Business Leaders of America Podcast

In this enlightening episode featuring Kevin Dunlap, the dynamic founder of Optimal Performance Academy, listeners can expect a wealth of insights drawn from his extensive 20-year entrepreneurial journey. As the author of four impactful business books, Kevin shares the challenges he faced when launching his enterprise, providing a candid look at the hurdles and triumphs encountered along the way. The discussion delves deep into the workings of Optimal Performance Academy, Kevin’s innovative training platform tailored for small business owners, startups, and solopreneurs. Kevin’s passion for guiding businesses to surpass the six-figure mark is evident as he details the proven steps and strategies he imparts to coaches, trainers, and industry experts collaborating with OPA. The conversation also sheds light on his book, “Launch! The A to Z in Creating a Successful Business,” offering a comprehensive overview of its key concepts. As a seasoned business consultant and coach, Kevin generously shares advice for entrepreneurs navigating the early stages of their ventures, making this episode a valuable resource for anyone aspiring to business success

*Notable Recognitions* 

• Written 4 business books. 
•  Certified NLP Practitioner and Mentor

Show Notes:

[1:14] Kevin shares with us how he got to where he is today.

[5:24] Struggles entrepreneurs encounter when starting out.

[8:25] Kevin goes into detail about what Optimal Performance Academy is and what clients can expect when reaching out for their service.

[9:00] Different services that OPA provides 

[11:50] Dealing with different clients and developing them.

[13:38] Kevin shares more information on his book, Launch! The A to Z in creating a successful business.

[15:40] How to engage and interact with Kevin.

[16:20] Advice Kevin would give to entrepreneurs still in their early stages of starting their businesses.

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In this captivating episode featuring Tyler Woodall, the accomplished founder of Agency Aid, listeners can anticipate a deep dive into his entrepreneurial journey, specifically focusing on the agency he steered from ground zero to an impressive seven-figure success within a mere two years. Tyler’s wealth of experience extends beyond business triumphs, as he also shares compelling stories of leading mission teams worldwide and spearheading initiatives that have provided thousands of meals to those in need. The conversation delves into Tyler’s insights on harnessing technology and social media to fuel the growth of his initial agency, laying the groundwork for the subsequent creation of Agency Aid. Don’t miss this enriching discussion that explores the intersection of business success, philanthropy, and the strategic use of modern tools in agency development.

Notable Recognitions

• Grew agency from $0 to 7 figures after 2 years.

• Lead mission teams around the world, donating thousands of meals to support people in need.

• Launching the SOW Foundation, a nonprofit organization.

Few Key Takeaways:

Effective strategies to running a successful agency-

• Focus in on Standard Operating Procedures.

• Organizational Flow Chart

Marketing tips to expand your reach to clients and audience-

• Join as many local groups as possible on social media.

• Utilize ChatGPT by searching what the top issues that your clients would face in their industry.

• Have ChatGPT write you posts to help solve those issues.

Show Notes:

[1:11] Tyler shares with us how he got to where he is today.

[3:20] What sets agency aid apart from other agency owners and how Tyler leveraged technology to help skyrocket his business.

[5:00] SCORE – Senior Core Of Retired Executives

[7:27] Marketing tips to expand your reach to your clients/audience.

[11:42] Importance of engaging with your audience on social media.

[13:02] Volunteer initiatives that Tyler has led and why he is so passionate about giving back.

[15:31] Detail on Agency Aid and how people can engage with Agency Aid.

[17:39] Advice Tyler would give to young entrepreneurs that he wishes he had when he was starting out.

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In this emotionally charged conversation, we delve into the extraordinary journey and insights of Meridith Alexander, a powerhouse entrepreneur, best-selling author, and the visionary founder of G.R.I.T. Mindset Academy. As she unfolds her story, Meridith opens up about a deeply personal chapter, sharing the heart-wrenching details of her daughter’s tragic accident during an adventure trip in Columbia. Join us as we explore Meridith’s resilience, the transformative work she does at G.R.I.T. Mindset Academy, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned from navigating life’s darkest moments. This episode is not just a source of professional guidance but a testament to the strength that can arise from facing adversity. Stay tuned for a conversation that transcends business, providing a profound perspective on overcoming challenges and finding resilience in adversity.

