The Fast Slow Motion Podcast

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Eric Housh talks with Julio Melara, president and CEO of Melara Enterprises, about the climb from a $3.35 an hour courier job to leading a multi-brand media company, and how his mother’s work ethic shaped every step.

They cover hiring for IQ, EQ, and FQ, building a culture by design, and embracing change from the first business journal e-newsletter in 1998 to AI today. Julio also shares why knowing your purpose keeps you going when the work gets hard.

A good listen for business owners who want to keep growing wi...

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Eric Housh and Brandon Landes, Chief Delivery Officer at Fast Slow Motion, break down HubSpot’s Fall Spotlight. HubSpot is connecting context, agents, and workflows across marketing, sales, service, and revenue, and the results depend on the data underneath.

Brandon explains how Agent Hub, Breeze Assistant, Marketing Studio, Prospecting Agent, Deal Progression, Revenue Agent, and Customer Agent fit together from first touch to collected cash, why human approval matters early, and where to start this week.

It’s for HubSpot users planning how to put these tools to work.

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In this episode of The Fast Slow Motion Podcast, Eric Housh sits down with Max Bevan, Principal Account Executive at Fast Slow Motion, to dig into one of the most common frustrations in growing businesses: a pipeline that looks full but isn't closing.

Max walks through how pipelines drift as businesses scale, why the hero model breaks down over time, and what the real first steps look like when a business decides to get serious about fixing things. They also cover the people side of change, what it takes to get...

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Bryan Gray, founder and CEO of Revenue Path Group, joins Eric Housh to talk about why deals stall even when pipelines look healthy. Most sellers are entering the buying journey too late and at the wrong level, chasing pain points that prospects will never actually act on.

The conversation covers Bryan's Three Deadly Cs, the difference between a pain point and a priority, and how to get in front of the right buyers before they've already made up their minds. Bryan also shares why he believes the sales function should be...

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In most growing businesses, there comes a point where the owner becomes the bottleneck. The habits and instincts that made them successful early on are the same ones that start working against them as the business grows. John Burdett, CEO of Fast Slow Motion, joins Eric Housh to talk about why that happens, why awareness alone isn't enough to change it, and what it actually takes to build a business that doesn't run through you.

John and Eric get into the psychology behind why smart, capable owners can't let go, what...

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Slade McLendon's father started Sunbelt Fire in 1983 with humble beginnings and one unwavering commitment: people come first. Today, Slade leads that same third-generation family business as CEO, serving fire departments and public safety agencies across the Southeast. But getting here required more than hard work. It required that Slade take an honest look at how he was leading and decide to do something about it.

In this episode of The Fast Slow Motion Podcast, Slade shares the journey of building a business worth passing down. From discovering EOS to restructuring his...

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Peter Caputa, CEO of Databox, joins Eric Housh to talk about why having more data hasn't made most companies any better at using it. The real problem isn't the technology, it's the habit. Most businesses treat data like a report card they read after the semester's over, rather than a tool they use to adapt in real time.

Pete walks through his inputs-outputs-outcomes framework, the OGI model he built on top of OKRs, and how AI combined with a semantic layer is eliminating the analysis bottleneck that slows most growing companies...

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Henry Hays has guided more than 200 companies through AI adoption across banking, healthcare, energy, and high-growth businesses. In this episode, he joins Eric Housh and co-host Zack Terry to talk about why so many businesses understand that AI matters but can't seem to make it actually work.

The conversation covers what's consistently holding businesses back, how to make smarter AI investments, and why the answer almost always starts with people and not technology. Whether you're just getting started or wondering if you've already fallen too far behind, this one is for...

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In this episode of The Fast Slow Motion Podcast, Eric Housh and Matt Dyar sit down with Krista Crawford, a Vistage chair who works closely with founders and executives navigating the pressures of growth. Krista brings a candid perspective on what CEOs actually admit when no one from their company is in the room, and what it takes to move from overwhelm to clarity.

The conversation covers the warning signs that a leader is carrying too much, why handing off decision-making authority requires self-trust before it requires team trust, and how...

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In this episode of The Fast Slow Motion Podcast, Eric Housh sits down with Jonathan Veazey, Director of Architecture at Fast Slow Motion, to break down what business leaders actually need to know about the Salesforce Summer '26 release. The tension is straightforward: several changes are already being enforced, and most business owners don't know they're coming.

Jonathan walks through the security changes hitting the platform now — MFA enforcement for all users, stricter authentication requirements for system admins, and a new step that may prompt users to re-verify when running reports. He...

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Eric Housh sits down with David Flick, Principal Account Executive at Fast Slow Motion, to unpack why so many Salesforce implementations fall short and what it actually takes to get them right. The tension is rarely technical. It's the disconnect between what leaders expect when they buy the platform and what it takes to make it work.

