Business Roundtable

Most business owners believe they need to get bigger to be successful. Chip Higgins believes the opposite and forty years of banking experience backs him up.Chip Higgins spent four decades in banking, working directly with thousands of small business owners. What he observed was that size had almost nothing to do with success. Some of the most impressive businesses he worked with were small. What made them exceptional was momentum a real, measurable force that operates according to the laws of physics, not metaphor. In his book The Bizzics Way, Chip distills momentum into one equation borrowed from physics: mass times velocity. The businesses that understood this equation and intentionally built both dimensions thrived. Those that didn't eventually hit a wall.In this episode, David Carr and Chip break down what momentum actually is, why most business owners confuse activity with progress, and the three variables every leader must get right to build a business that lasts.In this episode:Why momentum is not a metaphor but a real force operating in your business right nowThe energy equation: how to assess where your personal energy is and how it impacts everything elseWhat direction means and why clarity about where you are going is non negotiableThe difference between mass and scale and why small businesses can be massiveWhy leadership is learnable and how developing yourself is the foundation of everything elseHow to identify whether your business is building linear momentum or just spinning in circlesAbout Chip Higgins: Chip Higgins is the founder of Bizzics and author of The Bizzics Way: Powering Your Small Business to Maximum Momentum. With over forty years of experience in banking and business leadership, Chip has advised thousands of small business owners on strategy, growth, and sustainable success. He is a founding member of the John C. Maxwell Team of certified leadership coaches and continues to blend practical business wisdom with transformational leadership coaching.Every business needs momentum. Not luck, not timing, not a better product. Momentum. And momentum requires both mass and velocity. That is exactly what we are building at Steward Your Business.If this episode made you realize your business is spinning in circles instead of building forward momentum, that is the conversation to have. Share this with one leader who needs to hear it. Links mentioned in this episode:Chip Higgins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiphiggins-072a754Bizzics: https://www.chiphiggins.comThe Bizzics Way book: https://www.chiphiggins.comEnergy Check resource: https://www.chiphiggins.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Your business is demanding everything you have. Your body is paying the price. And by the time you realize how much damage you've done, it may be too late to avoid the crash.Bryan Hardy nearly died at eighteen from a ruptured appendix and spent his twenties rebuilding his health from the ground up. What he learned in that process — and what he has spent the last decade helping other high-performing men discover — is that energy, digestion, mental clarity, and physical vitality are not luxuries. They are the foundation that everything else in your life is built on. When your body breaks down, your business, your relationships, and your leadership all break down with it.In this episode, David Carr and Bryan break down why men in their forties and fifties are running on empty, what's actually causing the fatigue and brain fog that feels permanent, and the micro-aligned habits that create real change without requiring you to become obsessed with optimization or rigid protocols.In this episode:Why your body has been sending you warning signs for years and what you have been ignoringThe three biggest mistakes high-performing men make that keep them stuck in cycles of fatigue, digestion issues, and burnoutHow gut health directly impacts brain fog, energy, motivation, and even your ability to leadWhy sleep is the one thing that moves the needle faster than anything elseThe science behind isolation and why connection is as critical to your health as what you eatTwo action items you can implement today that will create real change without requiring perfectionAbout Bryan Hardy: Bryan Hardy is the founder of Revitalized Man, a coaching program that helps fathers, founders, and professionals reclaim their energy, fix their digestion, and rebuild their vitality without extremes. A Certified Holistic Nutrition Practitioner with over a decade of experience, Bryan has personally overcome severe health challenges and now works with men who know they are capable of more but are being held back by fatigue, brain fog, and burnout.You cannot lead what you will not steward. And you cannot steward your business if you are not stewarding your body. That is what we believe at Steward Your Business.If this episode made you realize your body has been trying to tell you something you have been ignoring, that is the conversation to have. Share this with one man who needs to hear it. Links mentioned in this episode:Bryan Hardy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-hardyb4662875Revitalized Man: https://www.revitalizedman.comBryan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revitalizedmanBryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revitalizedmanBryan on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/revitalizedmanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Most leaders believe they are credible. Most have never actually tested that assumption — and the gap between how they see themselves and how others experience them is costing them trust, influence, and opportunity.Mitchell Levy has spent decades in Silicon Valley coaching executives, writing 65 books, founding 20 companies, and interviewing hundreds of thought leaders to answer one deceptively simple question: what does it actually mean to be credible? What he found is that credibility is not just about being trusted. It is about being trusted, known, and liked — and most leaders are quietly failing on at least one of those three dimensions without knowing it. In this episode, David Carr and Mitchell break down the Executive Abundance framework, the Clarity Formula, and why the first step to becoming a more credible leader has nothing to do with your marketing and everything to do with how you show up before the camera turns on.In this episode:Why credibility is defined as being trusted, known, and liked and what most leaders get wrong about all threeThe Clarity Formula: how to articulate where you are executing on your purpose in ten words or lessWhy 90 percent of people never find their purpose and what to do insteadHow Executive Abundance reframes leadership success across five stakeholder groups beyond just investors and revenueThe connection between AI, human empathy, and why replacing people with bots is a credibility problem not just a technology decisionTwo things you can do today to immediately become more credible as a leaderAbout Mitchell Levy: Mitchell Levy is a 2x TEDx speaker, executive coach, Global Credibility Expert, and international bestselling author of 65 books. A member of Marshall Goldsmith's exclusive 100 Coaches program, Mitchell has founded over 20 companies in Silicon Valley, coached hundreds of executives, and helped more than 1000 leaders and organizations articulate their purpose in ten words or fewer. He is the creator of the Executive Abundance framework and is currently completing his doctorate. Most leaders know they should be building trust with their teams and clients. The harder question is whether the way you show up every day is actually earning it. That is the work we do at Steward Your Business.If this episode made you think about how your team and your clients actually experience you, share it with one person whose honest feedback you have been avoiding. Links mentioned in this episode:Mitchell Levy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllevyWebsite: https://mitchelllevy.comExecutive Abundance: https://www.executiveabundance.comCredibility Nation: https://www.credibilitynation.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Most leaders think they know what's happening inside their organization. Most are wrong and the gap between what they believe and what's actually true is where talent exits, projects stall, and money quietly disappears.Polly Watt and Mike Vos are the co-founders of WattNext.ai and the creators of ViVo Pulse, an AI-powered organizational diagnostic tool that interviews your entire team in the time it takes a consultant to talk to eight people. What comes out the other side is something most business owners have never had: the actual truth about what is working, what is broken, and who is holding things together or quietly tearing them apart.In this episode, David Carr sits down with Polly and Mike to break down why most leaders are solving the wrong problems, what organizational friction is really costing companies, and how AI is making deep organizational diagnostics accessible to businesses that could never afford traditional consulting.In this episode:Why leaders consistently overestimate their organization's health and what the perception gap between executives and frontline staff actually looks likeHow ViVo Pulse interviews up to 60 people an hour with full anonymity and turns those conversations into 134 scored data pointsThe four most common breakdowns in growing companies: systems, processes, leadership, and knowledge managementWhy the cost of unresolved organizational friction almost always dwarfs the cost of diagnosing itHow private equity, VCs, and banks are using organizational diagnostics as part of due diligenceWho this tool is built for and the minimum company size that makes it workAbout Polly Watt and Mike Vos:Polly Watt is the CEO and co-founder of WattNext.ai, with a background in global learning and development spanning Microsoft, LinkedIn, Salesforce, and EY. Mike Vos is co-founder of WattNext.ai, an accomplished business strategist and senior executive with a track record of driving growth and operational excellence. Mike blends deep marketing acumen with a passion for elegant problem-solving through AI-driven solutions, helping leadership teams unlock hidden potential, align strategy with execution, and create lasting organizational transformation. Together, they built