Breaking Through The Noise

How do you compete with McKinsey and BCG when you're a one-person consulting shop? Yogesh Chavda spent five years floundering between enterprise giants and contractor pricing until generative AI cracked the game wide open.In this episode, Yogesh (founder of Y2S Consulting, co-founder of Yogi AI, former marketing & insights leader at Pinterest and Spotify) breaks down the exact 3-year playbook he used to build a reputation, land partnerships, and turn a stuck consultancy into a productized AI business with 40+ tools.🎯 What you'll learn:How to stay 6 months ahead of every AI trend (the signal-spotting system)Why TikTok and 100+ newsletters beat traditional B2B researchThe 3-part trust formula: give first, build relationships, over-deliverHow to pivot from selling hours to selling productsWhy "strategy consulting" is a trap for solo operatorsHow a single breakfast meeting led to funding for Yogi AI⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Intro — Breaking through the noise01:08 The McKinsey vs. contractor trap02:36 Picking your AI swim lane03:43 How to stay 6 months ahead05:21 The TikTok algorithm hack for B2B07:44 The 3-part trust formula11:24 Why services don't scale (and products do)16:36 Industry recognition and awards17:35 Building a podcast and newsletter from scratch21:36 The breakfast that launched Yogi AI23:39 Authentic networking that actually works25:32 Final advice for solo founders🔑 Key topics: AI consulting, solo entrepreneurship, personal branding, agentic AI, marketing insights, synthetic data, productized services, thought leadership, LinkedIn growth👤 Guest: Yogesh Chavda — Founder, Y2S Consulting | Co-founder, Yogi AI | Top 250 Global Consumer Insights Leader (SOMAR)🎙️ Host: Catherine Jelinek#AIConsulting #SoloEntrepreneur #AIMarketing #PersonalBrand #ThoughtLeadership #AgenticAI #ConsultingBusiness #StartupStory

Most people dread giving feedback but what if there was a simple framework to make it land every time? In this episode of Breaking Through the Noise, host Catherine sits down with Kim Baker, founder of Vivid Performance Group and author of WTF: What the Feedback, to break down the COIN framework, a powerful tool for having productive, clear, and compassionate feedback conversations at work and in life.In this episode, you'll learn:✅ The 3 phases of giving feedback: Before, During & After✅ The COIN framework — Context, Observation, Impact, Now/Next✅ Why the Impact step is the most critical (and most skipped) part of any feedback conversation✅ How to give behavior-based feedback without triggering defensiveness✅ What to do when someone shuts down or rejects your feedback✅ A live role-play demonstration of COIN in actionWhether you're a manager, team leader, or just someone navigating tough conversations, this episode will completely change how you think about feedback.🎓 Take Kim's course & save 25% off using code: COINVisit: https://wtf-whatthefeedback.com/📖 Get Kim's book — WTF: What the Feedback: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-the-feedback-kim-baker/1149730003?ean=9781968247775⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 – Welcome & intro to Kim Baker1:08 – The two critical feedback skills1:29 – The 3 phases of giving feedback2:24 – Introducing the COIN Framework3:54 – O is for Observation: behavior-based feedback tips5:35 – I is for Impact: the "so what" of feedback7:12 – N is for Now/Next: moving into dialogue27:36 – Live role-play: COIN in action31:11 – Recap & key takeaways32:20 – 25% off Kim's course (code: COIN)34:26 – The PAUSE model & what's in the book

