Unlocking Leadership and Decision-Making: Insights from Rick Williams

In this episode, Josh Elledge sits down with Rick Williams—keynote speaker, author of Create the Future: Powerful Decision Making Tools for Your Company and Yourself, and experienced board member—to explore actionable strategies for leaders. Rick shares how diverse experiences, effective board governance, and structured decision-making can accelerate organizational success and personal leadership growth.

Leadership Lessons and Decision-Making Frameworks

Rick emphasizes that leadership is a blend of strategy, personal growth, and practical execution. Drawing lessons from sailing and photography, he explains how diverse interests can...

Why Writing a Book in 2025 Is a Game-Changer for Entrepreneurs: Expert Insights from Book Coach Jennifer Crosswhite

In today’s fast-moving business world, standing out as a thought leader requires more than just expertise—it requires authority. In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Jennifer Crosswhite, seasoned book coach, editor, and CEO and Owner of Tandem Services Inc., to discuss why writing a book in 2025 is one of the most powerful moves an entrepreneur, coach, or CEO can make. Jennifer shares her experience navigating both traditional and self-publishing, revealing actionable strategies for...

Transforming Lives and Businesses: The Power of Remote Teams with ZimWorX

In a world where remote work is reshaping the way companies operate, ZimWorX is leading the charge by combining operational excellence with social impact. In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge spoke with JW Oliver, CEO and Co-founder of ZimWorX, about how the company is transforming lives in regions with high unemployment while delivering top-tier remote workforce solutions. This post highlights actionable insights and strategies from their conversation for leaders looking to grow their business and make a meaningful impact.

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How to Find and Secure Speaking Gigs: Expert Strategies from Dannella Burnett

Are you a coach, business owner, or expert looking to grow your audience, income, and impact through speaking? In a recent podcast episode, Josh Elledge sat down with Dannella Burnett, founder of Speakers Need to Speak and Encore Elite Events, to share actionable strategies for landing more speaking gigs, maximizing stage opportunities, and building a sustainable speaking career.

Unlocking More Speaking Opportunities

One of the biggest hurdles speakers face is access—finding the right events that align with their expertise and go...

How to Optimize Your Brand for AI Search: Expert Insights from Liudmila Kiseleva, Vertology AI Founder

AI is transforming SEO, changing how brands are discovered and perceived online. In a recent episode, Josh Elledge interviewed Liudmila Kiseleva, Founder of Vertology AI, about strategies brands can use to thrive in AI-driven search. From updating digital footprints to leveraging AI visibility tools, Liudmila shared actionable tips to help businesses stay relevant and authoritative in this evolving landscape.

The AI SEO Revolution: Key Strategies for Brands

Liudmila explains that AI-powered search is shifting from traditional keyword...

Unlocking the Power of Generative AI Agents: Insights from Ajay Malik, CEO of StudioX

Generative AI is revolutionizing the way businesses operate, moving beyond basic chatbots to autonomous AI agents that can handle complex workflows. In this episode, Josh Elledge interviews Ajay Malik, CEO and founder of StudioX, about how agent-based AI is transforming enterprise efficiency, automating repetitive tasks, and enabling smarter decision-making. Ajay shares practical strategies for adopting AI, leveraging no-code tools, and integrating intelligent agents into business operations for measurable results.

How Agent AI is Changing Business

Most businesses are familiar...

Thriving in Uncertainty: Leadership, Learning, and Performance Science with Dr. Carla Fowler

In an unpredictable world, leaders and professionals need more than strategies—they need resilience, adaptability, and insight. In this episode, host Josh Elledge sits down with Dr. Carla Fowler, Founder and Managing Director of THAXA®, to explore how high performance, deliberate learning, and science-backed leadership approaches can help individuals not just survive, but thrive in uncertainty.

Mastering Learning and Leadership in Uncertainty

Dr. Carla Fowler brings a unique perspective, combining human biology, immunology, medicine, and over a decade of executive coaching to...