ViVo Pulse to give leaders the organizational truth that traditional consulting has always promised but rarely delivered.When your people have the answers and no safe way to share them, the organization pays the price. Getting to the truth faster is what Steward Your Business is built around, too.If this episode made you wonder what your team would say if they could really speak freely, that is worth exploring. Share this with a fellow leader who is flying blind. Links mentioned in this episode:Polly Watt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pollywattMike Vos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeavosWattNext.ai: https://www.wattnext.aiViVo Pulse Sample Report: https://wattnext.ai/doc/ViVoPulseDiagnostic_ExampleFullReport_TechScaleInc.pdfFriction Calculator: https://friction-wattnext.netlify.appBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Most business owners have goals. Very few have a plan. And according to Marc Daniels, that difference is costing them everything.Marc L. Daniels has spent over 45 years building, turning around, and scaling companies across 16 countries. He helped grow Diligent from a two-customer startup to a $941 million acquisition. He turned a bankrupt company into $80 million in revenue. He has seen every version of a business that runs on ambition alone and no strategic foundation. What he finds every single time is the same problem: smart, talented people running companies without a real plan.In this episode, David Carr and Marc break down why most business plans fail before they start, what the nine components of a real strategic plan actually look like, and how to build a weekly execution rhythm that keeps your strategy alive all year long rather than collecting dust after January.In this episode:Why a spreadsheet forecast is not a strategy and what the difference actually costs youThe four core components every strategic plan must have to survive contact with realityHow to identify and ride emerging market trends before your competitors see them comingWhy your plan needs to be rebuilt every quarter in today's business environmentHow to run a weekly execution meeting that drives accountability without destroying moraleThe one thing you can do today to stop drifting and start building a business with directionAbout Marc L. Daniels: Marc is a globally recognized business strategist, executive coach, and the founder of MarcLDaniels.com. Known as the Billion Dollar Coach, Marc has guided hundreds of companies through strategic planning and hands-on execution across more than 16 countries. He is the co-founder of Diligent, which sold for $941 million, and has served as COO, CMO, and CEO across more than a dozen companies since launching his first business at age 19.Most leaders know what they want their business to become. The hard part is building the system that actually gets you there. That is the work we do at Steward Your Business.If this episode hit close to home, share it with the leader on your team who keeps saying they will get to the plan next quarter. Links mentioned in this episode:Marc L. Daniels on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-ldaniels-231456a3Website and Entrepreneurial Readiness Assessment: https://www.marcldaniels.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Is your business working for you, or have you become its most underpaid employee?Alan Franks has spent 15 years working with business owners who are successful by every external measure and quietly trapped. Trapped by time, by decisions only they can make, by a financial life that's been entirely reinvested back into the machine they built. As a Certified Financial Planner and founder of the Business Planning Institute, Alan helps business owners reverse-engineer a plan that puts their life back at the center before they're forced to.In this episode, David Carr and Alan break down the Freedom Framework: a practical system for moving from entrepreneur as prisoner to entrepreneur as owner, and why the most important financial decisions most business owners keep postponing are the exact ones that determine whether their business ever actually sets them free. In this episode:Why successful business owners are often broke in ways that don't show up on a balance sheetThe E.X.I.T. framework: how to build a business that's ready to sell before you think you need toWhy your professional team of advisor, attorney, and accountant may be working in silos and costing you more than you knowThe one number every business owner needs to know: what your business is worth, what it could be worth, and what it needs to be worth for you to be freeThree things you can do this week to stop surviving your business and start designing your exitAbout Alan Franks: Alan Franks is a Certified Financial Planner, author of Empowered Money, and founder of the Business Planning Institute. Based in Atlanta and working with clients nationwide, Alan specializes in helping business owners build enterprise value, protect what they've built, and create a financial life that outlasts the business itself.Building a great company is only half the work. The other half is making sure it actually pays you back. That's the conversation we have at Steward Your Business. If this episode described your situation, share it with the person who needs to hear it most: your business partner, your spouse, or the version of yourself that keeps putting this off. Links mentioned in this episode:Alan Franks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanfranksThe Mill Financial Partners: https://www.themillfp.comBook: Empowered Money by Alan FranksBusiness Planning Institute: https://www.businessplanninginstitute.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Your team isn't the problem. The system around them is — and most business owners never see it until it's already costing them clients, cash, and good people.Thanos Diacakis has spent 25 years inside software teams at companies like Uber, scaling from zero to 2M+ monthly trips. What he found everywhere, from scrappy startups to global organizations, is the same pattern repeating: smart teams trapped in broken systems, doing half of what they should, just not the same half. He now coaches business owners and their teams to ship faster, reduce burnout, and build the kind of operational clarity that turns a stressed team into a competitive advantage.In this episode, David Carr and Thanos break down why the business-to-engineering interface is where most delivery problems actually start and what leaders can do about it this week. In this episode:Why the breakdown between business and engineering is the root of most delivery problems, not the peopleHow starting too many things at once kills momentum, and what to do insteadThe flow framework: balancing features, defects, investments, and technical riskWhy cross-functional teams eliminate the handoff bottlenecks slowing your deliveryThe counter-intuitive truth about planning: execute first, earn the right to plan laterTwo things any leader can do this week to start moving the needleAbout Thanos Diacakis: Thanos is a Software Engineering Effectiveness Coach and founder of Cosmic Teacups, Inc. With 25+ years of scaling engineering teams, including as Technical Lead for Bikes & Scooters at Uber, he now helps business owners fix the systems that keep good teams stuck. Organizational health isn't just a people problem; it's a systems problem. That's the work we do at Steward Your Business. If this episode hit close to home, share it with the one person on your team you've been meaning to have a hard conversation with. Links mentioned in this episode:Thanos Diacakis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thanosdiakosCosmic Teacups: https://www.cosmicteacups.comBook mentioned: Team Topologies by Matthew Skelton and Manuel PaisBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Why does so much marketing activity fail to generate real revenue? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David Carr sits down with Stephanie Curtis, founder of Pace Creative and an experienced fractional Chief Marketing Officer, to unpack why many businesses struggle to see ROI from marketing — and how performance-driven strategy changes everything.Stephanie brings nearly two decades of experience working with highly technical, regulated, and complex B2B organizations, including Fortune 500 companies and seven- and eight-figure manufacturing, engineering, and industrial firms. She explains the critical differences between creative marketing, corporate marketing, product marketing, and performance marketing — and why confusing these roles leads to wasted spend and missed growth opportunities.This conversation explores how leaders can move beyond vanity metrics and shiny objects by aligning marketing directly with business goals, sales cycles, and measurable outcomes.Stephanie shares how she approaches her role as a fractional CMO, why strategy must come before execution, and how focused channel selection, consistent messaging, and data-driven decision-making create sustainable revenue engines. If you’re a CEO, founder, or executive leading a B2B organization and frustrated by marketing that “looks good” but doesn’t perform, this episode provides clarity, structure, and a smarter way forward. In this episode:Why most marketing efforts fail to deliver ROIThe difference between creative, corporate, product, and performance marketingHow to align marketing strategy with business and sales goalsWhy fewer channels — executed well — outperform scattered tacticsWhat executives should expect from a fractional CMOHow data, metrics, and consistency drive long-term growthBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What if fear isn’t holding you back—but quietly shaping every decision you make as a leader?