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  • S1Ep259 Franchise Leadership and Turning Vision into Growth with Ally Van Iten

    S1Ep259 Franchise Leadership and Turning Vision into Growth with Ally Van Iten
    2025/12/11

    Franchise leadership is about more than systems and structure. It's about vision, culture, and the ability to bring people together around a shared mission. At the heart of every thriving franchise brand is a leader who understands how to balance growth with purpose, and few embody that balance as well as Ally Van Iten, CEO of House of Colour USA.

    Ally's journey began not in the boardroom but on the frontlines as one of the first franchise owners to introduce House of Colour to the United States. What started as a personal passion for helping others express themselves through color and style quickly grew into a nationwide movement. Her success as a franchisee, combined with her deep belief in the company's mission, positioned her to play a defining role in the brand's expansion.

    Today, as the CEO of House of Colour USA, Ally leads a rapidly growing organization that continues to empower individuals through confidence and personal expression. Her path from franchise owner to CEO is a powerful example of franchise leadership in action—a blend of entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and purpose-driven growth.

    Under her leadership, House of Colour USA has evolved into a recognized brand that brings together fashion, psychology, and empowerment. The company's focus on helping clients understand the science of color and style has built more than a business—it has created a community. Through education, training, and mentorship, Ally has fostered an environment where franchisees thrive, clients feel inspired, and the brand continues to grow with integrity.

    Strong franchise leadership requires vision and resilience. It means understanding that growth is not only about numbers but about people. Ally's approach is rooted in connection and collaboration, encouraging her teams to bring their authentic selves to their work. She has learned firsthand that the most effective leaders are those who lead through listening, invest in others, and build systems that support both individual and organizational success.

    The growth of House of Colour USA also underscores an important lesson for emerging franchise leaders: sustainable success comes from building a foundation that aligns purpose with performance. By prioritizing culture and empowering franchisees to operate with confidence, Ally has positioned the brand for continued innovation and expansion across the United States.

    Franchise leadership is not just about running a business—it is about creating opportunity. For Ally, that means helping others discover their potential, whether through entrepreneurship or personal growth. Her journey serves as an inspiring reminder that great leaders don't wait for the perfect path; they build it, one decision at a time, with clarity, courage, and conviction.

    Watch the full episode on YouTube.

    Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom.

    About Ally Van Iten

    Ally Van Iten is the CEO of House of Colour USA. She began her career as one of the first franchise owners to bring the company to the United States, later joining the corporate team to lead recruitment and expansion. Under her leadership, House of Colour USA has grown into a thriving national brand built on empowerment, education, and confidence. Her passion for connecting people and helping them show up as the best version of themselves continues to shape the company's vision and success. Learn more at HouseOfColour.com.

    About Ford Saeks

    Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped generate more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide, working with companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes in helping businesses attract loyal customers, expand brand awareness, and ignite innovation. Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored five books, and holds three U.S. patents. He is also recognized for his work in AI and marketing strategy, helping organizations use modern tools to drive engagement and results. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch his show at Fordify.tv.
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    46 分
  • S1Ep258 Personal Branding in the Workplace and Building Influence with Sima Dahl

