Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice-logo

Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice

Business & Economics Podcasts

"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.

Location:

United States

Description:

"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.

Language:

English


Episodes
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The New Mysteries: Exploring Consciousness, Joy, and True Choice With Mark Worster

7/16/2025
Mark Worster is the Founder of The New Mysteries, a personal transformation initiative that blends ancient wisdom with modern therapeutic practices to help individuals access deeper levels of consciousness. Previously, he founded Novation IT Services and served as CEO of Unitel, a two-time Inc. 500 honoree, which he later sold to his brother, marking a pivotal transition in his professional journey. Known as “nurseMARK,” Mark is a sought-after speaker and coach, offering insights on mental health, entrepreneurship, and transformational healing. In this episode… Despite achieving outward success, many high performers feel a lingering sense of dissatisfaction or internal struggle. What if the root cause lies deep in our subconscious, formed not by conscious choice but by childhood conditioning, inherited trauma, and neurological programming? Could psychedelics and breathwork offer a path to profound healing and clarity? Mark Worster, a mental health advocate, answers these questions with powerful personal stories and professional insight. After decades as a successful CEO and enduring lifelong treatment-resistant depression, Mark found healing through psychedelic therapy and breathwork. He discusses how these tools helped him uncover subconscious programming, access true choice, and ultimately find joy. Now, he helps others achieve similar breakthroughs by guiding them through transformative practices and consciousness-expanding experiences. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Mark Worster, Founder of The New Mysteries, about rewiring the subconscious mind. Mark discusses his journey from the Marines and IT entrepreneurship to mental health advocacy, along with insights on psychedelic therapy, breathwork, and the quest for genuine fulfillment.

Duration:00:46:18

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Lean Tech Done Right: Catie King on Using AI and Low-Code to Scale Fast

7/11/2025
Catie King is the Co-founder of Stradia Partners, a consultancy that empowers companies to optimize operations through low-code, no-code, and AI-powered technology solutions. Stradia Partners specializes in building scalable internal tools using platforms like Airtable and Retool to streamline workflows, consolidate data, and boost team efficiency across industries. With over a decade of experience in product management, Catie previously served as Head of Product at flyExclusive, one of the largest private jet operators in the US. Outside of her work in tech, she is also a musician and a strong advocate for data-informed decision-making. In this episode… Many growing companies struggle with inefficiencies, fragmented data, and time-consuming manual processes, especially when teams rely on outdated spreadsheets or lack the budget for full-scale development. How can these businesses leverage today’s tools to simplify operations and scale smarter? Catie King, an experienced product manager turned tech founder, believes the solution lies in low-code, no-code, and AI-powered platforms. Drawing from her experience leading product at a major private jet company and now co-founding Stradia Partners, Catie shares how tools like Airtable and Retool empower non-developers to create sophisticated solutions that streamline workflows and reduce costs. She also unpacks how generative AI is accelerating this shift, making once complex tech accessible to lean teams. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Catie King, Co-founder of Stradia Partners, about building custom solutions using low-code and AI. Catie shares how her background in music and journalism led her to tech, why she believes in empowering operations teams, and how tools like Airtable, Retool, and generative AI are redefining modern software development.

Duration:00:34:13

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The Purple Squirrel Approach: Escape the Rat Race With Carrie Schochet

7/9/2025
Carrie Schochet is the Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, a boutique executive search firm specializing in senior-level placements for private equity and family businesses. Purple Squirrel Advisors is renowned for its personalized, "white glove" recruitment process, emphasizing cultural fit and long-term success in placements. Beyond her professional endeavors, Carrie founded CFO Next in 2013 to support transitioning senior financial executives through networking and resources. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Career Services Committee for Financial Executives International (FEI), advancing professional development for finance leaders. In this episode… Leaving behind a stable corporate career can be terrifying, especially when you're the primary breadwinner with a young family. Many professionals stay in roles that drain them because they fear the unknown or lack a clear path forward. What does it take to pivot from a high-pressure corporate role into a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey? Carrie Schochet, an experienced executive recruiter, faced this exact dilemma and chose to take control of her future. After an unsupportive return from maternity leave, Carrie left her job and moved her family to a new city, where she rebuilt her career from the ground up. She focused on serving small to midsize businesses, built strategic relationships within the private equity space, and launched CFO support groups to add value to her network. Carrie emphasizes the importance of authentic connection, value-driven leadership, and building a resilient team that can thrive through personal and economic challenges. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Carrie Schochet, Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, about the nuances of executive search. Carrie delves into the significance of cultural alignment in hiring, the evolving dynamics of the talent market, and her firm's unique "white glove" approach to recruitment. The conversation also touches on remote work trends, building long-term client relationships, and Carrie's philanthropic efforts.