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, David Carr sits down with Jacqueline Wales, creator of the Fear Intelligence™ framework, to explore how fear operates beneath the surface of leadership, communication, and business growth.Most leaders assume their challenges are rooted in strategy, execution, or people. But as Jacqueline explains, those are often symptoms of something deeper. Fear—unexamined and unspoken—can drive hesitation, control, misalignment, and breakdowns in trust across organizations.Drawing from decades of experience coaching executives and working with leadership teams around the world, Jacqueline introduces a different way to understand fear—not as something to eliminate, but as a signal to interpret.At the center of this conversation is her F.E.A.R. framework: Face, Explore, Act, Rise. A practical model that helps leaders move from reaction to intention, from avoidance to clarity, and from control to trust. This episode is not about removing fear.It’s about learning how to lead with it. If you are a business owner, executive, or leader navigating growth, uncertainty, or pressure, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership—and what may actually be driving your decisions. In this episode, we explore:Why fear is often misdiagnosed in leadershipHow self-identity influences decision-making and performanceThe connection between fear, control, and trust in teamsWhy many leaders avoid the deeper question of “Who am I?”How to shift from reactive leadership to intentional leadershipPractical ways to begin recognizing fear patterns in yourself and othersAbout Jacqueline Wales: Jacqueline Wales is a TEDx speaker, author, and founder of Fear Intelligence™, a framework designed to help leaders turn fear into clarity, trust, and decisive action. Her work focuses on helping executives build psychological safety, improve communication, and create high-performing cultures grounded in trust and self-awareness.Learn more: https://fearintelligence.coConnect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquelinewalesWatch her TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/_1LfhkKEY4k?si=z2v-bcuNMZuJjcC_Fear Intelligence Book: https://a.co/d/0gTFJg89Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Choosing the wrong ERP system can cost your business millions.In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, David Carr sits down with Danny Kaplan, founder of SMC Data Systems, to unpack what most companies get wrong when selecting enterprise resource planning software — and how to avoid expensive implementation failures. Danny founded SMC Data Systems in 1980 and has helped thousands of mid-market manufacturers and distributors optimize operations, strengthen inventory control, and scale through mergers and acquisitions.With more than four decades of experience, he brings practical wisdom, relationship-driven leadership, and real-world case studies to the conversation. This discussion goes far beyond software features.Danny explains why ERP selection should begin with a detailed business requirements “shopping list,” not a polished sales demo. He outlines the dangers of siloed systems, poor vendor support, overseas help desks, rushed implementation timelines, and software that forces companies to change their processes to fit the tool.The conversation also addresses today’s economic realities — supply chain disruptions, tariffs, freight volatility, inventory shortages, and cash flow pressure — and why real-time analytics and accurate net inventory visibility are essential for survival. Danny shares practical guidance on:Why real-time inventory accuracy protects against production disruptionHow outdated ERP systems create hidden financial riskThe importance of vendor delivery performance over lowest costHow to evaluate ERP vendors properly before signing a contractWhy training must be done on-site, not just over ZoomThe critical role of ongoing support and U.S.-based service teamsHow to use analytics to monitor vendors, customers, receivables, and product performanceWhy relationships matter more than software featuresIf you are a manufacturer, distributor, CFO, or business owner evaluating ERP systems — or struggling with legacy software — this episode provides a practical roadmap to making a smarter decision.Because software should serve your business — not disrupt it. Learn more at:SMC Data Systems – https://smcdata.com Connect with Danny Kaplan on LinkedIn.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Why do so many companies invest in marketing tools and still get ignored?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with Ben Baker, strategic communications expert and founder of Your Brand Marketing, to unpack why most outreach fails today — and it is rarely about the tools being used. It is about the alignment, or lack of it, behind the message.Ben brings over twenty-five years of experience helping mid to large size organizations fix broken communication ecosystems, align stakeholders, and build brands that earn long-term trust. Drawing from work across healthcare, manufacturing, B2B, government, and consumer brands, Ben explains why short-term thinking destroys customer relationships and how companies can shift toward messaging that actually builds loyalty and lifetime value.David and Ben also dig into the difference between brand building and marketing, why most organizations cannot clearly articulate what they do or who they serve, and how to use customer feedback as a genuine growth tool rather than a quarterly checkbox.If you are a business owner, executive, or leader who wants to stop wasting budget on outreach that goes nowhere and start building messaging that people actually respond to, this conversation delivers practical, no-fluff strategy you can apply immediately. In this episode:Why spray-and-pray outreach on LinkedIn and email destroys trust before it startsThe difference between brand building and marketing and why you need bothHow to define who you are, who you serve, and why they should careWhy short-term thinking raises customer acquisition costs and kills growthHow to use A-B testing without blowing your budgetThe right way to collect honest feedback from customers and employeesLinks mentioned in this episode:Ben Baker website and free e-books: https://www.iambenbaker.comBen Baker on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminbakerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

In a world full of noise, how do you actually stand out?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with JoJo LaRicci, video strategist, super connector, and media veteran with over six decades of experience, to explore what it really takes to get seen, heard, and remembered in business and in life. JoJo shares her remarkable journey from learning photography at MIT at age eleven, to building recording studios, appearing on MTV, and reinventing herself during COVID to master video marketing and social media distribution. Her story is not just about media — it is about the principle of adding value at every turn and how that single habit changes everything. This conversation goes deeper than marketing tactics.David and JoJo unpack why transactional relationships repel opportunity, why most people are invisible online despite doing good work, and how servant leadership and intentional connection create the kind of influence that compounds over decades.JoJo also shares the personal daily practices that have kept her vibrant, focused, and generous at seventy-one. If you are a business owner, leader, or professional who wants to show up more powerfully, build real relationships, and create content that actually reaches people, this episode will challenge and inspire you. In this episode:Why adding value is the foundation of standing out in any industryHow to approach video, distribution, and online visibility the right wayWhy transactional networking kills relationships before they startThe power of building connections intentionally over decadesHow inner alignment drives outward influence and business resultsWhat JoJo does daily to stay energized, focused, and givingLinks mentioned in this episode:JoJo LaRicci on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jojolaricciBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

You don’t have a people problem — you have a system problem that’s showing up as a people problem.In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with Joel Schwan, founder of Schwan Stratify, to unpack why hiring struggles, burnout, turnover, and workforce chaos are rarely about “bad employees” and almost always about broken or missing systems.With more than 20 years of experience in workforce strategy, HR, and operations, Joel has worked with organizations including Microsoft, Google, Uber, and growing small-to-mid-sized businesses. Together, David and Joel explore how leaders can move from reactive hiring and survival mode into intentional, scalable workforce strategy.This conversation dives into why hiring more people often makes problems worse, how unclear roles and poor onboarding quietly drain profit, and why workforce planning must be treated as an ecosystem — not a pipeline. Joel also explains when businesses should use contractors versus full-time employees, how capacity planning prevents burnout, and why succession planning and cross-functional skills protect companies from disruption.If you’re a business owner, executive, or team leader stuck in constant hiring cycles or overwhelmed by managing people, this episode provides clarity, practical frameworks, and a healthier way forward. In this episode:Why most “people problems” are actually system failuresHow broken onboarding and role clarity create turnoverThe five areas every business should audit in their workforceWhen to hire full-time employees vs. contractorsHow capacity planning and succession protect growthWhy leadership health and psychological safety matterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Why do so many business owners see HR as an administrative cost instead of a growth engine?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, David Carr is joined by Bruce Nichols, a global HR executive and people-first strategist, to challenge the traditional view of human resources and reframe HR as a profit multiplier and strategic advantage.Drawing from decades of experience across private equity, Fortune 100 companies, startups, and high-growth organizations, Bruce explains why most businesses stall not because of sales or market demand, but because the right people are not in the right seats at the right time.This conversation explores how talent strategy, culture, and workforce planning directly impact profitability, scalability, and leadership effectiveness.David and Bruce discuss why many founders struggle to shift from doing the work to leading the business, and how intentional HR strategy helps leaders move from firefighting to sustainable growth. They also examine the role of AI in HR and why technology alone cannot fix broken processes. Bruce shares why people-first leadership, clear structure, and proactive planning are essential before layering in automation or artificial intelligence. Grounded in real client examples and leadership experience, this episode offers practical insight for business owners, executives, and professional service firms looking to grow without burning out or bleeding profit. In this episode:Why HR should be viewed as a growth engine, not a cost centerHow misaligned roles quietly drain profit and momentumWhat it takes to scale teams intentionally and sustainablyWhy hiring growth requires backward planning, not urgencyHow AI fits into HR strategy without replacing human judgmentLinks mentioned in this episode:Bruce Nichols on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brucernicholsThe Human Resource Consortium: https://hrtalentsolution.