The Power of Inner Work: Transforming Relationships, Business, and Emotional Health with Ray Biancalana

In this episode, Josh Elledge sits down with Ray Biancalana—certified relationship coach, best-selling author, and founder of Coaching with Ray—to explore how inner work transforms relationships, business success, and emotional well-being. Drawing from decades of experience, Ray shares actionable insights on self-inquiry, shadow work, and breaking free from emotional patterns that hold us back. Listeners gain practical strategies for addressing internal barriers and cultivating curiosity, vulnerability, and connection in all areas of life.

Inner Work as the Key to Pers...

Building Business Value Through Strategic Branding: Insights from Wendy Coulter of Hummingbird Creative Group

In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviewed Wendy Coulter, President and CEO of Hummingbird Creative Group. With over three decades of expertise in branding and marketing, Wendy discussed how strategic branding can transform a business—not just in terms of sales and marketing, but across company culture, operations, and even its overall valuation. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, marketers, and entrepreneurs looking to leverage branding for long-term success.

Strategic Branding as...

Breaking Barriers and Building Community: Brittney Lincoln’s Guide to Women in Franchising

In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, Josh Elledge sits down with Brittney Lincoln, Founder of Females in Franchising, to explore the opportunities and challenges for women in the franchising industry. Brittney shares her journey, insights on gender dynamics, and practical strategies for women looking to succeed in franchising. This conversation highlights the power of mentorship, community, and emerging franchise opportunities, offering a roadmap for aspiring and current female entrepreneurs in the space.

Empowering Women in a Male-Dominated Industry

Br...

Unlocking Small Business Success: Insights from Levi King, Founder & CEO of Nav

In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Levi King, Founder and CEO of Nav, about building a solid financial foundation for small business growth. Levi draws on his experience as a serial entrepreneur and fintech leader to unpack the complexities of business credit, share best practices for navigating the often unregulated lending landscape, and highlight the mental health priorities that keep entrepreneurs resilient. This conversation offers practical strategies and tools for business owners who want to strengthen their credit...

How to Successfully Work with Local Governments: Insights from Shane Silsby of Silsby Strategic Advisors

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Shane Silsby, CEO and Founder of Silsby Strategic Advisors and author of Managing for Meteors: Preparing Local Government Leaders Before the Impact. Shane shares his deep expertise on the evolving local government landscape, the challenges agencies face, and how businesses can position themselves as trusted, long-term partners. Listeners gain practical advice on building authentic relationships, navigating procurement, and offering strategic value beyond just the lowest bid.

Building Trust...

Data-Driven B2B Growth in 2025: Insights from Hamlet Azarian of Azarian Growth Agency

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, Josh Elledge talks with Hamlet Azarian, CEO of Azarian Growth Agency, about how B2B companies can accelerate growth in 2025 using real-time data, AI integration, and signal-based marketing strategies. Hamlet explains how his team helps founder-led startups and mid-market companies break through revenue plateaus by aligning marketing and sales processes with timely, personalized outreach. This conversation reveals the specific tactics, tools, and mindset shifts businesses need to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape.

Unlocking Sustainable Growth with Customer Retention Strategies from Yemi Oluseun of The Change Hive

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Yemi Oluseun, Founder and CEO of The Change Hive. With a background in fintech and corporate transformation, Yemi shares why customer retention—not just acquisition—is the most powerful growth lever for any business. She outlines her five-point retention model, detailing how SaaS founders, service-based entrepreneurs, and growth leaders can build a loyal customer base, reduce churn, and expand revenue through smarter engagement and community building.

How to Build a Re...

Unlocking Sustainable Growth with Customer Retention Strategies from Yemi Oluseun of The Change Hive

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Yemi Oluseun, Founder and CEO of The Change Hive. With a background in fintech and corporate transformation, Yemi shares why customer retention—not just acquisition—is the most powerful growth lever for any business. She outlines her five-point retention model, detailing how SaaS founders, service-based entrepreneurs, and growth leaders can build a loyal customer base, reduce churn, and expand revenue through smarter engagement and community building.

How to Build a Re...