    S1Ep258 Personal Branding in the Workplace and Building Influence with Sima Dahl
    2025/12/04
    Personal branding in the workplace is no longer optional. It's essential. As professionals navigate a competitive landscape shaped by constant innovation and visibility, the ability to define, communicate, and sustain one's personal brand has become a key factor in professional success and organizational growth. Sima Dahl, CSP, has built her career helping individuals and companies harness that power. As an internationally recognized keynote speaker and creator of The #SwayFactor, Sima teaches professionals how to promote themselves with confidence and authenticity. Her approach goes far beyond image—it's about creating influence, driving engagement, and aligning personal value with business goals. Through her framework, Sima shows that personal branding isn't about self-promotion; it's about self-awareness and contribution. When employees understand how to position themselves effectively, they naturally become stronger advocates for their organizations. The result is a workforce that communicates with purpose, attracts opportunities, and helps businesses grow from the inside out. For organizations, embracing personal branding in the workplace means empowering employees to represent the company's mission and culture through their own networks. It supports recruitment, retention, and sales by humanizing the brand experience. When people see passionate, engaged professionals sharing their insights, they connect with the business behind them on a deeper level. Sima's work underscores an important shift in how companies view marketing and leadership. In today's business environment, influence isn't just reserved for executives or spokespeople—it's distributed across every employee who interacts with clients, partners, or audiences online. That's where the real power of personal branding comes into play. With The #SwayFactor, Sima has redefined how professionals think about their personal presence. Her method combines proven marketing principles with a human-centered philosophy that encourages authenticity, accountability, and alignment. It's not about being louder; it's about being clearer. Not about getting noticed, but about getting remembered for the right reasons. Her influence extends beyond the stage. Through her speaking, training, and consulting work, Sima has helped thousands of professionals take control of their reputation, strengthen their confidence, and create opportunities they once thought were out of reach. Organizations that adopt her strategies often see measurable gains in employee engagement, brand loyalty, and overall performance. For leaders, the message is clear: when employees are empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to the workplace, they don't just do better work—they help build better businesses. And for individuals, it's a reminder that your personal brand is one of your greatest career assets. Personal branding in the workplace continues to shape the future of leadership and communication. With experts like Sima Dahl leading the charge, the movement toward authenticity and influence isn't slowing down—it's becoming the standard for how professionals rise and how organizations thrive. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Sima Dahl Sima Dahl, CSP, is a keynote speaker and the creator of The #SwayFactor, a personal branding framework that helps professionals earn attention, build influence, and create opportunity. With deep experience in marketing and communications, Sima equips individuals and organizations to strengthen reputation, elevate employer branding, and support recruiting, retention, and sales enablement. She works with companies and conference audiences to make personal branding practical, authentic, and business-ready. Learn more at SimaDahl.com About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped generate more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide, working with companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes in customer acquisition, brand expansion, and innovation. An entrepreneurial powerhouse, Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored five books, and holds three U.S. patents. He is recognized for applying AI and modern marketing to improve operations, engagement, and results. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch his show at Fordify.tv
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    27 分
  • S1Ep257 Franchise Marketing and Empowering Women Leaders with Ali Kraus

    S1Ep257 Franchise Marketing and Empowering Women Leaders with Ali Kraus
    2025/11/20
    Franchise marketing is more than running ads or managing brand awareness. It's a strategic process that connects entrepreneurs, brands, and customers through trust, storytelling, and value-driven engagement. The best franchise marketing strategies help businesses expand their reach while maintaining the integrity of the brand at every level — from national awareness to local community relationships. Few people understand that dynamic better than Ali Kraus, Chief Marketing Officer at Benetrends Financial. With deep expertise in franchise development marketing, digital strategy, and brand building, Ali has become one of the most respected voices in the franchising industry. Her leadership reflects how marketing can not only grow businesses but also empower people and strengthen communities. Benetrends Financial has been at the center of franchise success stories for decades. As a leader in franchise funding, Benetrends helps entrepreneurs start and expand their businesses through innovative financial solutions, including their signature Rainmaker Plan and SBA lending support. The company's commitment to entrepreneurship goes beyond numbers — it's about helping people achieve independence, stability, and long-term growth. Ali's marketing approach aligns with that mission. By integrating creative strategy with practical execution, she helps franchisors and franchisees navigate challenges in visibility, recruitment, and retention. Her belief in collaboration and community has made her a strong advocate for empowering women in franchising, both through her work at Benetrends and her leadership with the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee. As an incoming Chair of the committee, Ali is helping pave the way for more women to find opportunities in leadership, ownership, and influence within the franchise industry. Her work demonstrates how franchise marketing can be a vehicle for change — not only driving business results but also creating a more inclusive and diverse community of entrepreneurs. In an era where consumers demand authenticity and connection, Ali's perspective on franchise marketing reminds business owners that success isn't just about selling a product. It's about building relationships, aligning brand purpose with customer values, and giving people a reason to believe in the businesses they support. For franchise brands and entrepreneurs alike, her message is clear: effective marketing starts with clarity, consistency, and connection. When combined with the right funding foundation and strategic leadership, those elements create a roadmap for sustainable growth. Franchise marketing continues to evolve, and leaders like Ali Kraus are shaping what comes next — a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and purpose-driven progress. Through her work at Benetrends Financial and her commitment to empowering women across the franchise landscape, she continues to show what's possible when vision and leadership come together. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Ali Kraus Ali Kraus is the Chief Marketing Officer at Benetrends Financial, where she leads brand development, marketing strategy, and franchise growth initiatives. A passionate advocate for women in franchising, Ali serves as the incoming Chair of the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee. She has been recognized as a Top Franchise Influencer and one of 1851 Magazine's Young Ones to Watch. Her expertise in franchise marketing, digital strategy, and leadership has made her a respected voice in the industry and a driving force for innovation and inclusion. Learn more about her work at Benetrends.com About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped generate more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide, working with companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes in helping businesses attract loyal customers, expand brand awareness, and drive innovation. An entrepreneurial powerhouse, Ford has founded more than ten companies, authored five books, and been awarded three U.S. patents. His expertise also extends to artificial intelligence and marketing innovation, where he is recognized for training teams on how to use AI tools to enhance operations, improve customer engagement, and increase profitability. As the creator and host of Fordify LIVE! and The Business Growth Show Podcast, Ford continues to share insights that help leaders accelerate results, strengthen their brands, and future-proof their organizations. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch his TV show at Fordify.tv
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    31 分
  • S1Ep256 Purpose Driven Entrepreneurship and Building Impact with David Sauers

