The Momentum Podcast

On the Momentum podcast, host Theresa Bassett interviews Tom Gegax, former founder of Tires Plus (now chairman emeritus), current chairman of the Gramercy Fund, and a filmmaker whose voice has been affected for the past 10 years by cancer-related radiation. Giegax discusses his documentary Confessions of a CEO, created to spotlight harmful trends in corporate America, including widening CEO-to-worker pay gaps, declining customer service and employee happiness, and reduced charitable giving. He shares his own past failures and “profits over people” behavior, his personal recalibration through actions rather than words, and the film’s message of moving beyond shame and bringing personal growth into the workplace. He offers leadership takeaways: be warm-hearted and tough-minded, seek frontline input, and notes that prioritizing people ultimately increased company profitability. The film is available on Amazon Prime and Apple TV - Confessions of a CEO: My Life in an Out-of-Balance World. 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:42 Voice Disability and New Tech 01:59 Beyond Tires Plus Pivot 03:51 Why He Made the Film 06:28 From Bad Behavior to Change 10:24 Bringing Spirit to Work 12:07 Ask Better Questions 14:42 Parents Kids and Influence 17:38 Where to Watch and Cast 20:08 Impact Stories and Books 24:23 Leadership Tips and Culture 31:10 Final Takeaways and Goodbye

In this episode of The Momentum Podcast, I sit down with Adam Povlitz, CEO of Anago Cleaning Solutions, to explore his transformation from a micromanager to a visionary leader. Adam shares his journey from corporate finance to the cleaning industry and how his hands-on experience shaped his leadership philosophy. We discuss the importance of servant leadership, the drive required to succeed in franchising, and the strategies he employs to empower franchisees. Adam also shares his ambitious goals for Anago's growth, aiming for a $300 million business by 2028. Tune in for invaluable insights on scaling your business, fostering relationships, and the mindset needed to thrive in today's marketplace.

In this episode of The Momentum Podcast, I sit down with Leslie Lane, owner of Studio 13 and a third-generation, woman-owned entrepreneur whose career has been shaped by resilience, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to evolution. Leslie shares how she unexpectedly stepped into leadership in her early 20s, taking over her family’s commercial photography business at a time when women were rarely trusted behind the camera. From growing up inside the business to navigating seismic industry shifts—from film to digital, multiple recessions, and now AI—Leslie offers a rare, long-term perspective on what it really takes to stay in momentum for 30 years.

In this episode of The Momentum Podcast, I sit down with Marshall Doyle, an entrepreneur whose journey is a powerful study in resilience, reinvention, and long-term momentum. Marshall shares the three defining seasons of his life—from a turbulent childhood and finding structure in the Air Force to stepping into entrepreneurship through a bold first acquisition. We talk candidly about the realities founders rarely discuss: rapid growth, cash flow strain, pressure on marriage, and the moment he found himself facing bankruptcy. That turning point led to outside counsel, coaching, and a decision to keep going—ultimately shaping a growth strategy that became his edge: acquisition as marketing. Through structured deals and steady execution, Marshall built a recognized industry leader, landed work tied to the Panama Canal expansion, and earned SBA Small Business Person of the Year.

In this episode of The Momentum Podcast, join me, Theresa Bassett, as I delve into the transformative power of collective storytelling with Aleya Harris from the Evolution Collective. We explore how moving beyond the traditional hero's journey can help organizations foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. Aleya shares valuable insights on the importance of co-creating narratives that incorporate diverse perspectives, helping teams connect deeply with their company’s vision. Together, we discuss practical strategies for leaders to engage their teams in meaningful storytelling sessions, ultimately driving momentum and aligning everyone towards a common goal. Tune in for a rich conversation that promises to inspire and empower your entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of The Momentum Podcast, I'm thrilled to sit down with Esther Wildenberg, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Codebreaker Technologies. Esther shares her inspiring journey from the Netherlands to the U.S., where she has built successful businesses and a foundation aimed at empowering others. We dive into her unique approach to personality science, which helps small business owners and enterprise-level companies improve communication and sales strategies. Esther also discusses her mission to support women entrepreneurs through retreats and her recently published book, "The Undermined Soul." Join us as we explore valuable insights on personal mastery, the eight forms of wealth, and the importance of collaboration over competition in business. Tune in to discover how slowing down can lead to greater clarity and success in your entrepreneurial journey.

Momentum is rarely accidental. It is built through clear systems, strong communication, and the willingness to keep moving forward after setbacks. In this episode of The Momentum Podcast, I sit down with Alexandra Laisik, owner of Cavik Insurance Group, to talk through the moments that shaped her path—from entering the insurance industry to co-founding Cavik with her mother and eventually stepping into full ownership. Alexandra shares why growth depends on documenting processes, trusting your team, and prioritizing customer experience, along with her perspective on leadership, flexible work for working moms, and the mindset shifts required to scale without chaos.

In this episode of The Momentum Podcast, I sit down with Jerry Brazie of The Kronos Group to explore the importance of building a business community. Jerry shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur, emphasizing how peer support can help overcome the isolation often felt by business owners. We discuss the value of real-world experience and actionable advice in navigating entrepreneurial challenges. Jerry’s passion for empowering others shines through as he introduces The Kronos Group’s peer-to-peer advisory platform, designed to foster collaboration among business leaders. If you're looking to enhance your entrepreneurial journey and connect with like-minded individuals, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode of The Momentum Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome Lauren Cohen, an expert in immigration and business strategy. Join us as we explore how entrepreneurs can elevate their global ambitions with actionable insights on investing across borders. Lauren shares her remarkable journey from international lawyer to business strategist, driven by her passion for helping clients navigate the complexities of immigration and business expansion. Discover the vital steps entrepreneurs should take when venturing into international markets, the importance of building strong relationships, and how to develop sustainable business strategies that ensure success. Tune in for practical tips that can transform your approach to global business and immigration.

In this episode of The Momentum Podcast, I sit down with Beth Melcher from MoneyFit to explore the critical journey small business owners face in understanding their financials. Beth shares her expertise on transforming fear into freedom by demystifying the numbers that often intimidate entrepreneurs. With practical advice, she emphasizes the importance of simplifying financial management, enabling owners to lead with confidence. We discuss the emotional barriers many face regarding money and how fostering a supportive community can make all the difference. Join us for a conversation filled with insights that empower you to take control of your business's financial health and thrive in today’s challenging landscape.

In the inaugural episode of The Momentum Podcast, I, Theresa Bassett, dive deep into the dynamics of building sustainable sales and marketing systems. Join me as I share insights from my 30 years of experience at The Diamond Group, exploring the challenges small business founders face while scaling their operations. I emphasize the importance of equipping entrepreneurs with effective strategies to combat burnout and create systems that drive consistent revenue growth. Each episode will feature candid conversations with leaders who have navigated their own journeys, offering invaluable stories that inspire and empower. Tune in for practical takeaways that can help you transform your business landscape, foster growth, and achieve lasting impact. Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.