Navigating Sudden Wealth and Money Mindset with Lisa Peterson of Wealth Clinic

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Lisa Peterson, founder of Wealth Clinic, money coach, and author of The Money Catalyst: Your Guide to Prosperity, Freedom, and Living Your Best Life. Lisa shares how sudden wealth—whether from business success, inheritance, or windfalls—can trigger emotional and psychological challenges many people aren’t prepared for. She offers a practical, mindset-first approach to managing newfound wealth, healing money wounds, and building long-term financial freedom through self-awareness and intentional strategy.

Why Mo...

How to Break Free from Founder-Led Operations: Ral West’s Six Principles for Entrepreneurial Freedom

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Ral West, founder of Ral West: Livin’ The Dream, a business coach and serial entrepreneur who helps six- and seven-figure founders step out of the day-to-day grind. Ral shares how she and her husband went from being tied to every task in their business to building systems that gave them true freedom. She breaks down her six principles for entrepreneurial freedom and explains how founders can delegate with confidence, build teams that...

Harnessing AI for Human-Centered Digital Transformation with Kamales Lardi of Lardi & Partner Consulting

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge interviews Kamales Lardi, CEO of Lardi & Partner Consulting and author of Artificial Intelligence for Business: Harness AI for Value, Growth, and Innovation. Kamales shares how businesses can embrace digital transformation through AI while keeping the human element at the center. With decades of experience advising Fortune 500s, startups, and mid-sized companies, Kamales offers practical frameworks and expert guidance for business leaders navigating the complexities of tech disruption, virtual workforces, and sustainable innovation.

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Unlocking Identity, Mindset, and Service-Driven Growth with Paul Tembunde of Premier Destiny

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Paul Tembunde, Co-founder and CEO of Premier Destiny. Drawing on over two decades of experience in the home care industry and his journey as a transformational coach, Paul shares how shifting your identity, cultivating a growth mindset, and building a service-focused business can lead to true personal and professional fulfillment. If you're looking to rediscover your purpose and align your work with your calling, this episode offers real strategies to help unlock your...

Authentic Leadership and People-First Culture with Chris Robinson of Maxwell Leadership

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of the Maxwell Leadership Institute and founder of chrisrobinsonspeaker.com. Chris shares a transformative approach to leadership rooted in authenticity, empathy, and personal connection. This episode explores how leaders can foster a culture that retains talent, inspires teams, and builds lasting impact by putting people first.

Leadership That Connects: How to Build Culture Through Trust and Care

Chris Robinson believes that effective leadership comes down...

Unlocking Quantum Revenue Growth with AI – Insights from Ursula Mentjes of Ursula Inc.

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Ursula Mentjes, founder of Ursula Inc. and host of the Quantum Revenue Expansion podcast. Ursula shares how entrepreneurs can leverage AI tools like custom GPTs and AI agents to scale smarter, build stronger systems, and increase revenue. If you're a service-based business owner aiming for seven figures, this conversation offers practical guidance and expert-level strategy for navigating the fast-changing landscape of AI and automation.

How AI is Reshaping Sales, Content, an...

How to Launch and Scale a Successful E-Commerce Brand: Expert Insights from Mo Elhawary

In today’s fast-paced e-commerce landscape, founders and marketers need more than just trends to succeed; they need actionable strategies for driving real growth. In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sat down with Mo Elhawary, Founder of Launch and Scale Agency, to discuss the most effective tactics for launching and scaling e-commerce brands, particularly in the supplement and wellness sectors. Mo's agency has helped scale eight- and nine-figure brands, offering valuable insights on holistic success and marketing strategies fo...

Navigating the Complex World of Leave Management: How AI is Transforming HR for Distributed Teams

In today’s rapidly evolving workplace, managing employee leave has become a daunting challenge—especially for companies with teams spread across multiple states. In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sat down with Anant Agarwal, co-founder and CTO of Aidora, to discuss the intricacies of leave management, the role of AI in simplifying compliance, and actionable strategies for HR leaders. Drawing from Anant’s personal journey as a new parent and a tech founder, this conversation offers a wealth...

Unlocking Holistic Success: Lessons from Mike McCarthy of GoBundance Mastermind

In a world where financial achievement is often seen as the pinnacle of success, what happens when you reach the top and still feel unfulfilled? This central question is explored in a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, hosted by Josh Elledge, featuring Mike McCarthy, Co-founder of GoBundance Mastermind. Mike discusses his journey of balancing financial success with emotional fulfillment, the importance of embracing passions outside of work, and redefining success through the "whole life millionaire" mindset.

