Why Smart Consultants Go Upmarket in the AI Era (Not Cheaper) | Premium Positioning with Ann Carden

How Aptiva Health Is Reinventing Healthcare with Affordable, Transparent, Patient-First Care | Eric Lowe & Ann Carden

In this fascinating episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Eric Lowe, CEO and co-founder of Aptiva Health, to discuss how his company is transforming healthcare through a model built on transparency, affordability, convenience, and patient empowerment. At a time when healthcare costs continue to rise and patient experiences often suffer, Aptiva Health is challenging traditional systems with an innovative approach that combines multi-specialty care, technology, data-driven decision-making, and direct employer partnerships. Eric shares the vision behind Aptiva Health’s rapid growth and explains how a patient-first mindset is creating better outcomes while reducing costs.   In This Episode, You’ll Discover: * How Aptiva Health is redefining outpatient healthcare delivery * The benefits of a multi-specialty, patient-centered care model * Why transparency and affordability are becoming competitive advantages in healthcare * How data and technology are driving smarter expansion and better outcomes * The future of healthcare access, employer partnerships, and patient advocacy Whether you're a healthcare leader, entrepreneur, business executive, or patient advocate, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most innovative healthcare models emerging today. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how entrepreneurial thinking and patient-first innovation are reshaping the future of healthcare. Key Moments:  03:54 Getting started in medical billing 08:16 Paying for medical imaging options 10:33 Expanding a healthcare business 15:35 Expanding medical facilities in the Midwest 17:24 Challenges of outpatient care costs 20:13 Aptiva Health employment model 24:59 Word-of-mouth referrals boost business 26:43 Affordable employee wellness program 29:47 Improving information delivery with AI 34:01 Setting up payment terms and space usage 38:23 Being resourceful during tough times 42:11 Implementing AI in revenue management   About the guest :  Eric Lowe is a healthcare entrepreneur, operator, and author who has built one of the fastest-growing outpatient healthcare platforms in the region. As CEO and Co-Founder of Aptiva Health, he has led the expansion of a multi-specialty organization spanning orthopedics, mental wellness, imaging, and physical therapy across multiple locations in Kentucky and Indiana.   Eric’s journey to building Aptiva Health was anything but traditional. After rising to the top of his law school class, he was dismissed in his final semester, an experience that forced him to rebuild his life and ultimately led him into healthcare. Starting with a medical-legal consulting company and later a medical billing business that he exited in 2021, Eric developed a relationship-driven approach to growth that became the foundation for scaling Aptiva Health into a regional force.   He is the author of the upcoming book Be the Broker, where he shares his framework for building through relational capital, alignment, and systems that create long-term value. Eric is passionate about helping leaders think differently about success, shifting from ownership to stewardship and from transactions to relationships. How to connect Eric:   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericloweaptiva/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericloweaptiva/] Website : https://www.aptivahealth.com/ [https://www.aptivahealth.com/]   About the host:  Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.   Why Choose Ann Carden?  With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.   Work with Ann Carden  If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach.  Get Free Resources: ➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz  ➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine [https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine]   Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com [https://acarden.com] 🔗    🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com  📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com  💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509 [https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509]  💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/ [https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/]  💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach]

How Great Leaders Build Cultures That Thrive in the Age of AI | Judy Ryan & Ann Carden

In this thought-provoking episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden welcomes back Judy Ryan, award-winning consultant and CEO of Lifework Systems, to explore one of the most important business challenges of our time: how to build a thriving company culture in the age of AI. As technology rapidly transforms the workplace, many organizations are investing heavily in tools and automation - but overlooking the human systems that drive trust, collaboration, innovation, and long-term success. Judy shares why the companies that thrive won't be the ones with the most technology - they'll be the ones with the strongest cultures. 🤖 In This Episode, You’ll Discover: * Why healthy workplace cultures outperform fear-based organizations during times of change * The human skills AI cannot replace - and why they matter more than ever * How leaders can build trust, accountability, and collaboration at scale * Strategies for reducing resistance and increasing engagement during transformation * Why people-first leadership is a competitive advantage in a technology-driven world Whether you're a business owner, executive, consultant, or team leader, this episode provides practical insights for creating a resilient organization where people and technology work together to drive extraordinary results. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to unlock human potential and build a culture that thrives - no matter how fast the world changes. Key Moments:  05:06 Improving workplace communication 07:26 Dealing with hostile consultants 13:11 Replacing employees with AI mistakes 16:51 Fear of losing leadership power 20:26 Introducing the Mind Trust tool 22:41 AI complementing critical thinking 26:01 AI as a research tool 30:34 AI and human workforce tension 33:42 Realistic business expectations 35:33 Building supportive communication skills About the guest :  JUDY RYAN is a recognized thought leader in workplace culture transformation, and personal, professional and leadership development. She is an award-winning System Developer, Consultant, Trainer, Author, Columnist, Show Host, international Speaker and is frequently interviewed on TV, radio, and podcasts. Since 2002, Judy has been the CEO of LifeWork Systems, leading innovative methods to favorably impact the most important aspect of any organization: its people. She has created CultureEX™,  her scalable culture transformation system and implementation on a digital platform. Judy’s purpose is to create a world in which all people love their lives. How to contact Judy :  LinkedIn business link: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9282367 Facebook link:  https://www.facebook.com/judy.ryan1/  Twitter link: twitter.com/lifeworksystems YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/user/judyryan888 [https://www.youtube.com/user/judyryan888] Website: lifeworksystems.com [https://www.lifeworksystems.com/] Email: judy@lifeworksystems.com [judy@lifeworksystems.com]   About the host:  Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.   Why Choose Ann Carden?  With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.   Work with Ann Carden  If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach.  Get Free Resources: ➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz  ➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine [https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine]   Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com [https://acarden.com] 🔗    🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com  📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com  💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509 [https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509]  💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/ [https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/]  💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach]

