Business Wingmen Podcast
by Steve Smith
Tired of boring business discussions fit for your out of touch boss? The Business Wingmen Show, brought to you by father and son duo Steve and Travis Smith, trade tales of corporate absurdity and career brilliance with an electric candor, one which isn’t scared to not be politically correct. Our show dives deep into the thinking, behaviors and actions professional people at the top of their game embody. From leadership and management challenges to climbing the corporate ladder or being a successful entrepreneur, Steve and Travis’ insights help their listeners put to practice REAL ideas and tactics that actually work in the business world. Gain some new, thought-provoking perspective on how to lead your team and run a profitable, growing business- all in about 20 minutes.
Episodes
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190- The Value of Networking While You Have a Job
Most people wait to build their network once they are out of work. Savvy business professionals understand the folly of this and build networks while they are employeed. Having connections that know you and would be willing to help you reach the next level of your career can only benefit you if...
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189- Managing Up- The Executive Skill to Control Your Career & Boss
Welcome to Your Business Wingmen! Today, we're unlocking one of the most powerful, yet least-discussed executive skills in professional development: Managing Up. If you're a manager, executive, business owner, or entrepreneur who reports to a board or a superior, you know that career growth...
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188- Management Crisis- Why Your Top Talent Doesn't Want the Promotion
Are your best employees turning down management roles? You're not alone. An emerging trend is showing that up to 70% of high-potential individual contributors are actively avoiding the climb to a leadership position. This isn't just a challenge; it's a Management CRISIS that threatens your...
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187- Future-Proof Your Business. How to Capture Institutional Knowledge
Are your most valuable assets walking out the door? Every business faces the risk of a "Brain Drain" – the catastrophic loss of institutional knowledge (or legacy/tribal knowledge) when key employees retire or move on. The cost of this loss can run into the millions through lost productivity,...
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186- How to Turn New Hires into A-Players
Why do so many promising new hires—the ones who looked great on paper—end up being a disappointment? It often comes down to a gap in professionalism, accountability, and the "soft skills" that no one seems to be teaching. As a manager, executive, or business owner, you've felt the frustration.…
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185- Why 65% of Businesses Fail (And How He Built a 10-Year Success Story)
Are you on the path to being in the 35% of businesses that survive 10 years, or the 65% that fail? This episode of The Business Wingman Show is a real-world blueprint from an entrepreneur who beat the odds.We go behind the scenes with Travis Smith, who just hit his 10-year milestone as a business...
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184- The Founder’s Dilemma- Staying CEO vs. Hiring One
Every successful business starts with a visionary founder, but not every founder is the right person to lead the company once it begins to scale. Knowing when to step aside — or when to level up your leadership — can make or break your startup’s future. In this episode, Steve Smith and Travis…
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183- The Dark Side of Scaling- Real Stories of Growth Gone Wrong
In this episode of The Business Wingman Show, Steve and Travis Smith unpack what happens when growth spirals out of control, drawing lessons from major brands you already know: Peloton, Krispy Kreme, Blockbuster, and Redbox. ➡️ What went wrong? ➡️ How can you avoid the same fate? ➡️ And what does...
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182- The Most Difficult Workplace Communication Style to Manage
Leaders face many challenges, but one of the toughest is dealing with passive aggressive behavior in the workplace. From sarcasm and missed deadlines to victim-playing and quiet resistance, passive aggressive employees can quietly drain your team’s performance and culture. If you’ve ever…
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181- Are Manager's Really Doing This
Quiet firing is an emerging workplace trend — but what does it really mean, and why is it a dangerous trap for managers and executives? In this episode of The Business Wingmen Podcast, Steve and Travis Smith unpack the reality behind quiet firing: the subtle ways leaders push employees out…
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180- The #1 Reason You're Not Taken Seriously at Work
Ever feel like you're the most knowledgeable person in the room, but your ideas get dismissed? If your communication doesn't reflect your true value, you create a "credibility gap" that can stall your career. This isn't about being the loudest person; it's about communicating with intention and...
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179- Are You Creating Accidental Managers
A 60% failure rate is unacceptable in any other part of your business. So why do we accept it for new managers? Companies lose their best technical experts every day by promoting them into leadership roles they aren't equipped for. We call it the "Accidental Manager" trap. You give them a new…
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178- Why 60% of New Managers Fail and How to Ensure Yours Succeeds
The episode discusses the challenges of transitioning individual contributors into management roles, highlighting a significant 60% failure rate within the first 24 months. The hosts, Steve and Travis Smith of "The Business Wingman Show," share personal anecdotes and expert insights, emphasizing...
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177- The Real Reason New Graduates Are Failing
The "Business Wingman Show" podcast episode focuses on the challenges new graduates face when entering the workforce and offers practical advice for success. Hosted by Steve and Travis Smith, a father-son duo, the discussion centers on a LinkedIn article Travis wrote outlining ten common…
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176- Avoid These Hidden Legal Traps!
