EP#11 Building Big: The Power of Focus, Failure, and Finding Great People

EP#11 Building Big: The Power of Focus, Failure, and Finding Great People

In this episode, Ashley and Dave sit down with serial entrepreneur and investor Frank Capan, whose business journey includes everything from selling donuts in middle school to building (and selling) a highly successful ATM company that grew from 2 employees to 170 in just a few years. Frank opens up about: * How growing up around family businesses shaped his entrepreneurial drive * Early lessons from failing (and eating unsold inventory 🍩) * The role of mentorship, partnership, and learning through failure * How he simplified complex decisions by focusing on “the one thing” * Why hiring great people matters more than building perfect systems * What separates businesses that succeed from those that stall out Whether you’re a founder, a leader, or just someone who loves a good business story, Frank’s insights will leave you inspired, encouraged, and equipped with practical lessons you can apply to your own leadership and growth journey. Mentioned in this Episode: * Ken Coleman’s Proximity Principle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kvp-xviiP8 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kvp-xviiP8] * Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Proximity-Principle-Proven-Strategy-Career/dp/0978562038 [https://www.amazon.com/Proximity-Principle-Proven-Strategy-Career/dp/0978562038] * Identity Sports | Using Sports to Share the Gospel: https://www.identitysports.com/ [https://www.identitysports.com/] * Gary Keller’s The One Thing: https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776 [https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776] * The HopeKids Experience: https://hopekids.org/ [https://hopekids.org/]

EP#10 Musts, Wants, and Hope: How Smart Decisions Power a Big Mission

What happens when a golf course designer becomes the president of a national nonprofit? You get Josh Taylor—engineer by trade, heart-led leader by calling. In this episode, Dave and Ashley sit down with Josh to explore how HopeKids serves thousands of families facing childhood illness through small, frequent moments of joy—and a strategy rooted in decision-making, discipline, and scalability. Josh shares: * His unexpected career pivot from engineering to nonprofit leadership * The early days of launching HopeKids chapters without a roadmap * How strategic planning, logic models, and custom-built tech power national growth * The hardest decision he’s ever had to make—and what made it bearable * Why good decisions aren’t always about being “right”—they’re about being ready It’s a conversation about heart and hustle, spreadsheets and spirit, and how to build something that lasts without losing sight of the mission. Mentioned in this Episode: · Donate to HopeKids and learn more about the HopeKids experience: https://hopekids.org/ [https://hopekids.org/] · Download our decision-making spreadsheet: https://focustools.podia.com/decision-analysis [https://focustools.podia.com/decision-analysis] · Purchase our e-book 5 Things You Need to Know About Making Decisions: https://www.focustools.com/5things [https://www.focustools.com/5things] · Connect with Josh on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-taylor-b92b16127/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-taylor-b92b16127/] Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Color Palette Exploration 02:08 Meet Josh Taylor: From Australia to Nonprofit Leadership 04:46 Understanding Hope Kids: Mission and Impact 10:06 Josh's Journey: From Golf Course Design to Nonprofit 15:42 Leadership and Decision-Making in Nonprofits 20:52 Challenges of Nonprofit Growth and Sustainability 21:59 Setting Expectations in Nonprofit Leadership 22:56 Strategic Planning and Goal Alignment 25:13 Understanding Logic Models in Nonprofits 26:36 The Importance of Tying Activities to Goals 28:33 Evaluating New Opportunities Against Mission 29:12 Serving Families: Scale and Efficiency in Operations 31:18 Leveraging Technology for Nonprofit Success 34:09 Centralizing Operations for Greater Impact 35:43 The Role of a Nimble Board in Decision Making 37:46 Learning from Experience: Wisdom for the Future 39:33 The Decision-Making Process in Nonprofits 44:04 Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Hope Kids

EP#9 Is it a Must or a Want? 5 Things You Need to Know About Making Decisions

What makes a decision a great one? It often comes down to this: knowing your musts from your wants. In this episode of All We Know About the Stuff We Know, Dave and Ashley walk through the fifth and final “thing you need to know” about making better decisions—how to use decision criteria to cut through the noise and get clarity. You’ll learn: * Why a pros and cons list often leaves you more confused * The difference between musts (non-negotiables) and wants (priorities, not requirements) * How to apply this concept to everyday decisions (buying a home) and billion-dollar ones (relocating a production plant) * What it looks like when teams use this process—and what happens when they don’t From Ashley’s story about potentially living in a pool house to Dave’s consulting tale about a multimillion-dollar Boeing-related decision, we explore how identifying your musts early can save you time, money, stress, and possibly your marriage (or at least your Sunday afternoons spent arguing about acreage). Mentioned in this episode: * Our Decision Focus courses and workshops: https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus [https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus] * Check out our book! https://www.focustools.com/5things [https://www.focustools.com/5things] * Watch us (and subscribe!) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@focustoolsforlife [https://www.youtube.com/@focustoolsforlife] 05:41 Decision-Making Framework Overview 08:03 Understanding Decision-Making Fears 10:10 The Importance of Decision Criteria 12:35 Cascading Decisions in Life 14:43 Defining Musts vs. Wants in Decision-Making 17:10 Applying Musts to Real Estate Decisions 19:33 Team Decision-Making Dynamics 22:25 Navigating Manufacturing Decisions 24:25 Establishing Musts and Wants in Decision Making 29:04 The Importance of Clarity in Decision Criteria 32:54 Applying Musts and Wants to Personal Decisions 37:14 Complex Decision-Making in High-Stakes Situations 44:10 The Impact of Clarity on Decision Outcomes