What does it take to become a recognized thought leader before the world even knows it needs your message?Kim Fischer built a national platform around sexual assault and trauma stories two years before #MeToo exploded. She followed her passion and got ahead of the curve instead of looking to follow the latest trend. Now a communications strategist and founder of Kim Fisher Collective, Kim helps executives and emerging thought leaders do the same through the power of spoken storytelling.In this episode, Kim breaks down exactly how to find your thought leadership lane, amplify your message, and connect with audiences even if public speaking or media exposure feels completely out of reach.You'll learn:Why you need to repeat your message 13 times before people actually hear itHow to use plain language to connect with any audience (the TV news trick that changes everything)How to insert yourself into the right conversations before your competition doesWhat to do when trolls, critics, and competitors come for your workHow to turn everyday moments into thought leadership content that performs on social media🎙️ Guest: Kim Fischer | Founder, Kim Fisher Collective🔗 Connect with Kim: [link]Timestamps:00:01 – Meet Kim Fischer01:06 – How Kim broke a national story two years before #MeToo04:43 – How to position yourself as a thought leader before the moment arrives07:37 – Why people need to hear your message 13 times before taking action09:47 – What happens when your story goes viral (and draws adversaries)14:03 – How to handle criticism, trolls, and competition16:43 – Kim's tools for emerging thought leaders18:40 – Why plain speak is your most powerful communication tool21:32 – How to deliver your core message in 30 seconds24:14 – How to find thought leadership content in everyday life25:37 – "Clarity is kindness" — Kim's closing philosophyIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe for more conversations on personal branding, storytelling, and building a platform that actually connects.

Get $20 off of Danielle's Human Design Guide to discover your authentic self: https://danielleburken.hbportal.co/public/hd-guide-breakingthrough/1-Human_Design_GuideAre you tired of forcing marketing strategies that don’t feel natural?In this episode of Breaking Through the Noise, host Catherine Jelinek sits down with human design–led business coach Danielle Birkin to unpack how entrepreneurs can use human design to build an aligned, magnetic business — without chasing algorithms, batching content that feels lifeless, or copying someone else’s strategy.Danielle shares how discovering her human design helped her:Leave corporate and build a 6-figure businessAttract clients through depth-driven networkingStop forcing strategies that weren’t alignedMarket in a way that actually felt energizingYou’ll learn:✔ What human design is (and how it differs from Myers-Briggs, Enneagram, and DISC)✔ How generators can use the “wait to respond” strategy in marketing✔ Why batching content doesn’t work for everyone✔ How to use your profile lines (like 3/5 or 2/4) in your messaging✔ How alignment creates magnetism in businessIf you’ve ever wondered:“Why doesn’t this marketing strategy work for me?”“Why does content feel forced?”“How do I trust my intuition in business?”“Can I grow without cold outreach and hustle tactics?”This conversation will give you a completely different lens.Human design isn’t about being “woo.” It’s about understanding how you’re naturally wired to communicate, create, and attract the right clients — and building your strategy around that.If you're an entrepreneur, coach, creative, or thought leader looking to grow your business in alignment instead of burnout, this episode is for you.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about thought leadership, aligned marketing, and breaking through the noise.

What happens when success costs you the moments that matter most?In this episode of Breaking Through the Noise, Jim Sabellico, founder of No Half Cakes and host of a 134,000+ subscriber YouTube channel, shares the moment that changed everything: coming home to a half-eaten birthday cake and realizing he had optimized his life for achievement, not presence.That realization sparked a complete shift from chasing traditional success to owning his story publicly, documenting the messy middle, and building real relationships at scale.This conversation goes deep on why raw, imperfect human stories are becoming more valuable than ever in the age of AI and how authenticity, not polish, is the real growth strategy going forward.• How owning your story builds trust faster than any growth hack• Why “documenting your life” beats performing content (especially as AI advances)• How Jim grew a massive YouTube audience through intentional experimentation and consistency• Why relationships will matter more than algorithms in the next phase of the internet• How to show up authentically without needing to control the outcomeWhether you’re a founder, creator, or high-performing professional navigating identity outside traditional systems, this episode is a powerful reminder:You don’t break through the noise by being louder.You break through by being real and showing up every day.🎧 Listen to the full conversation and subscribe for more episodes on storytelling, identity, and building trust in a noisy, AI-saturated world.📌 Subscribe for conversations on:• Thought leadership beyond job titles• Story-driven personal brands• The human side of AI, work, and creativity

