The SpotOn Spotlight

The construction industry has no shortage of opportunity, but making the right connections between students and employers is where the real challenge begins. In this episode of SpotOn Spotlight, Ian sits down with Stanley Warrenhuffman of the TOOLS Foundation, part of Associated Builders and Contractors Ohio Valley, to talk about the future of workforce development in the trades.Stanley shares how TOOLS Foundation is helping students discover construction careers through awareness, jobsite exposure, assessments, partnerships, and work-based learning opportunities. He also offers an honest look at where the industry must evolve, from outdated mindsets to creating more inclusive jobsite experiences that attract and retain the next generation of talent.This conversation is a practical and eye-opening look at what it will take to build a stronger, more sustainable workforce in construction.https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanley-m-w-a9372073/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tools-foundation/

What if the problem with your marketing is not your message, but who you are trying to reach?In this episode of SpotOn Spotlight, Ian sits down with Adam Sonnett of Sonnett and Company to talk about why personas are one of the most overlooked growth tools for small and medium-sized businesses. Adam will share why businesses cannot afford to treat every buyer the same, how identifying your “dream client” changes your sales and marketing strategy, and why clarity around goals, pain points, values, and communication preferences leads to better results. They also explore Adam’s background in UX design, how that shaped his thinking around buyer behavior, and the new tool he is building to help businesses create personas in real time and use them more strategically.https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamsonnett/https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonnett-and-company/https://sonnettandco.com/

What does a financially healthy business actually look like?In this episode of SpotOn Spotlight, Ian sits down with Adam Reynolds of Thrive CFO to unpack the three financial foundations that every business needs to grow and scale with confidence. Adam explains why so many businesses struggle with poor cash flow, bad data, and a lack of visibility, and why having a bookkeeper alone often is not enough. He breaks down the importance of knowing your true numbers, building a real plan instead of chasing arbitrary growth goals, and using forecasting to make smarter decisions around hiring, spending, and risk. The conversation also explores how businesses can reduce client concentration, create more recurring revenue, and build a business that is not only healthier today, but also more transferable and valuable when it is time to exit.https://letsthrivecfo.com/

In this episode of The SpotOn Spotlight, Ian Murray sits down with Tim White, Principal & Strategic Advisor and Practice Leader for Sales & Operations at ANAVO Growth Partners, to explore what it truly means to earn the right to sell in today’s business environment. With a rare background that bridges sales, marketing, and operations, Tim explains why the traditional, transactional sales approach is failing, and why lasting success depends on building deeper, trust-centered relationships.Tim breaks down how high-value clients aren’t just buying a product or a salesperson; they’re buying the entire organization behind them. He shares how companies can align sales and operations to deliver on promises, manage the handoff without losing momentum, and handle inevitable challenges in ways that actually strengthen the relationship. When teams work in sync, they create “fire-tested” partnerships competitors can’t break.If you lead sales, manage operations, or want to transform your customer relationships from transactional to indispensable, this conversation will reshape how you think about selling—and what it takes to earn a customer’s confidence long before, and long after, the deal is closed.Tim White: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjwhite1/ANAVO Growth Partners: https://www.linkedin.com/company/anavo-growth-partners/

In this episode of the SpotOn Spotlight, author and executive coach Cory Carlson unpacks why so many high-capacity men feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn, and how intentional community can transform every area of their lives. Drawing from his work with the Rise Community and years of coaching leaders at home and at work, Cory explains why accountability, outside perspective, and spiritual grounding are essential for modern leadership.Together, we explore why men often lead with clarity at work but “wing it” at home, how meaningful connection strengthens marriages and parenting, and what happens when men stop trying to white-knuckle life alone. Cory offers practical, faith-informed insights for building character, pursuing strong relationships, and becoming the kind of leader who thrives both professionally and personally.Whether you're an executive, business owner, or a man seeking deeper purpose and support, this conversation sheds light on what it means to live and lead with intention.

