Business Leaders of America Podcast

Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast! In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Brian Fitzpatrick, the CEO and Chairman of Qredible.

Brian leads Qredible, the world’s first enterprise quality management ecosystem designed specifically for high-risk industries like cannabis, CBD, and nutraceuticals. Qredible is transforming these industries through its AI-powered, blockchain-enabled SaaS platform, which efficiently connects the entire product supply chain from end to end.

With over 25 years of experience as a CEO and Executive Leader, Brian has a proven track record in building and advancing financial and regulatory technology companies to successful exits. He specializes in innovative cloud-based software solutions that tackle complex industry issues using advanced technologies such as machine learning, robotic process automation, and blockchain.

During our interview, Brian shared the mission of Qredible and its impact on the safety and compliance of high-risk industries. We discussed the biggest challenges he has faced while building Qredible and how he overcame them. Brian provided valuable examples highlighting the importance of robust regulatory and compliance measures, and he shared his strategies for staying current with the latest trends in technology and business. We also delved into his future aspirations for Qredible and his advice for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• CEO and Chairman of Qredible

• 25 years of experience in software and related platform companies, having built-up financial and regulatory tech companies and advancing them to successful exits.

• SmartCEO’s Voltage Award as a recognized Leader in Technology

• Awarded HousingWire Magazine’s prestigious Vanguard Award™ which is awarded to a C-Level Executives.

• 2x finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Philadelphia Region)

• Finalist for the Marcum Innovator of the Year Award

How to connect with Brian Fitzpatrick

· Brian Fitzpatrick |LinkedIn

· Qredible,Inc. | Enterprise Quality Management System SaaS for Highly Regulated

Industries: Overview | LinkedIn

· Fitz On Life Newsletter: LinkedIn

· Qredible – YouTube

Show Notes

[1:41] Brief intro on how Brian got to where he is today.

[6:05] Mission behind Qredible and how it’s transforming the safety and compliance of high-risk industries.

[10:12] Challenges while building Qredible.

[15:07] The importance of having regulatory and compliance measures in place.

[20:16] How Qredible stays current with trends and changes in laws.

[24:07] How legalization of cannabis on a federal level will actually benefit Qredible.

[26:20] Brian’s aspirations for Qredible and other ventures he’s involved in.

[30:21] How to connect with Brian and learn more about Qredible.

[31:28] Advice for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast! In this episode, we have a special guest, Greg Wasserman, who has made significant strides in the podcasting and AI industries. Greg’s mission is to live a life of curiosity, trust, love, fitness, and adventure, using his superpower of connecting with people to help them grow and succeed.

Greg is the head of relationships at Castmagic, where he played a pivotal role in growing the company from $0 to $1M ARR in its first year. With a rich background in advertising, sales, and startups, he has a unique perspective on building meaningful connections and generating revenue. Greg has sold podcast ads, run three successful podcast listening platforms, and now supports podcasters with content repurposing through an innovative AI platform.

In our interview, we discussed his insights on brand building, playing the long game, and the importance of the skills you learn now, which may become your superpowers later. We also explored his achievements at Castmagic, his advice for podcasters on monetizing their content, and his perspective on mental health in the business world.

Tune in to hear Greg Wasserman’s inspiring journey and gain actionable insights on how to leverage podcasts to build your brand and drive success.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

• Head of Relationships at Castmagic

• Grew revenue at Castmagic from $0 to $1M ARR in the first year

• Created partnerships, resellers, and affiliate channels, driving significant value for startups

• Consulted and coached podcasters on increasing distribution, growing their audience, and monetizing their content

• Developed go-to-market strategies for non-endemic revenue streams in startup environments

How to connect with Greg Wasserman

·        Castmagic- 10x Audio Content With AI

·        Greg Wasserman | LinkedIn

Show Notes

[1:28] Brief intro on how Greg got to where he is today.

[3:48] Helping grow Castmagic from $0 to $1 Million ARR in the first year.

[6:08] How to learn more about Castmagic.

[6:43] Monetizing your podcast and viewing your podcast as a brand.

[12:39] Essential elements of building a strong brand.

[16:00] Amount of content necessary to build your brand.

[21:29] Playing the long game.

[27:43] Mental health in the business world.

[32:12] How to connect with Greg and learn more about his business.

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Welcome to another episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast! In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Steven Pope, the founder of My Amazon Guy, a leading Amazon agency boasting $20 million in annual revenue and over 400 active brands.