What happens when explosive business growth collides with burnout, illness, and total collapse?In this episode of Breaking Through the Noise, host Catherine Jelinek sits down with Blair Huddy, founder of Hudson Davis Communications, to unpack a story that goes far beyond entrepreneurship.This conversation explores what it really looks like to rebuild when:• your business grows too fast• your body forces you to stop• your identity is tied to your output• and the systems you relied on fall apart overnightBlair shares her journey through:– rapid agency growth and sudden financial collapse– severe health crises and nervous system shutdown– being dismissed, misunderstood, and forced to self-advocate– redefining success, boundaries, and leadership– learning which “noise” in life is worth listening toThis isn’t a hustle story.It’s a conversation about sustainability, self-trust, and building a business that doesn’t require sacrificing your health to survive.If you’re a founder, operator, creative, or high performer who feels like slowing down isn’t an option but knows something has to change, then this episode is for you.🎧 Listen to learn:✔ how niching down can unlock growth✔ why businesses must outlive their founders’ capacity✔ how to tell the difference between distraction and intuition✔ what rebuilding differently actually means⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction02:30 Leaving corporate & starting the agency05:30 Rapid growth, collapse, and rebuilding11:00 Health crises & nervous system failure18:30 Using boundaries as a growth strategy26:00 Listening to the right noise34:00 Redefining success after burnout👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, resilience, and building meaningful work without losing yourself.

What if the real AI revolution isn’t about tools but about people?In this special episode of Breaking Through the Noise, author and technologist Sagar Pandya shares the human-centered process behind his new book The AI Culture Blueprint. With 20+ years in tech and thousands of conversations across industries, Sagar reveals why most AI rollouts fail and how leaders can create real transformation by starting with emotion, not implementation.👉 You’ll learn:Why most enterprise AI tools get single-digit adoptionThe psychological blind spot tech teams missHow to build internal trust before launching new techWhat every founder and thought leader should ask before saying “yes” to AIWhether you’re a founder, consultant, or emerging thought leader, this conversation is a must-listen if you want your message and your technology to stick.🔗 Grab Sagar’s book: The AI Culture Blueprinthttps://www.amazon.com/AI-Culture-Blueprint-Human-Centered-Adoption-ebook/dp/B0GD2SWMLS

Built a 15K Community by Accident | Karina Mikhli on Fractionals UnitedHow do you build a 15,000-member community without funding, a team, or even a plan? In this episode, we sit down with Karina Mikhli, founder of Fractionals United, to hear how solving her own problem led to one of the fastest-growing spaces for fractional executives and operators.🚀 What You'll Learn:How Karina validated her idea in 48 hours using just LinkedIn and SlackWhy “pseudo communities” fail and what a real community looks likeThe systems she built to sustain growth (and avoid burnout)Lessons on positioning, authenticity, and organic traction for thought leadersHow to monetize without killing your missionThis is a masterclass in community-led growth, personal brand building, and how to meet a moment with clarity and courage.👉 Whether you're a fractional executive, coach, or emerging thought leader, this episode will help you turn your story into strategy and your network into a movement.🔔 Subscribe for more stories from founders, operators, and experts who are building credibility and impact in public.

Struggling to get leads from LinkedIn even though you’re posting consistently? You’re not alone.In this video, Jared Gibson shares how he turned low engagement into high-converting inbound leads without chasing algorithms, going viral, or spending hours a day online.You’ll learn:✅ How to show up with credibility (even when your posts get 5 likes)✅ The mindset shift that changed my approach to content✅ Why most experts quit too early — and how to push through the “invisible phase”✅ A simple content strategy to attract buyers, not just followersIf you’re a founder, consultant, or thought leader using LinkedIn to grow your business, this one’s for you.🔔 Subscribe for more content on building your personal brand, growing your consulting business, and getting real results from social content.#LinkedInMarketing #PersonalBranding #ConsultingBusiness #LeadGeneration #B2BMarketing

