PODCAST · business
Business Isn't Hard
by Oliver Howard
Business Isn't Hard is a podcast designed to demystify business success for students and young professionals just starting their journeys. Through candid 30-minute interviews with seasoned business leaders, the show explores the real-world strategies and practical insights behind revenue growth, business expansion, and effective leadership. With a no-fluff approach, the podcast focuses on tangible takeaways that listeners can apply directly to their careers. Each episode highlights the specific actions and mindsets that drove the guest’s success, proving that business isn’t as complicated as it might seem. Whether you’re a business student curious about entrepreneurship or a young professional looking to grow your career, Business Isn't Hard will inspire and equip you to take the next steps in your career. The stories are real, the advice is actionable, and the message is simple: You can do it too.
Episodes
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Finding Your Path with Eric Knott
In this episode of Business Isn’t Hard, I sit down with Professor Eric Knott to break down what early career growth really looks like and why you don’t need to have everything figured out right out of college. Drawing on over 25 years of experience in HR leadership, consulting, and teaching at...
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Building an Airline with Mark Beauvais
In this episode of Business Isn’t Hard, Mark Beauvais shares practical insights from decades of experience in leadership, strategy, and real estate. The conversation focuses on data-driven decision making, building strong business models, and staying adaptable in competitive environments. You…
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Discipline and Understanding Others with Tony Imperato
In this episode, Tony Imperato shares the mindset and habits that have shaped his career—from the internal drive that pushes great leaders forward to the disciplined routines that create long-term momentum. He breaks down how to recognize real opportunities, build the kind of consistency that...
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Launching Xbox and Leading Teams with Parisa Zander
In this episode, I sit down with Parisa Zander, a global leader in partner experiences whose career spans Microsoft, Samsung, and Meta. Parisa shares the pivotal lessons that shaped her leadership, from operating with a startup mindset inside massive organizations to navigating the difficult...
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What is Growth? with Luke Crihfield
In this episode, Luke Crihfield shares lessons from his journey through consulting and startups, from taking ownership early in your career to leading with curiosity and deep listening. He explains how to find environments where your impact matters, bring solutions instead of problems, and build...
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MINI SERIES PART 4 - Applications
In the final episode of this four-part mini series, I bring everything together... not by talking theory, but by showing how ideas become action. After weeks of exploring success, mindset, and growth, this episode asks the real question: What does it look like to actually live these principles...
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MINI SERIES PART 3 - Mindset
At the heart of every great leader’s journey lies one thing: mindset. Skills can be taught and opportunities can be created, but without the right mindset, progress never takes off. In this episode, we explore the seven core attributes that consistently show up across every interview: the traits...
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MINI SERIES PART 2 - The Learning-Leading Spiral
This episode marks Part 2 of a four-part series unpacking the key themes of the Business Isn’t Hard thesis: a deep dive into what truly drives success among business leaders. In this chapter, we explore the Learning–Leading Spiral, a framework that explains how great leaders continuously evolve…
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MINI SERIES PART 1 - Defining Success
Welcome back! Today, I'm starting a 4 part mini series, going over the biggest takeaways and finding from my thesis project, which this podcast is a part of. Today, we talk about what success actually looks like for business leaders, defined by 5 key elements: personal fulfillment, financial...
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The Secrets to the Sports Industry with Tanner Natzke
Breaking into the sports industry - or any competitive field - takes more than talent. It takes discipline, relationships, and vision. In this episode, I talk with Tanner Natzke, Manager of Premium Sales at Tepper Sports & Entertainment and host of the Attitude, Effort, Results podcast. Tanner...
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Understanding What Energizes You with Marisa Szem-Stafford
What makes a great leader? Marisa Szem-Stafford, founder of Szem-Szem Consulting and former director of talent development at Hilton, shares how self-awareness and energy management shape success in the workplace. She breaks down how to identify what energizes you, the listening skills that set...
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What High Achievers Look Like with Dylan Stafford
What does it really take to be successful? Dylan Stafford has reviewed thousands of applications, interviewed countless candidates, and ultimately admitted over 5,000 people into one of the top MBA programs in the world. In other words... he knows what separates those who make it from those who...
