Your Business Isn't Failing—Your People Strategy Is

Most business failures aren’t business problems—they’re people problems.🎙️ ABOUT THE EPISODE:When things blow up—on set, in the boardroom, or during an event—it’s easy to point fingers at logistics or budget. But as Chris Sturges has seen over 30+ years in film, special events, and community leadership: it’s almost always about people.Chris is the founder of Fired Up Events (https://firedupevents.ca) and Suspiciously Convenient (https://suspiciouslyconvenient.com), and he brings the kind of energy that transforms setbacks into showstoppers.In this powerful episode, Chris joins host Bernie Franzgrote (Knack 4 Business) to share how people-first strategies can save your next event—and maybe your whole business.🔥 From canceling a bonfire party to avoid PR backlash…🔥 To being part of the Riddick movie set (yes, really)...🔥 To building community apps that could save lives…Chris shows us how intentional community building, safety, storytelling, and engagement drive real transformation.📌 TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:✅ Why audience-first design creates unforgettable moments✅ How to build events that wow—even with no budget✅ Real-world community curation vs. fake follower counts✅ Turning "screwups" into strategic advantage✅ The myth of AI as a people-replacement✅ Creating safe spaces that invite creativity✅ Why transformation starts with just starting🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YgdxAcwRZhw 🎯 WHO THIS PODCAST IS FOR: Startup founders, solopreneurs, scaling business owners, event planners, community leaders, social impact creators, and anyone seeking real strategies to grow their people and presence—authentically. 🎁 WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:• Actionable event and team-building tips• How to build community organically and ethically• Low-cost ways to create unforgettable, high-impact experiences• Lessons on resilience, creativity, and leadership that stick• Real examples, not just theory 🔗 GUEST LINKS & RESOURCES:Chris Sturges🌐 Fired Up Events – https://firedupevents.ca🌐 Suspiciously Convenient – https://suspiciouslyconvenient.com🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissturges/ 🙌 SUPPORTING PEOPLE & MENTIONS:🎙 Host: Bernie Franzgrote🎙 Co-Host: Wayne Pratt💡 Fred Crouch – Property Wizard🎧 Carl Richards – Podcast Solutions Made Simple📍 Jovan Strika – Hive Coworking🤝 Melanie Webber – K4B Partner 🎉 SPONSORS (Curated for SMB & Startup Audience):Canada Growth Network – Join a thriving small business network & get GoHighLevel CRM tools bundled in. Just $47 CAD/month.👉 https://tinyurl.com/3s5d3ayvWebIndexer – Turn your website into a smart, 24/7 sales assistant with this AI-powered chatbot.👉 https://tinyurl.com/yav4edf5East Trade Winds – Free networking that works. Serious biz connections. No fluff.👉 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlf-msrzktGdz-UTwX8Tv6CK5Lu3tacGI9 📬 CONNECT WITH US:📧 Email: [email protected]🌐 Visit: https://knack4business.com🎧 More episodes: https://tinyurl.com/3rhcpmyd 💬 Let’s hear from you! What’s your biggest people challenge in business or events?🗨️ Leave a comment on YouTube, share this episode, or DM us directly. We love to hear your thoughts and stories. Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.