes us through his journey of building Trellis Coffee Bar. Ross shares what he experienced while moving from the digital marketing space into launching a brick-and-mortar coffee shop. Plus, lessons learned about community partnerships, navigating local permitting, and creating a space that fosters connection. Tune in to hear how local businesses can grow through strategies like social proof, visibility, and customer loyalty while keeping the focus on delivering a consistent and quality experience.Chapters00:00:00: Welcoming Ross McDaniel Back00:00:23: The Start of Trellis Coffee Bar00:02:44: Facing the Unexpected in Local Business00:06:06: Cracking the Code on Permits00:10:32: How Social Proof Fuels Growth00:12:51: Mastering Competency and Local Strategy00:18:33: Turning Reviews into a Growth Engine00:23:33: Closing Thoughts on Scaling with ConsistencyLinks and ResourcesRoss on LinkedInTrellis Coffee BarFencepostAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Scale a Business? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Ben Catley takes us on a journey through the power of accountability and what it truly means to take ownership of one’s growth. Sharing his own transformation into the “Accountability Viking,” Ben dives into the struggle many entrepreneurs face with procrastination, burnout, and staying on course. He breaks down the Five Gates of Growth, revealing how each stage drives personal and business success without losing sight of mental health. You’ll get a firsthand look at how embracing accountability can shift the way you approach both work and life, challenging the common approaches to goal-setting and self-discipline.Chapters00:00:00 - Meet the Accountability Viking, Ben Catley00:00:42 - Pathway to Accountability Power00:02:00 - Unveiling Accountability’s True Force00:04:54 - The Viking Persona Unleashed00:11:53 - Decoding Resistance in Accountability00:19:08 - The Neuroscience Behind Burnout Avoidance00:22:09 - The Five Gates: Unlocking True Growth00:31:49 - Final Words & How to Connect with BenLinks and ResourcesBen on LinkedInGet Sh!t Done with Ben’s Accountability CoachingAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Scale a Business? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Hector has a conversation with Steve Cummins to dig into the challenges and strategies that define effective tech marketing. Steve shares how companies can avoid common pitfalls, get past flashy trends, and focus on what really moves the needle for their audiences. They talk about the importance of consistency, picking the right platforms, and staying true to a brand’s voice, even in a fast-changing landscape. Steve’s approach offers a straightforward, no-nonsense guide for tech companies looking to make an impact without getting lost in the noise.Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction & Warm Welcome00:00:33 - Steve Cummins' Path to Marketing00:02:53 - Tackling Tech Marketing Hurdles00:04:47 - Proven Strategies to Elevate Tech Marketing00:05:44 - Avoiding Costly Marketing Missteps00:10:32 - Gaining Momentum Through Targeted Focus00:16:37 - The Power of Consistent Marketing Practices00:21:24 - Exploring the Future: New Marketing Technologies00:23:45 - Closing Insights and Final ReflectionsLinks and ResourcesSteve on LinkedInSolent StrategiesThe Marketing Mix PodcastAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Scale a Business? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Julie Boll talks about her journey of self-discovery and growth as an entrepreneur, focusing on the emotional and psychological barriers many business owners face. She opens up about overcoming her own scarcity mindset, imposter syndrome, and the limiting beliefs that kept her from reaching her potential. Through her story, Julie explains how tools like emotional agility and self-compassion can empower entrepreneurs to break free from constraints and align with their true vision. You’ll gain insights on moving beyond fears and creating a business that truly resonates with your values and strengths.Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction and Welcome00:00:21 - Uncovering the Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship00:01:16 - Julie's Unexpected Path to Entrepreneurship00:02:07 - Navigating Challenges and Scarcity Thinking00:04:54 - Supporting Nonprofits and Consultant Growth00:06:45 - Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs00:10:16 - Confronting Imposter Syndrome with Emotional Agility00:13:47 - Redefining Identity Through Voice00:14:13 - Facing Podcasting Fears00:15:49 - Sharpening Business Goals00:18:47 - Shame and Emotions00:19:47 - Crafting a Framework for Entrepreneurs00:22:00 - Social Media’s Role in Entrepreneurial Challenges00:24:57 - Revealing Secrets to Scaling a Business00:26:24 - Final Reflections and FarewellLinks and ResourcesJulie on LinkedInJulie Boll ConsultingCourageous Leadership ScorecardAmplafy MediaHector Santiesteban on LinkedInHector Santiesteban on TwitterThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to How to Scale a Business? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!