What if the key to a breakout business wasn’t more features but more feeling? In this episode, John Williamson, CEO and Co-Founder of Songfinch, shares the wild true story of how a custom wedding song sparked a movement and how he nearly shut it all down before one last $30K Hail Mary ad changed everything.You’ll learn:How to find product-market fit without changing your productWhy emotional resonance can beat scale (and how to use it)What to do when your idea gets laughed out of the roomHow founders can turn early skepticism into a strategic advantage👉 Whether you're an emerging thought leader, creative founder, or B2B advisor trying to scale your voice, this is for you.🎧 Subscribe for more honest, founder-to-founder conversations about brand, clarity, and business growth.Use code "HAILMARY" at checkout on songfinch.com for $35 off and a free slideshow lyric video

🎙️ Escaping Corporate & Breaking Through the Noise: How Brett Trainor Built a 76K TikTok Following as a Gen XerIn this episode, host Catherine Jelinek sits down with Brett Trainor, founder of The Corporate Escapee and Escapee Collective, to talk about what it really takes to break free from corporate life and go viral doing it.After 25 years in corporate America, Brett didn’t just quit; he reinvented himself. Starting with just 8 followers on TikTok, he built a community of over 76,000 Gen X professionals by being raw, unfiltered, and real about burnout, layoffs, and life after corporate.You’ll hear:🔥 How one unscripted TikTok about layoffs hit over 1 million views💼 Why “anti-corporate” authenticity connects more than polished branding🎯 The 3 stages of escapees and how to know which one you’re in🚀 How taking action (not overthinking) is the biggest advantage for aspiring entrepreneurs📱 Why TikTok might secretly be the best platform for 40+ professionalsWhether you’re dreaming of leaving corporate, building your personal brand, or just want to hear how authenticity still wins online, this episode will inspire you to stop waiting—and start doing.💬 Connect with Brett:LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/bretttrainorPodcast → The Corporate Escapee🔗 Connect with The Skinny:Website → writeaskinny.comLinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/theskinnyplatform

From struggling in silence to two TEDx stages — Johnny Crowder, founder of Cope Notes, shares how embracing vulnerability transformed his life and career. In this episode, Johnny breaks down the mindset shift that took him from hiding behind metaphors to standing in his truth — and how being fully yourself is the real unlock for impact, purpose, and credibility. 💬🔥If you’ve ever felt afraid to share your story, this conversation will change the way you see your voice forever.👉 Watch now and learn how to turn your pain into purpose

In this inspiring episode, Professor CoCo Ree, award-winning designer, educator, and furniture expert, joins host Catherine Jelinek to explore what it really means to design with authenticity, courage, and grit.From building her first thesis collection in secret to becoming a go-to furniture design voice featured by The Washington Post, CNBC, and Fast Company, CoCo shares the winding path that taught her how to blend art, design, and storytelling into work that lasts.💡 You’ll learn:How to stand behind your creative vision (even when others don’t get it)Why “grit” and persistence matter more than perfectionThe power of generosity and collaboration in media and creative careersHow to make your home and your life more intentional, layered, and personalWhether you’re a designer, creator, or leader, this conversation will remind you that authenticity, enthusiasm, and resilience are the real engines of a lasting career.🎧 Listen now and rediscover the art of creating and living with purpose.

How do you take a brand-new media company and land a feature on the BBC in less than a year? 🎙️In this conversation, Catherine Jelinek interviews Ben Schuman-Stoler, founder of Kollo Media and European partner of The Skinny Platform, about the journey behind his project Dig Where You Stand—a documentary on history, memory, and returning ancestral remains—that aired on BBC World Service.Ben shares the lessons every emerging thought leader and creator needs to hear:✨ Go niche, not broad – focus on specific, relevant ideas that matter✨ Build before you pitch – create assets (podcast, newsletter, media partners) to prove your story has legs✨ Collaboration > isolation – working with others accelerates creativity and opportunity✨ Adopt the mantra: “Why not me?” – a mindset that breaks through fear and opens doors✨ Always ask: Why should people spend time on this? – clarity of value is what makes your work resonate📈 From founding Kollo Media to signing publishing deals, hosting live events, and influencing classrooms in Berlin, Ben shows how one high-quality idea can ripple across platforms and audiences.👤 Who this video is for:Emerging thought leadersEntrepreneurs & foundersPodcasters & content creatorsCreatives looking to break into major platforms like the BBC🔑 You’ll learn:How to refine your niche and build authorityStrategies to package ideas for maximum reachWhy focusing on quality opens high-quality doorsHow to recycle one great story across multiple media formats👉 If you’re ready to refine your story, build credibility, and share ideas that matter—hit subscribe for more interviews and strategies for thought leadership and storytelling.#BBC #thoughtleadership #storytelling #contentcreation #podcast #authoritybuilding