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Why do organizations keep fixing symptoms instead of solving the real problem?In this episode, David Carr sits down with Hanna Bauer, leadership strategist and founder of HEARTnomics, to explore why misalignment between people, systems, and purpose quietly erodes performance, culture, and trust.Drawing from Hanna’s experience as a CEO, board chair, and executive advisor, this conversation examines what happens when organizations rely too heavily on process, technology, or structure without tending to the human side of leadership. David and Hanna discuss why communication breakdowns, burnout, and stalled execution are rarely people problems and almost always leadership and alignment problems.The discussion spans nonprofit, hospitality, financial, and technical environments, offering practical insight into how leaders can restore clarity, psychological safety, and accountability during growth, digital transformation, and cultural strain.Grounded in real executive experience and systems thinking, this episode reframes leadership as the responsibility to balance heart and rigor, humanity and execution, so organizations can perform without chaos or constant rework. In this episode:Why performance problems are usually alignment problemsThe hidden cost of over-relying on systems and processesHow leadership communication shapes culture and executionWhat it means to align people, purpose, and performanceWhy leadership growth must keep pace with organizational growthLinks mentioned in this episode:Hanna Bauer on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bauerhannaHEARTnomics https://www.heartnomics.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Why do so many capable leaders feel exhausted, unfocused, or misaligned, despite doing everything right? In this episode, David Carr sits down with Sara Gayle, founder of EverKind Strategies, to explore how neurodivergence, burnout, and broken systems quietly undermine leadership effectiveness and what it actually takes to design environments where people can thrive. Drawing from Sara’s journey as a late diagnosed ADHD leader and her work with mission driven organizations, this conversation examines how clarity, kindness, and relational intelligence shape sustainable growth. Rather than treating focus and productivity as personal discipline problems, David and Sara reframe them as leadership and systems responsibilities. The discussion also explores how emerging tools like AI can support neurodivergent leaders by capturing ideas, reducing cognitive load, and restoring margin when used intentionally and ethically. Grounded in real leadership experience, coaching work, and collaborative systems design, this episode challenges the assumption that burnout is a personal failure and instead points to the power of alignment, community, and humane leadership structures. In this episode:Why burnout is often a systems issue, not a motivation problemHow ADHD and neurodivergence show up in leadership and teamsThe role of kindness and challenge in healthy leadership culturesHow AI can support focus, follow through, and clarityWhat it means to design work that fits real humansLinks mentioned in this episode:EverKind Strategies https://www.goeverkind.comSara Gayle on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/saradgayleTotally Normal Podcast hosted by Sara Gayle, available on major podcast platformsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Why do so many networking conversations never turn into real opportunities? In this episode, David Carr examines the leadership dynamics behind stalled conversions and why relationship-driven professionals often struggle to move conversations toward commitment.Inspired by the operating principles of Success Champions Network, this conversation explores how leadership, structure, and accountability shape whether conversations lead to results.David also references the systems-focused leadership behind SCN, led by Jessica Gruber, whose work emphasizes training, infrastructure, and intentional community design to support sustainable growth across chapters worldwide. Drawing from real leadership engagements and collaborative work with founders, consultants, and professional organizations, this episode reframes sales and growth as a leadership responsibility rather than a transactional skill. In this episode:• Why conversations alone don’t create growth• The cost of avoiding challenge in leadership• How structure protects trust• What it means to guide rather than convinceLinks mentioned in this episode: Success Champions Network: https://successchampionnetworking.comJessica Gruber:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-gruberhttps://jessicagruber.co/Buzzworks: https://buzzwks.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What if exiting your business did not mean selling out your people, your culture, or your legacy?In this episode, David Carr sits down with Kelly Finnell, President of EFS ESOP Consultants and one of the nation’s leading experts on Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), to unpack how employee ownership can be a powerful succession and liquidity strategy for business owners.With more than 40 years of experience helping founders transition ownership, Kelly breaks down what ESOPs actually are, how they work, and why they are often misunderstood. Together, David and Kelly explore why ESOPs appeal to what Kelly calls “compassionate capitalists” — leaders who want to achieve full fair market value for their business while also protecting employees, preserving culture, and sustaining long-term legacy.The conversation covers how ESOPs differ from private equity and strategic buyers, how tax advantages play a critical role, and why alignment between owners, employees, and performance creates healthier, more resilient organizations.Grounded in real-world case studies across engineering, defense contracting, and professional services, this episode reframes succession planning as a leadership decision — not just a financial transaction. In this episode:What an ESOP is and how it works in plain languageWhy ESOPs are an alternative to private equity and third-party salesThe role of legacy, culture, and stewardship in ownership transitionsHow ESOPs align employee motivation with long-term performanceCommon myths and misconceptions about ESOPsWhat makes a company a strong (or weak) ESOP candidateLinks mentioned in this episode:EFS ESOP Consultants https://www.execfin.comKelly Finnell on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/esopcoachThe ESOP Coach (book by Kelly Finnell) https://www.esopcoach.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, David W. Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with Stephanie Simpson, founder of Brand-ification, to explore the powerful intersection of leadership, message clarity, and brand confidence.Stephanie shares her journey from Warner Bros. to launching a brand strategy firm that helps business owners define who they are, what they stand for, and how to communicate it clearly. Together, they unpack why so many professionals struggle to articulate their value — and what it really takes to create a brand that connects.What You’ll Learn:The real difference between branding, marketing, and messaging.How to identify and speak directly to your ideal clients.Why clarity beats cleverness every time.How to “duplicate yourself” through better communication and systems.The missing link between brand clarity and leadership alignment.If you’re a founder, consultant, or leader ready to simplify your message and amplify your impact, this episode is for you.Connect with Stephanie Simpson🌐 Website: https://brand-ification.com📧 Email: [email protected]🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephaniefifesimpsonBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What happens when a lifelong Star Wars fan turns his creative energy toward helping business owners tell better stories?In this episode, David W. Carr of Steward Your Business sits down with Roger Jorns, founder of Reanimation Design, fellow Success Champion Network member, and the creative mind behind the new LightsideCollectibles.com redesign. Roger shares how faith, humor, and storytelling shape his approach to design and how any small-business owner can transform their website into their best salesperson.You’ll learn:• Why clarity beats complexity in marketing• The three questions every website must answer• How the Hero’s Journey powers brand storytelling• What the Force can teach us about business balanceConnect:Reanimation Design → https://reanimationdesign.comLightside Collectibles → https://lightsidecollectibles.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What if your business plan actually worked?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with Michael Stewart, founder of Business Planning PLUS and a member of Success Champion Networking (SCN). Together, they unpack how to turn your business plan from a static document into a living system that drives growth, alignment, and accountability.Michael shares his powerful football (soccer) analogy — mapping every department to positions on the field — and shows how the best organizations play like high-performing teams, with clarity, rhythm, and trust.💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn:Why most business plans fail and how to create one that lives and breathes.The 11 core areas every business needs to manage for successHow to develop a rhythm of accountability using “disclose, discuss, decide”The power of alignment and communication in leadership meetingsHow to plan for growth in uncertain markets and expanding internationallyWhy leadership and culture are two sides of the same coin🧠 Key Quote: “Most people spend more time planning their vacation than planning their business success.” — Michael Stewart🌐 Connect with Michael StewartWebsite: https://www.askmjs.co.ukLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelstewartuk 🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share this episode to help more leaders align strategy, people, and purpose to build teams that win.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