David and Eric cover the patterns that cause implementations to struggle, including process gaps, poor adoption, weak leadership alignment, and governance that disappears once the partner leaves. They also lay out what successful implementations...

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In this episode of The Fast Slow Motion Podcast, Eric Housh sits down with Max Bevan, Principal Account Executive at Fast Slow Motion, to challenge a misconception most growing companies hold: that buying the right tools is the same as having a revenue system. Max argues that technology without process is just an expensive guess — and that the real problem isn't the software, it's the strategy behind it.

The conversation covers why companies default to tool-shopping instead of system-building, what inconsistent data does to leadership decision-making, and how to think about th...

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In this episode, Eric Housh and John Burdett sit down with Jeff Fox, CEO of Circumference Group, to unpack what actually changes as a business scales. Drawing from experience as an operator, investor, and advisor, Jeff shares how growth introduces complexity that leaders often underestimate.

The conversation explores how proximity to customers breaks down, why trust and systems must replace founder instinct, and how financial clarity supports customer value. They walk through each stage of growth, from early trust-building to leadership reinvention, highlighting the mindset shifts required to keep scaling without...

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In this episode, host Eric Housh sits down with Brandon Landes, Chief Delivery Officer at Fast Slow Motion, to unpack the 2026 HubSpot Spring Spotlight and what it actually means for growing businesses. The conversation centers on a major shift from CRM as a system of record to a system of action powered by context.

They explore outcome-based AI pricing, signal-driven sales workflows, and the move from SEO to answer engine optimization. The discussion also highlights the operational realities behind AI adoption, including data quality, process readiness, and risk controls.

...

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In this episode, host Eric Housh and CEO John Burdett sit down with Cord, founder of FireSeeds and WildSparq, to explore what happens to culture as companies scale. Cord shares how founders often are the culture early on, but fail to intentionally scale it alongside systems and operations.

The conversation unpacks why leadership development is the missing piece in most growing businesses, how “multiplying leaders” creates long-term advantage, and why truth, feedback, and trust sit at the core of healthy organizations.

This episode is for leaders who want to scal...

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In this episode of The Fast Slow Motion Podcast, Eric Housh talks with Fast Slow Motion Director of AI Zack Terry about why AI in Action exists and what business leaders actually need from AI conversations right now. At the center of the discussion is a familiar tension: too much noise, too much pressure, and not enough practical guidance.

They unpack what AI readiness really means, why process and context matter more than hype, how clean data affects trust and adoption, and where leaders should start if they want real ROI...

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In this episode, Eric Housh and Michael Johnson talk with Steve Heroux, founder of The Sales Collective and author of The Sales Contrarian, about why many sales teams struggle even when they have capable people. The conversation explores how pressure for outcomes often replaces the process, leadership, and coaching that actually support consistent performance.

Steve challenges common assumptions about quotas, forecasting, sales methodology, and leadership promotions. He explains why many sales teams lack clear playbooks, why sales managers are often unprepared for the role, and how stronger systems and coaching can...

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In this episode, Sam Donaghey and Todd Coder talk with Adam Alfano, President of Global SMB and Emerging Products at Salesforce, about what AI actually means for small and mid-sized businesses right now. The tension is clear: move with urgency or risk being outpaced.

Adam shares why an AI-first mindset is becoming table stakes, how clean data and strong processes underpin effective agents, and why culture and action bias matter more than technical complexity.

This conversation is for SMB leaders who want to scale responsibly while staying competitive in...

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In this episode, Eric Housh talks with Zack Terry about what the Salesforce Spring '26 release actually means for business leaders. Instead of walking through features line by line, they focus on five updates that directly impact scale, efficiency, risk, and return.

They explore AI-generated workflows, performance observability, AI consumption tracking, generative engine optimization, and platform retirements. The through line is maturity: how leaders pair speed with accountability, visibility with governance, and automation with clear process design.

This conversation is for leaders who want their systems to be predictable...

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Host Sam Donaghey and Fast Slow Motion’s Director of People, Michael Smith, sit down with leadership coach Phil Sineath to explore a question many leaders quietly wrestle with: not whether they are capable, but whether they have the margin to navigate what comes next alone.

Phil breaks down what executive coaching is and is not, why the coaching market has become crowded, and how leaders can think clearly about fit. The conversation covers push versus pull coaching, common leadership patterns, and what actually signals a healthy coaching relationship.

Th...

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In this episode, host Sam Donaghey and Fast Slow Motion’s Michael Johnson talk with Chris Goede, Executive Vice President at Maxwell Leadership, about why leadership is influence, not position.