Duration:00:39:50

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From ChatGPT Hacks to YouTube Growth: John Corcoran Shares B2B Podcasting Essentials

7/7/2025
John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… It’s easier than ever to create content, but standing out and building meaningful relationships remains a major challenge. How can B2B leaders and entrepreneurs use podcasting and AI tools to drive growth, deepen connections, and establish thought leadership in today’s noisy landscape? John Corcoran tackles this challenge by sharing specific tools and strategies that have proven effective. He explains how ChatGPT can be transformed into personalized AI coaches across multiple life areas, using uploaded documents and tailored prompts to enhance its utility. John also outlines how podcasting can serve as a relationship-building mechanism, whether reconnecting with past contacts like Ed O’Keefe or converting existing content into multi-platform episodes. Additionally, he shares a simple yet powerful method for boosting YouTube engagement through paid views and follow-up emails, which helps elevate guest exposure and strengthens ongoing partnerships. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen interviews John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, about leveraging AI and podcasting for business growth. John dives into AI productivity hacks, how to repurpose content effectively, and why guest interviews build lasting credibility. He also touches on using podcasting to rekindle professional relationships, the benefits of tools like Gemini and Veo 3, and his top podcast recommendations in the investment and wellness spaces.

Duration:00:19:12

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Profitless Prosperity to Global Brand With Brian Smith

7/4/2025
Brian Smith is the Founder of UGG, the globally recognized sheepskin boots brand. Originally from Australia, he transitioned from a career in accounting to entrepreneurship after studying at the UCLA School of Management. Brian launched UGG Imports in 1978 with minimal capital and a bold vision to introduce sheepskin boots to the American market. Over the course of two decades, he built the brand into a cultural icon renowned for its comfort and quality — before eventually selling it to Deckers Outdoor Corporation. In this episode… Every entrepreneur dreams of turning their idea into a household name, but few consider the financial hurdles and missteps that can threaten even the most promising ventures. What do you do when your product starts to gain traction, but the business is financially drowning? Brian Smith, the founder of a now-iconic footwear brand, shared hard-won lessons on breaking into a resistant market. Drawing from his experience as a surfer and former accountant, Brian explained how deeply understanding your target audience and reflecting on their aspirations can transform marketing outcomes. His breakthrough came when he stopped using professional models and instead featured young surfers in authentic settings. He also cautioned against the dangers of “profitless prosperity,” where rapid sales growth outpaces financial planning, and stressed the importance of sound financial literacy and timing when scaling a product-based business. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Brian Smith, Founder of UGG, to discuss how he created an iconic footwear brand. Brian reveals how surf culture shaped UGG’s early marketing, why selling a fast-growing business was necessary, and how he's mentoring modern entrepreneurs today. Listeners will learn about Brian's innovative marketing strategies and the critical role of resilience in business success.

Duration:00:35:50

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Start With Strategy, Not Tactics With David Meyer

7/2/2025
David Meyer is a Partner at Spoke Marketing, LLC, a full-service marketing agency specializing in sales-driven brand storytelling and scalable marketing strategies. With a career spanning over 16 years at Spoke Marketing, David has been instrumental in guiding the agency through various economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis. An early adopter of Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), he now leverages his expertise to help clients implement the same framework, focusing on goal-setting, accountability, and achieving meaningful results. In this episode… Effective marketing often begins with a symptom: weak lead generation, under-engaged prospects, or uninspiring messaging. But without digging deeper, many companies jump straight into tactics — emails, ads, automation — without understanding the root cause. Could the misalignment between brand story and strategy be the real issue? David Meyer stresses the importance of diagnosing the real marketing problem by asking probing questions and uncovering the “why” behind symptoms. He guides companies to align messaging with their vision, values, and customer motivations. Through practical frameworks — like leveraging EOS structure, developing story-driven brand identity, and implementing sales‑ready tactics — David provides a clear pathway from introspection to measurable marketing outcomes. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews David Meyer, Partner at Spoke Marketing, LLC, about crafting story‑first strategies. David shares frameworks for asking the right questions, aligning messaging, planning campaigns, utilizing marketing automation, and measuring lead‑to‑sales impact.

