Future-Proofing Leadership: Masterminds and the AI Revolution with Brad Hart

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Brad Hart, the Founder of Optimus, to discuss the critical intersection of high-level peer communities and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. Brad, a seasoned entrepreneur who has launched over 25 mastermind groups globally, shares how curated human connection serves as the ultimate safeguard against the isolation and disruption of the digital age. This conversation provides a strategic roadmap for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) leaders looking to integrate AI into their operations while...

Systematizing Growth: Scaling to Eight Figures with Daniel Strohli

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge speaks with Daniel Strohli, the Founder of ProfitsX, about the specialized strategies required to bridge the gap between mid-sized success and massive scale. Daniel shares his expertise in helping companies in the $5M to $15M revenue range move beyond scattered, founder-dependent operations and into the world of repeatable, process-driven machines. This conversation offers a deep dive into the "connective tissue" of business—the processes that empower people and products to perform at their peak—while providing a mast...

Revitalizing Private Practice: Strategic Medical Marketing with Laura Woodard

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge speaks with Laura Woodard, the Founder of Grass Roots Medical Marketing, about the intensifying pressures facing independent physicians today. With corporate consolidation and administrative burdens causing an exodus of private practitioners, Laura shares her thirty years of expertise to help doctors reclaim their local authority and compete effectively with hospital-owned entities. This conversation provides a high-level roadmap for healthcare providers to bridge the gap between their clinical excellence and their digital presence, ensuring they can reach the...

Human-Centric Merchant Services: Optimizing Payment Systems with Jimmy Estrada

In this episode ofThe Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Jimmy Estrada, the Founder and Owner ofJELA Payments Systems, to demystify the complex world of merchant services. Jimmy shares how his firm bridges the gap between massive, faceless payment processors and the independent business owners who often find themselves stranded when technical glitches or funding holds arise. This conversation offers a strategic look at how a high-touch, consultative approach to payment systems can help B2B firms and retailers reclaim their profit margins, mitigate risk...

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Marketing and Operations for Scalable Growth with Kasandra Murray

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Kasandra Murray, the Founder and Owner of Unlucky Umbrella Studio, to discuss the critical intersection of lead generation and operational fulfillment. Kasandra shares her expertise on why even the most aggressive marketing campaigns are doomed to fail if a business lacks the back-end systems to support an influx of new interest. This conversation provides a strategic roadmap for entrepreneurs who are tired of "leaky buckets" in their sales funnels and...

Future-Proofing B2B Marketing: AI, Omnichannel Strategies, and Decades of Wisdom with Melih Oztalay

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Melih Oztalay, the CEO of SmartFinds Marketing, to explore the seismic shifts currently reshaping the B2B landscape. With a marketing career spanning back to 1987, Melih offers a rare perspective on how to bridge the gap between traditional advertising principles and the hyper-accelerated world of AI-driven engagement. This conversation serves as a strategic roadmap for leaders looking to move beyond single-channel tactics and embrace a holistic, 360-degree approach that...

Mastering the SaaS Journey: Building, Scaling, and Exiting with Draven McConville

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Draven McConville, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and angel investor, to discuss the high-stakes world of SaaS development and strategic exits. Draven shares his journey of founding Klipboard, a platform that revolutionized the field service industry by digitizing paper-heavy workflows for tradespeople. This conversation serves as a comprehensive guide for founders and investors alike, offering deep dives into the nuances of raising capital, identifying underserved market niches, and navigating the complex emotional and...

Unlocking Narrative Authority: The Transformative Power of Storytelling with Amanda Johnson

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Amanda Johnson, the Co-Founder and CEO of Saved By Story, to explore how authentic narrative serves as the ultimate differentiator for high-performing leaders. Amanda, often referred to as the "Story Oracle," discusses how entrepreneurs can move beyond the "information dump" of traditional marketing to create deep, emotional connections that establish lasting authority. The conversation provides a roadmap for professionals who feel their message is getting lost in the noise and offers a...

The New Frontier of Hospitality: Optimizing for AI and Direct Bookings with Adam Hamadache

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge sits down with Adam Hamadache, the CEO of Formula Digital, to discuss the radical evolution of how travelers find and book accommodations. As AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity begin to act as digital concierges, traditional SEO is no longer enough for independent hotels to remain competitive. Adam shares his expertise on how hospitality brands can bridge the gap between classic search engine visibility and the emerging world of AI optimization...