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The Smartest Role to Play in Your Career with Joe Chernov
In this episode, Joe Chernov, former CMO and seasoned marketing leader, shares timeless lessons on building a successful career and becoming a great leader. Joe reveals why finding someone who believes in you (and playing the vital role of making that champion look good) is often the key to...
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Getting People to Know Your Name with Chris Otey
If you’ve heard “relationships matter” but aren’t sure how to build them, this episode is your roadmap. Our guest went from answering support calls to launching two successful fintech startups by building genuine connections across an entire industry. Through golf outings, sales roles, and...
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How to Find the Next Billion-Dollar Idea with Paul Fiore
From Idea to $1.3 Billion: Paul Fiore’s Fintech Playbook Paul Fiore didn’t wait for the perfect idea — he built it. In this episode, the founder of Digital Insight shares how he spotted a breakthrough technology (the web browser), combined it with a lagging industry (credit unions), and…
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Leading a Billion Dollar Company with Karl Sanft
From Store Manager to CEO: Leadership Lessons with Karl Sanft, CEO of 24 Hour Fitness What does it take to go from a fresh college graduate to the CEO of one of America’s largest fitness brands? In this episode of Business Isn’t Hard, I sit down with Karl Sanft, President and CEO of 24 Hour...
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Building a Brewery with Sue Rigler
In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Sue Rigler (Tempe Business Woman of the Year), a passionate entrepreneur who built Hundred Mile Brewing Co. from the ground up. You’ll learn how everything she did - from her early experiences to securing funding and building the right...
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Building an International Business with Jason Quagliata
In this episode of Business Isn’t Hard, I sit down with Jason Quagliata, founder of Q Logistics Group, to unpack what it really takes to go from employee to entrepreneur. Jason’s journey started with years of international experience - living abroad, learning the industry from the inside out, and...
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How to Thrive in a Startup with Bill Binch
In this episode, I sit down with Bill Binch, an early team member at Marketo and current operating partner at Battery Ventures. Bill shares his journey of working inside high-growth startups—what it takes, what most people get wrong, and how to stand out when the pace is relentless. You’ll learn...
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The Simple Keys to Success with Dave McLurg
What does it really take to thrive in business early in your career? In this episode, we break down powerful frameworks for identifying your strengths, managing your energy, and learning the skills that compound over time. Whether you're aiming to lead, build, or simply get unstuck, this one’s...
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Finding your Passion with Kurt Watkins
In this episode, Kurt Watkins shares insights from his journey as a successful golfer, entrepreneur, and leader. We dive into how finding your passion can unlock new opportunities, why building strong relationships is a game-changer, and how asking open-ended questions can set you apart. Kurt…
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What does a CEO actually do? with Brandon Wilson
When Brandon Wilson co-founded SteadyDynamic, he wasn’t chasing some never-before-seen startup idea—he was building on something he already knew really well: software. After years of learning how to sell, lead, and spot real opportunities in the industry, Brandon and his co-founders didn’t invent…
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Finding your Passion with Brandon Clarke
In this episode, I sit down with Brandon Clarke, Co-Founder of StartupAZ and Managing Director at the NAU Venture Studio. Brandon shares a powerful framework for figuring out what you’re meant to do—breaking it down into four key “buckets” to evaluate your career direction. Whether you're a...
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How to Get Anyone to Like You with Tom Behan
In this episode, Tom shares the journey behind building Alaska’s largest fitness club chain, his transition from banking leadership, and the lessons that shaped his approach to success. He dives into the power of emotional intelligence, the importance of being likable, how to find the right...
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Building a Marketing Agency with Eric Olsen
In this episode, I sit down with Eric Olsen, Founder and CEO of Fasturtle and Refered, to break down the key principles that fueled his success. From going door-to-door to land his first clients to scaling a thriving agency, Eric shares how a simple shift in mindset—How can I help…
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10 Takeaways from the First Ten Episodes
In this special episode, I’m breaking down the top 10 biggest takeaways from the first 10 episodes of Business Isn’t Hard. After talking with incredible business leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts, I’ve compiled the most valuable lessons—actionable insights that can help students and young...