    S1Ep256 Purpose Driven Entrepreneurship and Building Impact with David Sauers
    2025/11/13
    Purpose Driven Entrepreneurship is about more than building companies. It is about creating businesses that align with values, serve people with excellence, and leave a lasting legacy. In a world where profit often overshadows purpose, entrepreneurs who choose to build with impact stand out as innovators and leaders. David Sauers exemplifies this philosophy. As an entrepreneur and co-founder of Royal Restrooms, his career reflects a commitment to elevating the ordinary into something extraordinary. What began as a vision to redefine the portable restroom industry has grown into a national brand recognized for transforming events, weddings, and public gatherings into experiences marked by dignity and comfort. By taking something as overlooked as restrooms and applying creativity, innovation, and service, David demonstrated what purpose driven entrepreneurship looks like in action. But his story doesn't stop there. Beyond Royal Restrooms, David has ventured into industries ranging from rugged overland campers to nonprofit initiatives abroad. In every case, his work is fueled by a belief that business should reflect more than financial return. It should represent vision, values, and service to others. That perspective not only sets his ventures apart but also highlights a model for entrepreneurs everywhere who want to grow without losing sight of what matters most. Purpose driven entrepreneurship also emphasizes resilience. David's journey underscores that challenges are part of building any enterprise, but a mission-driven mindset turns obstacles into opportunities. By viewing setbacks as temporary and aligning decisions with core values, leaders can navigate uncertainty while keeping their organizations on track. This principle resonates with entrepreneurs across industries who face constant change and competition. Another hallmark of purpose driven entrepreneurship is its impact on people. Businesses that operate with a clear sense of purpose attract teams who believe in the mission. They inspire loyalty, foster innovation, and create cultures that sustain long-term success. David's ventures are examples of how focusing on people and purpose results in stronger organizations that deliver not only profits but also meaningful contributions to communities. For business leaders and entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear: aligning profit with purpose is no longer optional—it is a competitive advantage. Consumers and employees alike are drawn to organizations that stand for something beyond transactions. Entrepreneurs who prioritize purpose position themselves to grow sustainably, differentiate their brands, and build lasting legacies. Purpose driven entrepreneurship is not about choosing between impact and income. It is about recognizing that both can and should coexist. By embedding purpose into strategy, entrepreneurs create businesses that thrive financially while serving people at the highest level. David Sauers is a prime example of how vision, creativity, and commitment to values can reshape industries and inspire others to follow suit. Entrepreneurship will always demand risk, innovation, and hard work. But when it is guided by purpose, it becomes more than a career path—it becomes a platform for influence, service, and transformation. That is the true essence of purpose driven entrepreneurship, and why leaders like David Sauers continue to stand out in today's business landscape. Join Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About David Sauers David Sauers is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Royal Restrooms. Since 2004, he has transformed industries through ventures that elevate the ordinary into the extraordinary, from luxury portable restrooms to rugged overland campers and nonprofit initiatives abroad. His work reflects a philosophy that business is personal and that true entrepreneurship is purpose driven, creating impact and leaving a lasting legacy. Learn more at RoyalRestrooms.com and DavidSauers.com. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped generate more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide, working with companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes in helping businesses attract loyal customers, expand brand awareness, and spark innovation. An entrepreneurial powerhouse, Ford has founded over ten companies, authored five books, been awarded three U.S. patents, and received numerous industry honors. His expertise also extends into artificial intelligence, where he is recognized for his work in AI prompt engineering and training AI systems to create content that drives real engagement and results. Recently featured at the "Unleash AI for Business Summit," Ford shared insights on how ChatGPT is transforming operations, marketing, sales, and customer ...
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    42 分
  • S1Ep255 How Company Culture Drives Business Growth and Lasting Freedom with Josh Cunningham