*Notable Awards and Recognitions* 

• Top Female Motivational Speaker
• Official Member of Forbes Coaches Council
• Featured in the media around the world including ABC, NBC, Fox and Prevention Magazine.
• Regular contributor to Thrive Global and the elite bossbabe.com that targets millennial female entrepreneurs.
• Published book “The Sky is the Limit” hit the #1 slot among Amazon’s “hot new releases” in the motivational category in November 2017
• 2019 Creative Click Media’s Successful Woman in Business
• Transformed the lives of thousands around the world with her G.R.I.T. Mindset Academy

Few Key Takeaways:

3 non-negotiable questions you must ask yourself when faced with adversity or bumping up against any obstacle.

• What can I control?
• What can my mind believe? 
• What might I be assuming right now that is not necessarily true?

3 Areas of Mastery to get where you want/need to be faster.

• Mastery of Focus
• Mastery of Language
• Mastery of Imagination

 Meridith’s Books:

• 100 Days of Epic: Experience a Total Life Makeover and Live Your Destiny Starting Today: Alexander, Meridith: 9798863422565: Amazon.com: Books
• Books The Sky is the Limit: Sometimes the Limit is Just the Beginning

How to connect with Meridith:

• Top Inspirational Speaker Meridith Alexander GRIT – Meridith Alexander (meridithalexander.com)
• Top Mindset Life Coach Meridith Alexander (gritmindsetacademy.com)
• Schedule Appointment with Grit Mindset Academy – Meridith Alexander (as.me)

 **Make sure to mention Business Leaders of America in order to receive your 20 minute FREE complimentary strategy call.

Show Notes:

[1:45] Meridith shares the story of her daughter Schuyler’s tragic accident and how it changed both of their lives forever.

[11:06] Meridith’s 3 non-negotiable questions you must ask yourself when faced with adversity.

[15:34] A few of Schuyler’s accomplishments.

[16:56] Brief background on Meridith and how she got to where she is today.

[25:43] G.R.I.T. Mindset Academy

[29:54] Length of time clients typically spend while working with Meridith.

[34:21] How to engage with Meridith and acquire her services.

[36:18] Meridith’s new book, “100 Days of Epic!”

[44:05] Advice Meridith would give to future leaders of America but may be holding off due to “boulders” they are facing in their current lives. 

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Join us in this episode as we sit down with Terry Jones, the visionary Founder of Travelocity and Founding Chairman of Kayak.com. Terry shares the fascinating journey from pioneering online travel with Travelocity to navigating Kayak through a competitive market.

Explore the unique challenges faced by Travelocity and Kayak, and learn from Terry’s experiences in building and leading successful ventures. Terry provides insights from his book, “Disruption Off,” offering a glimpse into evolving tools and technologies for success in a hyper-connected economy.

Tune in for leadership strategies, industry anecdotes, and invaluable advice from Terry Jones, an internationally acclaimed speaker and business luminary. This episode is a condensed dose of business brilliance, a peek into the evolving landscape of innovation, and a special insight into Terry’s current ventures, including his advisory role with GPT startups. Don’t miss the chance to hear firsthand about the latest in cutting-edge technology and leadership!

*Notable Recognitions* 

• Founder of Travelocity
• Founding Chairman of Kayak.com
• Former CIO of American Airlines
• Internationally Acclaimed Speaker, having presented to 300+ companies in 25 countries.
• Best-selling author of ON Innovation and Disruption OFF.
• Terry’s IPO’s and exits total over $10 Billion.
• Served on 20 boards, public and private.

 Terry’s Books:

• Amazon.com: ON Innovation: Turning ON Innovation In Your Culture, Teams And Organization eBook : Jones, Terry: Kindle Store
• Disruption OFF: The Technological Disruption Coming For Your Company and What To Do About It: Jones, Terry: 9781543977509: Amazon.com: Books

How to connect with Terry:

• terryjones.com
• Terrell (Terry) Jones | LinkedIn

Show Notes:

[1:37] Terry’s background and how he got to where he is today.

[5:06] Terry’s approach to leading teams in the early days at Travelocity.

[10:17] How Terry helped Kayak differentiate in a very competitive market. 

[13:22] Leadership strategies that Terry employed to navigate Kayak through the competitive landscapes.

[16:25] Terry gives us insight on some of the boards he is advising on currently. 

[19:22] Tools and technologies that Terry provides in his book and how they are evolving with the rapid pace of technology.

[23:15] How to connect and engage with Terry. 

[23:49] Advice Terry would give to existing and emerging leaders who are looking to become leaders or want to become better leaders within their organizations.

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In this episode, we sit down with Dan Lier, a powerhouse in sales and leadership. From winning college basketball championships to leading Tony Robbins’ seminar division, Dan’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we explore how his time with Tony Robbins shaped his views on sales and leadership, and how a two-year battle with chemotherapy transformed his perspective on life and success.

