Expert Interviews with Devin Sizemore

This Expert Interview is with Neal Conlon, coach, speaker and advisor. Neal shares his journey transitioning from military service to the corporate world and then to entrepreneurship. We also discuss garnering influence in the spaces of leadership, team work and entrepreneurship. 

Here are the times & topics cover in case you’d like to jump to a specific part: 

0:00 – Welcome & Introduction 

3:14 – Transitioning out of military 

9:15 – Understanding influence 

12:45 – Mistakes to avoid with influence 

16:09 – Dealing with imposter syndrome 

23:30 – Working with struggling team members 

28:26 – Working with a troubling employee 

32:42 – Advice to younger self 

33:17 – Book recommendation 

34:06 – Closing thoughts & reaching out to Neal 

Neal’s links: 

This Expert Interview is with Justin Peters, founder and host of The Struggle is Real with Justin Peters, and Co-Founder of SimplePod Studios. We discuss Justin’s journey into the field of podcasting, the value of investing in podcasting over other forms of social media, what is needed to start podcasting and much more. 

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you’d like to jump to a specific part:

0:00 – Welcome & Introduction 

0:41 – Justin's journey 

3:51 – The decision to step away from a job 

6:45 – Reasons to launch a podcast 

8:59 – The value of podcasting over other social media 

14:23 – Equipment for producing a podcast 

16:38 – Tools for podcasting 

21:10 – Getting more out of an existing podcast 

27:00 – SimplePod Studios’ offering 

28:41 – Book recommendation 

29:37 – Advice to younger self 

This Expert Interview is with Tom Taormina, author, speaker, trainer and principal at The Taormina Group. We discuss advice for the entrepreneur on a business from start up to a first level organization, running productive meetings, mastering effective communication, and much more. Tom is a veteran businessman with decades of wisdom to share with anyone in business. 

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you’d like to jump to a specific part: 

0:00 – Welcome & Introduction 

3:53 – What do you do when your business is running you? 

9:17 – Learn to delegate and know the business’ vision 

12:24 – How to run better meetings 

18:15 – Mastering effective communication 

23:57 – Creating satisfied customers 

33:06 – How to limit your liability and protect your business 

41:24 – Tom's thoughts on books for entrepreneurs 

42:47 – Advice to younger self 

Tom’s Links: 

This Expert Interview is with Sky Anderson, vice president at Scarlett Books. We discuss the importance of keeping good books for your business, how it can serve your business decisions, and how simple it can be with Scarlett Books. There’s a lot to glean from this episode for any individual running a business so listen up. 

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you’d like to jump to a specific part:  

0:00 – Welcome & introduction  

0:39 – What makes Scarlett Books different? 

2:55 – Why have accounting software? 

4:24 – Onboarding with Scarlett Books 

6:04 – Behind the name: “Scarlett” 

6:59 – Minutes and resolutions explained 

10:06 – Minutes and resolutions on Scarlett Books 

11:37 – Numbers to pay attention to 

15:02 – Business owners’ mistakes to look out for 

18:16 – Lessons from building a SaaS business 

21:00 – Book recommendation 

22:57 – Advice to younger self 

25:20 – Getting in touch with Sky 

Sky’s links:

This Expert Interview is with Tom Rusling, co-founder of Audience Key. We discuss Tom's journey founding Audience Key, SEO strategy, marketing, the use of AI in SEO, and much more. There are a lot of nuggets in here for anyone who owns, develops or maintains a website that is looking to get a competitive edge with SEO. 

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you’d like to jump to a specific part: 

0:00 – Welcome & introduction 

1:24 – The journey of building Audience Key 

10:30 – What is keyword mapping and why is it important? 

15:03 – SEO tips for e-commerce 

17:53 – The effect of AI on SEO 

22:20 – Lessons from building a SaaS business 

26:54 – Book/podcast recommendation 

28:44 – Advice to younger self 

29:50 – Getting in touch with Tom 

Tom’s links: 

This Expert Interview is with Arian Radmand, CEO of IgnitePOST. We discuss Arian’s journey starting IgnitePOST, IgnitePOST’s marketing philosophy, the need for client-business relationship building, and much more. If you are a business owner of any sort, this video will be of much value to you. 