From $7 an Hour to Inc. 5000: How Natalia Zacharin Built a Multi-Million-Dollar CFO Firm | Ann Carden

In this inspiring episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Natalia Zacharin, founder and CEO of Zacharin Consulting to explore her remarkable journey from earning $7 an hour as a single mom to building an Inc. 5000-recognized fractional CFO firm. Natalia shares the real story behind her success - the setbacks, self-doubt, market shifts, and hard-earned lessons that shaped her into an award-winning entrepreneur and business leader. This conversation goes beyond accounting and finance to reveal what it truly takes to build a resilient, scalable business in a constantly changing market. 🚀 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * How Natalia built and scaled a successful fractional CFO firm from the ground up * The mindset shifts that helped her overcome adversity and self-doubt * Why sales, networking, and strategic partnerships are critical to growth * How to navigate economic uncertainty and changing markets * The importance of multiple revenue streams and business resilience Whether you're a consultant, service-based entrepreneur, founder, or aspiring business owner, this episode delivers practical insights and inspiration for building a profitable business that can withstand challenges and continue growing. 🎧 Tune in now to discover how resilience, strategy, and determination can turn obstacles into opportunities - and create extraordinary business success.   Key Moments:  05:26 Inspired to Start a Business 06:48 Starting a business journey 11:04 Dealing with early career doubts 15:25 Dealing with business ups and downs 17:40 Building multiple income streams 20:45 Doing Your Own Sales 23:02 Joining a mastermind group 28:11 Creative problem-solving and learning 31:21 Delegating sales to an agency 33:34 Updating ad strategy with new agency 37:58 Challenges in Business Growth 40:35 Training new hires and challenges   About the guest :  Natalia Zacharin is the Founder of Zacharin Consulting, an award-winning accounting firm and Inc. 5000 honoree. She partners with founders of service businesses generating between $1 million and $30 million in annual revenue. Natalia specializes in elite fractional CFO services  and strategic financial planning. She brings unmatched perspective to her advisory work, having personally scaled her own firm from a solo operation born out of poverty to a $3 million powerhouse in just six years. Her core philosophy is simple: profit does not equal cash, and more sales will never fix broken systems. Natalia empowers entrepreneurs to use their financials as a forward-facing GPS rather than a backward looking historical report. By helping leaders identify silent cash leaks, optimize pricing models, and forecast decisions six months in advance, she turns chaotic growth into sustainable profitability. Her proven frameworks build resilient companies that operate independently and ultimately become highly sellable assets.   How to connect Natalia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growyourbottomline/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/growyourbottomline/] Website: https://zacharinconsulting.com/ [https://zacharinconsulting.com/]   About the host:  Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.   Why Choose Ann Carden?  With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.   Work with Ann Carden  If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach.  Get Free Resources: ➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz  ➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine [https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine]   Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com [https://acarden.com] 🔗    🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com  📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com  💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509 [https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509]  💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/ [https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/]  💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach]

How Authentic Storytelling Attracts Premium Clients & Builds Resilient Businesses | Dan Grech & Ann Carden