Steven’s journey is truly inspiring. From his beginnings as a TV reporter in Idaho to becoming an eCommerce director for various brands, and now leading a 500+ person agency, his career is a testament to innovation and perseverance. In addition to My Amazon Guy, Steven owns several Amazon brands and My Refund Guy. He has also shared his extensive knowledge through his best-selling book, “Amazon Selling Tips,” and has millions of views on YouTube, where he provides solutions for every Amazon challenge imaginable.

In this episode, we delve into the major challenges Amazon sellers face today and how My Amazon Guy helps them navigate these obstacles. Steven shares his strategies for training a large team, achieving significant growth, and the impact of content creation on his business. We’ll also explore how he manages his multiple ventures and gain insights from his book that are invaluable for Amazon sellers.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Steven Pope as we uncover the secrets behind his success and gather practical advice for thriving in the eCommerce space. Stay tuned!

Notable Awards and Recognitions

·        Founder of My Amazon Guy, an agency with $20 million in annual revenue and 400+ active brands.

·        Created My Amazon Guy, an agency with 500+ employees focused on growing traffic and sales on Amazon.

·        Owner of My Refund Guy and 4 Amazon Brands: Momstir & Age of Sage, HOLSTIT, and Steven-Pope.com.

·        Millions of views on YouTube with thousands of videos showing how to handle any problem faced on Amazon.

·        Best selling author with his book “Amazon Selling Tips.”

How to connect with Steven Pope

·        Steven Pope | LinkedIn

·        Steven Pope – Amazon Expert – My Amazon Guy Founder (steven-pope.com)

·        Amazon Experts | Amazon FBA Agency | My Amazon Guy

·        Internships At My Amazon Guy | Seller Central Agency | Accelerate Amazon Sales With My Amazon Guy

·        Amazon Selling Tips: Seller’s Guide to the 4 Growth Pillars of FBA with PPC, SEO, Catalog, and Design: Pope, Steven: 9798373554978: Amazon.com: Books

·        https://youtube.com/myamazonguy

·        ‎My Amazon Guy on Apple Podcasts

Show Notes

[1:38] Brief intro on how Steven got to where he is today.

[5:26] Top challenges that sellers face and how My Amazon Guy helps them overcome these challenges.

[9:31] Proving proper training through SOP’s to ensure employees remain knowledgeable and effective.

[18:53] Internships at My Amazon Guy

[21:18] Steven’s strategies and practices for achieving remarkable growth.

[28:31] Start-up costs of selling on Amazon.

[33:25] Managing work and business life.

[37:13] Steven’s book, “My Amazon Selling Tips”

[38:35] How to connect with Steven Pope and the best business advice he can ever give.

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We’re excited to share our conversation with Tina Greenbaum, the founder and CEO of Mastery Under Pressure. Tina is a high-performance coach, psychotherapist, and author who has dedicated her career to helping high achievers excel under pressure. Her innovative approach combines traditional psychotherapy with body awareness, sport psychology, energy psychology, neuroscience, and spirituality.

With 39 years of experience, Tina has worked with executives, athletes, artists, and speakers, empowering them to manage their emotions and perform at their best in high-stress situations. She has also shared her expertise as a keynote and TEDx speaker, and through her book, “Mastery Under Pressure.”

In this episode, Tina shared her profound lessons about human potential and performance, strategies for managing emotions in high-stakes environments, and

insights from her 12-week performance training course. She also discussed the inspiration behind her book and how it complements her coaching program.

Join us as we delve into Tina Greenbaum’s wealth of knowledge and discover how you can elevate your performance under pressure.

Notable Awards and Recognitions

·        Founder and CEO of Mastery Under Pressure

·        Over 39 years of experience as a psychotherapist and peak performance coach, helping individuals and teams manage emotions in challenging and pressured situations.

·        Advised Silicon Valley executives, Wall Street bankers, athletes, artists, dancers, and actors. Clients include, Bank of America, C-Suite Network, Vistage, and Provisors.

·        Created the 12-week performance training course “Mastery Under Pressure” to teach mental skills for optimum performance

·        Author of the book “Mastery Under Pressure”

·        Host of the podcast “Under the Hood”

How to connect with Tina Greenbaum

·        Tina Greenbaum| LinkedIn

·        tinagreenbaum.media

·        Business Management Consultant | Mastery Under Pressure

·         Mastery Under Pressure – YouTube

·         Amazon.com: Mastery Under Pressure: All that stands between you and your goals…is YOU!: 9781796241211: Greenbaum LCSW, Tina, Hayzlett, Jeffrey: Books

Show Notes

[1:41] Brief intro on how Tina got to where she is today.