Chris walks through the Five Levels of Leadership and why the real work happens in levels two, three, and four. They cover how leaders lose strong people when they stop growing, why common language prevents siloed cultures, and practical ways to build connection and development into normal work rhythms.

This conversation is for founders and leaders who want higher en...

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In this episode, host Sam Donaghey and Fast Slow Motion CEO John Burdett sit down with Todd Richheimer, CEO and co-founder of Lawfty, to unpack what it looks like to build a technology-driven company inside one of the most traditional industries in the world.

Todd shares how he spotted major inefficiencies in legal services, built a data-driven engine to track case value over years, and made calculated decisions instead of guessing. They also dig into the build vs. buy dilemma and what pushed Lawfty to move a core intake function onto...

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In this episode, host Sam Donaghey and FSM Director of Growth Michael Johnson look back at the most impactful moments from Season 2 of The Fast Slow Motion Podcast. You’ll hear insights from purpose experts, operators, founders, brand builders, leadership thinkers, and FSM leadership — all centered on how to build a business that lasts without losing yourself in the process.

Sam and Michael revisit the ideas that resonated most with listeners this year, including turning purpose into a repeatable discipline, why attention is a leader’s most powerful tool, what separates a cool...

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In this episode, host Sam Donaghey and FSM CEO John Burdett sit down with Mike Beckham, co-founder and CEO of Simple Modern, to explore how purpose, generosity, and excellence can fuel a company’s growth.

Mike shares his path from ministry to entrepreneurship, how Simple Modern approaches giving, and why hiring for fit is essential to building a strong culture.

If you want to grow a company that stays true to its values while scaling, this conversation is for you.

For the full episode video, show notes, an...

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In this episode, host Sam Donaghey and FSM Director of Growth Michael Johnson talk with Walter Kearns, VP of Sales at FireSeeds, about what it means to multiply leaders—and why it’s essential for scaling a healthy business.

Walter shares practical ways to identify multiplying leaders, build a culture that lasts, and balance growth with humility. You’ll also hear how FSM’s “be a blessing” mindset shaped a lasting partnership built on trust and impact.

If you want to create a team that grows your business and your people...

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In this episode, host Sam Donaghey and FSM COO Matt Dyar sit down with Rishi Rawat, CEO of Frictionless Commerce, to explore the psychology of the Almost Buyer—what keeps prospects on the edge of conversion and how to move them forward.

Rishi shares the three pillars of conversion success: demonstrate expertise, justify price, and explain Us vs. Them to clarify your value. You’ll also hear simple, high-impact tactics like objection-driven CTAs, long-form options for deeper readers, and how to communicate your point of view on any budget.

If y...

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In episode 047, Sam Donaghey sits down with Fast Slow Motion’s Director of AI, Zack Terry, to unpack Salesforce’s Winter ’26 Release—one of the most AI-packed updates yet.

From Agentforce and Salesforce Flow to key platform and cloud enhancements, Zack breaks down the updates that matter most and how they can streamline automation, improve visibility, and make your org more efficient.

You’ll hear how to prioritize features based on your business needs, what to watch for with mandatory Flow security updates, and how new Agentforce capabilities make AI more ac...

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In episode 046, Sam Donaghey and Michael Smith sit down with Patrick Lencioni for a powerful conversation about the Six Types of Working Genius, humility, and what it really takes to build a healthy team.

From discovering why certain work drains your energy to naming the kind of conversation you’re having in a meeting, Pat shares practical ways leaders can align people with the work they’re built to do. 

You’ll hear how “humble, hungry, smart” shapes hiring and onboarding, why leaders should start with themselves before asking others to c...

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In episode 045, Sam Donaghey sits down with Fast Slow Motion leaders John Burdett, Matt Dyar, and Chad Seales for an honest conversation about failure and how the hardest lessons often shape the best leaders.

From handshake deals gone wrong to costly client agreements, hiring missteps, and system crashes that brought entire businesses to a halt, John, Matt, and Chad share the failures that left scars but also taught them the importance of contracts, safeguards, emotional intelligence, and values-driven leadership.

They reveal how to build guardrails that protect both people...

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In episode 044, Sam Donaghey and Michael Johnson talk with Scott Wozniak—author of Make Your Brand Legendary and founder of Swoz Consulting—about what separates good brands from legendary ones.

Scott shares the five-part “customer experience engine” behind world-class brands like Chick-fil-A, Disney, and Buc-ee’s, and explains how to turn customer insight into raving fans. He also reveals why leaders must pursue great before big, how small moments create viral loyalty, and what it really takes to scale with excellence.

If you want your brand to be unforgettable for the ri...