    S1Ep255 How Company Culture Drives Business Growth and Lasting Freedom with Josh Cunningham
    2025/11/06
    Company culture is more than a buzzword—it is the foundation that determines whether a business simply survives or truly thrives. In a marketplace defined by constant change, culture has emerged as the key driver of growth, employee retention, and the freedom leaders seek when scaling their companies. Few leaders embody this truth more than Josh Cunningham, Founder and CEO of Rokrbox and Five Star Company Culture. Over the past decade, Josh has built a reputation for transforming organizations by building teams that perform at the highest level. His journey began in real estate, where Rokrbox worked more than three million internet leads for teams across the United States. Along the way, he hired and trained over 400 inside sales assistants, proving that with the right culture in place, talent can be developed, empowered, and retained. That success became the foundation for Five Star Company Culture, where Josh now helps businesses implement systems that put culture at the center of growth. His philosophy is clear: when company culture is strong, employees stay longer, productivity rises, and leaders regain the freedom to focus on strategy instead of daily firefighting. The importance of company culture is even more evident in today's business climate. High turnover, disengaged teams, and rising competition can all erode profitability. Leaders often search for solutions in marketing or operations, but the most sustainable results come from within. A thriving culture attracts top performers, motivates them to achieve more, and creates an environment where people want to contribute their best work. Josh's story highlights how intentional culture-building unlocks scalability. By focusing on values, accountability, and shared purpose, he has shown how even fast-growing businesses can avoid the pitfalls of burnout and constant churn. His companies demonstrate that investing in culture is not a luxury—it is a business strategy that pays dividends in loyalty, innovation, and profitability. For business leaders, the lesson is simple: culture should not be an afterthought. It is the competitive edge. Leaders who understand the connection between culture and performance can move beyond short-term fixes and build organizations that last. They can also create the personal freedom many entrepreneurs dream about but rarely achieve, because the right culture allows them to step back without losing momentum. The phrase "company culture" often conjures images of office perks or team-building events, but Josh's approach goes deeper. It is about aligning people with purpose, setting clear expectations, and rewarding results. It is about creating a workplace where the right people feel inspired to stay and grow, and where leaders can trust their teams to deliver consistently. The conversation about culture is not just theoretical. Businesses across industries are proving that when culture is strong, growth follows. From scaling sales teams to expanding into new markets, the foundation that supports long-term success is always cultural. Companies that neglect this reality risk constant turnover, disengagement, and the inability to grow beyond the owner's direct involvement. Company culture is the key to unlocking both business growth and personal freedom. By looking at Josh Cunningham's journey, it becomes clear that culture is not a side project. It is the system that drives results. Leaders who embrace this mindset will not only scale their businesses more effectively but will also create organizations where people thrive—and where the freedom to focus on the future becomes a reality. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE! every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Josh Cunningham Josh Cunningham is the Founder and CEO of Rokrbox and Five Star Company Culture. Since launching Rokrbox in 2013, his team has worked more than three million internet leads for real estate companies nationwide while hiring and training over 400 inside sales assistants. Through Five Star Company Culture, Josh helps organizations implement systems that attract top talent, improve retention, and maximize productivity. His mission is to show business leaders how culture can unlock growth, profits, and personal freedom. Learn more at Rokrbox.com. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped generate more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide, working with companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes in helping businesses attract loyal customers, expand brand awareness, and spark innovation. An entrepreneurial powerhouse, Ford has founded over ten companies, authored five books, been awarded three U.S. patents, and received numerous industry honors. His expertise also extends into artificial ...
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    41 分
  • S1Ep254 Franchise Growth and Leadership that Builds Stronger Brands with Todd Treml