Duration:00:43:17

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Why Your Marketing Closet Needs a Makeover With Braydan Young

6/27/2025
Braydan Young is the Co-founder and CEO of SlashExperts, a leading peer-conversation platform that helps B2B companies accelerate revenue by connecting prospective buyers with real customers. Under his leadership, SlashExperts announced $2M in seed funding in April 2025, marking a significant milestone for the company. Braydan has a background in entrepreneurship, having previously co-founded Sendoso, a successful company that is a leading sending platform simplifying direct mail, gifting, and corporate gifting processes for businesses. Beyond his ventures, he serves as a mentor at ChicoSTART, offering guidance to emerging entrepreneurs. In this episode… Launching a startup is never easy, but scaling one introduces an entirely new set of challenges. Founders often struggle to balance rapid growth with operational complexity, investor expectations, and the pressure to remain profitable. How do entrepreneurs navigate these competing demands while staying true to their vision? Braydan Young turned a simple idea, sending Starbucks gift cards via email, into a fast-growing business by staying attuned to customer needs and market shifts. As demand expanded, he evolved the offering from basic digital gifting to full-scale warehousing and fulfillment, ultimately co-founding Sendoso and raising over $100 million in venture funding, including a $100M Series C. When market conditions changed, Braydan faced tough decisions, including multiple rounds of layoffs, which taught him the importance of transparent leadership and leading with empathy during difficult moments. These experiences shaped his approach to building more resilient companies. He emphasizes the value of listening to customers, staying flexible, and learning from setbacks to drive long-term success. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Braydan Young, Co-founder of SlashExperts, about startup growth, resilience, and innovation. Braydan discusses hypergrowth during COVID-19, the complexities of warehousing, lessons from fundraising, his new SaaS peer-to-peer model, and strategies for lean startup operations.

Duration:00:34:58

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Clawing Back: TJ Pitre Journey to Success

6/25/2025
TJ Pitre is the Founder and CEO of Southleft, LLC, a front-end application design and development agency based in New Orleans. With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, he has grown Southleft into a multimillion-dollar agency, partnering with global brands such as IBM, Google, Caterpillar, and PetSmart, as well as community-driven organizations—all without relying on traditional sales or marketing methods. Before founding Southleft, TJ held prominent roles, including Director of Internet Front-End Development for Martha Stewart Living and web developer for Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant group. In this episode… Growing up in poverty can shape a person’s outlook in profound ways. For some, it creates limiting beliefs; for others, it becomes fuel for ambition. But how does one break free from generational cycles of hardship to build a thriving business in the competitive world of technology? TJ Pitre found his escape in art, which led him down a winding path of freelance graphic design, web development, and ultimately entrepreneurship. Along the way, he worked with some of the biggest names in media, including Emeril Lagasse and Martha Stewart, honing his skills in front-end development. With encouragement from mentors and family, TJ launched Southleft, building an agency that bridges the gap between design and development while serving high-profile clients. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews TJ Pitre, Founder and CEO of Southleft, LLC, about his inspiring rise from poverty to business ownership. TJ discusses his early creative pursuits, his career working for Martha Stewart and Emeril Lagasse, and the leap of faith that launched Southleft. He also touches on growing up without financial stability, the pivotal role of mentors, and how he built long-term client relationships.