In this episode, David W. Carr of Steward Your Business and Davis Nguyen, founder of Purple Circle, share the systems and mindset that help coaches and consultants scale to $1 million in profit—without burning out. They unpack what it really takes to simplify operations, build scalable systems, and create a business that serves your life instead of consuming it. Key takeaways:How clarity beats complexity in business growthThe three pillars of the Purple Circle FrameworkBuilding a company that runs without youLeadership lessons for sustainable success Learn more: Purple Circle → https://joinpurplecircle.comAsk Davis: How to Scale My Career Coaching Business → https://askdavis.com/how-to-scale-my-career-coaching-businessBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Are you unknowingly paying more in taxes than you should?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with Catrina M. Craft, CPA — a tax and wealth strategist known for helping entrepreneurs, agencies, and practice owners turn thriving businesses into wealth-building engines.Catrina reveals how her Craft Money Map System helps clients cut tax liability by 25 percent and boost profitability by 20 percent — by shifting from reactive accounting to proactive financial strategy.Together, David and Catrina explore:Why most accountants focus on compliance, not strategyHow to stop overpaying the IRS and start keeping more of what you earnTax-saving opportunities for 6-, 7-, and 8-figure firmsStructuring your business for growth, sale, and long-term wealthHow clarity in your financial vision drives confident leadership decisionsWhether you’re an AEC firm principal, professional service leader, or growth-minded entrepreneur, this conversation will help you transform how you steward your money, people, and purpose.Listen now to learn how to build lasting wealth with clarity, confidence, and strategy.Connect with Catrina Craft, CPA Website: https://craftmoneymap.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catrinamcraftEmail: [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What does it mean to co-think with AI instead of fearing it?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Philip Topham, Board and Executive AI Advisor, founder of CRAFT Thinking, and co-founder of SavionAI. Philip has published more than 130 essays on AI, is completing a new book on CRAFT Thinking, and helps boards and CEOs turn AI disruption into clarity, foresight, and measurable results.David and Philip explore how small-to-mid-sized professional service firms, executives, and boards can move beyond fear and begin leveraging AI as a tool for leadership, decision-making, and growth. Philip explains how AI is best understood as a “co-thinker”—augmenting human creativity rather than replacing it—and how intentional adoption and governance are key to success.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why AI should be seen as a co-thinker to enhance human creativityHow small businesses can integrate AI affordably without massive budgetsThe importance of governance and intentionality when adopting AIWhy company culture determines how AI should be appliedHow AI can reduce drudgery and free leaders to focus on relationships and growthIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive wrestling with what AI means for your future, this conversation will help you embrace AI as a leadership advantage rather than a threat.Connect with Philip Topham:Website: http://www.philiptopham.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philiptophamSubstack: https://savionai.substack.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

How do you tell stories that move people to action?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Jennifer Crosswhite, founder of Tandem Services and an award-winning writer, editor, and ghostwriter. Jennifer helps leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals harness the power of storytelling to communicate with clarity and impact. Jennifer shares how her career as a novelist and editor shaped her ability to help others craft authentic, engaging narratives that resonate with audiences. She explains why the story is the most powerful tool for building trust, influencing decisions, and leaving a legacy in both business and leadership. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the story is the secret to capturing attention and building connectionHow to translate complex ideas into narratives people rememberCommon mistakes leaders make when telling their story—and how to fix themWhy story-driven communication is critical for influence and brand growthPractical tips to refine your message and connect with your ideal audienceIf you’re a leader, consultant, or business owner who wants to engage more deeply with your clients, teams, and market, Jennifer’s insights will help you tell stories that inspire, influence, and endure.Connect with Jennifer Crosswhite:Website: https://www.tandemservicesink.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifercrosswhiteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

How can small business owners cut through the noise online and create content that actually connects?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Moniek James, digital marketing strategist, speaker, and founder of Renegade Creative Media Group. Moniek helps entrepreneurs and small business leaders build visibility and authority with practical, sustainable content strategies.Moniek shares her journey from military service to marketing leadership, and how she now equips business owners to create digital content that is both authentic and simplified. She explains why content is more than posts or videos—it’s about telling your story in a way that builds trust, resonates with your audience, and drives growth. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most small businesses struggle to stay consistent onlineHow to create content that feels authentic and still drives resultsThe role of strategy vs. tactics in long-term digital marketingWhy clarity of message beats flashy production every timePractical ways to build authority and visibility on a budgetIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or entrepreneur overwhelmed by content creation, Moniek’s insights will help you focus on what really matters for digital growth.Connect with Moniek James:Website: https://www.themoniekjames.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniekjamesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What does ERP really mean for your business—and why should even small companies care?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Chris Carter, four-time best-selling author, global SAP leader, and founder of Approyo. With more than three decades of experience, Chris has guided companies from $3 million startups to billion-dollar enterprises in implementing ERP systems that unify finance, HR, logistics, and operations into one source of truth.Chris shares his journey from high school entrepreneur to building one of the world’s most recognized SAP service providers. He breaks down why ERP isn’t just for massive corporations, how AI is changing enterprise systems, and what leaders must know to avoid costly mistakes in implementation. In this episode, you’ll learn:What ERP and SAP actually mean for scaling a businessWhy small and mid-sized companies can benefit from ERPCommon pitfalls in ERP adoption—and how to avoid themHow AI is reshaping ERP and competitive advantageWhy leadership and accountability are essential for successIf you’re a business owner, executive, or entrepreneur who wants to scale with clarity and confidence, Chris’s insights will help you embrace systems that drive growth.Connect with Chris Carter:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-carter-885159Website: https://www.approyo.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Many business owners and nonprofit leaders are overwhelmed by the day-to-day tasks of running their organizations. From bookkeeping to HR, social media to project management, these critical functions can consume valuable time and energy. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Marney Lumpkin, President of Strategic Management & Logistics, about how outsourcing the right tasks creates clarity, capacity, and confidence for leaders.Marney shares her journey of building a flexible, U.S.-based team dedicated to helping solopreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits scale without burnout. Together, David and Marney explore:Why outsourcing is the bridge between DIY and building a full internal teamHow Strategic Management & Logistics supports clients with bookkeeping, HR, social media, websites, cybersecurity, and moreWhy transparency, accountability, and flexibility are essential for building trustHow nonprofits benefit from discounted, values-driven supportWhy letting go of the right tasks is a growth strategy, not a weaknessIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or nonprofit leader feeling stretched too thin, this conversation will show you how to focus on vision, culture, and growth—while leaving the rest to experts.Connect with Marney Lumpkin:Website: https://strategic-management-logistics.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marney-lumpkinBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Most business owners eventually hit a ceiling: too many demands, too little time, and a constant pull in every direction. