Atomic Business Coaching

In this episode, Tom and Adam tackle one of the biggest challenges small business owners face — getting stuck in the role instead of stepping into the CEO mindset. They share real-world client stories, personal insights, and practical strategies for breaking free from overwhelm, reclaiming your authority, and running your business like a true leader.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

In this episode, Tom and Adam dive into a challenge most entrepreneurs don’t even realize they’re facing—the quiet tax of control. From refusing to delegate to fearing the business will collapse without them, accidental CEOs often unknowingly sabotage their own growth.

The conversation covers:

• Why taking a vacation every 90 days isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for clarity and vitality.

• How burnout, lack of structure, and fear of letting go keep business owners stuck.

• The difference between healthy collaboration and seeking constant external validation.

• Why self-trust beats...

In this real and raw episode, Tom and Adam peel back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes journey of creating a podcast as accidental CEOs—and why it’s okay to still be figuring things out after 130+ episodes. They dive deep into the mindset shifts needed to thrive as a business owner, why calculated risk is essential, and how to balance commitment with joy in your business. 

This episode is your reminder that success isn't about perfection—it's about progress, persistence, and perspective. 

🔑 Key Takeaways: 

🎙 The Imperfect Journey of Entrepreneurship 

In this powerful and candid episode, Tom and Adam delve into the challenges and mindset shifts that every accidental CEO faces when transitioning into a confident and intentional business leader. They unpack the paradox of creating content that truly helps without preaching, the patterns they observe in their coaching clients, and the recurring struggles business owners face—especially when it comes to asking for help, managing focus, and navigating the unpredictable trio of clients, employees, and money.

You’ll walk away with actionable insights and thought-provoking reflections that will help you step more fully into your CEO role...

In this heartfelt episode, we dive deep into the real reasons behind why so many small business owners and entrepreneurs take the leap—often unintentionally—into the role of CEO. From building a business around family needs to redefine success with purpose and intention, this conversation explores what it truly means to live life and run a business on your own terms. 

Our hosts reflect on their own journeys into entrepreneurship, the struggles of balancing parenting with business, and how the pursuit of presence—not just profit—can lead to a more fulfilling life and business.

💡 Key T...

In this episode, Tom and Adam dive deep into the messy reality of running a business in today’s rapidly evolving tech environment. From software updates disrupting workflows to business owners struggling with delegation, they explore why simplicity in business often gets lost in the search for optimization. The conversation flows through topics of technology overwhelm, the myth of the perfect system, the fear of failure, and the importance of embracing the journey—mess and all. 

The hosts discuss why so many entrepreneurs create new problems after solving old ones, how technology functions like an employee, and why r...

In this powerful and reflective conversation, Tom and Adam unpack the experience of transitioning from running a business by chance to intentionally leading one as a CEO. They reflect on their recent morning workshop, the dynamics of energy in virtual versus in-person sessions, and the importance of intentional leadership. They also dive into how mindset shifts around leadership, hiring, and personal healing influence business growth.

Throughout the episode, they discuss the themes of awareness, permission, and evolution in both business and personal relationships, sharing real-life coaching examples and their own leadership journeys.

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Key...

In this deeply honest episode, Tom and Adam pull back the curtain on their recent frustrations with content creation and the overwhelming noise of so-called expert advice. They get real about what it means to remain authentic while building a successful business and coaching practice—especially as they navigate their own commitment to the Method of One framework: one product, one channel, one market, one conversion tool, one year.

They discuss the struggle of balancing perfection with progress, and how hard it can be to stay true to your voice amidst industry noise. More importantly, they reflect on...

In this episode, we open with a story about wanting to use Nas’s track "Spicy" as our theme music—and what happens when audio hits differently depending on where you hear it. From there, we dig deep into the challenges and transformations that every accidental CEO faces. From financial freedom to micromanagement, to finding clarity and trusting your intuition, this conversation is packed with candid insights and practical strategies to help you lead your business with intention.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

🎵 When Dreams Meet Copyright Laws

• Why “Spicy” by Nas almost became our theme song.

In this episode, Tom and Adam explore what it truly means to evolve as a business owner—emotionally, mentally, and strategically. Starting with a nostalgic nod to Nas and how music takes on new meaning as you grow, they unpack the transformative journey of moving from being an accidental CEO to an intentional CEO. 

They share candid stories and insights about how learning the “language” of business—just like learning a foreign language—requires immersion, repetition, and resilience. Whether you’re a solopreneur or scaling a company, the mindset shift from simply generating income to building a sustainable b...

Hosts: Tom Marino & Adam Hurd

Presented by: Atomic Business Coaching

🔍 Episode Summary:

Tom and Adam reveal how they—and many of their clients—became accidental CEOs: people who never planned to run a business but ended up building one. They share personal stories, client examples, and insights into how they coach entrepreneurs through chaos to clarity by focusing on both business strategy and personal growth.