Duration:01:05:18

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Surviving Market Shifts and Scaling Smart in Tech With Nathan Whittacre

6/20/2025
Nathan Whittacre is the Founder and CEO of Stimulus Technologies, a managed IT services provider specializing in internet services, cloud computing, and VoIP solutions across multiple US states. With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer science from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nathan has been at the forefront of the tech industry for over 30 years. He is an accomplished author of The CEO’s Digital Survival Guide, host of the Stimulus Tech Talk podcast, and frequent keynote speaker on topics like AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. In this episode… Running a tech company for decades isn’t just about having the right product — it requires weathering recessions, embracing evolving technologies, and constantly adapting. How does a family-run business grow from a garage startup to securing $140 million in government funding? Nathan Whittacre, a lifelong tech enthusiast, shares how he transformed his early passion into Stimulus Technologies, a resilient IT services provider. He recounts surviving multiple economic downturns, adjusting to industry shifts such as the rise of Dell, and responding to global crises like COVID-19 by scaling remote solutions. Nathan also explains how hiring a CEO coach and joining a peer group helped him transition from a tech-focused founder to a strategic business leader. His bold move to pursue public funding allowed Stimulus to expand broadband access to underserved communities, demonstrating the impact of vision and adaptability in the tech sector. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Nathan Whittacre, Founder and CEO of Stimulus Technologies, about building a sustainable tech business. Nathan talks about transitioning from building computers to managed services, navigating recessions, and capitalizing on government grants. He also discusses his early ventures, the impact of mentorship, and staying ahead of technology trends.

Duration:00:29:11

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Wealth Building in Uncertain Times With Rich Schuette

6/18/2025
Rich Schuette is the Founder and CEO of Avalan Wealth Management, a firm based in Santa Barbara that specializes in personalized financial, business, and investment planning for entrepreneurs and affluent individuals. Rich brings over 25 years of experience in the financial industry and is known for his relationship-first, truth-over-tact approach to advising. He also hosts The Road Already Traveled podcast, where he explores the entrepreneurial journeys of his peers and shares practical financial insights. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs build their wealth through grit, innovation, and risk-taking, only to risk losing it due to poor financial decisions or advisors who won’t tell them the hard truths. Without trustworthy guidance, even the most successful business owners can see their fortunes dwindle — sometimes within a generation. So, how do you ensure your hard-earned wealth lasts? Rich Schuette shares how personal experiences, especially his grandfather’s financial journey, influenced his approach to wealth advising. Rich explains why standing firm in the face of wealthy, strong-willed clients is essential, even if it costs you business. From avoiding trendy investments to building a resilient, value-aligned firm, Rich offers actionable strategies that blend empathy, accountability, and expert financial planning. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Rich Schuette, Founder and CEO of Avalan Wealth Management, about how to build and protect entrepreneurial wealth with integrity. Rich shares lessons from his grandfather’s investing mistakes, explains why emotional intelligence is key in financial advising, and discusses how to combat investment fads and misinformation.

Duration:00:36:57

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Redefining Business in the AI Era With John Corcoran

6/13/2025
John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service.

Duration:00:19:47

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Reimagining Money: Brandon Hatton’s Four Pillars of Conscious Wealth

6/11/2025
Brandon Hatton is the President and Chief Investment Officer of Conscious Wealth, a values-driven wealth management firm dedicated to helping clients achieve financial well-being while fostering meaningful family connections, personal health, and perspective. He brings a diverse background in international education and finance, having begun his career at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management before continuing at Raymond James. Brandon is also the author of Conscious Wealth: Money, Investing, and a Financial Awakening for the Person Who Has It All and holds certifications as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® and a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor®. In this episode… Financial success doesn’t always equal fulfillment. Many high-achievers accumulate wealth only to find themselves feeling disconnected, stressed, and unsure of how to preserve both their assets and their family’s values. What does it really take to create a life of abundance, meaning, and legacy? Brandon Hatton shares the powerful journey that led him from international classrooms to Wall Street boardrooms — and eventually to founding Conscious Wealth. Through personal upheaval and a reawakening of purpose, Brandon has built a new framework for wealth that integrates health, connection, mindset, and finances. He unpacks how families can communicate more effectively about money, how to transition wealth between generations, and why traditional financial planning misses key emotional and relational dynamics. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Brandon Hatton, President and CIO of Conscious Wealth, about redefining what it means to be truly wealthy. Brandon discusses his global experiences, his four-pillar philosophy, and how wealthy families can foster connection, resilience, and long-term meaning. This conversation provides an enlightening perspective for anyone looking to reimagine the purpose and impact of their financial resources.

