The Personal Side of Business Podcast

Keeping People Interested: An Empathy-First Marketing Playbook (Audio Only)

What if the most important marketing metric isn't clicks, conversions, or impressions—but the ability to keep people interested? In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, Jet sits down with marketing strategist, fractional CMO, and author Jonathan Lo to explore how empathy, human connection, and genuine value creation are becoming the biggest differentiators in today's AI-driven world. Jonathan shares his unique journey from electrical engineering and humanitarian work to leading marketing initiatives for multi-billion-dollar organizations. They discuss why businesses often focus too heavily on the 3% of customers ready to buy today while ignoring the other 97%, how AI is changing the future of marketing and e-commerce, and why authentic human connection may become even more valuable as technology advances. Jonathan also dives into the core ideas from his new book, Keeping People Interested, offering practical insights for founders, entrepreneurs, marketers, and growing businesses looking to build stronger customer relationships and sustainable growth. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why empathy is a competitive advantage in marketing * The "97% Rule" and how it impacts business growth * How AI will reshape marketing and consumer behavior * Why branding and human connection matter more than ever * Common marketing mistakes growing companies make * How founders can create long-term customer loyalty * The balance between data, psychology, and creativity in business Whether you're a startup founder, business owner, marketer, or simply interested in the future of business, this conversation offers valuable insights into keeping customers engaged in an increasingly automated world.   Check out more about Jonathan and his book and company... www.jonathanklo.com [https://www.jonathanklo.com/] www.saltfoundrystrategy.com [https://www.saltfoundrystrategy.com/]   Check out my website and more episodes and info at personalsideofbusiness.com [https://personalsideofbusiness.com/] #ThePersonalSideOfBusiness #JonathanLo #MarketingStrategy #CustomerExperience #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Branding #AI #Marketing #Leadership #SmallBusiness #Podcast

From Hospitality to Hawaiian Entrepreneurship | Matt Smith of Puuwai Flowers

In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, Jet Bunditwong sits down with Matt Smith, co-owner of Puuwai Flowers in Kauai, Hawaii. Matt shares the journey of how he and his wife, Rosana, transitioned from careers in hospitality into building a growing floral business rooted in relationships, creativity, and customer service. The conversation dives into the realities of starting a business on a small island, learning through setbacks, and defining roles as a husband-and-wife entrepreneurial team. Matt explains how their hospitality background helped shape their approach to branding, service, and client relationships while navigating the unique logistics of sourcing flowers from around the world to Kauai. Jet and Matt also discuss: * Growing a business almost entirely through word of mouth * Working with weddings, corporate events, and celebrations of life * The challenges of shipping flowers to Hawaii * Learning from criticism and turning it into business growth * Balancing marriage and entrepreneurship * Why defining business roles is critical for couples in business together This episode offers an honest look at entrepreneurship, resilience, and building a lifestyle business in one of the most beautiful places in the world. To learn more about Puuwai Flowers, visit their website and follow their work on Instagram. puuwaiflowers.com [https://puuwaiflowers.com/] IG@ puuwaiflowerskauai Check out more episodes and videos at personalsideofbusiness.com [https://personalsideofbusiness.com/]

How to Become the Go-To Expert in Your Industry | Christine Blosdale on AI Visibility, Branding & Podcasting

What does it really take to become known, trusted, and seen as an expert in today’s digital world? In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, Jet sits down with expert authority coach and longtime broadcaster Christine Blosdale to talk about personal branding, podcasting, AI visibility, and overcoming imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur. Christine shares how she transitioned from 20 years in radio into helping coaches, authors, and entrepreneurs build authority-driven brands that stand out online. The conversation dives into: * Why most podcasters quit after 7 episodes * How AI is changing entrepreneurship and marketing * The importance of “AI visibility” and being searchable online * Why authenticity matters more than perfection * Using podcasting to build long-term authority * Repurposing content into books, blogs, reels, and courses * Helping introverted entrepreneurs show up online * Overcoming fear, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome * Why people connect with real personalities over polished brands Christine also talks about her new book, The Expert Authority Code: How to Get Seen, Trusted and Paid for What You Already Know, and explains how entrepreneurs can position themselves as trusted experts in their industries. If you’re building a business, trying to grow your personal brand, or looking to become more visible in the AI-driven digital landscape, this episode is packed with insight and practical advice. Check out Christine at www.expertauthoritycoach.com [http://www.expertauthoritycoach.com] If you'd like to learn more about The Personal Side of Business, please check out personalsideofbusiness.com [https://personalsideofbusiness.com/]

19 Businesses Later: How Nathan Baws Builds, Scales, and Finds Opportunity Everywhere

Nathan Baws has started over 19 businesses—and he’s still going. From selling paper airplanes as a kid to building companies across health, property, restaurants, and global ventures, Nathan breaks down what it really takes to succeed in business over the long run. In this episode, we dive into the power of mentorship, why most entrepreneurs stay stuck working in their business instead of on it, and how joint ventures can completely transform growth overnight. Nathan also shares how he evaluates opportunities, avoids burnout, and uses mindset, health, and dopamine-driven habits to stay sharp as an entrepreneur. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck in the day-to-day, or unsure where to focus your energy—this episode will reset how you think about business. Check Nathan out at www.nathanbaws.com [http://www.nathanbaws.com] If you would like to hear more entrepreneurial journeys, check out personalsideofbusiness.com [https://personalsideofbusiness.com/]

Cooking Classes, Chef Training & Food Business Growth | The SLICE Utah Story

Looking to start a culinary business, become a chef, or improve your cooking skills? In this episode of The Personal Side of Business, we interview Deb and Chris Holbrook of SLICE Utah, a fast-growing culinary school offering professional chef training, cooking classes, and food-based community experiences. They break down how their 12-week Chef Bootcamp accelerates culinary education, what it really takes to succeed in the food industry, and how they’ve built a business centered around connection, learning, and hands-on experience. This episode is packed with insights for: * Aspiring chefs and culinary students * Entrepreneurs starting a food or restaurant business * Anyone interested in cooking classes, chef training, or culinary schools * Business owners looking to scale through community-driven experiences You’ll learn: * How to start and grow a culinary business * The difference between culinary school vs. real kitchen experience * Key business lessons (food costs, labor, pricing, profitability) * Why cooking is a critical life skill for kids, teens, and adults * How SLICE Utah built programs like date night classes, team-building events, and youth chef camps If you're thinking about entering the food industry or want to understand the business behind culinary success, this episode gives you a real-world look inside. Explore SLICE Utah programs and classes: https://sliceutah.com/ [https://sliceutah.com/] If you are interested in hearing more journeys from entrepreneurs, please check out personalsideofbusiness.com [https://personalsideofbusiness.com/]