🔑 Highlights:

• What is an Accidental CEO?

Skilled professionals who turn their craft into a business without realizing the full scope of being a CEO.

In this heartfelt and empowering episode, Tom Marino and Adam Hurd dive deep into what it really means to face the end of one chapter—and how to embrace the beginning of the next. Using the emotional close of Tom’s son’s high school baseball season as a launching point, the duo draws profound parallels between sports, life, and entrepreneurship.

This episode explores how business owners often hit plateaus, experience burnout, or feel stuck after achieving a milestone. The key message: your “ending” is never the end—it’s the beginning of your next opportunity. Whether you’re shiftin...

In this powerful, no-nonsense episode, Tom and Adam pull back the curtain on the real reason behind all the business-building activities like podcasting, content creation, and networking. They tackle a question every entrepreneur eventually asks themselves: "Why am I doing all this?"

From social media posts to podcast episodes, newsletters, and networking events, this episode explores what actually moves the needle in business—and what doesn't. Spoiler alert: It’s not just about the content. It’s about consistency, connection, and authenticity.

Topics Covered

• The Real Role of Content in Business

o Why co...

In this deeply insightful and candid episode, Tom and Adam explore the emotional and strategic challenges entrepreneurs face when standing at the threshold of “what’s next.” The conversation organically weaves through the realities of coaching, the trust-building process, how hesitation and fear block business moves, and why intuitive action is often more powerful than rigid planning.

They share how the First M Club is designed to support entrepreneurs navigating pivotal transitions, offering not just tactical advice but also emotional grounding and peer validation. You’ll hear real stories and reflections that will encourage you to listen more dee...

In a world full of change, how do we evolve with intention—and not get swept up in noise? In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Tom Marino and Adam Thomas Hurd (yes, he’s officially using his full name now!) take you inside the journey of transformation that led to the launch of the First M Club.

They share how superficial networking and unintentional business moves are holding entrepreneurs back, and reveal the formula they’ve discovered for cultivating authentic relationships, real momentum, and sustainable growth. Whether you’re trying to reach your first million in revenue or just...

In this episode, Adam and Tom dive deep into the fogginess that entrepreneurs experience when they lose clarity in their businesses. They explore how to clear that fog — not with Benadryl, but with truth, intention, and aligned action. The conversation is a powerful reflection on the importance of letting go of excuses, embracing reality, and fully stepping into who you are right now, rather than waiting for the “perfect moment.”

🔑 Key Takeaways

🌫️ 1. Business Allergies and the Fog of Confusion

In this episode, Tom and Adam dive deep into what really makes sales happen — and it’s not just slick tactics or great networking. It’s about consistency, mindset, and mastering the simple selling system that turns casual conversations into paying clients.

You’ll hear stories from their 5WH program, real client breakthroughs, and how combining execution strategy with mindset mastery is the game-changer for business owners. Whether you're overwhelmed by follow-ups, frustrated with unproductive networking, or struggling with sabotaging behaviors — this episode has the tools, mindset shifts, and clarity to help you close more deals with less stres...

In this candid episode, Tom and Adam unpack the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship and why so many business owners feel like they're always starting over. From podcast inspiration to coaching revelations, they discuss the importance of patience, trusting your intuition, and resisting the temptation to constantly compare your journey to others'. They also dive deep into the harsh truth: the grass often looks greener because it's been heavily fertilized — sometimes with a whole lot of crap.

If you’ve ever struggled with staying the course, felt the pressure to pivot, or believed you should be further along, this...

In this episode, Tom and Adam explore one of the biggest mind traps for entrepreneurs and business owners: the pressure to grow constantly. They discuss the value of repetition in learning, the importance of sustainable progress, and why stabilizing your success may be your most strategic move this year. From learning fatigue to cash flow struggles, they cover the mindset shifts and tactical strategies needed to grow smart, not just big.

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🔥 Key Takeaways:

• Repetition is not the enemy. Saying the same message repeatedly, especially when it's valuable, is a sign you're doing it right...

In this insightful episode, Tom and Adam explore the essential role of board meetings in both corporate settings and entrepreneurial ventures. Whether you’re running a billion-dollar organization or operating as a solopreneur, board meetings provide the structured time and space necessary to evaluate your business performance, plan strategically, and make informed decisions.

Drawing from their personal experiences—ranging from corporate boardrooms to coaching clients through their Simple CEO system—the hosts break down how regular board meetings can become a transformative practice that elevates clarity, direction, and leadership.

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📌 Key Takeaways:

✅ 1. Board Meeti...