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Justin Lund, entrepreneur, coach, and founder of Propel, about how leaders can break free from bottlenecks and reclaim both their time and their growth.Justin shares his powerful journey—from early success scaling a company to nearly nine figures, to losing tens of millions through poor systems and oversight, to rebuilding his career by helping founders master the essentials of business freedom. Together, David and Justin explore:Why most entrepreneurs get stuck in cycles of firefighting and burnoutHow mindset shifts open the door to sustainable growthThe three-part Founder Freedom Flywheel: mindset, systems, and delegationWhy skipping straight to delegation usually leads to frustration and wasted moneyThe Delegation Pyramid and why starting with admin, not leadership hires, is the key to scalingQuick wins that free up hours every week and reduce overwhelmIf you’re a founder, consultant, or professional services leader who feels trapped in your own business, this conversation will show you how to reset, regain clarity, and build a business that doesn’t depend entirely on you.Special Resource: DM Justin the word steward on Instagram to receive his free Founder Freedom Playbook—a practical guide with playbooks and checklists to start reclaiming your time today. Connect with Justin Lund:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsjustinlundLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-lund-propelBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Most business owners treat their website, hosting, and logins as afterthoughts—until something breaks, gets hacked, or a vendor disappears. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr talks with Paige Wiese, founder of Tree Ring Digital, about why your digital presence isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s a critical business asset that can either fuel growth or expose costly risks. Paige shares her journey from launching Tree Ring Digital during the Great Recession to serving over 2,000 clients across various industries. Together, David and Paige explore:Why ownership of logins, domains, and hosting details is often the #1 blind spot for business ownersHow missing logins or expired assets can halt revenue and marketing overnightThe seven pillars of digital asset management that protect long-term growthHow to balance flexibility with consistency when managing websites, CRMs, and integrationsWhy proactive digital management saves time, money, and legal headachesIf you’re a CEO, consultant, or nonprofit leader building a resilient business, this conversation will help you see your digital presence as a strategic lever—not just a checkbox. Free Resource: Download Tree Ring Digital’s free Digital Asset Checklist at https://treeringdigital.com/roundtable to start identifying gaps and protecting your business today.Connect with Paige Wiese:Website: https://treeringdigital.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigewieseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What if AI could help you think more clearly, lead more effectively, and scale faster—without replacing your human touch?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, David W. Carr speaks with Kyle Becker, Founder of Qualia AI, about the evolving relationship between AI and human leadership. Kyle shares his journey in startup innovation and why he believes AI should serve as a thinking partner rather than a replacement for leaders. This is not hype—it’s a grounded, strategic conversation about where AI meets emotional intelligence, decision-making, and growth.You’ll learn:What leaders get wrong about using AIWhy AI should assist, not replace, human thinkingHow Kyle built Qualia AI to enhance real-world productivityThe importance of systems thinking and decision structureHow to balance technology with timeless leadership valuesThe ethical challenges and blind spots leaders must confrontWhy authenticity still beats automation in client relationshipsIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive exploring AI but want to maintain your leadership edge, this episode will help you approach AI as a powerful ally for clarity, efficiency, and growth.Connect with Kyle Becker:Website: https://www.qualiaai.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylejbeckerBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Is your HR function driving strategy—or just keeping up with compliance?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Mindy Honcoop, HR innovator, advisor, and founder of Agile in HR. With more than 25 years of experience across leadership, social work, and organizational ecosystems, Mindy helps leaders move beyond reactive HR and create workplaces where both people and businesses thrive.Mindy shares how burnout can become a breakthrough when leaders align people, process, and technology. She explains why fear holds back HR leaders, how curiosity opens new solutions, and how to build trust and alignment across fast-growing organizations. In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why HR must move from compliance-driven to a future-focused strategyHow to overcome fear and shift toward curiosity and co-creationThe role of trust, alignment, and communication in scaling organizationsPractical ways to integrate people, process, and technology for lasting impactIf you’re an HR professional, executive, or business owner, this episode will give you the clarity and tools to create healthier workplace ecosystems and unlock growth.Connect with Mindy Honcoop:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindyhoncoop/Website: https://www.agileinhr.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Is email really dead—or are people just doing it wrong?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Ely Delaney, Automated Systems Strategist, author, and founder of Purple Knight Marketing. With over 25 years of experience, Ely helps speakers, coaches, and consultants simplify their marketing, automate their follow-up, and turn contacts into clients without becoming another voice lost in the noise.Ely’s approach focuses on adding value, building trust, and creating human-centered automation. His signature “Follow-Up Fix” ensures that when prospects are ready, you’re the first person they think of.In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why email marketing still works when done rightHow to lead with value instead of pressure tacticsWhy automation should feel human, not roboticHow consistent follow-up builds trust and authorityWhy most sales are lost due to lack of follow-up, not competitionHow to design long-term campaigns that work on autopilotIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or speaker looking to create stronger client relationships and free up time with smart systems, Ely’s insights will show you how to follow up the right way.Connect with Ely Delaney:Website: https://elydelaney.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elydelaneyFree Resource: https://connectwithely.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What if the biggest drag on your business isn’t the market—but the friction you’re creating inside your own company?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Ryan Chute, Partner at Wizard of Ads® for Essential Services and founder of America’s Favorite Essential Home Services.Ryan shares his journey from being a “tyrant manager” in retail to becoming a relational, brand-forward leader after discovering the Wizard of Ads principles. Today, he helps essential service contractors (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) grow 4–10X by aligning brand, story, and culture while eliminating friction that slows down growth. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most growth plateaus are caused by internal friction, not external factorsHow transactional leadership damages culture and customer experienceWhy brand and culture are inseparable in creating sustainable growthThe difference between quick-fix marketing and holistic strategyHow to prepare your company to scale—or even exit profitablyPractical steps to shift from short-term thinking to legacy buildingIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive who wants to remove friction, align your culture with your brand, and scale with confidence, this episode will give you the clarity and tools you need.Connect with Ryan Chute:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wizardryanchuteWizard of Ads®: https://wizardofads.orgBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

How do you turn pain into purpose and create a life of authenticity and freedom?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Aaron Mastny, founder of Inner Alchemy and leader of the Rebirth Retreat Center in South Carolina. Aaron shares his powerful story of moving from addiction, trauma, and shame to healing, transformation, and authentic leadership.Aaron’s journey—from heroin addiction and survival mode to coaching men and women in reclaiming wholeness—offers raw insights into the power of courage, vulnerability, and connection. Today, he helps people break cycles of survival, regulate their nervous systems, and step into true identity with love and purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn:How trauma and unprocessed emotions shape behaviors and leadershipWhy men must move beyond the “lone wolf” mindset to brotherhood and connectionHow nervous system regulation and emotional awareness drive resilienceWhy vulnerability is a gateway to authentic influence, not weaknessPractical tools for facing shame, fear, and hidden pain head-onIf you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or individual seeking deeper purpose and freedom, Aaron’s story will inspire you to stop running from your pain and start leading with authenticity.Connect with Aaron Mastny:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamaaronyouLinktree: https://linktr.ee/aaronyouBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What does it take to lead with clarity, build trust, and create a lasting culture in business?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Jim Bramlett, Vistage Chair, author of The Unconventional Thinking of Dominant Companies, and a serial entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience. Jim has started seven companies, navigated both failure and success, and now coaches executives through growth, leadership, and succession challenges.Jim explains why peer groups like Vistage provide leaders with the safe space, accountability, and insights they can’t find anywhere else. He shares stories of business transformation, leadership lessons, and practical insights on how executives can grow healthier companies while avoiding burnout. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the best leaders are vulnerable, coachable, and lifelong learnersHow self-limiting beliefs hold leaders back from their full potentialWhy culture is intentional—and becomes your biggest competitive advantageThe importance of coaching and developing mid-level leaders for growthWhy every executive needs trusted peers to avoid isolation at the topIf you’re a CEO, consultant, or executive leader who wants to scale without sacrificing your health or culture, this episode will challenge you to think differently and lead with greater clarity.Connect with Jim Bramlett:Website: https://jimbramlett.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimbramlett1Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