The Six Pillars of Effective Leadership: In-Depth Insights from Jim Carlough

In this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with Jim Carlough, founder of Jim Carlough, a veteran leadership coach who helps executives navigate the complex transition from management to true leadership. Their conversation explores the foundational principles of integrity, empathy, and community-building that define high-performing organizations. This post captures the most impactful insights from their discussion, offering a roadmap for leaders who want to move beyond titles and start building teams rooted in trust and accountability within The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast.

Mastering the Art of...

Unlocking the Power of Personal Branding: Expert Insights from Shaan Rais

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur Podcast, host Josh Elledge speaks with Shaan Rais, founder of The Leadership Leverage, about bridging the gap between high-level expertise and market visibility. They explore how leaders can overcome the psychological hurdles of self-promotion by utilizing cinematic storytelling and authentic human connection to build authority. Shaan also details his 120-day branding blueprint, providing a strategic roadmap for experts to transform their personal journey into a powerful engine for credibility and profitability.

Bridging the Gap Between Competence and...

How Comedy Builds Trust, Connection, and Stronger Leadership Teams with Elizabeth Walker

In this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with Elizabeth Walker, host of the Dear Business Coach Podcast and a workplace communication expert who helps leaders use humor as a tool for connection and trust. Their conversation explores how comedy—when used intentionally—can break down barriers, improve communication, and create psychologically safe environments where teams thrive. This blog captures the most impactful insights from their discussion, offering leaders a fresh perspective on how humor can elevate leadership effectiveness and workplace culture.

Using Humor as a...

The Power of Peer-to-Peer Advisory Groups: How Jerry Brazie Helps Entrepreneurs Avoid Costly Mistakes

In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Jerry Brazie, founder of The Kronos Group, to explore why entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Jerry shares how peer-to-peer advisory groups provide business owners with trusted insight, accountability, and real-world problem-solving that goes far beyond motivation or surface-level advice. Drawing from decades of experience building and advising companies, Jerry explains why consistent peer engagement can be the difference between costly mistakes and sustained growth.

Why Peer-to-Peer Advisory Groups Create Stronger, Sm...

How AI and Digital Transformation Are Reshaping Heavy Equipment Dealerships with Vikram Savkar

In this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with Vikram Savkar, CEO of VitalEdge Technologies, about how AI, ERP systems, and digital transformation are redefining heavy equipment dealerships across agriculture, construction, forestry, mining, and material handling. Vikram shares how industry-specific ERP platforms create operational leverage in a margin-sensitive environment and explains why incremental efficiency gains often produce the greatest competitive advantage. This blog captures the most important insights from their conversation, offering a clear roadmap for dealership leaders navigating modernization and AI adoption.

...

From Burnout to Alignment: How Leaders Can Thrive with Human-Centered Marketing and the Working Genius Framework

In this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with Allie Jones, Founder of Allie Jones Consulting, to explore her journey from burnout as a third-grade teacher to becoming a marketing strategist and business alignment coach. Allie shares why human-centered marketing matters more than ever in an AI-driven world and explains how leaders can reclaim clarity, joy, and effectiveness by aligning their work with their natural strengths. Their conversation highlights the transformative power of the Working Genius framework and offers actionable steps for...

Branding as a Verb: Actionable Insights from Emily Brackett

In this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with Emily Brackett, Founder of Visible Logic, Inc. and the creator of Branding Compass, to explore why branding is far more than a logo or color palette. Emily explains how branding is an active, ongoing process that shapes how people perceive your business—through both tangible design elements and intangible emotional connections. Their conversation breaks down the common mistakes founders make, the rising role of AI in branding, and the foundational strategic work that separates memorable brands from mediocre ones.

Harnessing the Hypomanic Advantage: Leadership Insights from Todd Hagopian

In this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with Todd Hagopian, Executive Director of the Stagnation Intelligence Agency and author of The Unfair Advantage: Weaponizing the Hypomanic Toolbox. Todd shares his remarkable journey—from spending 15 years undiagnosed with bipolar disorder to engineering a systematic way to harness the productive power of hypomania without the chaos. This conversation explores how neurodiverse traits can be transformed into high-performance leadership tools, offering powerful strategies for productivity, innovation, prioritization, and sustainable success.