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Building Your Skillset with Todd Altomare
Success doesn’t come to those who wait—it comes to those who take action. In this episode, Todd Altomare breaks down the key habits that drive real results: being proactive, building valuable skills, and surrounding yourself with the right people. From leveraging LinkedIn for networking to...
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Tips for Growing Your Career Quickly with Devonte Cummings
What separates people who rise quickly in their careers from those who stay stuck? In this episode, I sit down with Devonte Cummings, Vice President at PNC Bank, to uncover the real keys to rapid career growth — and spoiler: it’s not just about working hard. Devonte shares why taking a genuine...
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A Big Fish in a Small Pond with Mike Iben
In this episode, we dive into the story of a leader who faced major challenges and turned a struggling company around with a unique blend of tough decisions and creative thinking. You’ll hear about the mindset behind success, the risks that paid off, and the gritty determination it took to push...
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Leading with a Chip on Your Shoulder with Robert Brill
In this episode, Robert Brill, CEO of Brill Media, takes us behind the scenes of his journey from a passionate advertiser to the leader of a successful digital advertising business. He opens up about the struggles and breakthroughs that shaped his career—how he went from being a one-man show to...
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How to Interview with Shannon Schweser
Standing out in the hiring process isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being strategic. In this episode of Business Isn’t Hard, we break down what truly matters in interviews, how to land the job you want, and how to make an impact once you're hired. You’ll learn why chasing perfection is a…
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The Simple Way to Grow Your Business with Jack Wight
What does it really take to grow a business? In this episode, I sit down with Jack Wight, CEO of RECOM, to break down the real steps to scaling a company—no fluff, no buzzwords, just straight execution. We dive into: ✅ How Jack turned a simple buying-and-selling concept into a rapidly growing...
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Authenticity and Compassion with Kristy Neick
In this episode of Business Isn’t Hard, Kristy Neick from Cox Media pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a high-performing team and stand out in your career. From trust and collaboration to taking initiative beyond your job description, Kristy reveals the key strategies that…
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Avoidable Mistakes and Work Ethic with Nick Dove
In this episode, I chat with Nick Dove, President of Heritage Global Partners, Inc., about the principles that fueled his rise from ticket sales to global leadership. Nick reveals how mastering rejection, embracing a relentless work ethic, and avoiding small, sloppy mistakes can set you apart....
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Focus, Discipline, and Balance with Jaime Leija
Welcome to Episode 2 of Business Isn’t Hard, the podcast that breaks down business success into simple, actionable lessons. Each episode features candid conversations with leaders who’ve built thriving businesses, sharing their strategies and stories to inspire and empower you. In this episode,...
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Listening and Attitude with John Dietrich
Welcome to the debut episode of Business Isn't Hard! In this podcast, I’ll bring you real-world success stories and practical insights from business leaders who’ve been there and done it. In this first episode, I introduce the series and sit down with John Thomas (JT) Dietrich, a seasoned expert…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Business Isn't Hard is a podcast designed to demystify business success for students and young professionals just starting their journeys. Through candid 30-minute interviews with seasoned business leaders, the show explores the real-world strategies and practical insights behind revenue growth, business expansion, and effective leadership.
With a no-fluff approach, the podcast focuses on tangible takeaways that listeners can apply directly to their careers. Each episode highlights the specific actions and mindsets that drove the guest’s success, proving that business isn’t as complicated as it might seem.
Whether you’re a business student curious about entrepreneurship or a young professional looking to grow your career, Business Isn't Hard will inspire and equip you to take the next steps in your career. The stories are real, the advice is actionable, and the message is simple: You can do it too.
HOSTED BY
Oliver Howard
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Business Isn't Hard have?
Business Isn't Hard currently has 36 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Business Isn't Hard about?
Business Isn't Hard is a podcast designed to demystify business success for students and young professionals just starting their journeys. Through candid 30-minute interviews with seasoned business leaders, the show explores the real-world strategies and practical insights behind revenue growth,...
How often does Business Isn't Hard release new episodes?
Business Isn't Hard has 36 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Business Isn't Hard?
You can listen to Business Isn't Hard 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 Business Isn't Hard?
Business Isn't Hard is created and hosted by Oliver Howard.
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