Leadership LIVE @ 8:05! Podcast - Talking Small Business

POWERING Your Business to Maximum Momentum is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- Small Business Momentum

- Leadership

- Small Business Finances

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Powering your business to maximum momentum is all about harnessing the right mix of strategies, energy, and passion to drive growth and success. The importance of staying adaptable; the business landscape is ever-changing, so being open to innovation can keep your momentum going strong. Effective marketing strategies, customer engagement, and leveraging technology are also key elements in sustaining that forward motion. I'll be talking with Chip Higgins about POWERING Your Business to Maximum Momentum.

Chip Higgins is the Middle Tennessee President of CapStar Bank and the Founder of Bizzics, LLC. Chip is an author and speaker with a passion for helping people achieve greater goals through the principles he established at Bizzics.

Since his first job in commercial banking in 1984, Chip has made a name for himself by seamlessly matching his keen, analytical side to his warm, approachable demeanor. He doesn’t simply want to excel; he wants to pull those around him up to his level. Every regional bank Chip worked at earned the national distinction as a high-performing bank from Greenwich Associates. While serving as SVP, Business Banking Team Leader, Pinnacle Financial Partners tied for the largest number of Small Business Excellence awards in 2017.

Sell More by Answering Questions Before They Are Asked is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- Sales Strategy & Techniques

- Understanding Niche Market Pain Points

- Anticipating Customer Needs

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Selling more by answering questions before they are asked is a smart strategy to engage with potential customers and address their needs proactively. By anticipating common queries or concerns that shoppers may have about your products or services, you can provide them with the information they need upfront. This not only helps in building trust and credibility but also streamlines the purchasing process by eliminating uncertainties. I'll be talking with Martha Krejci on how to Sell More by Answering Questions Before They Are Asked.

From tech executive to… helping the local business owner.

Martha Krejci, once a successful tech executive, traded corporate boardrooms for a mission to empower business owners at every level. After witnessing firsthand how traditional marketing models often fail to serve the needs of local businesses, she set out to create something different.

As Co-Founder and CEO of Sales-Driven Local, Martha leads a dynamic digital marketing agency that transforms both local businesses and online brands through her innovative approach to marketing and business development. Through the Martha Krejci Company, she provides comprehensive coaching and hosts monthly live and online events, guiding online businesses through systematic, realistic growth at every stage of their journey. Combining her sharp business acumen with a deep passion for community-driven success, Martha pioneered a revolutionary agency model that focuses on measurable results and genuine impact. Her entrepreneurial portfolio continues to expand with her role as Co-Founder of a thriving ecommerce venture.

Today, Martha helps business owners cut through the noise, connect with their communities, and achieve growth that lasts. Her journey from the tech world to serial entrepreneur and business growth expert is proof that innovation and heart can change the game. Featured in Oprah Magazine, Fast Company, Cosmopolitan, Shape and Huffington Post among other places, Martha's intuitive marketing expertise has helped her make her first million in less than a year using this same model.

Stop Playing Small: Communicate Like a CEO is covered in this podcast, along with the following subjects:

- Starting a business on a small budget

- Strategies for growing memberships. Hiring a VA.

- Wearing multiple hats when you are a small staff.

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Starting a business on a small budget can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, you can communicate like a CEO and pave the way for growth. If you're ready to stop playing small and embrace your inner leader, it's time to communicate like a CEO. This means adopting a confident and assertive communication style that reflects your expertise and vision. I'll be talking with Marc Williams about Stop Playing Small: Communicate Like a CEO.

Marc is a speaker, leadership coach, and co-founder of Speaker Skills Academy, where he helps professionals unlock their voice and build confidence through powerful communication. With a deep passion for community-building and personal development, Marc brings a unique blend of storytelling, business strategy, and lived experience to support small business owners in growing with purpose. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, he’s dedicated to helping people speak up, stand out, and scale what matters.

Stand out from your Competition and Command a Superior Price is covered in this podcast , along with the following subjects:

- Understanding Your Market and Competition

- Marketing and Positioning Strategy

- Building Authority and Credibility

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In today’s competitive marketplace, standing out from your competition is crucial if you want to command a superior price for your products or services. To achieve this, it’s essential to identify and highlight what makes your offerings unique. I'll be talking with Bruce Eckfeldt about Stand out from your Competition and Command a Superior Price.

After graduating from McGill University in Montreal with two degrees in Architecture, Bruce transitioned to digital product development early in his career, where he worked as a product strategy consultant for companies such as WebMD, Prada, the Department of Defense, and Motorola. In 2003, he founded Cyrus Innovation, one of the first Lean/Agile consulting firms, and worked with companies such as Boeing, Kaplan Test Prep, Simon & Schuster, Eze Software, and The New York Times on product development and Lean/Agile transformation initiatives. Cyrus was an Inc 5000 honoree for five years in a row and placed #241 on the Inc 500 in 2009.

Bruce has been a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization since 2007 and has served in many chapters and regional leadership positions including Learning, Forum, and Accelerator. Bruce has served as the US East Regional Forum Expert and the US East Regional Accelerator Expert.

The Truth Matters is covered in this video, along with the following subjects:

- Corporate Transparency

- Ethics in Business Leadership

- Data Integrity & Business Decisions

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In a world full of misinformation and fake news, it's more important than ever to remember that the truth matters. Being honest and transparent in our interactions can help build trust and foster genuine connections with others. I'll be talking with David Lovejoy about The Truth Matters.

I help founders, executives, and small teams scale smart, build brand authority, and navigate pivotal moments in their business.