[5:44] Similarities between coaching athletes and executives.

[8:10] Lessons Tina has learned over the past four decades about human potential and performance

[12:03] “Make your Best, Better”

[16:13] Managing emotions in high stakes, high stressful environments

[24:58] Self Awareness

[26:52] Tina’s 12-Week Training Program

[37:17] How to connect with Tina, listen to her podcast “Under the Hood”, and learn more about Mastery Under Pressure.

[39:11] Advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to improve their performance under pressure.

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In this episode, Chris Dyer, company culture and remote work expert, shares with us the importance of company culture, what mistakes companies make when trying to establish “sticky” change, and even shares some insights on his new book release, “the Power of Company Culture” 2nd Edition. Chris is a former CEO where he managed thousands of people and was named one of the fastest growing companies 5x by Inc Magazine. He is a bestselling author of two books, The Power of Company Culture and Remote Work. As a leadership speaker his goal is to inspire audiences by offering an innovative perspective on leadership to improve company culture and empower organizations to discover new successes. 

*Notable Awards and Recognitions* 

• #1 Leadership Speaker on Culture
• #5 on the Leadershum Power List
• Top 50 Voice in Leadership
• Top 40 Change Management Guru
• Top 50 Global Thought Leader
• Top 50 Leadership Podcast
• Top 50 HR Leaders Shaping the Future of Work
• Top 101 Global Employee and Engagement & Experience Influencer

All awarded this year!

Few Key Takeaways:

Implementing changes

• Ensure the change is positive for your people and organization.
• Empower the early adopters.
• Focus on the slow adopters by having them work with the early adopters.
• Start with People first, then focus on process, tools, and technology.

Project Management Processes

• Have a project management process in place whether it’s Scrum and Agile, 6-Sigma, Lean, etc. and use it as a framework to drive results.
• Give everyone a clear transparency about, how do we get things done.

Check out Chris’s new book that was released on Oct 31st with tons of new case studies and information!

• The Power of Company Culture 2nd Edition
• Remote Work

How to connect with Chris

Chris Dyer | LinkedIn

Website: Chris Dyer: Helping Good Companies Become Extraordinary

Show Notes:

[1:10] Chris shares with us his background and how he got to where he is today.

[3:22] Why Chris promotes a remote and hybrid work approach and how companies can utilize it more effectively. 

[7:30] Tailoring strategies for clients.

[12:30] Implementing changes for the long term. 

[18:15] Scrum and Agile Management

[20:58] Common mistakes that new business owners make when trying to do it all on their own instead of reaching out for help like they would get from Corporate Direct.

[25:12] How to land keynote speeches and become a great motivational speaker.

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In this episode, JC Cedeno, founder and CEO of Palm Era, which is a multicultural marketing agency serving clients in the US and LATAM, illuminates the challenges and rewards of running his own marketing agency. We touch on ways they differentiate from marketing agencies at Palm Era, as well as, the importance of storytelling in marketing campaigns. JC is a passionate entrepreneur driven by the possibility that new things can be done. His ability to formulate actionable strategies, create powerful storytelling combined with financial metrics, help him and his team at Palm Era generate massive value for their clients. 

*Notable Awards and Recognitions* 

• Emmy Award Winner
• WINA 2023 Award Winner
• World Record Holder

Few Key Takeaways:

Differentiating Factors from other Marketing Agencies-

• Clients want ROI
• Not just measuring branding campaigns, but really understanding the business and business context beyond marketing.
• Vertical business unit structure, cross-functional teams.

Importance of storytelling in marketing campaigns-

• Cultural Relevance
• Connecting on the basis of heritage.

3 tips when thinking about launching a business-

• Be ready to work long hours
• Understand the financial side of the business
• Invest in your people

Show Notes:

[1:51] JC shares with us how he got to where he is today.

[4:21] When JC realized he wanted to start PalmEra Marketing.

[5:13] Differentiating from other multicultural marketing agencies.

[7:43] Client Retention

[9:32] Ensuring employees align with Palm Era’s core values.

[10:57] Unique challenges and opportunities Palm Era faces while marketing to the latino audiences.

[13:33] Developing niche market campaigns.

[14:45] Market research and data analysis most valuable to understand the latino market.

[16:12] Work dynamics at Palm Era 

[17:54] Choosing the best media and communication channels most effective for each campaign.

[19:52] Importance of storytelling in campaigns.

[24:22] Utilization of AI.

[26:17] Advice given by JC to listeners who are looking to become leaders or become better leaders within their organizations.

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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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