Discover the secrets behind Dan’s 25-year success as a keynote speaker. We delve into his mission to change mindsets for success, exploring key elements of a success mindset and actionable steps for professionals. Learn about his virtual course, “Life Skills for Success,” designed to empower young minds.

*Notable Awards and Recognitions* 

• Built Tony Robbin’s seminar division in the late 90’s.
• #1 Las Vegas Motivational Speaker and Keynote Speaker
• Human Behavior Expert
• Best Selling Author
• Advised companies such as s Pfizer, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Prudential and BMW to elevate, educate and inspire their teams.
• 2x College National Basketball Championships as a player
• Developed virtual based, interactive courses to help develop skills for a successful life.
• Overcame 2 years of Chemo, treating Amyloidosis 

Key Takeaway:

3 Tools to Success

• Reading
  • Reading 10 minutes a day is over an hour a week, 52 hours of reading every year, 2 University Semesters.
• Audio Books, Podcasts, Youtube
  • Listen to something positive in the mornings to empower your mind.
• Invest in yourself 
  • Go to workshops, live events, seminars, or anything that will assist you in developing your skills.

How to connect with Dan:

• To find out more about Body Balance System or looking to take part in the $1600 referal program, reach out to Dan at dlier@bodybalancesystem.com.
• Personal Development and Human Behavior, check out www.danlier.com.
• Personal email dan@danlier.com
• Dan Lier | LinkedIn

Show Notes:

[1:48] Dan dives into what he does as the Director of Sales for Body Balance System and what Red Light Therapy is all about.

[4:14] How working for Tony Robbins shaped Dan’s understanding of sales, leadership and personal development.

[10:22] The impact cancer had on Dan and how it changed his outlook on life, leadership, success, and the lessons that were drawn from it.

[23:06] What Dan attributes his longevity and success to being a keynote speaker for the last 25 years and how his speaking syle has evolved over the years. 

[27:36] Dan speaks about his new interactive course Life Skills for Success

[34:31] How to connect with Dan and engage with him.

[35:56] Dan’s 3 tools to success for existing and emerging leaders of America.

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In this episode, we’re thrilled to bring you an engaging conversation with Eric Franco, the founder of Franco I/O Consulting and a distinguished leader in organizational development.

Throughout our discussion, Eric shares his remarkable journey from the ground floor to leadership excellence. We delve into the importance of coaching culture in businesses, exploring its impact on reducing attrition and providing valuable tips for organizational success.

Eric’s expertise in distinguishing between leaders and managers, along with strategies to develop effective leaders, offers valuable insights for listeners aspiring to enhance their leadership skills. We also explore the phenomenon of imposter syndrome and its impact on leaders advancing into executive positions. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with Eric Franco, a true luminary in organizational development, and gain valuable advice to enhance your leadership journey.

*Notable Awards and Recognitions* 

• Founder of Franco I/O Consulting.
• Recognized as a Top Latino Leader at the 2022 National Latino Leadership Conference.
• Over 20 years of experience consulting, coaching, and developing leaders across multiple industries and Fortune 500 organizations.
• Business Psychologist and Author of “THE INTROVERT NINJA.”
• Expertise in organizational development, using tools of industrial/organizational psychology and the Introvert H.E.A.R. Model.
• Collaborated with notable companies including USA Today Network, Raytheon, Chicanos Por La Causa, and more.

Few Key Takeaways:

Introvert H.E.A.R. Model

• Honor- Honor who you are, the strengths, capabilities and who you are as an individual.
• Energy – What creates energy and drains energy. 
• Action – Put things in motion in order to get where you want to be.
• Review – After action review. What worked, what didn’t work, what needs to be changed, and what can stay the same for the next round.

Tips to reducing negative attrition:

Control what you can control-

• Organizational structure must provide opportunities for individuals within the organization to grow and develop. 
• Must have a great culture. Everyone aligns with the core values, mission, ethics, and which direction the company is headed.
• Leaders must create a space for employees to grow and be happy. 

 Eric’s Books:

• The Introvert Ninja: Franco, Eric : Amazon.com: Books

How to connect with Eric:

• Franco I/O Consulting | Home (francoioconsulting.com)
• Schedule a session here: https://calendly.com/eric-1074 
• Email: Eric@iofranco.com
• Cell: (520) 440-4050

 **Make sure to mention Business Leaders of America in order to receive 15% off any Franco I/O Consulting packages!

Show Notes:

[2:00] Brief background on Eric and how he got to where he is today.