Are you unknowingly exposing your business to crippling lawsuits and financial disaster? Many business owners, executives, and entrepreneurs are walking into hidden legal traps that can have devastating consequences. In this essential interview, corporate attorney John Newell of Shell New LLP…
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175- Business Expansion Strategies- What Works
This discussion emphasizes that expanding a business by adding new products or services should be approached cautiously. The hosts advise considering factors like timing, potential impact on the core business, necessary resources (like labor and insurance), and whether the new offering logically...
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174- The #1 Reason Businesses Fail? PARTNERSHIPS. Here's How to Make Yours Thrive
This discussion highlights that while partnerships can be a strong way to build a business by combining skills and resources, they are statistically the most common reason for small business failure, often due to partners being unable to work together effectively. The key to successful...
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173- Is Your Business Ready to Scale
Is Your Business Ready to Scale? Critical Mistakes & How to Avoid Them Thinking about scaling your business? HOLD ON. Expanding sounds exciting, but jumping in unprepared is one of the FASTEST ways to sink your ship. Many leaders hit hidden icebergs – financial drains, operational chaos, team...
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172- Dont Hire the Walking Lawsuit
Tired of hiring headaches that turn into legal nightmares? In this crucial episode of The Business Wingman Show, Steve and Travis Smith sit down with employment law expert Jim McDonald from Fisher Phillips to reveal the secrets to smart hiring and how to avoid bringing a "walking lawsuit" into…
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171- Motivating Your Team During Business Slow Downs
Business slowdowns are inevitable. When these light periods show up, what do you do to keep your team motivated? What do you do to capture this time and get things done that would get put aside when business is heavy? In today's episode of the Business Wingmen, your hosts Steve and Travis Smith...
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170- The Four Pillars of Economic Resilience
We're headed into a period of potentially great economic uncertainty. To prevent your business from a severe setback, focus on these 4 areas that will enable you to avoid financial damage and achieve economic resilience.
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169- Is Your Management Style Obsolete? Future-Proof Your Leadership Now
The business environment is changing and now it's headed for your management career! As companies big and small look for ways to become more efficient, leaners and more profitable, the role of management is being looked at for its future viability. If you're strength is in leading and overseeing...
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168- 4 Universal Principles to Ensure a Rewarding Career
Career growth and development is a lifetime pursuit. So, how do you know you are doing things right and will eventually receive the rewards associated with career success? In today's episode of the Business Wingmen, your hosts, Steve Smith & Travis Smith reveal the 4 universal principles that...
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167- Miserable at Work- How To Fix It Without Burning Bridges
Are you waking up dreading work? Do you feel disgruntled, unappreciated, or just plain tired of your job? You're not alone. Many professionals experience these feelings, especially in today's ever-changing work environment. In this episode, we discuss what to do when you hate your job, but before...
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166- Drive High Performance by Developing Self Managed Employees
Why are self managed employees more likely to be high performers in their jobs? The answer lies in how they manage themselves and the work they do. Hiring these folks is the best approach but how can you identify and develop employees who may exhibit high performance tendencies? In this episode…
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165- Stump the Wingman
In this episode, your business wingmen, Steve Smith and Travis Smith, take turns handling situations that occur with leaders, business owners, managers and professionals. Their evaluation and advice for dealing with these issues is worth the listen.
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164- The Pros and Cons of DEI
Is DEI a business necessity or a political burden? In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of DEI in the workplace, analyze recent trends, and discuss how to navigate the challenges and unlock business growth. Listen in and gain valuable insights!
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163- Get a Great Start to the New Year
How energized are you to get goals for the new year? Unlike New Years resolutions which have a dismal failure rate, legitimate business goals are serious if you want your business to grow or be more profitable. In today's episode, your Business Wingmen hosts, Steve Smith & Travis Smith share…
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162- Does Dressing for Success Really Matter Today
What you showed up to work wearing use to mean something. Today, with so much of the country in various degrees of casual dress, it's debateable that this principle of excellence even means anything anymore. So, do you pay attention to how you show up? Does your wardrobe cater to a successful...
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161- What Inspires You
Inspirational moments are all around us but you have to go looking for them. How much inspiration have you encountered and have you inspired others as you work and live your life? Today's Business Wingmen episode, 'What Inspires You' is a great conversation on what inspirational moments look and...
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160- Are You Easy to Do Business With
Many times, fluctuations with customers and vendors gets down to one issue; you're not easy to do business with! Lots of elements can contribute to this but the main one is, how the owner/ manager views the relationship with customers and vendors. In this episode of the Business Wingmen Show…
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159- Top Business Blunders to Avoid When Starting Out
It's a sure bet that starting a business will include making mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes but you don't need to repeat other business owner's blunders. In this episode, we outline 8 mistakes that new business owners make and what you can do to avoid them. Join your Business Wingmen Show…
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158- Famous Quotes That Inspire Us
What inspires you? Is it a friend, a co-worker or a role model you look up to? For us, it's quotes from famous business professionals who capture the essence of what is most important to remember. In this episode of the Business Wingmen Show, Steve Smith & Travis Smith share their most meaning...