Here are some of the times of topics covered in case you’d like to jump to a specific part: 

0:00 – Welcome & introduction 

1:08 – Arian’s journey 

4:22 – Establishing IgnitePOST 

7:30 – Why handwritten notes? 

11:08 – Product example and why it works 

15:56 – IgnitePOST pricing structure 

19:03 – Automation ideas 

21:20 – IgnitePOST turnaround time 

22:38 – Use case examples 

28:22 – Current marketing trends 

32:16 – Business startup advice 

33:56 – Book recommendations 

35:01 – Advice to younger self 

36:37 – Getting in touch with Arian 

Arian’s links:

This expert interview is with Alvin Kersting, CEO of Portfolio Operating Partners. We unpack Alvin’s philosophy of people as the business while we discuss raising capital for business, finding the right investor, business collaboration, leadership and much more.

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you would like to jump to a specific part:

0:00 - Welcome & introduction

0:46 – Alvin’s work for all business

01:37 – More sales isn’t always the answer

04:47 – Alvin’s process for shifting companies

06:16 – Being a great facilitator

07:06 – People are the business

08:59 – Complimentary collaboration

13:02 – Mistakes when raising capital

13:54 – Finding the right investor

15:59 – Positive impact in business

18:09 – Traits of great leadership

20:42 – Human capital is invaluable

23:56 – Upcoming opportunities for businesses

26:40 – Advice to younger self

28:22 – Book recommendations

31:08 – Getting in touch with Alvin

Alvin’s Links

This expert interview is with Branden Coluccio, managing director of Relentless Ventures. We talk about Branden’s experience of business exits, the invaluable lessons he has learnt the hard way, considerations before initiating a business sale and much more.

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you would like to jump to a specific part:

0:00 - Welcome & introduction

2:30 – Branden’s consulting process

6:29 – Considerations before exiting

11:12 – Branden’s experience and advice

17:18 – First steps towards exiting

21:11 – Data rooms and information preparation

27:33 – Keep your information organized

30:18 – Advice to younger self

33:58 – Book recommendations

35:57 – Getting in touch with Branden

Branden’s Links

This expert interview is with Joe Lovely, health insurance broker with Aware Benefits. We talk about Joe’s brokering philosophy, health insurance, the American Rescue Plan, and health insurance strategy for individuals and families.

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you would like to jump to a specific part:

0:00 - Welcome & introduction

1:18 – Enrollment seasons

3:22 – The “family glitch” fixed

6:08 – Incentive to see a health insurance broker

8:51 – Approach to a new job’s health benefits

10:44 – Health savings accounts

12:42 – Using accident, critical illness and AD&D plans

17:16 – Insurance while in between work

21:30 – Medicare: Insurance for the elderly

24:49 – Dental and vision

31:04 – Advice to your younger self

32:30 – Book/Podcast recommendations

Links:

This expert interview is with G. Kairu Kihara, founder of Profit Pivots. We discuss Kairu’s move away from digital marketing, leveraging AI in your workspace, how to increase revenue with small changes in your business, and much more.

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you would like to jump to a specific part:

0:00 - Welcome & introduction

0:16 – Kairu’s pivot away from digital marketing

4:07 – Knowing what brings in your revenue

8:57 – Take control of what you’re spending on

13:10 – Good cadence in team huddles

16:48 – Delegate to free up your time

19:52 – Learn how to manage. your time and step away

23:23 – Work/life balance and making time to step away

27:49 – Leveraging AI to optimize output

34:01 – Shiny object syndrome

37:41 – Book recommendation

38:57 – Advice to younger self

40:45 – Getting in touch with Kairu

Kairu’s Links

This expert interview is with Brandon Allen, Founder of New Work Revolution. We talk about Brandon’s journey into leadership coaching, the importance of great leadership in business management, working well with your business partner and/or spouse, defining your purpose, and much more.

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you would like to jump to a specific part.