In this powerful episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Dan Grech, CEO and founder of YBYS and author of Your Business Is Your Story, to explore why authentic storytelling has become one of the most valuable business assets in today’s AI-driven marketplace. Dan reveals how founders can leverage their personal journey, values, struggles, and mission to build stronger brands, attract premium clients, and create deeper trust with customers, teams, and partners. Together, Ann and Dan unpack the critical difference between brand messaging and true story alignment - and why businesses that disconnect from their authentic story often lose trust, momentum, and long-term relevance.   In This Episode, You’ll Discover: * Why your founder story is your greatest competitive advantage * How authentic storytelling helps attract higher-paying clients * The difference between branding and genuine story-driven positioning * How personal adversity and transformation shape resilient businesses * Why storytelling matters even more in the age of AI and automation   With real-world examples - including lessons from companies like Starbucks - this episode offers a fresh perspective on how entrepreneurs can turn their experiences into meaningful business growth and lasting influence.   🎧 Tune in now to learn how to transform your story into a strategic business asset - and unlock deeper connection, clarity, and growth.   Key Moments:  05:25 Focusing on customer pain points 07:16 Discussing authenticity in marketing 10:34 Understanding your business story 14:24 Journalism career and public setback 17:59 Switching to legacy-focused storytelling 20:10 Adapting stories for new ventures 23:03 Building a lasting business story 26:33 Overcoming business challenges 31:41 Howard Schultz's origins and controversies 34:08 Prioritizing shareholders over values 37:16 Story to strategy transformation 42:01 Elevate your business strategy   About the guest :  Dan Grech is a serial entrepreneur, storytelling strategist, and founder of YBYS (Your Business Is Your Story), where he helps founders turn their story into a growth engine that drives revenue, aligns teams, and creates lasting momentum. Over the course of his career, Dan has built and scaled six startups—including a company that exited for $15 million—and also founded Miami’s first podcast company. Blending his entrepreneurial experience with a background in journalism, Dan specializes in helping leaders uncover the stories that differentiate their businesses in crowded markets. Dan is the creator of the Story-Driven Growth framework, a 2023 Minority-Owned Business of the Year honoree, a former member of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team, and has testified before Congress on AI and small business. He is also the author of the upcoming book Your Business Is Your Story: The Growth Strategy Your Competitors Cannot Copy.   How to connect Dan :  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangrech/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangrech/] Book a free 30-minute consult with Dan: https://ybys.com [https://ybys.com]   About the host:  Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.   Why Choose Ann Carden?  With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.   Work with Ann Carden  If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach.  Get Free Resources: ➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz  ➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine [https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine]   Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com [https://acarden.com] 🔗    🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com  📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com  💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509 [https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509]  💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/ [https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/]  💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach]

The Perfect Plan: Elite Leadership & Decision-Making Strategies for Business Growth | Dr. Don Barden & Ann Carden

In this powerful episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with renowned economist, leadership expert, and author of The Perfect Plan, Dr. Don Barden, to uncover the mindset and decision-making strategies behind elite business performance. Drawing from decades of research into high achievers, leadership psychology, and institutional finance, Dr. Don Barden reveals the science behind what separates top-performing leaders from everyone else - and how entrepreneurs can apply those same principles to accelerate growth and influence. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: * The leadership principles elite performers use to scale faster * How understanding the “why” behind behavior drives stronger decisions and better results * The neuroscience of influence, communication, and high-performance leadership * Dr. Don Barden’s 3-step “Perfect Plan” framework for business growth * Why gratitude, emotional intelligence, and clarity create lasting success Whether you’re a founder, consultant, executive, or coach, this episode delivers practical insights on leadership, sales, and strategic thinking that can help you elevate your business and impact. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how elite leaders think, communicate, and execute - and how you can apply the Perfect Plan to your own success. Key Moments:  05:14 Working on international deals 07:27 Backing insights with science 09:55 Staying present to extend success 12:52 Corporate structure and communication 16:47 Return on Time Investment 20:10 Effective presentation techniques 22:23 Co-creating with buyers 25:58 Building Genuine Connections Through Gratitude 28:57 Making work easy for others 32:04 Evolving meaning of "perfect"   About The Guest :  Dr. Don Barden is a classically trained economist and globally recognized expert in leadership and decision-making. He spent 25 years as a corporate executive in institutional finance and global economics, building teams that averaged over $1 billion in annual revenue. During his doctoral studies at Columbia International University, he identified a common thread among elite leaders that became the foundation for his book The Perfect Plan, now published in 39 countries worldwide.   Don was named one of the Top 30 Most Transformational Leaders in North America by John Maxwell, the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and received full honors from the Department of Defense and the 75th US Army Ranger Regiment. He lectures at Oxford University, The Wharton School of Business, and Wake Forest University, and is a frequent instructor at the US Army Ranger Leadership and Professional Development Program.   His newest work, Here Come the Girls, is a #1 Amazon release in economics exploring the global leadership shift that will occur between 2028 and 2032 as women take over global leadership roles. Don is the founder of Perfect Plan Consulting and The Perfect Plan community, where he brings his frameworks directly to entrepreneurs and leaders ready to grow.   How to connect Dr. Don Barden :  Website : https://www.linkedin.com/in/donwbarden/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/donwbarden/] LinkedIn: https://donbarden.com/ [https://donbarden.com/]   About the host:  Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.   Why Choose Ann Carden?  With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.   Work with Ann Carden  If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach.  Get Free Resources: ➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz  ➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine [https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine]   Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com [https://acarden.com] 🔗    🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com  📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com  💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509 [https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509]  💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/ [https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/]  💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach [https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach]