The Shift Podcast
The Shift Podcast offers real-world insights into entrepreneurship and personal growth. Hosted by Matt Ware and Evan Weiland; unpacking principles on leadership and small business strategy to help you succeed.
Do You Own A Business Or A Job? | Ep 18

Summary:
Your business was supposed to give you freedom—but now it feels like it owns you. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Matt and Evan break down why most business owners are stuck in operator mode, the dangerous “owner-operator” identity, and how to start building a company that runs without you. They cover two tactical steps you can take this week—a time audit and SOP creation—to shift from chaos to clarity. If you’re ready to stop doing it all yourself and start thinking like a true owner, this is the episode to get you movi...
Firing To Move Forward | Ep 17

Summary:
Most leaders think they’re one hire away from a breakthrough—but what if you’re actually one fire away? In this powerful episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan and Matt dive into the most avoided (but necessary) leadership move: letting someone go. You’ll learn the difference between a training issue and a character problem, five red flags it’s time to fire, and a practical 4-step framework to make the process clearer and less emotional. This isn’t about being ruthless—it’s about leading with clarity, courage, and responsibility. If you’re holding onto someone who’s...
Busy Won't Make Your Business Better | Ep 16

Most entrepreneurs are grinding hard—but on the wrong things. In this episode, Evan and Matt expose the trap of "feel-good" tasks that don’t actually drive growth and show how to identify what truly moves the needle. They explore how experience is earned through growth—not time—and how using the 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) can lead to game-changing results. You'll learn how to shift your focus, apply strategy through ruthless prioritization, and get actionable steps to unlock the next level in your business. If you're feeling stuck or plateaued, this conversation will help you break through.
Con...
Stop Being Nice. Start Being Clear | Ep15
Most leaders think they’re communicating—until nothing changes. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan and Matt tackle one of the most crucial (and overlooked) leadership skills: effective communication. You’ll hear why “being nice” often leads to confusion, how the last 10% of a conversation is usually where the real breakthrough lives, and why clarity is the kindest thing you can give your team. Whether you're leading remote teams, managing conflict, or trying to encourage better performance—this episode is your wake-up call. If you want more trust, alignment, and progress in your leadership... it starts with saying what...
Hire For Growth, Not Help | Ep14
Hiring is one of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs—but it’s also one of the most important drivers of business growth. In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware break down the difference between delegating and empowering, why hiring for character over skill leads to better long-term results, and how to set new hires up for success with clear expectations. They share practical strategies for building a high-performance team, avoiding common hiring mistakes, and ensuring your next hire moves your business forward. If you're a solopreneur looking to expand your team or struggling with past...
Climbing the Value Ladder | Ep13
In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware dive into the concept of increasing your value in the marketplace by climbing the "value ladder." They break down the four levels—Worker, Supervisor, Strategist, and Visionary—and discuss how solving bigger problems can elevate your position and impact. Through practical advice and relatable examples, they explore why mindset, skills, and tools are critical for providing value to your team, company, and customers. Tune in to learn how to assess where you are on the value ladder and take actionable steps to climb higher.
Co...
Stop Analyzing & Start Acting | Ep12
In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware discuss the importance of taking action over excessive analysis. Drawing insights from Derek Sivers' Ted Talk and John Maxwell's leadership principles, they reveal how leaders with a bias toward action achieve greater success. Learn practical strategies for overcoming analysis paralysis, embracing imperfection, and using action to drive meaningful growth in your business and life.
Contact: theshiftpodcast.co
Contact Evan: https://evanweiland.com/
Matt Ware: https://themattware.com/
How a Local Business Lives Out Its Mission | BONUS Interview Episode
Summary:
In this special bonus episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware sit down with Kevin Utile, pastor and founder of Doulos Coffee Shop. They explore the incredible story of how a small coffee shop funds church programs, supports missions, and helps vulnerable populations while staying true to its faith-driven mission. Kevin shares practical insights on balancing business profitability with ministry goals and highlights the importance of excellence in leadership and service. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs of faith looking to integrate purpose and profit in their ventures.
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The Power of Personal Brand | Ep11
Summary:
In this episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware explore the transformative power of personal branding. They discuss how core values and reputation form the foundation of an authentic personal brand, sharing examples like Deion Sanders and Budweiser. Learn practical steps to build, improve, and evolve your personal brand over time, attracting the right people and repelling the wrong ones. Whether you're a business owner or leader, this episode is packed with insights to help you leverage your personal brand for influence and impact.
Contact:
theshiftpodcast.co <...
Live To Work Or Work To Live? | Ep 10
Summary:
In this insightful episode of The Shift Podcast, Evan Weiland and Matt Ware discuss the elusive concept of work-life balance for entrepreneurs. Exploring the tension between work and rest, they share actionable insights on managing burnout, balancing family life, and finding purpose through meaningful work. With lessons from elite athletes and biblical principles, Evan and Matt uncover practical strategies to thrive in both personal and professional life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a sustainable approach to work and rest.
Contact:
theshiftpodcast.co
Contact Evan:
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