EP#8 Should I Stay or Should I Go? 5 Things You Need to Know About Making Decisions

We’ve all faced those heavy decisions that seem to boil down to two painful choices: Should I stay or should I go? Take the leap or play it safe? Keep it or cut it loose? In this episode of All We Know About the Stuff We Know, Dave and Ashley unpack one of the most common—and most limiting—traps in decision-making: binary framing. When we reduce decisions to a simple yes/no or either/or, we not only add pressure, we shrink the very options that could lead us to a better outcome. Dave shares everything from blind wine tastings at home to boardroom debates over international expansion—all illustrating how reframing the question unlocks smarter, more creative, and more confident decisions. Ashley gets personal, opening up about a time when binary framing nearly broke her: “It’s easy for our little pea brains to try to relieve pain by saying, ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ That’s honestly how I felt a few years ago, making the biggest decision of my life—should I get a divorce? Yes or no. My gosh, there was so much pressure. But when I reframed the decision to ‘Choose best life for Ashley’—everything shifted. My heart opened. I had options. I had hope.” This episode will help you: * Recognize when you’re stuck in binary thinking * Use the “Goldilocks zone” of decision framing to find better options * Reclaim your creativity and clarity—at work, at home, and even at Taco Tuesday 🎧Tune in and learn the small shift that makes a big difference in any decision. Mentioned in this episode: * Our Decision Focus courses and workshops: https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus [https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus] * Find out your DiSC style: https://bit.ly/DiSCstyle [https://bit.ly/DiSCstyle] * Let Me Clear My Throat by DJ Kool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG9ZWUitFik [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG9ZWUitFik] * The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz: https://www.amazon.com/Paradox-Choice-Why-More-Less/dp/0060005696 [https://www.amazon.com/Paradox-Choice-Why-More-Less/dp/0060005696] * Check out our book! https://www.focustools.com/5things [https://www.focustools.com/5things]

EP#7 The Power of Encouragement: Building Leaders by Lifting Others

In this engaging conversation, Dave and Ashley welcome Tim Traudt, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in banking and financial management. They discuss Tim's journey from being an average student to an amazing leader of thousands, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and building trust within teams. Tim shares valuable insights on leadership principles, the significance of prioritization, and the impact of encouragement in the workplace. The discussion also touches on Tim's book, which explores leadership lessons from U.S. presidents, and concludes with reflections on personal growth and the responsibilities of leadership. Mentioned in this episode: Tim’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Office-Presidents-Through-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0BGYT9XXD/ [https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Office-Presidents-Through-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0BGYT9XXD/] Our book: https://www.focustools.com/5things [https://www.focustools.com/5things] Mark Manson’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713 [https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713] Gary Keller’s book: https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776 [https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776] Support Tim’s organization in Ukraine: https://www.familyofchristinternational.org/donate [https://www.familyofchristinternational.org/donate] Align your team’s strategies with their vision, purpose, goals, roles with our ATP workshop: https://www.focustools.com/atp [https://www.focustools.com/atp] Level up your decision making power & confidence with Decision Focus: https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus [https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus] Chapters 01:48 Upcoming Series on Leadership and Decision Making 04:46 Introducing Tim: A Journey from Average to Exceptional 07:12 Tim's Early Career and Influential Mentors 10:00 Transitioning to Private Banking and Team-Based Approaches 14:09 Relinquishing Leadership for Growth 18:32 Evolution of Leadership Style and Principles 20:43 The Essence of Leadership and Communication 22:42 Adaptability vs. Resilience in Leadership 28:43 Building Relationships and Allies 34:52 The Power of Encouragement in Leadership 40:03 Strategic Communication and Prioritization 44:15 Advancing Team Performance 47:11 The Importance of Prioritization 48:36 Building Trust as a Leader 51:32 Life After Corporate: Finding Purpose 52:52 Leadership Lessons from U.S. Presidents 55:55 Giving Back Through Leadership Development Keywords leadership, decision making, mentorship, teamwork, adaptability, communication, trust, encouragement, prioritization, personal growth, atp, decision focus