    S1Ep254 Franchise Growth and Leadership that Builds Stronger Brands with Todd Treml
    2025/10/30
    Franchise growth and leadership are at their best when they blend business performance with human connection. Growth on paper can look impressive, but the true measure of a brand's success lies in how it serves its people — both the customers who trust it and the teams who carry its mission forward. Great leaders understand that sustainable expansion is built not only on systems and strategy but also on empathy, purpose, and shared values. For leaders who have scaled hundreds of franchise locations, the challenge is never just about numbers. It is about creating frameworks that deliver consistent results while still leaving room for individual ownership, community connection, and personal pride in the work. Balancing structure and soul is the hallmark of effective franchise growth and leadership, and it is a balance Todd Treml knows well. As CEO of Touching Hearts at Home, Todd brings a lifetime of franchise leadership experience to one of the most meaningful industries in business today: senior care. His path spans from helping grow household names like Play It Again Sports and Plato's Closet to guiding mission-driven brands like Snap Fitness, Pedal Pub, and now Touching Hearts. Each of these ventures offered different challenges and lessons, but they all shared a common thread — the importance of people-centered leadership. Across every chapter, Todd has focused on empowering franchise owners, supporting local success, and strengthening the connection between brand values and community impact. Todd's leadership style is grounded in clarity, accountability, and compassion. Having worked across industries ranging from retail and wellness to experiential services and now healthcare, he understands that the best franchises are built on trust and transparency. Under his guidance, Touching Hearts at Home continues to expand nationwide while holding firmly to its purpose: helping people stay independent, safe, and connected through compassionate in-home care. This combination of operational discipline and heartfelt service exemplifies what modern franchise growth and leadership should look like — results-driven yet people-focused. Ford Saeks, who recently spoke at the Touching Hearts annual convention, has long emphasized the same philosophy. In his view, true leadership happens when strategy and culture align. Systems, processes, and marketing drive scalability, but purpose is what gives growth staying power. When organizations prioritize relationships between franchisors and franchisees, leaders and teams, and brands and customers, they create loyalty that cannot be replicated. Franchise growth does not happen by accident. It is built on trust, consistent communication, and a clear vision for the future. Todd's approach centers on supporting franchise owners not just as operators but as entrepreneurs. By providing tools, training, and mentorship, Touching Hearts empowers its network to deliver exceptional service while maintaining profitability. That balance of purpose and performance is what distinguishes the brand in a competitive market. The senior care industry is growing rapidly as populations age, but success requires more than meeting demand. It takes leadership that understands both the operational complexity and the emotional impact of the work. Todd's decades in franchising have shown that when leaders focus on the "why" behind the business, they inspire teams to deliver at the highest level. For business owners and executives alike, the lesson is clear: franchise growth and leadership are inseparable from culture. A company that leads with authenticity, invests in people, and embraces innovation builds more than a brand. It builds a legacy. Touching Hearts at Home continues to prove that profitability and purpose can go hand in hand. Under Todd's guidance, the company is not just expanding; it is setting a new standard for what it means to grow with compassion and lead with integrity. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Todd Treml Todd Treml is the CEO of Touching Hearts at Home, a leading national in-home care franchise dedicated to providing compassionate, professional support for seniors and adults with disabilities. With decades of experience in franchise leadership, Todd has guided major brands including Play It Again Sports, Plato's Closet, Snap Fitness, and Pedal Pub. His commitment to empowering franchise owners and leading with purpose continues to drive the growth and impact of Touching Hearts at Home. Learn more at TouchingHearts.com. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped generate more than a billion dollars in sales worldwide, working with companies from start-ups to Fortune 500s. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., he specializes ...
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    35 分
  • S1Ep253 Scale with Purpose, with Outsource Access Founder & CEO Brad Stevens