Duration:00:33:46

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Startup Trajectory: Building a Flywheel of Success With Dave Parker

6/6/2025
Dave Parker is the CEO of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), a global nonprofit network dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs. EO supports founders through peer groups, learning programs, and mentorship to help grow their businesses and themselves. With over three decades of experience in entrepreneurship, Dave has built five companies and successfully exited three, with one scaling to $32 million in revenue. He’s also a venture capitalist, author of Trajectory: Startup, and advocate for inclusive innovation and leadership in entrepreneurship. In this episode… Building a startup is a high-stakes rollercoaster ride — timing, funding, product-market fit, and personal resilience all matter. But what happens when the market moves faster or slower than your vision? Dave Parker, a seasoned founder, shares honest reflections on his five startups, including three exits, one failure, and valuable lessons learned along the way. He explains how entrepreneurs can de-risk decisions by understanding revenue models, tracking product-market fit with hard data, and staying self-aware. Dave also opens up about the emotional toll of failure and how EO creates a space for connection and support. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dave Parker, CEO of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, about building startups, scaling community, and investing with impact. Dave also shares insights on revenue modeling, the role of timing in startup success, and why EO is critical for founders navigating growth, uncertainty, and personal development.

Duration:00:49:45

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Double the Business, Double the Impact With Elizabeth Yang

6/4/2025
Elizabeth Yang is the CEO and Founder of Yang Law Offices and a Partner at OptiNizers. Yang Law Offices specializes in intellectual property and family law, while OptiNizers provides top-tier Filipino virtual talent to US businesses. Elizabeth is a best-selling author of six books and serves as the Mayor Pro Tem and Council Member for District 2 in Monterey Park, California. She holds a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from UC Berkeley and formerly worked with Raytheon and NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab. In this episode… Many professionals reach a point where they must decide between the security of employment and the freedom of entrepreneurship. But what happens when that decision involves juggling two entirely different careers — and family life? Elizabeth Yang tackled this dilemma head-on by leveraging her engineering background, legal education, and business acumen to forge her path. After experiencing the volatility of large law firms and the strain of long hours away from her children, she launched her law firm, Yang Law Offices, and simultaneously opened multiple indoor playgrounds. Elizabeth shares how she eventually decided to focus on the higher-margin legal business, how her four-year divorce led her to shift into family law, and how virtual assistants from her second company, OptiNizers, helped her scale efficiently. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Elizabeth Yang, CEO and Founder of Yang Law Offices and Partner at OptiNizers, about her multifaceted entrepreneurial journey. Elizabeth discusses how she built a law firm and indoor playground business simultaneously, what inspired her pivot to family law, and how her divorce shaped her practice. She also shares how remote teams can drive growth and her recent foray into local government.

Duration:00:29:44

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The Comeback Kid: Daniel Shemtob’s Story of Loss and Triumph

5/30/2025
Daniel Shemtob is the CEO and Founder of Snibbs, a company that creates ergonomically designed, slip-resistant footwear for professionals in healthcare and hospitality. He also created the acclaimed food truck brand, The Lime Truck, which gained national attention by winning Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race twice. Building on his culinary success, Daniel opened Hatch Yakitori + Bar in Downtown Los Angeles, offering a modern take on Japanese skewers. After losing his home in the 2025 Pacific Palisades Fire, he partnered with World Central Kitchen to provide meals and Snibbs footwear to those affected. In this episode… What does it take to overcome setbacks and emerge stronger than before? From losing everything in the LA fires to weathering the tumultuous economic downturns of the past decade, resilience seems to be the cornerstone of a successful life. But how does one cultivate such tenacity in the face of adversity? Daniel Shemtob, a celebrated chef and entrepreneur, shares the candid story of his entrepreneurial journey marked by extreme highs and lows. After filing for personal bankruptcy in his early 20s following a failed real estate stint, Daniel shifted toward passion-driven work, launching the now-famous Lime Truck. Years later, when COVID-19 decimated his catering business, he doubled down on Snibbs, his footwear company, and pivoted by giving away shoes to essential workers — an act that unexpectedly catalyzed massive growth. Even after losing his home in the 2025 LA fires, Daniel partnered with World Central Kitchen to serve thousands of meals and distribute Snibbs footwear, showing that purpose and action can power recovery. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Daniel Shemtob, CEO and Founder of Snibbs, about overcoming adversity and scaling resilient brands. Daniel discusses rebounding from personal bankruptcy, how COVID-19 forced him to pivot, the inspiration behind Snibbs, and what he learned from losing his home in the LA fires.