How do you solve your most challenging business problems and influence others in a way that lasts?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Tara Landes, founder of Bellrock Benchmarking and Licensed Influence Trainer with The Cialdini Institute. With more than 25 years of experience advising over 300 business leaders, Tara has helped organizations implement lasting change, train managers to become confident leaders, and apply the psychology of ethical influence to achieve sustainable growth.Tara combines practical consulting with science-backed methods, showing leaders how to stop firefighting and start creating healthier companies. She explains why influence is at the heart of leadership—41% of your workday is spent influencing others, whether you realize it or not—and how small, intentional changes can yield significant results.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most business problems aren’t unique—and how to solve them fasterHow habits, fear, and perspective keep leaders from lasting changeWhat ethical influence really means and how to apply it effectivelyWhy celebrating progress is critical for motivation and retentionHow small changes in leadership behavior create outsized resultsIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive who wants to lead with greater clarity and influence, this conversation will show you how to unlock new levels of leadership and results.Connect with Tara Landes:Website: https://bellrock.caLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralandesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What if your business could grow by 15 to 60 percent without adding more people, equipment, or warehouses?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Adrian Betts, founder of Expander, who specializes in helping mid-market companies unlock their hidden operational capacity.Adrian shares his journey from leading large-scale distribution centers to advising $300M+ businesses on breaking down silos, optimizing space, and getting more from existing resources. He explains the three most common problems plaguing operations—people, silos, and space—and how to turn them into opportunities for growth. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why documenting every process step prevents costly mistakesHow to protect your business from “single point of failure” employeesWhy silos destroy performance and how to align cross-functional teamsHow to forecast seasonality and transitions for smoother growthA simple framework to align CEOs, departments, and staff around one clear goalIf you’re a CEO, business owner, or executive leader facing operational bottlenecks, this conversation will help you scale smarter, protect your profits, and build lasting resilience in your business.Connect with Adrian Betts:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-betts-3236237Company: https://expanderoperations.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What does it take to lead with integrity, prepare for succession, and build businesses that truly last?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Jonathan Bennett—executive advisor, professional mentor, and strategist—who has guided founders, CEOs, and boards through some of their toughest challenges. Jonathan shares his journey from senior leadership in a large hospital to founding and scaling a successful B Corp consulting firm, and later selling it through a management buyout. Today, he helps leaders create psychologically safe workplaces, build high-functioning boards, and prepare for the emotional and strategic realities of succession planning. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why boards and advisory boards are essential for growth and accountabilityHow B Corps create culture, attract talent, and demonstrate business as a force for goodThe emotional journey of succession planning and ownership transitionsWhy governance and clarity build confidence for owners, employees, and buyersHow to avoid leadership isolation and build trusted circles of accountabilityIf you’re a business owner, executive, or consultant, this episode will show you how to move from burnout to buyout while building a company with resilience, integrity, and impact.Connect with Jonathan Bennett:Website: https://clearlythen.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettjonathanBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What makes a leader truly worth following?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Jeremie Kubicek, co-founder of GiANT Worldwide, best-selling author of The 100X Leader and 5 Voices, and a globally recognized voice in transformational leadership.Jeremie shares lessons from building businesses in post-communist Russia to shaping leadership cultures worldwide. He unpacks practical frameworks like the Support/Challenge Matrix and the Five Voices, showing how leaders can create alignment, multiply influence, and avoid the trap of “accidental leadership.”In this episode, you’ll learn:Why most organizations underestimate the power of intentional people developmentHow to know yourself, lead yourself, and develop othersWhy leadership is influence multiplied, not authority demandedHow to use the Support/Challenge Matrix to transform team dynamicsPractical ways the Five Voices framework builds trust and alignmentIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive leader, Jeremie’s insights will help you grow into a leader who inspires, equips, and multiplies others.Connect with Jeremie Kubicek:Website: jeremiekubicek.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiekubicekBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Can laughter really be a leadership strategy?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Adam Christing, keynote speaker, founder of Clean Comedians, and author of The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead.Adam shares how humor can serve as a shortcut to trust, a spark for creativity, and a bridge that connects leaders to their teams. His five humor tactics—surprise, poke, in-jokes, wordplay, and amplify—show how laughter, when used with purpose, can transform culture and communication. In this conversation, you’ll learn:Why leaders who use humor well build stronger trust and engagementHow humor can break tension and foster resilience in challenging momentsPractical ways to add humor to presentations, meetings, and daily leadershipWhy laughter is more than entertainment—it’s a tool for influence and connectionIf you’re a business owner, executive, or entrepreneur who wants to lead with more authenticity and connection, Adam’s insights will help you harness the power of humor to create lasting impact.Connect with Adam Christing:Website: https://adamchristing.comBook: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800211/the-laughter-factor-by-adam-christing/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What if you could make better business decisions with the same clarity as an MRI—but for the mind?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Dr. Tony Alessandra—Hall of Fame speaker, bestselling author of The Platinum Rule, and founder of Assessments 24x7. With over 50 years of experience in professional speaking, leadership training, and assessment development, Tony shares how tools like DISC, Motivators, and Emotional Intelligence unlock self-awareness, strengthen teams, and drive measurable business results.From selling cookware alongside Zig Ziglar to building a multimillion-dollar assessment company, Tony’s journey is packed with insights on leadership, culture, and the future of assessments in the AI era. In this episode, you’ll discover:Why assessments are like an MRI of the mind and how they reveal hidden strengthsHow DISC and Motivators improve hiring, leadership, and conflict resolutionThe problem with “one-and-done” assessments—and how to maximize their valueHow AI-powered assessments are transforming coaching, sales, and team alignmentWhy knowing yourself is powerful, but knowing others is even more importantWhether you’re a CEO, coach, or consultant, this conversation will challenge you to move beyond gut decisions and leverage data-driven insights to lead with clarity, build trust, and create lasting impact.🔗 Connect with Dr. Tony AlessandraWebsite: https://assessments24x7.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyalessandraEmail: [email protected] a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What does it take to simplify complexity, stand out in a crowded market, and build a profitable practice as a fractional leader or consultant?In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Dr. Kayvon K—medical doctor turned entrepreneur, author, and Profit Finder at Simplify Profits. With a background spanning medicine, web development, marketing, and coaching, Kayvon brings a rare perspective on diagnosing business problems and turning them into opportunities.We discuss how fractionals and consultants can overcome the three big roadblocks: not being noticed, not being chosen, and not closing sales. Kayvon shares how to simplify business development, position yourself as the expert, and avoid the race to the bottom in pricing.You’ll also hear why complexity is the real enemy of profitability, how to leverage storytelling and clear messaging, and why being “different” is more powerful than being “better.”Whether you’re a fractional executive, consultant, or small-business leader, this conversation will help you clarify your value, communicate it effectively, and accelerate profitable growth.Connect with Dr. Kayvon K:Website: https://simplifyprofits.