    S1Ep253 Scale with Purpose, with Outsource Access Founder & CEO Brad Stevens
    2025/10/23
    Scale with purpose is a concept many leaders talk about, but few execute at the level of Brad Stevens. As Founder and CEO of Outsource Access, a virtual staffing firm that has grown to over 500 employees in just four years, Stevens has built a business that blends systems thinking with social impact—and he's just getting started. A lifelong entrepreneur, Brad Stevens has launched and scaled multiple domestic and international businesses, with distribution across 18 countries. His journey with Outsource Access began with a mission to solve a common problem facing modern businesses: how to grow efficiently without compromising on values or burning out internal teams. What started as a lean operation has quickly become one of the most recognized firms in the virtual staffing space, earning accolades from Inc. Magazine, Real Leaders, and other respected organizations. The phrase scale with purpose isn't a catchphrase—it's a discipline. It's reflected in the way Outsource Access operates, from its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to its intentional community impact in the Philippines, where its workforce is based. Under Brad's leadership, the company became the only outsourcing firm to receive the Inc. Magazine Best in Business Award for impact across industries, society, and the environment. What separates Brad's approach from others in the outsourcing world is his relentless focus on systems and leadership. While many companies struggle to delegate, automate, or operationalize their growth, Brad has designed a model that makes scaling accessible, affordable, and aligned with long-term vision. His firm not only provides virtual talent, but also supports clients in building efficient workflows, implementing tech tools, and optimizing their business operations at every level. Scale with purpose also means knowing what not to do. Brad is the creator of the podcast Automate & Delegate – What Should You NOT Be Doing, where he interviews leaders on how to eliminate the distractions that hold them back. His insights draw from years of experience building high-performance teams, often on the other side of the globe, without ever stepping foot onsite due to global restrictions. Brad's thought leadership extends beyond business strategy. He's worked directly with figures like Martin Luther King III, co-founded a software platform for membership organizations, and was selected to lead a think tank at the United Nations headquarters in New York focused on the Sustainable Development Goals. He's also a TEDx speaker with more than 230,000 views and a published course author with a global reach across Entrepreneurs' Organization. As a member and leader within both Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), Brad serves as a connector, strategist, and advisor for some of the most dynamic entrepreneurs in the world. He's helped hundreds of businesses rethink how they scale—removing bottlenecks, identifying efficiencies, and building virtual teams that deliver real results. Behind every strategy is a purpose-driven mindset. Brad lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Cindy and their two children, balancing a global business with a deeply personal commitment to making a positive impact. In an age where growth can feel chaotic or overwhelming, the ability to scale with purpose has never been more essential. Whether it's through delegation, automation, or outsourcing, leaders who embrace this mindset are better positioned to grow sustainably, serve their customers more effectively, and build businesses that make a difference. Watch the full episode on YouTube. About Brad Stevens Brad Stevens is a global entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and the Founder and CEO of Outsource Access, a virtual staffing firm that has grown to over 500 employees in just four years. With a background in launching international businesses and building high-performance systems, Brad helps companies delegate, automate, and scale with purpose. His firm has earned recognition from Inc. Magazine, Real Leaders, and other leading organizations for combining business growth with social impact. Brad is also the co-founder of 1-ON-1 Connections, a software platform for membership organizations, and the creator of the podcast Automate & Delegate – What Should You NOT Be Doing. A sought-after speaker and advisor, Brad has shared stages with thought leaders like John Maxwell and Deepak Chopra and has led strategic initiatives with figures including Martin Luther King III. He is a longtime member of Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), where he actively contributes to leadership development and impact-driven entrepreneurship. To learn more about how Brad Stevens and Outsource Access help organizations delegate smarter and scale with purpose, visit OutsourceAccess.com. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator with more than 20 years of ...
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    47 分
  • S1Ep252 Debrief to Win with Fighter Pilot and VMax Group Founder Robert "Cujo" Teschner