How Neurodiverse Leadership Becomes a Strategic Superpower

To...

How Strategic Thinking Transforms Leadership: Insights from Charlie Curson

In this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with Charlie Curson, strategist, leadership coach, author, and Founder & Director of Mandarin Associates. Their conversation explores the deeper meaning of strategic thinking—beyond planning—and reveals how leaders can elevate their impact through self-awareness, open-mindedness, creativity, and influence. This blog distills Charlie’s most valuable insights, showing professionals how to approach leadership with greater clarity, adaptability, and long-term strategic focus.

Building a Stronger Strategic Mindset for Modern Leadership

Charlie Curson explains that strategy is fundamentally different from planni...

Overcoming Insecurity in Midlife with Jaemin Frazer

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Jaemin Frazer—Founder of The Insecurity Project, author of Unhindered, and host of the Unhindered Podcast. Jaemin shares why insecurity often peaks in midlife, how early childhood beliefs silently shape adult behavior, and what ambitious professionals can do to break free from self-doubt. His insights offer a practical and compassionate roadmap for anyone ready to confront insecurity and step into a more confident, purposeful version of themselves.

How Insecurity Shapes Midlife and How to Overcome It

...

Fathers Eve: Building Community and Connection for Dads Everywhere

In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews John Francis, Founder of Fathers Eve, to explore how a small garage gathering grew into a nationwide movement supporting dads through connection, camaraderie, and community. John shares how Fathers Eve began organically in Minnesota and has since expanded into a global celebration held the night before Father’s Day. He discusses the challenges many men face around social isolation and why intentional, judgment-free gatherings can have such a powerful impact on mental health, family life, and community strength.

How Fa...

Navigating the Future of Digital Connections with Jane Kubryak

In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Jane Kubryak, venture capitalist and startup scout at Social Discovery Group, to explore the future of digital connection platforms, AI companions, and the shifting venture capital landscape. Jane shares her global journey from Russia to Montenegro, her role in scouting high-potential founders, and the unique market insights she’s gained working with one of the largest digital-connection companies in the world. Her perspective offers invaluable guidance for founders navigating today’s polarized funding environment and for investors looking to d...

How to Transform Your Construction Business: Insights from Leyah Valgardson Hostetter

In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Leyah Valgardson Hostetter—Founder and Principal Consultant of Leyah&Co. Leyah shares her unique perspective on why the construction industry struggles with consistency, communication, and client satisfaction, and how business owners can fix these problems by intentionally designing a standout client experience. Drawing from her decades of experience and her work coaching over 150 construction owners, Leyah explains how client experience, operational alignment, and team empowerment can transform chaotic businesses into smooth-running, referral-generating powerhouses.

Designing a...

Unlocking High-Performance Leadership: Lessons from John Murphy on Mindful Management and Business Transformation

In this episode, host Josh Elledge speaks with John Murphy, founder of Venture Management Consultants, Inc. and author of more than 20 books including Miracle Minded Manager. Their conversation explores the intersection of nature, spirituality, process improvement, and the art of simplifying leadership in today’s complex business environment. This blog distills the most powerful ideas from their discussion, giving leaders actionable takeaways to elevate performance, mindset, and organizational culture.

Leadership Insights That Transform Teams and Organizations

John Murphy’s leadership phil...

How to Build a Thriving Creative Business: In-Depth Lessons from Miriam Schulman

In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Miriam Schulman, founder and CEO of Schulman Art and The Inspiration Place, to unpack the essential principles behind building a profitable and sustainable creative business. Miriam—also the author of the HarperCollins book Art, Inc.—shares her expertise on storytelling, branding, pricing, audience-building, and the mindset needed to overcome creative resistance. Her unique blend of artistic mastery and business strategy provides a powerful roadmap for any creator looking to turn passion into profit.

The Powe...

Building a Strong Business Foundation with Lyndsay Stafford

In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Lyndsay Stafford—founder and CEO of Stafford Solutions—to explore the essential building blocks entrepreneurs often overlook. Lyndsay shares insights from her corporate retail background and her work helping small business owners create clarity, strengthen their branding, and build systems that support long-term growth. Her perspective offers grounded guidance for business owners who feel overwhelmed and want a clearer path to scaling sustainably and confidently.