In this episode of the SpotOn Spotlight, we explore a bold idea that’s reshaping how cities compete for talent: outdoor recreation as a strategic advantage. Our guest is Brian Bozeman, Vice President of Business Development at Skanska, Founder and Ambassador of Cincitucky Trails, and Board Member at CORA (Cincinnati Off-Road Alliance).Brian is leading a regional movement to position Greater Cincinnati–Northern Kentucky as an outdoor destination, one where your driveway can literally be your trailhead. From helping lead a regional push toward 375+ miles of future natural-surface trails and bike-legal singletrack to elevating the work of CORA’s volunteers to creating community experiences for hundreds of families, Brian’s passion for the outdoors is becoming an engine for workforce development, economic growth, and quality of life.Together, we discuss how companies can leverage local outdoor amenities to attract and retain top talent, why trails are one of the most cost-effective regional investments, and how Cincinnati can follow models like Bentonville to become the outdoor capital of the Midwest. Brian also shares insights from his corporate role at Skanska, his leadership of the NKY Roots youth mountain bike team, and his personal journey toward work-life integration, family, and purpose.Whether you lead a business, care about regional growth, or just want to explore more of what’s in your own backyard, this episode will broaden your view of what makes a city competitive and why trails may be one of Cincinnati’s greatest untapped assets.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the business landscape, but most organizations still aren’t ready. In fact, while 97% of leaders believe AI will “radically transform business within five years,” studies show that 95% of AI pilots fail to deliver real value. Companies jump in because “everyone else is doing it,” yet lack the strategy, data foundation, or leadership alignment needed for success.In this episode of SpotOn Spotlight, Ian Murray sits down with Jon Adams, President of SALIX Data, a company that has helped more than 2,500 clients modernize workflows, manage information, and adopt emerging technologies responsibly. Jon brings a practical, no-nonsense perspective grounded in decades of work implementing AI and automation across organizations of all sizes.Jon breaks down what AI readiness actually looks like, from the difference between task-augmentation AI and transformational AI, to why AI still needs a strong human-in-the-loop model. He explains why data cleanup is often the biggest barrier (sometimes taking “six months to six years”), where companies get the biggest early wins, and how leaders should evaluate AI tools amid an explosion of new platforms.He also addresses the risks many leaders overlook, including AI proliferation, hallucinations, vendor instability, and the danger of over-trusting new tools. Jon shares his AI Roadmap and outlines clear first steps leaders can take in the next 90 days—along with strategies for overcoming employee fear, building a culture of innovation, and preparing for the coming human + digital workforce.Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or trying to scale adoption responsibly, this conversation will help you cut through hype, avoid costly missteps, and turn AI into a measurable competitive advantage.

Steve Browne, Chief People Officer at LaRosa’s, Inc., and author of three HR books - HR on Purpose !!, HR Rising !! and HR Unleashed !!, joins The SpotOn Spotlight to share how his philosophy has redefined what great workplace culture looks like. With more than 35 years of HR experience, Steve has helped transform LaRosa’s into a people-first organization where relationships, listening, and empathy drive results.In this episode, Steve and Ian talk about what it means to truly value people beyond their job titles, why culture—not policy—determines long-term success, and how small, intentional actions can make a big impact. Whether you lead a team or shape company culture, this conversation will inspire you to build workplaces where people feel seen, heard, and connected.

In an industry where change is constant and technology evolves overnight, staying adaptable isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s survival. In this episode of The SpotOn Spotlight, Brian McHale, CEO of Brandience, joins Ian to share how he’s led his agency through more than two decades of transformation while keeping creativity and culture at the forefront.Brian unpacks his “five rules to stay nimble” — a leadership framework built around focus, communication, speed, and foresight — and explains how those principles have helped Brandience grow trusted client partnerships, attract top creative talent, and navigate massive shifts in marketing, from digital disruption to AI.Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or just trying to keep pace with change, this conversation offers practical wisdom on what it takes to build a creative, adaptive organization that thrives no matter what the market throws your way.