[:] Eric speaks about his book, Introvert Ninja, and how the introvert H.E.A.R. model came to fruition.

[12:20] Why coaching is so valuable and how to create a “Coaching Culture” within your organization.

[15:05] Tips to reducing attrition.

[18:05] Key differences between leaders and managers and how to develop managers into leaders.

[20:14] Imposter syndrome and how it can impact organizations.

[24:11] Franco I/O Consulting

[28:27] How to engage with Eric and utilize his services.

[29:42] Advice Eric would give to existing and emerging leaders who are looking to either become leaders or become better leaders within their organizations.

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Join us as we embark on a transformative journey with Tim Perreira, the founder of PER Wellness, as he shares his evolution from a thriving tech career to becoming a Performance Coach. In this episode, we unravel insights on overcoming burnout, navigating high-pressure roles, and conquering self-doubt. Tim’s rich experience in sales, spanning over a decade, provides a unique perspective on the intersection of personal wellness and professional success.

As we delve into the complexities of work-life balance and its impact on effective leadership, Tim shares actionable strategies to assist leaders in overcoming challenges and achieving their professional goals.  Tune in for a dynamic conversation filled with wisdom, inspiration, and practical strategies that promise to leave a lasting imprint on your approach to entrepreneurship and well-being.

*Notable Awards and Recognitions* 

• Founder of PER Wellness.
• 11k+ Newsletter Subscribers 
• Achieved remarkable success in the tech and sales domain, accumulating over a decade of valuable experience.

Few Key Takeaways:

“Our well-being is our foundation. Our mindset, what’s going on inside, is the ultimate foundation of everything we want to create in life.” -Tim Perreira

Four fundamentals to focus on:

• Physical 
• Mental 
• Emotional
• Spiritual

How to connect with Tim:

• Tim Perreira | LinkedIn
• PER | Men’s Wellness (perwellness.co)

Show Notes:

[1:28] Brief background on Tim and how he got to where he is today.

[5:46] Common signs or indicators that individuals may be on the verge of burnout, especially in high-pressure environments such as sales or entrepreneurship.

[9:25] Prioritizing well-being while still achieving professional success.

[12:17] How Tim helps people break free from self-doubt and regain confidence.

[17:30] The importance of having some sort of work-life balance and why we can’t always put others needs first.

[21:36] Tools and strategies that Tim employs to assist leaders in overcoming challenges, regaining momentum, and ultimately achieving their professional objectives.

[27:38] How listeners can engage with Tim and take advantage of his services.

[28:59] Advice Tim would give to aspiring entrepreneurs who want to take that next step into building something of their own but are hesitant due to believing they can’t balance it all, being happy, healthy, and successful.

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Join us for a dynamic episode with Joah Spearman, serial entrepreneur, community builder and adviser to CEOs. As one of the few Black tech founder-CEOs to secure $5 million+ without Silicon Valley VCs, Joah founded impactful communities like Localeur. We discuss Localeur’s global impact, explore the potential of AI, and touch on Joah’s role as an adviser to CEOs. Unveiling the power of storytelling in leadership, Joah wraps up with valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Tune in for an engaging conversation on entrepreneurship and community building with Joah Spearman.

*Notable Awards and Recognitions* 

• Founder and CEO of Localeur
• Contributing Author on Technology & DEI for Inc. Magazine
• One of the only Black tech founder-CEOs in history to raise more than $5 million in startup funding without Silicon Valley VCs
• Serviced companies and organizations such as FedEx, Volkswagen, the PAC-12 Conference, Motorola, Southwest Airlines, and more.
• Served on boards for ESPN X Games, South by Southwest Festival, and the Beijing Olympics on various issues
• Keynote Speaker & Strategic Communications Counsel
• Recognized as one of LinkedIn’s “Top Voices” for 2016 & 2017 & 2018
• Austin Under 40 Awards Finalist in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018
• New & Diverse Leaders of Tech
• Top 10 Black Innovator of 2014
• Top Travel Apps for 2015 (Localeur)
• 2013 Emerging Business Leader of the Year
• Principal Speechwriter for Homeland Security

 “Most of my insights come from lessons and failure more than success. That actually equips me to be more successful in the future because I’m still curious as to what works, as opposed to relying on my success bias of the past to say that’s what works every time.” Joah Spearman

How to connect with Joah:

 Joah Spearman | LinkedIn

joahspearman (@joahspearman) / X (twitter.com)

Localeur

Show Notes:

[1:34] Where Joah started and he got to where he is today.