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkayvonkFree 7-Day Email Course: http://TalkToKayvon.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Are you leading your business at the cost of your health? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with Xavier Serrano, CEO of Marquee Medical, to uncover why high-performing leaders can no longer afford to ignore longevity and proactive health. Xavier shares his personal journey from the wake-up call of his father’s heart attack to launching a disruptive model of personalized, AI-driven preventative healthcare designed for executives and business owners. Together, David and Xavier explore:Why traditional healthcare fails leaders—and how a proactive model changes the gameThe hidden costs of burnout, poor sleep, and stress on decision-making and leadership impactHow diagnostics, genetics, and personalized coaching unlock clarity, vitality, and long-term productivityPractical strategies (including the “3-2-1 Sleep Formula”) you can implement immediatelyIf you’re a founder, CEO, or professional services leader striving to sustain peak performance without sacrificing your health—or your team’s culture—this conversation is for you. Listen now to discover how investing in your health is the most strategic leadership decision you can make. Connect with Xavier Serrano and learn more about Marquee Medical here:https://marqueemedical.comSubscribe to the Business Roundtable Podcast for more insights on leadership, growth, and resilience:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Most sales teams aren’t failing because of effort—they’re failing because of outdated systems, poor hiring, and broken leadership. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr talks with Steve Heroux, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and founder of The Sales Collective. Known as The Sales Contrarian, Steve shares why old-school tactics don’t work, and what it really takes to build a high-performing, respected sales organization. You’ll discover:Why one-size-fits-all sales training is broken and what to do insteadHow poor hiring decisions cost companies over $1.3M per bad sales hireWhy only 14% of companies have a documented sales playbook—and what that means for youHow to use the Sales DNA Test to hire and coach with precisionWhy respect, authenticity, and leadership—not manipulation—create sustainable revenue growthIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or AEC/professional services leader who’s tired of wasted sales hires, inconsistent pipelines, and underperforming teams, this episode will challenge the myths you’ve been told—and give you the clarity to build a sales team that lasts.Connect with Steve Heroux:Website: https://www.thesalescollective.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveheroux1Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Many CEOs struggle with stalled pipelines and costly sales hires that don’t work out. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Christopher Filipiak about why the CEO is the best person to drive revenue—and how to do it with clarity, consistency, and confidence. You’ll learn:Why CEOs become bottlenecks in sales—and how to break freeThe hidden cost of outsourcing sales too earlyHow mindset and emotions directly shape sales outcomesWhat it takes to build a truly sales-ready organizationIf you’re a business owner, consultant, or AEC leader seeking predictable growth, this episode will show you how to master sales without losing focus on leading your company.Connect with Christopher Filipiak:Website: https://christopherfilipiak.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherfilipiakBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Too many business owners confuse more activity with more sales. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr talks with Joe Gregory, known as The Sales Catalyst, about how leaders can simplify sales, eliminate costly mistakes, and build scalable systems that actually drive business growth. Joe shares his journey from struggling early in his sales career to becoming a trusted advisor for business owners and sales teams across industries. Together, they uncover:Why “one-size-fits-all” sales tactics fail in professional services and consultingHow business owners can move from being the rainmaker to building repeatable sales successWhy clarity—not activity—is the biggest driver of resultsThe psychology behind how buyers make decisions (and why they need a guide, not a pitch)How to disqualify poor-fit opportunities and protect profit marginsThe real question every leader should ask: What does a good day look like for you and your team?If you’re an AEC firm leader, consultant, or professional services executive struggling with stalled pipelines, unclear sales processes, or overreliance on your own rainmaking, this conversation will help you rethink how you approach growth.Connect with Joe Gregory:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegregorythesalescatalyst Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Running complex environmental projects isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about leadership, communication, and trust. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr talks with David McIntyre, founder of McIntyre Environmental, about what it takes to move from technical work to leading major projects with multiple stakeholders.David shares lessons from his journey—from the Marine Corps to environmental consulting to running his own firm—including:How shifting laws and regulations (like NEPA and the Clean Water Act) affect projects todayWhy proactive planning and communication save time, money, and headachesHow to balance technical expertise with project management and stakeholder engagementThe importance of building relationships with subcontractors, agencies, and the publicWhy trust and transparency lead to repeat business and better outcomesIf you’re a leader in environmental consulting, AEC, or professional services, this episode will help you see why successful projects depend on more than technical compliance—they rely on clarity, collaboration, and confident leadership.Connect with David McIntyre:Website: http://mcintyreenvironmental.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mcintyreBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

How do you go from NASA strategy rooms to disrupting HVAC and building decarbonization?On this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Jordan Sotudeh, CEO and cofounder of Venaera, a startup redefining HVAC with modular, intelligent heat pump systems. With deep roots in science, policy, and innovation—from NASA to JPL to the Department of Defense—Jordan brings an unmatched systems-thinking approach to solving some of the most significant climate infrastructure challenges of our time. This conversation explores how technical brilliance meets entrepreneurial grit, and what it really takes to lead a mission-critical venture that marries sustainability, technology, and market execution. If you’re a founder, consultant, or leader in the AEC, energy, or technology sector, Jordan’s insights into policy-informed innovation and her vision for scalable decarbonization will challenge your assumptions and inspire smarter action. What You’ll Learn:How Jordan’s experience in aerospace and government shaped his entrepreneurial mindsetThe mission behind Venaera—and how it’s solving outdated HVAC inefficienciesWhy decarbonization must be modular, adaptive, and resilientLessons on leadership, clarity, and scaling technical teamsHow to navigate the “builder’s paradox”: fast growth vs. long-term impactWhy founders must think in systems, not silosAbout Jordan SotudehJordan is the CEO of Venaera, where he leads a team reinventing HVAC systems for a sustainable future. Previously, he served in leadership roles across NASA, JPL, the Department of Defense, and top aerospace firms, supporting strategy, innovation, and emerging technologies. A certified PMP with a Master’s from GWU, she also advises UCSB’s Engineering Leadership Program. Website: https://venaera.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordansotudehAbout the HostDavid W. Carr is the founder of Steward Your Business and host of the Business Roundtable Podcast. He helps leaders and firms align people, process, and purpose for confident, scalable growth.Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_businessSubscribe, share, and leave a review to help amplify leaders like Jordan doing transformational work in mission-critical sectors.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr is joined by cybersecurity strategist and Zero Trust advocate Dr. Victor Monga for a high-impact conversation on the intersection of leadership, AI, and cyber maturity. With over two decades of experience in both technical and advisory roles, Victor unpacks how cybersecurity can serve as a foundation for scalable, trustworthy business growth—especially for founders and leadership teams in the small to mid-sized market. Together, they explore how AI, automation, and team trust can create systems that remove friction, protect brand reputation, and reclaim leadership focus. Topics include:Why Zero Trust is more than a technical frameworkHow AI can enhance productivity without replacing peopleCommon mistakes leaders make when delegating or scalingPractical steps to strengthen cybersecurity culture in any businessWhy clarity, curiosity, and culture are the real keys to sustainable growthIf you’re a business owner, operator, or tech-enabled leader navigating complexity and scale, this episode will challenge how you think about trust, protection, and progress. Connect with Victor Monga:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victorvirtualZero Trust Journey Podcast: https://zerotrustjourney.com/ Learn more about David W. Carr and Steward Your Business:https://stewardyourbusiness.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr Subscribe for more conversations with leaders who build with clarity and lead with purpose.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.Connect with Steward Your Business:Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/ccCall: +1 909.404.9865Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarrWatch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business