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In episode 043, Sam Donaghey and Michael Smith talk with Dr. Michael Abelson of The Abelson Group about how behavioral science can help leaders build more self-aware, high-performing teams.

Dr. Abelson unpacks the power of DISC and motivators assessments, sharing how to use them to improve communication, hiring, conflict resolution, and trust. He also explains how to avoid common mistakes and why it’s always about the people—not the profile.

If you want to lead with greater empathy, clarity, and impact, this episode is a must-listen.

For the...

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In episode 042, Fast Slow Motion’s Sam Donaghey and Michael Johnson talk with fractional revenue leader Lindsay Rios about the realities of sales forecasting and growth planning.

Known for her no-nonsense approach, Lindsay shares why top-down forecasting often fails, how to build a more accurate bottoms-up model, and why understanding your business matters more than chasing unicorn numbers. She also offers practical tips on aligning teams, improving CRM usage, and building forecasts you can actually trust.

If you're ready to ditch the guesswork and forecast with confidence, don’t miss...

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In episode 041, Fast Slow Motion’s Sam Donaghey talks with John Burdett and Michael Johnson, co-authors of The Scalable Business Framework, about how to build a business that can thrive without burning you out.

John shares how the principles in the book prepared him for the biggest health crisis of his life—and how his business kept growing even when he had to step away. Together, he and Michael unpack the flywheel at the heart of the framework and explain how it helps business owners scale with focus and control.

If...

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In episode 040, Sam Donaghey sits down with Zack Terry, Director of AI at Fast Slow Motion, to break down everything you need to know about the Salesforce Summer ’25 Release.

Zack unpacks the latest features and updates—from retiring API versions and the final phase-out of Process Builder to big changes in Revenue Cloud, Einstein Activity Capture, and Agentforce. He also explores practical updates to Flow, Service Cloud, and Marketing Cloud Growth and Advanced—plus the addition of conversational surveys to digital engagement.

If you’re a Salesforce user or admin, t...

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In episode 039, Fast Slow Motion’s Eric Housh talks with Shiv Narayanan, founder of How to SaaS and author of Exit Ready Marketing, about the four most common marketing mistakes companies make and how to fix them.

Shiv breaks down how to rethink strategy, focus, budget, and team structure to drive growth. He also shares the Pyramid of Sophistication, a practical framework for building a scalable marketing engine.

If you’re leading marketing or trying to scale smarter, this episode is packed with practical insights you won’t want to mis...

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In episode 038, Sam Donaghey and Michael Johnson sit down with Jonathan B. Smith—EOS implementer and master negotiator with The Black Swan Group—to talk about what really drives business growth and better communication.

Jonathan shares the five frustrations that hold businesses back, how EOS helps teams break through ceilings, and why tactical empathy is the key to making better deals. He also offers a preview of his upcoming book, Fight Less, Win More, and how leaders can apply negotiation skills to everyday business challenges.

For the full episode vide...

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In episode 037, Sam Donaghey and Michael Johnson sit down with Gabrielle Bosché—TEDx speaker, author, and co-founder of The Purpose Company—to unpack what “purpose” really means and how to align it with your work and life.

Gabrielle shares a clear, practical framework for discovering your purpose, explains why it’s not about chasing passion or making a big career change, and offers tools to help you turn past challenges into clarity and impact. Whether you lead a team, run a business, or are figuring out what’s next, this episode is full of ac...

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In episode 036, Sam Donaghey and Michael Johnson sit down with Vistage Master Chair and leadership coach Kurt Graves to explore what it really takes to grow as a leader—personally and professionally.

Kurt shares powerful lessons on vulnerability, values, and the mindset shift required to scale well. Whether you're a CEO, founder, or future executive, you’ll hear candid stories and actionable insights on building great teams, defining reality, and investing in people the right way.

Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts challenging and encouraging—and loaded w...

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In episode 035, Sam Donaghey is joined by sales advisor and former Fast Slow Motion leader Barry Thomason to explore how service firms can train delivery teams to drive internal sales—without feeling pushy or salesy.

Barry shares why internal sales is essential for sustainable growth, how delivery teams can spot and act on opportunities, and why selling the right way is just another form of service.

Tune in for practical advice and simple strategies to unlock more revenue from the clients you already have.

For the full ep...

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In episode 034, Sam Donaghey and Michael Johnson are joined by Derrick Mains—also known as The Process Fixer—to explore one of the most overlooked growth tools in business: process.

Derrick shares how mapping, measuring, and mobilizing your team around better processes can unlock innovation, drive profitability, and help leaders build a business that runs smoothly without burning out their people.

Tune in for real-world stories, practical frameworks, and a fresh perspective on how intentional process improvement can fuel both business success and a better quality of life.

Fo...