In this episode of the SpotOn Spotlight, we explore the transformative power of storytelling in marketing and business with Doug Smith, COO at America’s Best Restaurants. Doug and his team travel the country helping independent restaurants share their stories—filming over 750 episodes a year to spotlight the heart and hustle behind small businesses.Doug shares how authentic, people-driven content can turn followers into fans and customers into advocates. From a Wyoming restaurateur who doubled sales after his feature, to a diner whose daily grocery runs became their signature story, Doug explains why every business—large or small—has a story worth telling.Host Ian Murray and Doug discuss how storytelling transcends industries, shaping not only how companies market but also how they attract and retain great people. In an age where AI and algorithms dominate, genuine human stories remain the most powerful way to connect, inspire, and grow.Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, or leader seeking to stand out in a crowded digital world, this conversation will remind you that your story is your strategy.

The way we work and lead is undergoing a revolution. Across industries, executives are leaving corporate burnout behind and redefining success on their own terms. The result? A new model of leadership built on flexibility, trust, and purpose: fractional leadership.In this episode of SpotOn Spotlight, host Ian Murray sits down with Ford Knowlton, founder of Work With Meaning and author of the FracStack Substack, to explore how the fractional executive movement is reshaping the modern workforce. Together, they unpack what’s driving this rapid growth, why so many leaders are walking away from corporate life, and how community and meaning are becoming the new measures of success.From the $5.7B rise of fractional leadership to the growing demand for purposeful, trust-based work, Ford shares how Work With Meaning is helping executives find fulfillment and companies access world-class leadership, without the burnout.If you’re rethinking your career, your culture, or the future of leadership, this conversation will help you see why the future of work is fractional — and deeply human.

In this episode of SpotOn Spotlight, host Ian Murray sits down with Todd Wilkowski, attorney, fractional general counsel, and trusted advisor at Frost Brown Todd. Todd is more than a legal strategist; he’s a servant leader and a gifted connector who believes that generosity and relationship-building are the true engines of sustainable business growth.Together, they explore the difference between social media as consumption and social networking as connection, the shift from “business development” to “relationship development,” and why leaders who focus on helping others first create reputations that compound into opportunity, loyalty, and long-term success.If you’re a business owner, leader, or executive looking to grow your influence and impact through meaningful relationships, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of SpotOn Spotlight, Ian sits down with Scott Sutter, entrepreneur and digital marketing strategist, to tackle a big question: Is SEO really dead—or just evolving?Scott shares candid insights on how search is changing in the age of AI, introducing concepts like answer engine optimization and generative experience optimization. He explains why SEO still matters for local, service-based businesses, and how AI tools are making lead generation faster, cheaper, and more accessible than ever.Whether you’re a business leader trying to cut through the noise, or just curious about the future of SEO and AI-driven marketing, this conversation will give you actionable ideas to help you get found and generate real leads.

On this episode of the SpotOn Spotlight, we sit down with Jonathan Theders, Principal & Market Leader – Ohio South at OneDigital, to discuss how business leaders can shift their mindset from simply buying insurance to proactively managing risk.Jonathan brings decades of experience helping companies uncover hidden vulnerabilities, reduce exposure, and protect their people, assets, and future. At OneDigital, his team partners with clients to design strategies that are much more than insurance products—empowering businesses to make informed decisions, mitigate risk, and embrace growth with confidence.We’ll explore practical steps leaders can take to safeguard their organizations, how technology and data are reshaping risk management, and why a proactive approach to risk is more important than ever in today’s business landscape.

What does it take to make marketing matter in industries that have long ignored it?In this episode of SpotOn Spotlight, Ian Murray sits down with Paul Moran, Chief Marketing Officer at DBL Law and Excel Title Services, for a candid conversation about what it means to lead with marketing—especially when you’re the first one through the wall.With more than 30 years of experience, Paul has built a career helping companies in construction, law, and hospitality carve out their brand identity, tell better stories, and stand apart in saturated markets. From launching standout campaigns at Boca Restaurant Group to redefining positioning at Huseman Group and now DBL Law, Paul shares how he’s helped leadership teams see marketing not as an expense—but as a strategic advantage.You’ll hear how Paul:Positions companies to do what’s right to help them stand out.Pushes creative storytelling into industries that traditionally play it safe.Navigates the internal challenge of convincing leadership to take marketing seriously.Builds trust and influence as a marketer in non-marketing cultures.Whether you're a CMO, a marketing manager, or a business leader in an industry still on the marketing sidelines, this episode is filled with practical insights—and a little inspiration—to help you lead the charge.