We are pivoting this podcast to "Breaking Through The Noise" to provide more value to emerging thought leaders

Don't just manage your time; continually try productivity hacks to fit more into your limited time. Instead, learn to take ownership of your time so you can provide more value instead of more productivity.

Learn the frameworks that give business leaders the foundational understanding of their technology.

My guest today is more than a sports broadcaster you've seen on TNT. She's one of my dearest friends and a force for good in the world. Allie La Force has stood on the sidelines of March Madness and the NBA playoffs, but her most meaningful work happens off the court through helpcurehd.org. After Huntington's disease touched her family, she and her husband Joe Smith decided to take action, funding IVF so that families can end this devastating disease in their bloodline forever. We talk about the realities of HD, the emotional journey of IVF, and the 170 families they've already helped and counting.

Today, I get to introduce you to Cathy Steele, founder and CEO of Red Caffeine and someone I've been lucky to call both a friend and mentor. Our conversation centers around potential, how we see it in others, in organizations, and in ourselves, and what it really takes to bring it to life. Kathy shares insights from her years helping businesses grow through clarity and focus. She opens up about how she's built a life that feels both ambitious and deeply fulfilling. We explore why vision matters, how to know if you're truly leaning into your highest potential, and why gratitude is at the heart of a fully lived life.

Today, I'm thrilled to bring you a conversation with Nick Sarillo, founder of the Trust and Track Institute and former CEO of Nick's Pizza and Pub.Nick has changed the way I think about business forever. What he built at Nick's Pizza and Pub wasn't just a pizza place. It was a living, breathing example of how a business can become a place of growth, meaning, and human connection while thriving financially. In this episode, Nick shares how he created a culture where every team member was empowered to lead, how clear systems turned a restaurant into a leadership school, and why caring for people is the most powerful growth strategy any business can ever have.

It is my delight to introduce you to Amy Brown, a dear friend and mentor to me, and the brilliant founder of SoDo Consulting, and a leader whose life is a living example of generosity, resilience, and soulful leadership. Amy shares the deeply personal story behind SoDo's founding, how a time of personal loss and uncertainty sparked an unexpected expansion through collaboration and trust. We explore the power of asking for help, mentoring in the moment, and leading from the heart. This conversation is rich with wisdom, humor, and the kind of honesty that leaves a mark.

Today's guest is my dear friend, Brittany Chibe, CEO and co-founder of Aqua Cultured Foods. Her story starts with a dive trip to the Great Barrier Reef and a heartbreaking firsthand look at ocean collapse. What followed was a mission to build a company that could reduce our pressure on seafood ecosystems without compromising taste, texture, or chef experience. In this conversation, Brittany shares Aqua's founding story, the surprising value it brings to restaurants, and her bold vision for food, climate, and business. AQUA Cultured Foods: https://www.aquaculturedfoods.com/Podcast mentioned during the podcast: The CatchIf interested, Brittany recommends these documentaries for further learning:SeaspiracyChasing CoralThe End of the Line

What if your accountant were also a visionary? Today's guest, Chris Arndt, is exactly that. Chris is the founder and CEO of Expand CFO, and I've known him for over a decade. He's been at the forefront of the outsourced accounting movement since before we even had a name for it. We'll talk about what it means to truly partner with entrepreneurs and how to bridge the gap between the founder's big vision and the grounded clarity of numbers.From building and selling his first firm to launching his next, Chris shares how he's moved with industry trends, stayed aligned to purpose, and led with empathy and precision. This is a conversation about accounting, but it's really about vision, partnership, and evolution.