In this episode, we dive deep into the impact of the Controller saboteur on business owners and their teams. We discuss how a need for control can stifle growth, prevent effective delegation, and create unnecessary stress. We also explore how shifting from a controlling mindset to a curious and open approach can improve leadership and team dynamics. Additionally, we break down the importance of problem-solving in business and how the most successful entrepreneurs embrace challenges rather than avoid them.

Key Takeaways:

• Recognizing Your Saboteurs: Many business owners struggle with the Controller saboteur, which can hinder th...

In this episode, Tom and Adam dive into a common challenge business owners face—achieving success but still operating as if they’re struggling. Many entrepreneurs have built thriving businesses, yet they hesitate to fully embrace their success, still holding onto old fears and habits from when they were starting out.

Using an insightful “new computer” analogy, they break down why some business owners metaphorically leave their new, upgraded system in the box, afraid to use the resources and time they’ve worked so hard to earn. They also explore how stress and uncertainty can trigger default behaviors...

In this episode, Tom Marino and Adam Hurd dive into the psychology behind common business challenges, from overused phrases that drive them crazy to deeper discussions on financial management, mindset shifts, and the long game of sales. They break down why some business owners struggle with cash flow, how a lack mindset leads to financial missteps, and why investing in yourself is crucial for long-term success. Plus, they challenge the way people approach networking, sales, and social media engagement, revealing the key differences between opportunity and your opportunity.

Key Takeaways:

• The Problem with "I'm Excited Ab...

In this episode, we return to our roots with a free-flowing conversation, tackling some of the biggest mindset shifts necessary for success in business and life. If you've ever felt stuck in your business, struggled with limiting beliefs, or found yourself trapped in familiar but unhelpful habits, this episode is for you.

We dive deep into the importance of seeing opportunities beyond what’s immediately in front of you, breaking free from scarcity mindsets, and thinking like a true business owner. Through real-life client examples and candid discussion, we uncover the patterns that hold people back and ex...

Welcome to Episode 101 of the Atomic Business Coaching Podcast! If you tuned in last week, you caught our milestone 100th episode. Today, we’re kicking off a fresh chapter with a special guest: Carson Hoffman. Carson recently completed the 5WH process and gained incredible insights into his business, himself, and entrepreneurial journey.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The Journey Through 5WH: Carson shares his experience navigating the 5WH process over the past few months and how it provided clarity not just in business, but in life.

✅ Finding Purpose in Business: Why true bus...

This week, we’re focused on tackling one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs—time management. Hosts Adam and Tommy are joined by Ben Bresloff, owner of Inspect Ova, a residential and commercial property inspection company based in New York. Ben is not just starting his first business but is also balancing his inspection work with a full-time job in HVAC.

Through a raw and insightful discussion, Ben shares his struggles with prioritizing tasks, networking, and carving out time to grow his side business while maintaining a life balance. Adam and Tommy offer practical advice on managing time...

We Made It to 100 Episodes!

Welcome to the 100th episode of the Atomic Business Coaching Podcast. In this milestone episode, Adam and Tom reflect on their journey, the evolution of the podcast, and the incredible community that has grown around it. What started as a way to provide value to business owners who couldn’t yet afford coaching has transformed into a thriving movement of entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and business leaders dedicated to growth, resilience, and success.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Welcome to Episode #99! We’re just one step away from the big 100, and today’s episode is all about structure, success, and, surprisingly, steak!

What’s Inside This Episode? 

Key Takeaways: ✔ Str...

Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into the realities of managing business growth, balancing opportunities, and strategically forming partnerships. Our guest, Kristie Wilkerson, CEO and Chief Content Creator of Innovate to Elevate LLC, joins us to discuss her experience with AI-driven content creation and the challenges of forming partnerships with tech companies. We also explore how to evaluate potential business collaborations, the difference between partnerships and joint ventures, and the importance of protecting your time and resources. 

Key Topics Discussed: 

In this engaging and thought-provoking episode, Tom and Adam dive deep into the nuances of coaching, career transitions, and personal growth with special guest Mike "Bucci" Buccialia. Mike, the founder of Mindworx, shares his journey from anxiety and self-doubt to a transformative career in coaching, helping individuals reconnect with their core values and navigate meaningful career transitions.

Together, they explore the importance of timing ("the when") in personal and professional growth, understanding motivation, and meeting people where they are. Whether you're a coach, a business owner, or someone considering a big life change, this episode is packed...

Welcome to the first episode of 2025! This isn’t just another “Happy New Year” – it’s the beginning of a year filled with intentional growth and smart decisions. In this episode, Tom and Adam reflect on the new year, the value of taking breaks, and the critical lessons learned from leadership and business ownership.

Special guests Adele Viola and Brad Voorhees join us to discuss key strategies for business communication and effective HR solutions. Later, we tackle a common entrepreneurial dilemma: Should you stick with a high-value employee or hire multiple replacements? Tune in for insights on employee r...

