PODCAST · business
The Smartest Person in the Room
by INSPIRED Vibe
Bigger Rooms. Bolder Thinking. Real growth happens when you put yourself in rooms where you’re not the smartest person. The Smartest Person in the Room takes you inside the companies founders are building—on location, where the real work happens. INSPIRED Vibe founders Christin and Amber sit down with fellow founders for the conversations that rarely make it into the pitch deck: the wins, near-misses, hard decisions, and lessons that change how you lead. No studio. No set. Just real stories, founder to founder. Explore the conversations already underway, or join a future episode and bring your own story into the room.
Episodes
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Jay Olson Built It All, Then Learned When to Come Home
From the outside, Jay looked like he had it figured out: a successful Phoenix salon, 90k Instagram followers, a national career teaching other artists from the stage, a part-owner stake in a color line acquired by L’Oréal, and a full life he didn't always have full access to.. But a year ago, he...
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Beyond the Awards: What Cannes Lions Taught Us
More content. More followers. More visibility. More leads. Those are the requests many founders bring to their marketing team or agency. But before you dive in, do you know the business problem underneath it? In this episode of The Smartest Person in the Room, Susan Saltwell talks with INSPIRED...
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Cannes Lions: After the Dust has Settled
Is Cannes Lions still about great creative or has it become something more? In this episode, Director of Client Services, Susan Saltwell sits down with Christin Daniels and Amber Halverson after their first experience at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to unpack what they…
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How to Get Inside the Founder’s Brain
What separates founders who build extraordinary companies from everyone else? It’s not luck or timing; it’s the way they think. In this special compilation episode, our Director of Sales, Phillip Lechter, walks us through powerful moments from past conversations with founders, CEOs, and business...
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Launching something no one understands | The Unlock Story
What do you do when you know there's a better way to build an industry and you're willing to walk away from everything you've built to prove it? In this episode, Christin and Amber sit down with Jim, Co-Founder and CEO of Unlock, to discuss what it takes to leave a successful company, challenge...
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From Invisible to Influential | How Thought Leadership Fuels Growth
You might be the best in your industry... but does the market know it? Some of the strongest companies have loyal customers, proven products, and years of expertise, yet still struggle to grow. In this episode, Christin and Amber unpack one of the biggest growth challenges facing founders today:...
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Best Friends and Co-founders, Built for Conflict | The Story of Partnership
Everyone says the same thing: don't start a business with your friend. People warn you about the arguments, the stress, the damaged relationships, and the possibility of losing both the friendship and the business. Christin and Amber heard all of those warnings and built INSPIRED Vibe together...
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From Events to Business Development Agency | The INSPIRED Vibe Story
What happens when two best friends with different strengths build a company rooted in heart, hustle, and human connection? In this episode, Christin and Amber sit down with their Director of Client Services, Susan, to share the real story behind the business; from event production and social…
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Building Human-Centered Experiences with Technology | The PIVIUM Story
What if the technology you notice the least is what shapes your entire experience? In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Chitwood, Principal of PIVIUM, to explore the hidden world of audio-visual technology, human-centered design, leadership, and the future of AI in the built environment.…
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Growth, Humility, and Building Skills That Last: The Phillip Lechter Story
What happens when early success teaches you confidence… and failure teaches you who you really are? In this episode, Christin and Amber sit down with INSPIRED Vibe’s Director of Sales Strategy and Enablement, Phillip Lechter, to talk about the unusual journey that led him from the family business...
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Why the Future of Small Business Bookkeeping Is AI-Driven: The Uplinq Story
Most small businesses are making critical financial decisions without real visibility into what their data says. In this episode, Christin and Amber sit down with Alex Glenn, founder and CEO of Uplinq, to discuss how he’s built an AI-powered bookkeeping company designed to give small businesses...
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Scaling Fast, Letting Go, and Building Trust: The PayCompass Story
What if building a great company starts with fixing what everyone else tolerates? In this episode of The Smartest Person in the Room, Christin and Amber sit down with Justin Volrath, Founder and CEO of PayCompass, to unpack what it really looks like to build a business rooted in trust, clarity…
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If You’re the Smartest in the Room, You’re in the Wrong Room
What if the key to growth isn’t knowing more, but admitting you don’t? In this premiere episode of The Smartest Person in the Room, INSPIRED Vibe founders Christin and Amber redefine what it means to be a strong leader, builder, and decision-maker. This isn’t a podcast about having all the…
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Prototyping, Quality, and Clarity: How Smart Tech Teams Build What Actually Works
In this episode of the Bold and Inspired Leaders Podcast, join Spencer Green, Director of Technology Strategy, for our series of “Spencer Kills It,” a myth‑busting look at how smart tech teams build what actually works. Today, Spencer is joined by his team: Joe, Director of QA, Jake, Head of...