The views and opinions expressed by the presenter are not necessarily representative of SageSpring Wealth Partners LLC. Such views may change without notice, and SageSpring and the speaker disclaim all responsibility to update views. We believe the information referenced, including information obtained from 3rd sources, is reliable but no representation, warranty, or undertaking, expressed or implied, regarding its accuracy is made by SageSpring or any other person. While such sources are believed to be reliable, SageSpring does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the information. All investments involve risk, including possible loss. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results, which may vary. No assurance can be given that profits or investment objects will be achieved or that losses will not be incurred. The information provided and views expressed herein do not constitute advice or a recommendation of any kind nor is it an offer to sell or a solicitation to deal in any security or financial product. This video is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Except as otherwise indicated, the information, views, and opinions contained in this video are based on matters as they exist as of the date of preparation and not as of the date of distribution or any future date. Any indices and other financial benchmarks discussed are for illustrative purposes only, are unmanaged, reflect reinvestment of income and dividends and do not reflect the impact of fees. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. Comparisons to indexes have limitations because indexes have volatility and other characteristics that may differ from a particular strategy such as the types of securities being substantially different. Certain information contained or discussed herein constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue,” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events, results or actual performance may differ from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Nothing contained herein may be relied upon as a guarantee, promise, assurance or a representation. Neither SageSpring nor any individual speaker can be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss incurred by applying the information presented. This information is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast or research in any way and should not be solely relied on as a forecast or research in any way and should not be relied on when making an investment decision. It is provided with the understanding that the recipient has sufficient knowledge and experience to be able to understand and make their own evaluation of the proposals and services described herein, any risks associated with and related legal, tax, accounting, or other material considerations. To the extent that the viewer has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to their specific portfolio or situation, prospective investors are encouraged to contact or consult with the professional advisor of their choosing. The information herein is not intended to be tax or legal advice. Opinions and commentary do not take into account the investment objectives or financial situation of any particular investor or class of investors. Investors will need to consider their circumstances before making investment decisions. This recording is the property of Jason Poe and should not be copied, distributed, published, or reproduced without his express written permission. Any advisory services are provided via SageSpring, which is registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an investment adviser. SEC registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.

Tony Wilkins calls angel investing buying intelligent lottery tickets, but what makes a ticket intelligent? And more importantly, what makes someone a proper angel investor? In this episode, I sit down with Tony, a startup mentor, global operator, and the author of The Art of Angel Investing, where he distills 34 years of experience into a sharp human and practical guide for how to do this properly.We talk about betting on people, the joy of helping others flourish, and why being firm in your mission but flexible in your methods might just be the ultimate key to long-term success. This conversation goes beyond investing. It's about thinking differently, seeing the potential in people, and how to stick with something long enough to let it become magic.

What does it mean to build a world that supports life? Not just survival or profit, but real thriving. Today, I'm joined by John Perkins, bestselling author, environmental activist, and fellow Bainbridge Islander,and life economies for a rich and moving conversation about transforming our world from the inside out. John shares the difference between the death economy and the life economy and why perception, not politics, might be the true battleground. We discuss Indigenous wisdom, redefining success, and the five questions that can guide you toward a life of purpose and impact. This episode is full of practical insight and soulful wisdom to help you align your life with the world you want to see. If you're ready for a paradigm shift, this one is for you.

In today's episode, we dive into the brilliance Cathy brings to the world through her work on polarities within family businesses. Cathy is the author of Hug of War - How to Lead a Family Business with Both Love and Logic, and A Coach for Leaders in Family Business, where the stakes are high and love and logic often collide. In this episode, we discuss polarities like boldness and humility, doing and being, and how learning to hold both at once rather than choosing one over the other expands our leadership, self-concept, and capacity. This episode stretched me, and I think it will stretch you, too.