As we approached the end of 2024, we decided to take a moment to reflect on the year that has passed. We have been on this podcasting journey for almost two years, and it feels like the perfect time to share our insights and experiences with you. This year has been incredibly productive, filled with accomplishments we set out to achieve and unexpected successes that we never anticipated. 

We started Project 2740 as a community, and the growth and evolution of this initiative have been remarkable. We have iterated our approach multiple times and are excited to see where i...

Atomic Business Coaching kicks off 2025 with a very special episode as Adam is joined by his daughter Lilly to discuss her work in the Junior Achievement program and her understanding of business practices. Lilly shares what she learned from a business-focused day at school, articulates the differences between jobs, careers, and businesses, and describes her aspirations of owning a candle-making business. Throughout the conversation, she highlights the importance of passion, hard work, and learning from hands-on experience. Discover how even a fourth grader can inspire us all with her entrepreneurial spirit and practical business knowledge.

Atomic Action:<...

Adam and Tom welcome back Chelle Shapiro for this post-Christmas edition of Hard Questions, Simple Solutions.

Chelle is a LinkedIn engagement expert and self dubbed LinkedIn Cheerleader who brings plenty of great questions to Tom and Adam who never fail to deliver simple actionable solutions. This week's conversation tackles topics like burnout recovery, building meaningful relationships on LinkedIn, and maintaining a strong, growth-oriented mindset in the face of business challenges. Chelle opens up about her inspiring journey from a toxic work environment to thriving as a LinkedIn strategist and even turns the tables to ask the hosts...

Adam and Tom give you the gift of Hard Questions, Simple Solutions. This week they welcome back Claire O’Connor who brings not only great questions but also showcases her continued growth as part of the Project 2740 community.

Adam and Tom dive deep into Claire's journey of building a successful coaching business and her unwavering commitment to empowering women. They explore the tough questions and provide practical solutions around maintaining strong advocacy for women while also coaching men, creating vibrant and inclusive professional environments, and the importance of energetic alignment in coaching.

With engaging discussions, va...

Adam and Tom, alongside members of the Project 2740 community, bring you a new episode of Hard Questions, Simple Solutions. You’ll meet Ross Laurence, a creative production agency owner from Los Angeles, and Oforma Chineke, a business analyst consultant based in Canada. The episode explores the evolution of the 5WH system for pattern recognition and the importance of a 90-day review cycle to adapt strategies effectively.

Tom Marino outlines three pillars for building resilience: showing up consistently, doing the work, and trusting the process. These are encapsulated in their "CEO mindset"—commitment, effort, and obsession. Adam Hurd expa...

Adam and Tom bring you a pre-Thanksgiving episode of Hard Questions, Simple Solutions. You’ll meet Kristie Wilkerson, an A.I. content expert, and Arthur Sionov, General Manager of Crown Auto Leasing. Kristie and Arthur bring new questions and challenges for Tom and Adam to help them navigate.

Kristie unveils her challenges in transitioning her messaging to effectively communicate her expertise in AI-driven content creation, while Arthur explores the delicate balance of maintaining professionalism and camaraderie within his car leasing business. Tune in as Adam and Tom offer expert advice through real-life scenarios, practical tips, and even a...

Adam and Tom are joined by two members of the Project 2740 community for this week’s Hard Questions, Simple Solutions episode. You’ll meet Thomas Isernia, owner of Sole Secure, and Carson Hoffman, a Meta ad strategist who previously appeared on the podcast.

Thomas starts by introducing his unique product aimed at athletes, and we dive deep into the intricacies of prioritizing marketing channels with limited resources. We discuss the ebb and flow of time and money in a startup and how to deploy these resources strategically for maximum traction. Meanwhile, our returning guest, Carson, explores the art...

Adam and Tom are joined by the returning Bernie DeSantis, who previously appeared on LinkedIn LinkUps, and Shlomo Homnick from the Project 2740 community for this week’s Hard Questions, Simple Solutions episode.

Listen in as Bernie and Shlomo introduce their businesses and pose thought-provoking questions about balancing creativity with business demands and surrendering to new business processes. Adam and Tom offer practical, actionable advice, touching on workflow optimization, client expectations, and habit formation. Whether you're struggling to harmonize your creative and business efforts or seeking ways to implement new strategies effectively, this episode promises simple yet powerful so...

For this week's episode of Hard Questions, Simple Solutions, Adam and Tom are joined by guests Will Hedgpeth and Curt Sassak from the Project 2740 community. They discuss the crucial topic of understanding and proving value in both personal and business contexts.

We'll explore the journey from offering initial free services to securing substantial contracts and how giving free samples can generate trust in product-based services. Tom and Adam share insights on balancing personal habits with flexibility, emphasizing the importance of life harmony over rigid schedules. We also touch on audience engagement, client acquisition costs, and prioritizing daily...