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Money2020: The Role of Tech in Sales
The role of technology in sales can no longer be underestimated. As digital transformation accelerates, the adoption of advanced sales technology, automation tools, and AI-enabled platforms will be essential for businesses looking to scale strategically in 2026 and beyond. Technology will…
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Money2020: The Future of Fintech
The fintech landscape continues to evolve, shaped less by experimentation and more by intelligent execution. From AI-powered decisioning to next-generation payment platforms, financial technology leaders are moving beyond innovation for innovation’s sake and toward scalable, revenue-driving...
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Money2020: The Future of AI
The future of AI will be defined less by experimentation and more by intelligent integration into everyday business workstreams— a repeated key takeaway from this year’s Money20/20 conference, and a theme reinforced through our work at Inspired Vibe. Conversations with founders, innovators and...
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Escaping the Shadows: Helping Women in Polygamy’s Grip
She didn’t go looking for this. It found her. When Tawni stumbled into the world of polygamist communities, she thought she was documenting a fringe lifestyle. What she uncovered was far darker: a system of control, silence, and abuse hiding in plain sight. In this episode, Tawni takes us inside...
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Bahador Rahimi: Redefining an Industry by Solving Complex Problems with Simplicity
How do you take a broken system, break it down, and rebuild it to work better? In this episode of Bold and INSPIRED Leaders, we sit down with Bahador Rahimi, founder and EVP of AutoSquared.AI, to discuss his bold vision for transforming auto finance through AI and automation. We’ll explore the...
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Justin Yentes: Leading the Search for Truth
Should everyone—no matter their crime—have the right to a strong defense? It’s a question that forces us to rethink justice beyond guilt or innocence. In this episode of Bold and INSPIRED Leaders, professional investigator and podcast host Justin Yentes takes us inside the complexities of the…
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Leadership Lessons: Beyond the 12-Hour Day with Yrefy's CIO
What drives someone to retire early from a successful 25-year career to build something new? In this episode, Yrefy's Chief Investment Officer, Laine Schoneberger, reveals how a chance client relationship became the partnership revolutionizing the student loan industry. Join us as Laine shares...
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From Sky-High Success to Grounded Wisdom: Don Fenstermaker’s Journey of Visionary Leadership
Ever felt the sting of betrayal or the collapse of a thriving business? Join us on INSPIRED After Hours as we dive deep with Don Fenstermaker, a trailblazer in the financial tech industry. Don has led three companies to national recognition and is now on his way to bringing a fourth, M2I, to the...
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Exponential Potential with Aaron Bare: Mastering the Art of Impactful Change
Do you ever wonder why some people achieve massive success while others struggle bringing their dreams to reality? Join us on "INSPIRED After Hours" as we explore Aaron Bare's groundbreaking "Exponential Theory." Discover how embracing creativity and strategic thinking can lead to remarkable...
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Warp Factor Creativity: Jason Lanham's Rise with Astro Creative
Today, we welcome Jason Lanham, co-founder of Astro Creative, and discover how he turned a high school hobby into a thriving business. From the pivotal role of mentorship to overcoming personal health challenges, Jason shares his secrets to staying creative and authentic in the competitive world…
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What is Brand Leadership? With Sean Huntington
What's the secret behind building a community as loyal as your favorite brand’s fan base? In this episode of INSPIRED After Hours, we chat with Sean Huntington, founder and CEO of Honey Haus. Sean shares his insights on community building, and explains what brand leadership means, drawing...
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Reimagine Connection thru Storytelling with David Navarrette
In the digital landscape, businesses are challenged with fostering genuine, emotional connections with their audiences amidst an oversaturated market of content. In this week's episode, David Navarrette shares how he helps businesses build real connections with emotional intelligence. He employs…
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What It Means to Earn It All with Justin Cross
In this episode Justin Cross shares his journey from serving in the military to founding "Earn Your Booze" and evolving it into "Earn It All". By integrating the principles of discipline, wellness, and enjoyment into the workplace, Justin Cross and Earn It All are helping companies foster...