[3:17] How Joah navigated the challenges of creating platform like Localeur that resonates with diverse cultures and preferences around the world.

[6:57] Artificial Intelligence.

[11:48] Common challenges CEOs typically seek advice from Joah on and how he helps them navigate these challenges.

[19:01] How being a communication practitioner has helped Joah to leverage storytelling as a tool for leadership and how it has contributed to his success in building communities.

[21:10] How to engage with Joah and his services as well as learn more about Localeur,

[24:27] Advice Joah would give to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

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In this episode, we’re joined by Robert Weiss, the President of Multivision Digital, a premier corporate video production and marketing firm located in the heart of New York City. With over 14 years of industry experience and an impressive portfolio featuring over 1,500 videos tailored for businesses of all scales, Robert offers a treasure trove of insights into the realm of video marketing. From the profound influence of video on boosting sales to expert strategies for extracting maximum value from each project, prepare for a captivating exploration of the ever-evolving landscape of video marketing. Robert serves as your guide through this dynamic terrain, unveiling a roadmap for success that promises to elevate your business to unprecedented heights. So, immerse yourself in this episode of the Business Leaders of America podcast, where the secrets to harnessing the power of video await!

*Notable Awards and Recognitions* 

• President of MultiVision Digital
• Award-winning video production agency
• Crafted over 1500 videos for businesses from solo entrepreneurs to global Fortune 500 companies.
• 2020 Telly Award for Diversity & Inclusion

Tips to starting a Marketing Service:

o    Focus on People and Processes

o    Low cost to start a Marketing Service due to available resources.

o    Sales, Sales, Sales.

How to connect with Robert:

Video Production Service New York | Video Production NYC (multivisiondigital.com)

Home – Video For Manufacturing Robert Weiss – Video Production Agency | LinkedIn

Show Notes:

[1:54] Brief background on Robert and how he got to where he is today.

[3:17] Robert shares the impact that video content has on businesses and how his company, MultiVision Digital has been successful in their campaigns.

[7 :24] How the integration of video into the sales process impacts conversions and customer engagement.

[11:23] How often businesses should be releasing video content.

[15:41] Robert’s approach to tailoring video content to meet the standards and objectives of their clients.

[17:23] “Blue Tree Example”

[21:30] How some videos can be the same.

[21:30] Scripted videos vs non-scripted

[26:45] Utilization of AI

[28:04] Robert touches on his approach to motivating, providing recognition, and feed back to his team at MultiVision Digital.

[32:58] Work Life Balance

[35:15] What clients can expect from MultiVision Digital and how to connect with Robert.

[21:30] Advice Robert would give to anyone looking to start a marketing service and tips to ensure it runs successfully.

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In today’s episode, we’re joined by Denise Panza, a seasoned mortgage banking professional with over 28 years of experience. Discover firsthand insights into building trust with clients, mastering time management in a competitive market, and leveraging effective marketing strategies, including Denise’s expertise in growing a significant following on social media platforms like LinkedIn. Plus, learn about the crucial role confidence plays in client interactions and how continuous learning fuels professional growth in the mortgage banking industry. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation that offers valuable advice for both new and seasoned leaders.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• 28 years’ experience in the Mortgage Industry
• Licensed in 15 different states. (CT NY MA PA NJ FL RI NC TX OH TN VA GA ME MI)
• 2022 Real Estate Trendsetter Award from Success Magazine
• 2021 Top 100 Community Loan Officers from NAMMBA

Denise’s tips for Effective Marketing on Social Media:

o    Be consistent and post often.

o    Be relatable by not only posting work related content, but also personal content.

o    Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

How to connect with Denise:

Denise Panza | LinkedIn

Phone: (203) 942-6845

Email: dpanza@totalmortgage.com.

Show Notes:

[1:28] Brief intro on Denise and how she got to where she is today.

[3:17] How building and maintaining trust is crucial in a competitive market.

[4:46] Importance of time effectiveness especially when dealing with multiple tasks at once.

[6:10] Advantages and disadvantages of being licensed in multiple states.

[7:38] Continuous education.

[8:22] Effective Marketing and how it attracts potential clients. 

[9:22] Having confidence in yourself, how it impacts interactions with clients, and why it’s a key element in building successful relationships.

[10:48] Prioritizing self-development   

[13:28] Benefits to referring others in your industry instead of trying to take it all on yourself.

[14:44] How to engage with Denise, follow her content, and request information on your loan needs.

[15:43] Advice to staying resilient in the face of challenges.

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