0:00 - Welcome & introduction

00:55 - What makes Brandon’s coaching unique?

03:10 - Brandon’s journey into leadership coaching

10:42 - Working well with your spouse

15:42 - Defining roles and expectations within partnerships

20:07 - Brandon’s coaching process

24:13 - When to seek coaching

27:42 - Advice to your younger self

29:50 - Book recommendations

31:42 - How to keep up to date with Brandon

32:12 - One last thought

New Work Revolution:

This expert interview is with Michael Zeno Real Estate Agent w/ RE/MAX Professionals (License# S.192714). We talk about Real Estate Market, First Time Buyers, House Renovations, Real Estate As A Career & more. 

If you want to learn more about real estate, the real estate market or real estate as a career there will be some takeaways for you! 

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you would like to jump to a specific part.

• 00:36 - Welcome
• 01:14 - Real estate market shift 
• 02:35 - Should you get into the real estate market now? 
• 05:46 - First time home buyer information 
• 09:48 - Renting vs. buying 
• 11:44 - Tips to choosing the right realtor 
• 17:47 - How to narrow down your list when choosing a property 
• 22:27 - Getting into the real estate industry 
• 32:03 - Tips when selling your house 
• 36:17 - What should you spend money renovating? 
• 40:16 - $1.5 million dollar transaction and up, what is different? 
• 44:22 - 6-12 month market projections 
• 48:28 - Recording devices and house showings
• 50:13 - Advice to younger self 
• 52:27 - Risk vs. reward of being an entrepreneur
• 55:33 - Recommended reading and/or podcast  

This expert interview is with Keenan Polan Director of Sales at the Barracuda Championship. We talk about sales strategies, sports sales & marketing, the impact of major golf events, the golf industry, and much more.

If you are a golf lover or business professional there is value for you in this discussion. 

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you would like to jump to a specific part.

• 00:33 - Welcome & Keenan introduction
• 00:57 - Barracuda Championship event overview 
• 08:13 - Keenan's background
• 10:50 - Creative sales w/ an example 
• 18:21 - Sales tip - listening 
• 20:41 - The value of relationships 
• 27:03 - Golfing as a sales or business tool 
• 32:54 - Sales strategies that are actively working for Keenan 
• 39:43 - Lesson learned and/or advice to younger self 
• 40:57 - Book recommendation
• 43:31 - What's in the bag

This expert interview is with Dion Matos Area Manager of BBSI Nashville. We talk about the PEO (professional employer organization) industry, outsourcing payroll & HR services, BBSI & why BBSI may be a fit for your business, business tips for growth, tips for sales professionals and more. 

If you are a small business owner or sales professional there will be value in this discussion. 

Here are some of the times & topics covered in case you would like to jump to a specific part. 

• 00:15 - Who are you and what do you do? 
• 01:41 - Overview of the PEO industry & BBSI services
• 08:47 - Why would you switch to an outsourced service provider?
• 14:49 - How is BBSI different? 
• 18:06 - Stories about growth while working with BBSI
• 27:59 - Tips & tools you can use in your business 
• 34:49 - Tips for sales professionals 
• 40:54 - Lesson to younger self 
• 43:10 - Book recommendation 

This expert interview is with Nick Gumpert Real Estate Agent with REMAX Top Producers.

In this interview we talk about all things real estate. In addition, we talk about how crypto can be used in real estate. If you are looking to buy your first house and/or acquire a vacation or rental property, there is some good information in this video.

This expert interview is with Aden Klinger owner of TourDSpace

In this interview we talk about all things photography. If you are interesting in learning more about photography and how it can impact your business this is a great interview!

This expert interview is with George Kihara owner of Eagle Eye Strategy

In this interview we talk about all things digital marketing. We cover AI content creation, video marketing, and much more! If you are looking to market your business, there are some great tips in this video!

This expert interview is with Keanu Trujillo owner of True Strategy

In this interview we talk about personality tests and assessments. We dive into the Enneagram Assessment and talk about the impact assessments can have on the communication with your team. There is a lot of good content in this interview is you are looking to attract and retain the right team members and have a culture that works for everybody!