The Whole Life Millionaire Mindset: Balancing Success and...

Hope in Action: Leadership Lessons from Cynthia Rivard on Navigating Change and Inspiring Impact

In a world marked by uncertainty and rapid transformation, the need for authentic, visionary leadership has never been greater. In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sat down with Cynthia Rivard, author of Hope for a New Era: Turning the Tide Love and Leadership Through Turbulent Times, CEO of Cynthia Rivard Strategic Consulting, and Founder of the Global Rising Tide Foundation. Cynthia’s work focuses on empowering leaders to foster hope, embrace change, and drive meaningful impact within their or...

The Unvarnished Truth About Sales: Lessons from the UK’s Most Hated Sales Trainer, Benjamin Dennehy

In the world of sales, few voices are as candid—or as controversial—as Benjamin Dennehy, widely known as the UK’s most hated sales trainer. In this episode, hosted by Josh Elledge, Benjamin pulls no punches as he exposes the uncomfortable realities of sales, debunks persistent myths, and offers actionable strategies for founders, salespeople, and small business owners. This blog post distills the key themes and expert advice from their conversation, providing a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to elevate their sa...

How to Build a Fundable, Scalable Business: Expert Insights from Nicholas Spezio of Exbo Group

In the world of startups and high-growth companies, raising capital is often seen as a major milestone. But what happens after the money hits your account? In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, Nicholas Spezio, Managing Director at Exbo Group, shares his expertise on how founders can build a scalable business, manage finances effectively, and position themselves for growth or a successful exit. Drawing from his experience advising venture-backed and private equity-backed companies, Nicholas outlines the key steps for building a solid...

Relationship-Driven Growth with Jon Ferrara of Nimble

On this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Jon Ferrara, CEO and Founder of Nimble, about the deeper value of authentic relationship management in business. As the creator of both GoldMine and Nimble, Jon has pioneered the CRM space for decades—and continues to champion people-first strategies that go beyond sales. He shares how his passions, personal journey, and entrepreneurial experience all reinforce a simple truth: building strong relationships is the foundation for long-term success.

Why Human Connection Still Wins in a Tech-Driven World

From Soccer to CFO Strategy with Stanislav Sukhinin of Sorso

On this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Stanislav Sukhinin, Founder and CEO of Sorso, a fractional CFO firm helping outpatient healthcare clinics improve financial health, drive growth, and prepare for acquisition. Stanislav blends his background in team sports with deep financial expertise to show how leadership, strategy, and collaboration can transform a clinic’s trajectory. This episode delivers practical insights for healthcare founders who want to get out of the weeds and into sustainable, data-driven growth.

Why Clinics Need More Th...

Mastering Modern PPC with Lisa Raehsler of Big Click Co

On this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Lisa Raehsler, Founder and CEO of Big Click Co, about how businesses can stay competitive in the fast-evolving world of pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. Lisa shares expert insights on AI-powered campaign management, platform diversification, and why creativity and strategic oversight matter more than ever. Whether you're a digital marketing professional or business owner, Lisa breaks down what it takes to succeed with paid media in 2024 and beyond.

Why PPC Success Now Requires Both Automation...

From Vintage Tractors to Real-Time Payments with Steffen Vollert of Volt

On this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Steffen Vollert, Co-Founder and CEO of Volt, a European fintech innovator specializing in real-time global bank payments. Steffen shares how his experience restoring vintage Porsche diesel tractors shaped his leadership philosophy and business mindset—emphasizing quality, attention to detail, and customer relationships. The conversation explores how Volt is disrupting the payments industry with white-label solutions and regulatory advantages, and offers actionable insights for merchants seeking faster, more secure, and scalable payment infrastructure.

Wh...

Breaking Through the Growth Ceiling with James Graham of SCALIFY OS

On this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with James Graham, Founder and CEO of SCALIFY OS, about how entrepreneurs can overcome growth plateaus and transition from founder-driven hustle to scalable, operational excellence. James works with businesses earning between $1M and $20M in revenue, helping them build the systems, leadership structures, and strategies needed to grow sustainably—and profitably.