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157- How to Work With People You Don't Like
How do you work with people you don't like? Do you fight with them? Do you ghost them? What if you both are responsible for producing the same results. It's a problem that causes many employees (and managers) undue stress. Do you have to live with someone you don't like working in your area or...
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156- How to Say No and Be Respected For It
Many people can't say No, even when they know they should. Lack of confidence, not wanting to hurt other's feelings and a desire to please all play a role. There is, however, a way to say No, and be respected for it. Listen in and learn how.
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155- Setting Your New Sales Rep Up For Success
Hiring the right sales person for your company requires knowing who will fit best with your culture and process. New sales hires canturn out way more successful with the proper onboarding and orientation. Listen in and learn how.
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154- Bouncing Back from a Career Setback
How do you bounce back when your career takes a wrong turn? A layoff, a demotion, or a firing can all create a sense of fear and a lack of confidence. But careers are a journey so at some point, everyone runs into a setback. Today's Business Wingmen Show episode focuses on the things you should…
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153- Feedback- Your Employees Want it So Why Arent You Giving It
One of the best ways to effectively manage a team is by providing feedback. Employees want it but many managers avoid giving it. Direction, evaluation, and skill building all require regular feedback. If you have been avoiding or struggling to give feedback in a confident, genuine manner, this...
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152- Are You Investing in Your Best Talent at the Right Time
When is the best time for companies to invest in professional development for new hires or recently promoted individuals? Most wait for problems to surface. We think a more proactive approach is better.
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151- What Do You Do When the S--T Hits the Fan
At some point, you may find yourself in a huge mess of your own making. Despite your best planning and decision making, the Shit has hit the fan. What do you do to salvage whatever is going down while making sure you survive the entire nightmare. In this episode of the Business Wingmen Podcast,...
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150- Things Employees Think About But Will Never Tell Their Boss
Unless you have an airtight bond with your team, there are things your employees might never share with you. They think about these things constantly and debate their merits with co-workers. What is so important to them that they keep their bosses out of the conversation? In today's Business...
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149- Things You Do But Know You Shouldnt
We all do things in our businesses that we do out of habit but know we shouldn't. We know these habits aren't the best way to work but we have gotten comfortable and don't give them much thought. From not delegating and being a micro-manager to procrastinating and reacting too quickly, we…
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148- The Pros and Cons of Opening New Marketing
One way to expand your business and grow revenue is by opening new markets. While this seems logical, it is not always the right move. Every business opportunity has pros and cons and opening new markets is no different. In today's episode of the Business Wingmen, Steve Smith & Travis Smith…
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147- Is Your Business Challenged by Remote Work
Is remote work here to stay? Not everyone thinks so. Still, if you are managing remote workers or if you are new to remote work, your Business Wingmen have some things that will help you optimize your situation. On today's episode of the Business Wingmen, Steve Smith & Travis Smith talk about...
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146- Solve Problems Quicker
Leaders need to be able to solve problems well and quickly. They can do this by making better decisions that lead to great problem resolution. On today's Business Wingmen podcast, Steve Smith and Travis Smith debate the merits of problem solving and the best way to get the outcome you want, quickly.
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145- You and Your Role- Who is Running Who
Taking on new leadership roles can be overwhelming at first. But, in time you should be fully in control of the role you have. Many professionals, however, never get to this point of responsibility ownership, and end up with a role that controls them. In today's Business Wingmen podcast, your…
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144- Success is a Journey of Patience with Tom Sell
In this episode, your Business Wingmen interview guest, Tom Sell- CEO of Complete Marine Freight in Palma de Miorca, Spain. Tom's journey as a successful owner of multiple companies is a great example of exercising patience along the way. His background and lessons learned are greater teaching...
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143- Are Your Ideas Good Enough to Run With
Business grows as good ideas are implemented. Are your ideas good enough to run with? This episode hosted by Business Wingmen hosts Steve Smith & Travis Smith explore the value of great ideas and how to verify yours before running with them.
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142- Managing Your Former Peers
Congratulations, you've been promoted! You're all excited until you realize you are now managing your former peers! The people who use to be your friends now report to you. Managing others is a tough enough assignment without the added difficulty of convincing your old work teammates that you are...
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141- Is Your Credibility Being Questioned at Work
What happens when you join a company and others question why you got the job? It happens in small family businesses and large corporations alike. In this episode, your Business Wingmen hosts, Steve Smith and Travis Smith trade opinions and recommendations for overcoming a perceived lack of...
About this show
Tired of boring business discussions fit for your out of touch boss? The Business Wingmen Show, brought to you by father and son duo Steve and Travis Smith, trade tales of corporate absurdity and career brilliance with an electric candor, one which isn’t scared to not be politically correct. Our show dives deep into the thinking, behaviors and actions professional people at the top of their game embody. From leadership and management challenges to climbing the corporate ladder or being a successful entrepreneur, Steve and Travis’ insights help their listeners put to practice REAL ideas and tactics that actually work in the business world.
Gain some new, thought-provoking perspective on how to lead your team and run a profitable, growing business- all in about 20 minutes.
Hosted by
Steve Smith
Categories