What if the toughest environments, the ones steeped in structure, control, and human suffering, were actually spiritual gyms? What if leadership, even inside a prison, was less about control and more about consciousness? My guest today, John Shartle, is a former federal prison warden who led with integrity, empathy, and a deep sense of spiritual grounding. In this conversation, we talk about the power of presence, the sacredness of a well-prepared meal, and the quiet rebellion of placing books like A New Earth in a prison library. We talk about labyrinths, leadership, and the idea that maybe the path to change, even in the hardest places, starts with small acts of compassion done again and again. I'm so glad you're here for this one.

Today, I have the absolute privilege of introducing you to someone who has profoundly impacted how I think about career, family, and what it means to make a life that truly works for you. Cheryl Procter-Rogers is a PR and business strategist, an executive coach, and most importantly, someone who embodies wisdom, resourcefulness, and joy in everything she does. You can find more about her on https://cherylprocterrogers.com/She's built a thriving career while raising her daughters, often as a single parent. And the way she speaks about integrating work and family is unlike anyone or anything I'd heard yet. Our conversation today is about career, community, and the mindset shifts that make all the difference. So let's dive in.

Today's episode is one that will stay with you long after you finish listening. I'm talking with Emily Campbell, the powerhouse behind Not These Ovaries, who went from being a 33-year-old woman experiencing bloating and fatigue to facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis that turned her life upside down. Emily's journey is jaw-dropping, not just because of what she's been through but because of what she's done with it, from misdiagnosis to life-altering surgery to launching a movement that's raised millions of dollars and is changing the future of ovarian cancer research. Her story is a masterclass in resilience, self-advocacy, and turning pain into purpose. If you love stories of fierce women overcoming their circumstances and making real change, this one is for you. Let's get into it.

Today I'm talking with Emily Pagone, a therapist and the founder of Authentic Growth Wellness Group about something so many of us deal with, but don't always recognize, that critical voice inside our heads. Emily's inner critic showed up early in her life, shaped by a nervous system that didn't quite fit into the traditional learning environments. It wasn't until she became a mother that she finally got the full picture, both for herself and her children. In this episode, she shares her story of unlearning, of healing, and of finding true self-compassion and what that looks like in real time. If you've ever wondered how to shift that challenging internal dialogue, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

Today's episode is a powerful one. I'm joined by Jason Ulaszek, a design leader, entrepreneur, and the founder of Yes We Cancer, an initiative tackling the unseen struggles families face during pediatric cancer. When Jason's daughter was diagnosed with leukemia at two years old, his family was thrown into chaos, not just medically, but in every aspect of life: Finances, school, work, and relationships. He quickly saw that while the healthcare system treats cancer, no one is currently responsible for or supporting what Jason is calling the whole family impact of the diagnosis. Through Yes We Cancer, Jason is working to change that, focusing especially on the first 30 days post diagnosis when families are forced to make huge life decisions with little guidance. He's using design thinking, technology, and his real life experience to fill in these gaps and make an unbearable process just a little less hard. This conversation is about resilience, systems change, and rethinking how we support families in crisis. Let's dive in.

Today, I'm excited to introduce you to Kelsey Behringer, CEO of edtech startup PackBack. Kelsey has an incredible story. She went from being a high school teacher to leading a thriving tech company and successfully selling it, all without following the traditional path of rigid personal goal setting. Instead, she's built her success by trusting her instincts, focusing on meaningful work, and surrounding herself with people she loves. In this conversation, Kelsey shares how living in the moment has guided her career, why embracing uncertainty can be a strength, and how authenticity has been her superpower in leadership. If you've ever wondered whether success always requires a set plan, this episode is for you. Let's dive in.