Duration:00:46:46

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Building Your Dream Team: Why Professional Networks Matter With Charlie Garcia

5/28/2025
Charlie Garcia is the Managing Partner at R360, a global invite-only community for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. R360 is dedicated to helping members and their families flourish across six capital dimensions: financial, intellectual, social, human, emotional, and spiritual. Charlie is a decorated United States Air Force veteran and has advised six US presidential administrations. He also founded Sterling Financial Investment Group, one of the fastest-growing private companies in the US, and has served on several corporate and governmental boards. In this episode… For many high achievers, building wealth and success doesn't always translate to fulfillment or impact. Entrepreneurs often face burnout, decision fatigue, or isolation, especially after a major liquidity event or business exit. Without the right community or purpose, even the most successful individuals can feel directionless or disconnected from their true potential. Charlie Garcia, a former Air Force captain turned financial entrepreneur, offers a compelling framework to shift this narrative. Drawing from his journey through military service, founding Sterling Financial, and advising six US Presidents, Charlie emphasizes aligning personal values with purpose. Through his leadership at R360, he encourages ultra-wealthy individuals to focus not just on financial growth but on flourishing across six dimensions of capital — financial, intellectual, social, human, emotional, and spiritual. He also shares how peer-based accountability, strategic mentorship, and lifelong learning communities like YPO and Vistage helped him evolve as a leader. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Charlie Garcia, Managing Partner at R360, about building purpose-driven wealth and community. Charlie shares insights into scaling Sterling Financial, lessons from the White House Fellowship, and how values-based leadership shaped the creation of R360. The conversation highlights the significance of aligning one's life purpose with personal and professional goals and the value of authentic leadership.

Duration:01:12:45

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How Sean Bourquin Re-Engineered Success in the Lighting Industry

5/23/2025
Sean Bourquin is the President and Founder of Full On Lighting, a premium lighting company specializing in high-performance mountain bike lights. With over two decades in the lighting industry, he previously founded First Light Technologies, a solar-powered outdoor lighting firm that became one of Canada's fastest-growing companies. Full On Lighting blends Sean’s technical engineering expertise with his passion for cycling, while XLYNX Materials, another of his ventures, focuses on pioneering molecular bonding solutions for industrial applications. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs face a moment when their secure, stable job no longer aligns with their deeper passions or curiosity. What happens when someone dares to leave that behind to pursue a vision no one else believes in? Sean Bourquin, a Canadian entrepreneur and engineer, shares how he transitioned from a shipyard apprentice to a leader in solar-powered lighting. When his ideas were dismissed by corporate leadership, Sean leaped to build his own company, innovating in solar lighting through smart, efficient designs and bold engineering. Focusing on municipalities and refining the sales approach through direct outreach and feedback, he scaled First Light Technologies into one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies. He shares how identifying municipalities as his core customer base, designing adaptive lighting systems that required no external configuration, and staying agile in sales execution were key to long-term growth. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Sean Bourquin, President and Founder of Full On Lighting, about starting, growing, and ultimately moving on from a wildly successful solar lighting business. Sean discusses his engineering-led sales strategy, the founding of Full On Lighting, and lessons from navigating founder conflict, legal battles, and reinvention.

Duration:00:43:18

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Scaling Your Wealth Through Real Estate: The Henish Pulickal Way