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Authenticity and Resilience in Business with Patrick McMullan
Join us for a conversation with Patrick, a successful entrepreneur, as he shares his insights on the power of authenticity and resilience in business. Patrick discusses the importance of staying true to oneself and how this authenticity fuels success. He reflects on challenging times and how...
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Entrepreneurial Elevation: Building Businesses and Communities
In this episode, we talk to Devin, the founder of Arizona Entrepreneurs, about the incredible power of community in entrepreneurship. From networking to shared values, discover how this community has evolved, offering resources, partnerships, and genuine friendships. Gain insights into the...
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Discovering Joy and Balance in Business and Life with Tish Times
Join us on this episode as we sit down with Tish, a successful business owner, as she shares her journey of marriage, entrepreneurship, and finding balance. Tish's story is a beacon of hope for those who are not yet married, as she shares the tale of her incredible 28-year marriage, which started...
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Breaking Free: Laughing Beyond Mental Health Challenges with Forbes Shannon
In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of comedian Forbes Shannon as he uses humor to elevate global mental health awareness. Forbes shares his personal experiences with mental health struggles and how he discovered the power of laughter as a means of breaking through the barriers of…
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Balancing the Scales: Tim's Journey as a Business Attorney and Family Man
In this episode, we explore the world of Tim Coons, a committed business attorney. Tim shares his experiences in helping business owners navigate the complex legal landscape, shedding light on the challenges they face and the crucial role attorneys play in securing their ventures.Beyond the legal...
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How Interdependence Helped Joe Johnston Grow His Business Portfolio
Join us on this captivating episode as we dive into the remarkable journey of Joe Johnston, a visionary entrepreneur who transitioned from the coffee business to building a thriving community in Gilbert, AZ. Discover how he faced the challenges of selling his business, shifted priorities, and...
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Empowering Workplace Transformation: Reshaping Company Culture with Kindra Maples
In this episode, Kindra Maples talks about her journey of transforming workplace culture, drawing from her unique background in animal training to guiding organizations in creating healthier work environments. She shares unconventional strategies for enhancing communication, mental health, and...
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From Impulsive Reactions to Effective Leadership in Business with Michael Dahling
Discover the intriguing world of entrepreneurship in this episode, Michael Dahling shares candid stories from the culinary industry, highlighting how high-pressure situations once triggered impulsive reactions. We explore how these moments transformed into opportunities for growth, leading to…
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Navigating the Energies of Life: A Journey to Self-Discovery and Healing with Nicole Myden
Join us for this episode where we dive into the transformative power of self-discovery, healing, and setting energetic boundaries with our guest Nicole Myden. learn practical strategies for setting energetic boundaries, embracing authenticity, and unlocking your true worth in every aspect of…
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Energy Alignment: Exploring the Power Within with Jaramy Eugene Wilson
In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating realm of soul science with Jaramy Eugene Wilson, a Business Advisor, Self-Mastery Expert, and Soul Scientist. Discover how aligning frequencies can lead to coherence, allowing you to tap into your true potential and make intuitive decisions. Join...
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unWined: A Journey of Passion and Excellence with Kiera
Join us as we explore the inspiring story of Kiera, our talented Account Manager who discovered her true calling and unleashed her creative potential. From her initial aspirations in sales to finding her niche in marketing, Kiera shares the transformative moments that shaped her career. Discover...
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Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Building Bridges
Join us in this episode of "Building Bridges: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs" as we follow the inspiring journey of Melissa Lamson, who set out to empower women in business. Through a transformative nine-month program, she equipped aspiring women entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and…
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From Banking to the Kitchen: The Culinary Journey of a Mexican Chef
On this week's episode, we’re talking to chef Marco Hilton. He was born in Sonora, Mexico and grew up in Tijuana. He has worked as a chef for eight years between Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix. During the pandemic, he was furloughed from his job and that is when he started doing independent...
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NFL's Youngest Social Media Specialist with Q McCorvey
Welcome to the INSPIRE the Vibe Podcast, where each week we interview an inspiring, enduring and driven business owners just like you! On this week’s episode, we have the pleasure of talking to Quentin McCorvey, who goes by Q. He is the Social Media Specialist for the Arizona Cardinals football...