My journey started in the tourism industry, leading high-level executive tours through Japan, Vietnam, and Myanmar. Working with CEOs and mid-career professionals from around the world taught me the value of adaptability, clarity under pressure, and building trust across cultures—skills that still shape my leadership today. Since then, I’ve advised early-stage startups, built media platforms, and partnered with thought leaders and Fortune 500 execs on strategy, business development, and executive coaching. Whether launching a new offer, scaling a team, or preparing a business for acquisition, I focus on aligning vision with execution—fast.

Through Horizon Search, I lead a global team supporting entrepreneurs with product launches, sales strategy, media positioning, and coaching. We help people go from “promising” to proven.

I collaborate with leaders across industries to explore what’s next in business, leadership, and tech. If you're building something meaningful—or need help getting unstuck—let’s connect.

Resilience in the Face of the Unknown is covered in this podio, along with the following subjects:

• Overcoming Setbacks & Failures
• Leadership in Uncertainty
• Business & Financial Resilience

***************************************Resilience in the face of the unknown is a quality that can help individuals navigate uncertain and challenging times with strength and determination. Cultivating resilience can provide a sense of empowerment and confidence, allowing individuals to face whatever comes their way with courage and grace. I'll be talking with Ken Miller about Resilience in the Face of the Unknown.Ken Miller. CFRE is the CEO and co-founder of AIVAlution LLC, an innovative firm at the forefront of artificial intelligence and virtual assistant solutions tailored for the business sector. AIVAlution LLC harnesses advanced AI technologies and platforms to streamline operations, provide solutions, and increase overall organizational efficiency. With over 15 years of expertise in business leadership, coaching, and consulting, Ken has a proven track record of driving transformational change through strategic innovation.Holding degrees from Dartmouth College and the prestigious CFRE designation, Ken is a highly sought after speaker and coach. His passion for leveraging AI-driven tools to empower both for profit and non-profit organizations, combined with his dynamic speaking and coaching style, makes him a highly sought-after expert in the evolving intersection of technology and business.

Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity is covered in this video, along with the following subjects:

- Understanding Change

- Managing Uncertainty

- Identifying Opportunities

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Embracing change and uncertainty can be daunting, but it also presents a valuable opportunity for growth and transformation. By reframing uncertainty as a chance to explore new possibilities and challenge ourselves, we can harness its power to propel us forward. I'll be talking with Curtis Bateman about Change: How to Turn Uncertainty Into Opportunity.

Curtis Bateman is FranklinCovey’s vice president of international direct offices. With over twenty-five years of experience in the training industry, Curtis is an internationally recognized presenter, content developer, change consultant, business leader, and coach. His passion for enabling organizations “at change” resulted in the co-creation of transformative, industry-leading solutions, including Change Element, Leaders@Change, Managing Millennials, Millennials@Work, and the Change Practitioner.

Formerly the president and CEO at Red Tree Leadership, Curtis managed the world-class brand Who Moved My Cheese? and created a practical approach to help individuals and leaders succeed with an ever-complex world of change in the workplace.

Curtis joined FranklinCovey as a senior change consultant and co-practice leader. In 2016, Curtis became managing director of the U.K. and Ireland, in 2018 was asked to assume additional management responsibilities of Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, and in 2019 took on additional responsibility for China, Japan, and Australia.

Business is a Team Sport is covered in this video, along with the following subjects:

- Building a Winning Business Team

- The Power of Roles and Responsibilities

- Leadership and Teamwork

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In the world of business, collaboration and teamwork are essential for success, much like in any team sport. Just as athletes rely on their teammates, business professionals must work together to achieve common goals. Each member brings unique skills and perspectives to the table, creating a rich tapestry of ideas that can lead to innovation and growth. I'll be talking with Mel Solomon about Business is a Team Sport.

Mel Solomon acquired Tri-Arc offering (together with Fred Schwartz) 36 unique model types of passive fall protection and access products including a variety of mobile ladders, work platforms, step stools, fixed ladders, stairways, configurable ladder and platform systems, modular stair systems, gates and guardrails. With their expertise in fabricating reliable and durable equipment, Tri-Arc has established itself as a trusted provider in the market, offering comprehensive solutions that prioritize workplace safety, code compliance, productivity, and overall operational efficiency.

Shifting Paradigms: The Key to Making Better Business Decisions is covered in this podio, along with the following subjects:

- Understanding Paradigms in Business

- Overcoming resistance to change

- Practical Frameworks for Better Decision-Making

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When it comes to making better business decisions, shifting paradigms can play a crucial role. By challenging traditional ways of thinking and being open to new perspectives, businesses can adapt more effectively to changing market conditions and emerging trends. Embracing a paradigm shift requires a willingness to explore innovative ideas and approaches that may deviate from the norm. This flexibility and openness to change can lead to improved decision-making processes that drive business growth and success. I'll be talking with Kory Kogon about Shifting Paradigms: The Key to Making Better Business Decisions.

Kory is FranklinCovey’s vice president of content development, and a senior leadership consultant. She is a co-author of the #4 Wall Street Journal bestseller, The 5 Choices: The Path to Extraordinary Productivity, in addition to Project Management Essentials for the Unofficial Project Manager, and Presentation Advantage. Kory has been featured on Inc.com and in its Productivity Playbook online series, on Fast Company.com, Forbes.com, and in Investor’s Business Daily. She has also appeared on NBC’s TODAY with Hoda Kotb.

Kory has over 25 years of business expertise, from frontline positions to serving as an executive team member for a global franchise organization. This provides her a unique perspective on the application of FranklinCovey’s world-renowned content within organizations. Kory not only understands the strategy and principles necessary to build great leaders, systems, and winning cultures, but she understands how FranklinCovey’s blended learning offerings deliver practical solutions that enable the behavior changes required for transformational results in organizations with both formal and informal leaders.