    S1Ep252 Debrief to Win with Fighter Pilot and VMax Group Founder Robert "Cujo" Teschner
    2025/10/16
    Debrief to win isn't just a military practice—it's a business imperative. At least, that's how Robert "Cujo" Teschner sees it. A retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and the founder of VMax Group, Cujo spent years training elite teams to perform under pressure, make split-second decisions, and lead with accountability. Now, he works with businesses across industries to bring those same high-performance principles into the boardroom. Before launching his leadership consultancy, Cujo served as an F-15 and F-22 fighter pilot, Weapons School instructor, and F-22 squadron commander. He also held a senior role on the Joint Staff and earned advanced degrees in operational art and national security strategy. But what set his military career apart was his deep expertise in the debriefing process—the structured, forward-focused method used by top military teams to learn, adapt, and improve. The idea behind debrief to win is simple but powerful: every mission ends with a disciplined review of what happened, what worked, what didn't, and what must change. It's not about blame—it's about learning. That same mindset, Cujo argues, is desperately needed in today's fast-moving business environment. The transition from fighter pilot to entrepreneur came with its own challenges. After a cancer diagnosis forced him into early retirement, Cujo found himself navigating civilian life without a playbook. But what began as a difficult detour became the foundation for his next mission. He founded VMax Group with the goal of teaching businesses how to "really team"—how to communicate, lead, and operate with the kind of clarity and purpose that's often missing in corporate environments. Debrief to win became the centerpiece of that work. Unlike traditional accountability models in business—often reactive, fear-based, and backward-looking—this approach is proactive, structured, and focused on building a stronger next iteration. Whether a project succeeds or fails, teams are trained to extract insights that improve future performance. What sets Cujo's model apart is the emphasis on learning, discipline, and tone. In high-stakes environments, the way a debrief is conducted can make or break trust. Leaders are taught to approach the process with curiosity, not criticism. That shift in mindset opens the door for honest conversations, stronger alignment, and real improvement—without triggering defensiveness or blame. Organizations that embrace the debrief to win model often see changes well beyond performance metrics. Communication improves. Teams become more resilient. People take greater ownership of outcomes. And over time, a culture of continuous learning begins to take hold. It's not just about fixing mistakes—it's about building the kind of high-functioning teams that don't settle for average. VMax Group, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, works with clients across North America, ranging from fast-growing startups to established enterprises. Cujo's background resonates with organizations seeking not just leadership development, but transformation. His work brings structure to chaos, purpose to process, and accountability to action. In a marketplace filled with disruption—from AI to economic uncertainty to shifting workplace dynamics—the ability to debrief to win is more important than ever. Teams that build learning into their culture are better positioned to navigate change, recover from setbacks, and seize opportunity. And as Cujo often reminds clients, the best time to debrief is not after something goes wrong—it's every time. Whether the goal is scaling a business, strengthening leadership, or improving execution, the path forward starts with a simple question: what can we do better next time? For teams willing to ask—and answer—that question consistently, the results speak for themselves. Watch the full interview on YouTube. Join Fordify LIVE every Wednesday at 11 a.m. Central on your favorite social platforms and catch The Business Growth Show Podcast every Thursday for a weekly dose of business growth wisdom. About Cujo Teschner Robert "Cujo" Teschner is a retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and the founder of VMax Group, a leadership consulting firm based in St. Louis, Missouri. During his distinguished military career, he served as an F-15 and F-22 pilot, Weapons School instructor, squadron commander, and senior Joint Staff officer. He is a combat veteran with advanced degrees in Operational Art and Science and National Security Strategy. From 2004 to 2006, Cujo was the Air Force's subject matter expert on post-mission debriefing—a methodology used by elite military teams to drive continuous improvement. Today, he brings that same system to the business world, helping organizations build high-performing teams through accountability, clarity, and structured learning. Through his work at VMax Group, Cujo has become a trusted advisor to executives, teams, and organizations looking to lead ...
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    35 分