5/21/2025
Henish Pulickal is the Founder and CEO of CalHomeCo, a San Diego-based full-service real estate company. CalHomeCo specializes in investment property acquisition, fix-and-flip, pre-foreclosure acquisitions, and property management. Henish has over a decade of experience in real estate and is known for his integrity-driven approach, creative financing strategies, and commitment to empowering both clients and agents. He is also affiliated with ARO Real Estate of America and is an active Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) member. In this episode… Navigating the world of real estate can feel overwhelming, especially when foreclosure or financial uncertainty looms large. For many homeowners, understanding their options — or even having someone trustworthy to talk to — can make all the difference. But how do you build a business that not only thrives on these conversations but also transforms communities? Henish Pulickal, a seasoned real estate investor, shares how he built a diverse real estate business by leading with service, creativity, and integrity. Henish discusses his unique approach to pre-foreclosure outreach, how he developed infill properties in high-demand California markets, and why ethical deal-making consistently wins over both clients and team members. From flipping homes to redeveloping a boutique hotel, Henish brings valuable lessons in entrepreneurship and relationship-building. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Henish Pulickal, Founder and CEO of CalHomeCo, about using real estate to create value and solve problems. Henish shares insights into flipping homes, infill development, ADUs, team leadership, and staying agile during market shifts. Whether you're an aspiring investor or an experienced entrepreneur, this episode promises valuable lessons on creating opportunities and sustaining success in the real estate industry.

Duration:00:27:43

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Monetizing Your Expertise: A Conversation With Kathy Weidner

5/16/2025
Kathy Weidner, known professionally as Kathy Mills Chang, is the CEO and Founder of KMC University, a company specializing in comprehensive consulting, training, and support services designed to help chiropractic practices streamline operations and improve profitability. Her team — composed of certified specialists with over 250 years of combined experience — offers a wealth of knowledge to the chiropractic community. Kathy holds multiple certifications, including Certified Medical Compliance Specialist (MCS-P), Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO), Certified Professional Chiropractic Coder (CCPC), and Certified Clinical Chiropractic Assistant (CCCA). She is also actively involved in the Entrepreneurs' Organization, currently serving as the US West Regional Growth Director. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs hit a wall when they realize their hard-earned expertise doesn’t automatically translate into a profitable business. How do you take what you know and turn it into scalable products or services that others will pay for? Kathy Weidner, a veteran of the chiropractic industry, faced these exact challenges and found success by turning her deep knowledge of chiropractic billing and compliance into a scalable, online education business. She shares how she built KMC University by first solving urgent pain points for practitioners and then transforming that expertise into structured training and consulting services. Kathy emphasizes the importance of being solution-oriented, creating systems that work beyond herself, and leaning into opportunities like public speaking and community involvement to grow her influence and impact. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Kathy Weidner, Founder and CEO of KMC University, about building a business from niche expertise. Kathy talks about her entrepreneurial journey, the evolution of her online education platform, and the power of community through EO. She shares lessons on leadership, client retention, and creating scalable business models.

Duration:00:26:52

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Growing a Contractor-Based Business and Kids With Alexandra Kaplan

5/14/2025
Alexandra Gabriele Kaplan is the Founder and CEO of Kaplan Interpreting Services, a leading provider of certified medical and court interpreting services across the United States. With over 17 years of experience as a certified Spanish court interpreter, she is renowned for her precision in high-stakes environments, including courtrooms, hospitals, and corporate negotiations. In 2017, Alexandra founded Kaplan Interpreting Services, which now offers services in over 200 languages, supported by a global network of over 7,000 certified linguists. She holds a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Washington University and is also an alumna of the Latino Business Action Network's business scaling program at Stanford University. In this episode… Running a business based on freelancers can feel like a juggling act — especially when you’re also raising four kids. How do you manage a team of independent interpreters, serve critical healthcare and legal clients, and still preserve your family time? Alexandra Gabriele Kaplan answers this challenge by sharing the systems, mindset, and professional networks that allowed her to scale from solo interpreter to founder of Kaplan Interpreting Services. Drawing on her healthcare administration background, Alexandra highlights how she built trust with clients, vetted contractors, and responded with resilience during crises like COVID-19, all while maintaining personal balance. Her strategy of building strong relationships with both clients and interpreters has been key to her success, proving that clear communication and mutual respect are crucial in maintaining a well-functioning business ecosystem. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Alexandra Gabriele Kaplan, Founder and CEO of Kaplan Interpreting Services, about scaling a nationwide interpreting network. Alexandra discusses managing quality across languages, adapting during the pandemic, and the entrepreneurial programs that shaped her leadership. She also offers insights on building reputation, navigating AI disruption, and balancing work and family.

Duration:00:35:58