In today's episode, we're discussing the transformative power of change and transition with Bill Kruse, founder of HKA and Associates, CPAs, and Advisors, and author of an upcoming skinny book about navigating life's pivotal moments. Bill shares his journey from a farm upbringing to becoming a successful CPA and business owner, reflecting on how unexpected changes shaped his path and inspired his work. Together, we explore how embracing change, permitting yourself to evolve, and building accountability into your life can lead to profound personal and professional growth. With insights into planned and unplanned transitions, the importance of investing in yourself and your business, and the mindset needed to turn challenges into opportunities; this conversation is a goldmine for anyone facing change. Join us as Bill inspires us to lean into transitions with courage, preparedness, and maybe even a little fun. Let's get started.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Rich Lyons, CEO and founder of Life Is Sales and former CEO of Lyons Consulting Group, who shares deeply personal stories about vulnerability, growth, and leadership. From his childhood experiences of being an emotionally sensitive kid to navigating the complexities of marriage, fatherhood, and business, Rich opens up about the hard work of emotional intelligence, building trust, and redefining masculinity.He offers wisdom on holding space for emotions, setting bold goals, and creating meaningful connections in life and business. This conversation is a raw and inspiring look at what leading with intention, resilience, and heart means. Join us as we explore the importance of trusting and embracing vulnerability, as well as cultivating a culture of service in every way.

In this episode of The Expanders Podcast, we chat with Dr. Nolan Lee, author of Testosterone: The Science of Mojo, which will launch soon. You can preorder this book here.Nolan, a child of Chinese immigrants, opens up about rediscovering his passion at the crossroads of natural health, medicine, and tech after losing interest in his initial career.He discusses his pursuit of truth in the ever-evolving health landscape, where popular remedies often shift with social media trends. Drawing on Eastern health principles, Nolan challenges us to prioritize true well-being in a system that often misaligns incentives. As Western medicine extends lifespans, he explores ways to enhance not just the quantity but the quality of our years—seeking to keep the “prime of life” lasting well into old age.

You can find more about Scott on his websiteYou can preorder Scott's book "Beyond The Founder Rainmaker" hereAt the heart of my conversation with Scott Peterson are these questions. What is it that you really want? Are you honest with yourself about that? And what are you doing to get it? Scott Peterson is the founder of Carver Peterson Consulting and author of Beyond the Founder Rainmaker, a book soon to be published by the skinny platform. Through sales strategy consulting, Scott has created breakthroughs within many small and medium-sized businesses. And more than that,He's a natural simplifier. Scott has developed a simple yet brilliant framework for assessing clients and customers that results in deeper team alignment and higher business performance, meaning more close deals and higher revenue. But what I love most about this discussion is that Scott's framework can create more clarity and alignment in almost anything, from dating to assessing business partnerships to thinking through the hats we wear.At its core, Scott's work challenges us to clarify what we're really after and then commit to pursuing it.

Jeffrey Mckeegee-Williams is a motivational speaker and author, bringing to the world unique and uplifting perspectives on thriving, self-betterment, and mentorship. Seeing him in the world today, you would never fathom his childhood experiences or lack thereof. Jeffrey grew up on the South Side of Chicago, in one of it's poorest and most violent neighborhoods. He survived a young life of hunger, desperate living conditions, parental neglect, condemnation from teachers, and alienation from peers. The brutal passing of his uncle became a wake-up for Jeffrey and a catalyst to finding a way out of the repeating nature of his circumstances. As he forged his new path, he became a source of authentic support and empowerment to youth growing up in similar circumstances, and his inspiring messages gained him invitations to speak in spaces far beyond his neighborhood. Jeffrey is now sought after as a motivational speaker for a variety of audiences, from young people to business leaders, reminding us all that our inner attitudes can change our outer landscape and send ripple effects far beyond our own lives.You can find more on Jeffrey or book him to speak on https://www.wearerighthere.org/

Ken Rodgers sees the world differently, and it's not just because he's completely blind. Through a Forest Gump-like life story, Ken offers himself in service to the world, first as a teacher, then as a nurse, and later as a policy leader and advocate for the disability community.In our conversation, Ken shares about the deep and impactful influence of his mother, who first taught him that our experience of reality reflects our internal attitudes and perspectives. Ken reveals his incredible story of discovering he had fourth stage liver cancer in his late 20s, and how, while on hospice, he experienced a baffling and miraculous remission of the disease. Then, how he navigated going completely blind in his 30s, and first struggling, then surrendering, and finally finding meaning and contribution again through his work with the disability community. Ken’s story is an empowering tale on the alchemy of personal transformation, and how one’s chosen perspective can turn the most harrowing trials into a source of life-giving power.