From Hustle to Scale: Building a Business That Runs Without You

James Graham understands that passion and grit can take a...

Authenticity in the Age of AI: How Owen Garitty of FPW Media Keeps Marketing Human

On this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Owen Garitty, Founder and CEO of FPW Media, a creative marketing agency redefining brand storytelling in an AI-saturated world. Owen shares how FPW blends advanced technology with genuine human connection, offering a fresh perspective for business owners, marketers, and creatives navigating the challenges of modern branding.

Finding Balance: Why Analog Matters in a Digital World

Owen Garitty kicks off the conversation by sharing a surprising source...

Unlocking the Power of Legal Analytics with Alon Shwartz of Trellis Law

On this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Alon Shwartz, Co-Founder and COO of Trellis Law, a cutting-edge legal tech platform reshaping how attorneys navigate state trial court litigation. Alon shares how Trellis leverages data analytics and AI to streamline legal research, improve strategy, and increase efficiency for legal professionals. If you’re in the legal field and want to work smarter—not harder—this episode is packed with insight.

Bringing Legal Intelligence to State Trial Courts

Alon S...

Cybersecurity Insights for Business Leaders: Expert Advice from Derek Kernus of Aethon Security

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for large enterprises—it's a critical part of every organization’s strategy. In this recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sat down with Derek Kernus, CEO of Aethon Security, to discuss how business leaders can protect their organizations from the growing wave of cyber threats. The conversation dives deep into the importance of cybersecurity, compliance, and practical steps that leaders can take to stay ahead of the curve...

Leading with Flexibility in Uncertain Times with Kevin Eikenberry

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Kevin Eikenberry, Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group and author of Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. Kevin shares timely insights on how today’s leaders can thrive amid volatility by staying grounded in their values while adapting their strategies. From navigating change to investing in leadership development, this episode offers a practical roadmap for leaders who want to lead with confidence and clarity—even when the future is unclear.

How...

How to Scale Your Business and Build Effective Teams: In-Depth Insights from Aaron Goodwin of Your Modern Legacy

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Aaron Goodwin, Founder & CEO of Your Modern Legacy, to explore how business owners can strategically scale, hire, and build systems that free them to work on their business, not just in it.

Scaling Strategy, Delegation, and Mindset

Aaron introduces a stage-based approach to scaling: $0–1M emphasizes sales and marketing, $1–3M prioritizes team building, and $3–8M requires systematization. He stresses that each stage brings...

Sales Mastery in the Modern Era with Navid Momeni

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Navid Momeni, Founder and CEO of Sales Guru Global and author of How to Become a Sales Master. Navid dives into what sets top-performing sales professionals apart in today’s market—emphasizing curiosity, empathy, and the relentless pursuit of growth. He shares how modern sales is about problem-finding over problem-solving, and why consistency, coachability, and a “growth mindset” are essential for success.

Mastering Sales in Today’s Evolving Landscape

Navid emphasizes that modern sal...

How Supliful is Empowering the Next Generation of E-Commerce Entrepreneurs with Martins Lasmanis

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Martins Lasmanis, Co-founder and CEO of Supliful. Martins shares how his innovative platform is transforming the way small and mid-sized businesses launch and scale fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) brands. From his love for binge-worthy shows and mystery novels to his deep e-commerce insights, Martins offers a compelling look at how Supliful removes the barriers for modern entrepreneurs.

How Supliful Streamlines Success for E-Commerce Brands

Martins built Supliful with...

Mastering Disaster Preparedness and Business Continuity: Expert Insights from Kenneth Edmonds

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Kenneth Edmonds, CEO & Founder of 22nd Century Management, to explore the critical importance of disaster preparedness and business continuity. Kenneth shares his extensive experience helping companies safeguard operations, prevent catastrophic losses, and create actionable strategies for resilience. From cybersecurity threats to natural disasters, this conversation is a powerful wake-up call for any business owner who wants to protect their people, profits, and reputation.

Why Disaster Planning Is Non-Negotiable

Kenneth...