In this episode of the SpotOn Spotlight, we dive into the growing world of fractional leadership with Toby Brauer, Founder, Principal, and CMO at SolvStat. With a dynamic background in branding, go-to-market strategy, and startup growth, Toby has helped numerous small to mid-sized businesses sharpen their marketing focus, accelerate results, and scale with confidence—all without the overhead of a full-time executive.Join us as we explore the topic, “CMO Without the Overhead: When Fractional Leadership Fuels Full-Throttle Growth.” Toby shares what sets a Fractional CMO apart from consultants and agencies, how to know when your business is ready for one, and why so many companies wait too long to get strategic about their marketing. We also discuss the common pitfalls businesses face before bringing in a marketing leader, how the fractional model creates agility, and what a successful transition from fractional to full-time leadership looks like.Whether you’re a founder juggling too much, a marketing manager looking for clarity, or a business leader seeking scalable growth, this episode delivers valuable insights into building smart, sustainable marketing momentum. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of the Midwest’s leading fractional CMOs.

In this episode of The SpotOn Spotlight, Ian Murray sits down with business leader and owner/coach at Legacy Build, Dakota Beerman, to explore the transformative role of core values in building high-performing teams. From his roots in the family business to his current role as a coach, Dakota shares how clearly defined values serve as a north star for recruiting, onboarding, and developing talent.Whether you're an HR professional, a business owner, or a team leader, this conversation offers actionable insights on turning your company’s values into a practical framework for better hiring decisions, impactful training, and meaningful coaching. Learn how core values—when lived and reinforced—can become your company’s greatest competitive edge.

In this episode of the SpotOn Spotlight, we dive into the world of modern sales prospecting with Jessica Stokes, Master Sales Trainer at Sales Gravy. With over a decade of experience in sales, training, and leadership, Jessica has coached thousands of sales professionals to master Fanatical Prospecting, a methodology pioneered by Sales Gravy founder Jeb Blount. Known for her ability to transform sales teams with real-world tactics, Jessica helps organizations fill their pipelines, overcome call reluctance, and increase revenue through relentless, high-impact prospecting.Join us as we explore winning prospecting strategies for 2025. Jessica breaks down the evolution of prospecting, the most effective outreach methods, and the biggest mistakes sales professionals make when trying to build a pipeline. She shares practical insights on multi-channel prospecting and why picking up the phone is still one of the most powerful tools in a salesperson’s arsenal.Whether you’re a sales leader, business owner, or frontline seller, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you stay ahead of the competition, book more meetings, and close more deals.Tune in and take your prospecting game to the next level!

In this episode of SpotOn Spotlight, we sit down with Billy Southerland, CEO of IronRoad, to explore the impact of servant leadership in business. With decades of leadership experience, Billy has built a thriving company by prioritizing people—both employees and clients—before profits.Join us as we discuss the core principles of servant leadership, the challenges of implementing it in today’s business world, and how this mindset fosters stronger teams, deeper client relationships, and long-term growth. Billy shares practical strategies for embedding a culture of servant leadership, the power of leading with integrity, and why he believes servant leadership is the missing piece in many organizations.Whether you’re a business leader, manager, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable takeaways to help you transform your leadership approach.Learn how leading by serving can create lasting success in business and beyond!