How Strong Foundations Drive Sustainable Business Growth

Lyndsay explains that many entrepreneurs struggle beca...

Mastering Profitability and Mindset with Profit Doctor Ben

In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Dr. Ben Hansen—widely known as Profit Doctor Ben—to explore how mindset, emotional resilience, and strategic decision-making shape long-term business profitability. Dr. Hansen shares hard-earned lessons from scaling a multimillion-dollar company, experiencing burnout, and later helping hundreds of entrepreneurs break free from revenue-driven overwhelm. His insights reveal why simplifying operations, strengthening your CEO psychology, and eliminating hidden inefficiencies are the real drivers of sustainable profit and long-term freedom.

The Psychology Behind Profit and Sustainable Business Growth

Dr...

Proactive Tax Strategies for Entrepreneurs: Insights from Danielle Michel, CEO of Oro Tax Advisors

In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Danielle Michel, serial entrepreneur, CPA, and CEO/co-founder of Oro Tax Advisors, to unpack the tax strategies most business owners overlook. Danielle shares her journey from running multiple businesses to building a tax advisory firm designed to give small and mid-sized entrepreneurs access to elite, strategic tax planning. This blog distills her most valuable advice—from entity structure to real estate strategies—offering a clear roadmap for business owners who want to save money, prot...

From AM Radios to Artificial Intelligence: Lessons on Adapting to Technological Change with Kevin Surace

In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Kevin Surace—keynote speaker, futurist, inventor, and serial entrepreneur—to explore the evolution of technology from AM radios to artificial intelligence. Kevin blends nostalgia for classic tech with practical, forward-thinking insights on AI adoption, prompting listeners to consider how curiosity, thoughtful engagement, and strategic use of new tools can shape the future of work and creativity. This blog distills the episode’s key lessons, offering actionable guidance for anyone navigating the rapidly shifting AI lan...

Insights from Avi Aflalo, CEO of Simplex Mapping Solutions

In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Avi Aflalo, CEO and Co-Founder of Simplex Mapping Solutions Ltd., to explore how advanced 3D immersive mapping is reshaping real estate development, design, planning, and sales. Drawing from his background as a marathon runner, Avi explains how endurance, preparation, and vision fuel innovation—and how Simplex 3D is helping developers, architects, municipalities, and buyers make smarter, faster, and more confident decisions. This article breaks down the key themes, insights, and practical takeaways from their discussion.

How AI Is Democratizing Patent Protection: Insights from Ophir Katzir, Co-Founder & CEO of senseIP

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Ophir Katzir, Co-Founder and CEO of senseIP, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the world of intellectual property (IP) and patent protection. With a background spanning volunteer firefighting, inventing, and startup leadership, Ophir brings a rare blend of resilience, technical expertise, and mission-driven innovation. This conversation offers a practical roadmap for inventors, founders, and enterprises ready to protect their ideas faster, more affordably, and more confidently using AI.

The Enduring Power of Direct Mail: Expert Insights from Zairmail’s Wilson Zehr

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge welcomes Wilson Zehr, Founder and CEO of Zairmail, for a deep exploration into why direct mail is still one of the most effective marketing channels in today’s digital-first world. Wilson draws from decades of experience—plus a surprising connection to competitive swimming—to illustrate how businesses can blend digital convenience with physical mail for unmatched engagement and ROI. This episode offers a practical, insightful guide for any leader looking to leverage direct mail to scale...

Mastering Stress and Nervous System Regulation for High Performance: Insights from Kristen Boss

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge welcomes Kristen Boss, Founder of Sondera, executive coach, keynote speaker, and host of The Kristen Boss Podcast. Kristen dives deep into the power of nervous system regulation, helping high achievers and leaders understand how to perform sustainably under pressure. Her approach bridges neuroscience, leadership, and emotional intelligence—offering strategies that empower professionals to thrive without burning out.

How Nervous System Intelligence Fuels Resilient Leadership

Kristen opens by revealing how intentional st...