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unWined: Social Media Impact with Ashley Swanson
Welcome to another episode of unWined where after a long day, we pour a glass of wine, kick back and have impactful conversations with a member of our INSPIRED team. If you didn’t already know, we’ve assembled a team that’s the best of the best at what they do. We don’t want to keep them for...
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unWINEd: Video Strategy with Jeremiah Carter
Welcome to another episode of unWined where after a long day, we pour a glass of wine, kick back and have impactful conversations with a member of our INSPIRED team. If you didn’t already know, we’ve assembled a team that’s the best of the best at what they do. We don’t want to keep them for...
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Welcome to the Jungle: Equipping Entrepreneurs for Inevitable Challenges with Mikey Sheridan
Welcome to the INSPIRE the Vibe Podcast, where each week we interview an inspiring, enduring and driven business owner just like you! On this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of talking to Mikey Sheridan. He is the founder of ACE High Coaching which helps entrepreneurs and business…
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Building Confidence in the Creative Process with ADMANITY®’s Kelle Steinecke
Welcome to the INSPIRE the Vibe Podcast, where each week we interview an inspiring, enduring and driven business owner just like you! On this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of talking to Kelle Steinecke. She is a Marketing & Business Consultant who is an ardent champion and positive catalyst...
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Making an Impact: Entrepreneurs Change the World with Jaramy Wilson
Welcome to the INSPIRE the Vibe Podcast, where each week we interview an inspiring, enduring and driven business owner just like you! On this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of talking to Jaramy Wilson. He’s one of the co-founders of Light Army and has helped tens of thousands of…
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Business Decisions That Bring You Out on Top with Altitude Operations’ Jamie Hawk
Welcome to the INSPIRE the Vibe Podcast, where each week we interview an inspiring, enduring and driven business owner just like you! On this week’s episode, we had the pleasure of talking to Jamie Hawk, Co-founder and CEO of Altitude Operations. Operations is an Operations Consulting and Project...
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From a Really Small Town, to Really Big Impact, with Braxton Kilgo
On this week’s episode, we talk to Braxton Kilgo, founder of IBIY- an acronym that stands for “I Believe in YOU”. As Braxton says "the world needs more good people and more good things going on" and IBIY's bracelets do exactly that. The bracelets are meant to be shared, and once IBIY's mobile app...
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How an Instagram Search Turned Into a Business w/ Arizona Entrepeneurs' Devin Butler
Welcome to the INSPIRE the Vibe Podcast with your hosts, Christin Daniels and Amber Halvorson. We know that running a business can feel lonely at times, but it doesn’t have to! Each week, we invite you to listen in as we connect with inspiring, enduring, and driven business leaders just like you!...
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Passion to Purpose: How to Turn Something You Love into a Business that Gives Back
What if you could turn your passion into a profitable business? You can! Just ask this week's guest, Breeanya Hinkel, graphic designer and the owner of Prescott Woman Magazine. Breeyana's love and passion for graphic design began when she was just a little kid creating her "Hinkel Family...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Bigger Rooms. Bolder Thinking.
Real growth happens when you put yourself in rooms where you’re not the smartest person.
The Smartest Person in the Room takes you inside the companies founders are building—on location, where the real work happens. INSPIRED Vibe founders Christin and Amber sit down with fellow founders for the conversations that rarely make it into the pitch deck: the wins, near-misses, hard decisions, and lessons that change how you lead. No studio. No set. Just real stories, founder to founder. Explore the conversations already underway, or join a future episode and bring your own story into the room.
HOSTED BY
INSPIRED Vibe
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Smartest Person in the Room have?
The Smartest Person in the Room currently has 69 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Smartest Person in the Room about?
Bigger Rooms. Bolder Thinking. Real growth happens when you put yourself in rooms where you’re not the smartest person. The Smartest Person in the Room takes you inside the companies founders are building—on location, where the real work happens. INSPIRED Vibe founders Christin and Amber sit down...
How often does The Smartest Person in the Room release new episodes?
The Smartest Person in the Room has 69 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Smartest Person in the Room?
You can listen to The Smartest Person in the Room on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Smartest Person in the Room?
The Smartest Person in the Room is created and hosted by INSPIRED Vibe.
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