This expert interview is with Christopher Wesley – Coach, Author, Artist, Musician

In this interview we talk about personal healing through exploring wounds and contrasting them with the brightest moments in your life. This is a very impactful interview if you are looking to do some self-discovery! Christopher opens up about his story and explains why he is so passionate about what he is doing!

This expert interview is with Kim Blanc owner of Adsvisore

In this interview we talk about YouTube ads, video marketing, sales funnels, opt-in pages & more! Some really good takeaways!

This expert interview is with Karyn Jensen owner of Human Resource Connection (HRC)

In this interview we talk about all things HR, including: recruiting, retention, communication, remote working & more. Some really good takeaways!

This expert interview was with Reno CPA – Kevin Gafni In this interview we talk about taxes, NFTs, cryptocurrency, deductions, business structures, accounting, business tax planning & more. Some really good takeaways!

This expert interview was with Chuck Cooper, managing member at WhiteWater Consulting

In this interview we talk about employee management, remote working, work from home, company culture, outsource HR and more. Some really good takeaways!

This expert interview was with Greg Apodaca who is the Vision Holder & Founder of Community 2.0

In this interview we talk about Green Economy, Exponential Thinking & various business topics and how they related to positive impact on the planet. Some really good takeaways!

This expert interview was with Mark Hutchings Principal at Statement Insurance Agency

In this interview we talk about commercial insurance, the value of a good broker, and other insurance related topics. Some really good takeaways!

This expert interview was with Sydonie Neysmith, MBA. She is the Chief Strategy Officer at Black Swan Consulting

In this interview we talk about government contracts, business financials and other business strategy topics. If you are a minority run business and/or someone looking to take on more government contracts there is some really good takeaways!

This expert interview was with Stan Durst w/ The Map Doctors

In this interview we talk about Google My Business (GMB) and online marketing. So much valuable takeaways on a topic that will definitely help you get more out of your online presence!

Welcome to the first episode of Let’s Talk Strategy. These are 30 – 60 minute strategy sessions with professionals and/or business owners. The goal is to provide candid strategy advice based on a real time conversation that aligns with the person’s desired future state.

In this episode I talked with Brandon Thompson Senior Marketing Director w/ World Financial Group. We talk about Brandon’s back story, how long he has been in business and where he would like to take his business in the next 3 – 5 years.

One of the challenges that Brandon expressed was being a better leader. We dove in a bit to the topic and talked about how personal alignment and clarity on goals, must happen before you can clearly build your business goals and then reverse engineer the work needed to hit those goals.

The goal is to pack as much value into these episodes as possible! I hope you enjoy.

This expert interview was with Dan Marell – Founding Partner of Truth Consulting Group

In this interview we talk about supply chain issues with businesses, the need to be able to adapt faster and how business sales has changed. Some really good takeaways!

This expert interview was with Don Oberle – CEO & Chairman of the Board of Directors at Credit iQ In this interview we talk everything credit score related. Some really good takeaways!

This expert interview was with Brian Cushing – Senior Loan Officer/Sales Manager NMLS #303045 at Guild Mortgage

This expert interview was with Michael Zeno – Real Estate Agent with the Mike Wood Team at Remax Professionals

This expert interview was with Andrew Barrow – Founder & President of Revenue Arc

This expert interview was with Keenan Polan – Director of Sales at Barracuda Championship

This expert interview was with Chris O’Sullivan – Solar Consultant w/ Sunder Energy.

This expert interview was with Tom Tran – Owner of TNT Digital Marketing.

This expert interview was with Julie Miescke – Certified Health Coach at Live Healthy, Fit and Happy

This expert interview was with Brandon Thompson – Senior Marketing Director w/ World Financial Group.

This expert interview was with Kirk Allaire who is the owner of Gratis Payment Processing & GratisGives. 

This expert interview was with Ashley Polan who is the Queen Bee of Honeypot Social.

This expert interview was with Aaron Ware who is the owner of Aware Benefits.

This expert interview was with Stephanie Yamashiro who is a financial services professional at New York Life Insurance Company.