Mastering Business Growth: Insights from Mark Abbott, Founder & CEO of Ninety, on Operating Systems, Culture, and Organizational Maturity

In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Mark Abbott, Founder and CEO of Ninety, for a deep dive into business operating systems, organizational culture, and the journey of scaling small and mid-sized companies. Mark—drawing on decades of experience in entrepreneurship, software development, coaching, and workplace culture—explains how leaders can build high-performing, resilient organizations by implementing the right frameworks at the right time. This blog breaks down the episode’s key insights and practical guidance to help b...

Mastering B2B SaaS Pricing: Expert Strategies from Dan Balcauski of Product Tranquility

In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Dan Balcauski, Founder and Principal Consultant of Product Tranquility, to uncover the true science behind effective B2B SaaS pricing. With over two decades in software and deep expertise in pricing strategy, Dan explains why pricing is often misunderstood, what founders consistently overlook, and how SaaS leaders can turn pricing from a liability into a powerful growth lever. This blog breaks down the episode’s most actionable insights to help SaaS founders and product leaders bu...

Unlocking Global Talent and Founder Freedom: Insights from Sid Jashnani of Rekruuto

In this episode, host Josh Elledge talks with Sid Jashnani, Founder of Rekruuto and certified EOS implementer, about how founders can reclaim their time, scale with confidence, and access high-performing global talent. Sid shares his personal leadership journey, his frameworks for effective delegation, and his expert perspective on hiring senior-level overseas professionals—revealing practical, repeatable systems founders can apply immediately.

The Power of Global Hiring and Delegation for Founders

Sid’s story begins on the golf course with his 14-year-old son duri...

Unlocking the Power of Nearshore Talent: Insights from Rob Levin of WorkBetterNow

In this episode, host Josh Elledge talks with Rob Levin, Chairman and Co-Founder of WorkBetterNow, about how nearshore talent is transforming the way small and mid-sized businesses scale and strengthen their teams. Rob—also the host of the Great Talent Great Business podcast and author of the forthcoming New Talent Playbook—explains why nearshoring offers a competitive advantage and how companies can use it to build high-performing, culture-aligned teams.

Why Nearshore Talent Is Transforming the Modern Workforce

Rob explains that U.S. c...

From Chaos to Clarity — How To Be Limitless Helps You Lead with Discipline and Impact

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Mick Todd, high-performance coach and Founder of To Be Limitless. Mick shares powerful insights on how to unlock clarity, discipline, and high performance to create lasting success—both personally and professionally. With his background in elite coaching and leadership development, Mick helps entrepreneurs and executives design lives filled with purpose, intentionality, and measurable progress.

Stack Great Weeks, Build a Limitless Life

Mick Todd believes success doesn’t come...

The Science of Ethical Persuasion — Strategies to Hear “Yes” More Often with Patrick Van Der Burght

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Patrick Van Der Burght, SHIELD Certified Coach, Sydney Institute licensed trainer, and founder of Ethical Persuasion. Patrick shares how ethical persuasion—rooted in behavioral science—can drastically improve how you communicate, sell, and lead. He explains why persuasion isn’t about manipulation but about building trust, creating clarity, and helping others say “yes” to what’s right for them.

Master the Psychology of Persuasion Without Manipulation

Patrick Van Der...

How to Make Bold Decisions and Avoid Burnout — Leadership Lessons from Apollo Emeka

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Apollo Emeka, Founder of Apollo Strategy Group Inc. and former Green Beret, Army National Guard veteran, and FBI intelligence analyst. Drawing from a remarkable journey through elite military service, entrepreneurship, and personal reinvention, Apollo shares a decision-making framework designed for high-impact leadership without burnout. If you're looking to lead boldly, energize your team, and create certainty in uncertain times, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

A Proven Framework for Bo...

Reclaiming Men’s Health: Proactive Wellness, Vulnerability, and the Power of Service — Lessons from Christopher Zaino

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Christopher Zaino, former Mister America and Mister Universe, and Founder of The Stallion Project. Christopher shares his inspiring journey of overcoming ulcerative colitis and embracing a mission to help men reclaim their health, vitality, and purpose. This episode is a powerful call to action for men ready to live intentionally, with honesty, strength, and holistic wellness at the forefront.

The Stallion Protocol: Realigning Men with Health and Purp...