In this episode of the SpotOn Spotlight, we dive into the world of marketing metrics and strategy alignment with Amy Connor, CEO of CMO-OnLoan. With a rich background that spans over two decades in marketing leadership, Amy has honed her expertise at top companies like Procter & Gamble and Luxottica before founding CMO-OnLoan in 2016. Her passion lies in helping businesses think and act with agility while achieving measurable growth.Join us as we explore the essentials of "Measuring Your Marketing: Aligning Strategies with Business Goals." Amy shares her insights on determining the right metrics for each stage of the marketing funnel, the challenges of measuring ROI in complex marketing landscapes, and the importance of aligning your marketing efforts with your overall business objectives. Whether you are a seasoned marketing professional or a business leader looking to refine your approach, this episode offers actionable strategies and expert advice to help you drive meaningful results.Learn from a marketing veteran who has helped countless businesses turn data into growth. Don't miss this chance to transform your marketing measurement approach and align your strategy with success!

In this episode of the SpotOn Spotlight podcast, we dive deep into the evolving world of sales and leadership with guest Pam Beigh, CEO of SalesCORE. Discover how the sales landscape has changed, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what it takes for small to mid-sized businesses to stay competitive. Pam shares about the critical role of leadership in driving a customer-centric approach, the importance of creating a 'leadership playbook,' and strategies for sales professionals to become effective change agents in today's market. Whether you're a seasoned sales leader or a new sales professional, this episode provides valuable insights on adapting to modern buyers and thriving in a dynamic sales environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn how to navigate the new sales landscape!

In this episode of SpotOn Spotlight, we dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence and its transformative potential for small and medium-sized businesses. Guest Kendra Rameriz, CEO of KR Digital Agency, shares how AI is not just a futuristic concept but a practical tool to increase efficiency, save time, and drive growth. Kendra shares valuable insights on getting started with AI, even on a tight budget, and reveals her top three AI tools that are game-changers for any business. We’ll also tackle common misconceptions about AI, discuss essential guardrails for successful implementation, and explore the future trends that businesses need to stay ahead. Whether you're new to AI or looking to expand its use in your organization, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and expert advice to help you unlock the full potential of AI.

On this episode of The SpotOn Spotlight, "Navigating Tough Talks: Mastering the Art of Difficult Conversations," we welcome Kevin Rains, a distinguished business coach and founder of Legacy Coaching as well as a Professional EOS Implementer. Kevin brings his extensive expertise to help us uncover the secrets to mastering difficult conversations.In this insightful episode, we explore strategies for managing emotions, fostering empathy, and communicating effectively. Whether you’re dealing with challenging discussions at work or in your personal life, Kevin’s practical tips and experiences will empower you to handle these moments with confidence and poise. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your toughest talks into meaningful and productive dialogues.

In this enlightening episode of SpotOn Spotlight, we dive into the world of accountability with Dani Redder, Master Executive Coach and CEO of The Sherpa Library. In "Unlocking Accountability: The Key to Team Success," Dani shares her expert insights on how business leaders can foster a culture of accountability within their teams. Discover practical strategies to overcome common challenges, balance support with accountability, and transform team dynamics to achieve remarkable results. Whether you're looking to boost productivity, enhance team cohesion, or drive performance, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that will empower you to lead with confidence. Don't miss out on this opportunity to unlock the secrets to team success!

Join us for an inspiring episode of the SpotOn Spotlight podcast as we sit down with Erin Satzger, President & CEO of the Northern Cincinnati Foundation. Discover how this influential community foundation is transforming Northern Cincinnati through impactful projects and initiatives. Learn about the vital role of corporate philanthropy and get valuable insights on how local businesses can make a difference. Erin will share her vision for the future and provide practical advice on community engagement and support. Don't miss this chance to hear from a leader dedicated to building a better community. Tune in to be inspired and empowered!

Joseph Lewin from Sell Through Social shares expert insights on social selling strategies, tools, and trends. Learn how to measure success, overcome challenges, and stay ahead in the digital sales landscape. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your approach, this episode promises valuable tips to elevate your social selling game. Tune in to The SpotOn Spotlight for a session that could transform your business's sales tactics in the social media age.

SpotOn Productions' President Ian Murray and special guest Dave Ebbesmeyer with AI Software, Inc. discuss "Websites and the Changing SEO Game." Learn why SEO is dead and what you can do to stay competitive online.