EP13: Humble Beginnings to $10M Fractional CFO Empire | Jody Grunden | CEO, Summit CPA

EP18: GETTING TO THE NEXT LEVEL IN YOUR LIFE | ALAN LAZAROS | NEXT LEVEL UNIVERSITY

Alan Lazaros, co-founder of Next Level University, joins Tony Bradshaw for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build a thriving business and podcast from the ground up. From leading by example to tracking the right metrics, Alan shares the systems and mindsets that have helped him grow an engaged online community — and how you can apply the same principles to your own journey. TAKEAWAYS Consistency is key — keep evolving and never stop showing up. Lead by example. Be willing to do what you ask of your team. Track your metrics daily to stay aligned and avoid operational chaos. Focus on high-value activities and let technology do the heavy lifting. Build a community that values genuine human connection over automation. TIMESTAMP 00:00 Introduction to Alan Lazaros and Next Level University 02:52 The challenges of starting a business 05:39 Leading by example in business 08:24 Managing a virtual team effectively 11:21 Tracking metrics for success 14:03 Building a cohesive business model 17:10 The value of community in podcasting 19:04 Starting your podcast journey 22:25 Building a personal brand through podcasting 25:06 Framework for success: goals and metrics 28:25 Embracing hard work and discipline 32:00 Recommended resources for growth CONNECT WITH ALAN LAZAROS AT nextleveluniverse.com [https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/] Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

EP17: Unlocking the Secrets to Business Success | Matt Uhler | Amped Success

Discover the secrets to buying, selling, and growing successful businesses with veteran broker Matt Uhler. Learn how to evaluate business value, structure deals, and diversify income streams for long-term financial resilience. KEY TAKEAWAYS * The importance of exit strategies for small business owners * How business valuation works, including key metrics like EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings * Steps to prepare a business for sale to maximize its market value * The role of multiples in business valuation and typical ranges * Funding options for acquiring a business, emphasizing SBA loans * Strategies for diversifying income through business ownership * The impact of market disruptions, such as COVID-19, on business operations * Building a portfolio of multiple businesses for risk mitigation and income stability * The psychology of wealth and the significance of mindset in financial success * Book recommendations: Think and Grow Rich and Rich Dad Poor Dad TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Matt Euler, business broker with 28 years of experience  02:30 - What happens to businesses that don't transition to the next owner  05:00 - Why business owners often leave their businesses to die or close  08:20 - How to prepare a business for sale for better valuation  10:45 - Understanding business valuation: EBITDA and seller's discretionary earnings  14:00 - The importance of asset condition and risk factors in valuation  16:30 - Funding sources: SBA loans and typical down payments  21:00 - Business multiples: typical ranges and how they’re calculated  24:00 - Managing a portfolio of multiple businesses for diversification  28:00 - Monthly oversight: analyzing financials and operational health  32:00 - The significance of income streams for financial security  36:00 - Risks in business ownership and lessons from market disruptions  39:00 - The psychology behind wealth building and mindset shifts  41:00 - Recommended books for developing wealth mindset Resources & Links: * Think and Grow Rich [https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Publication-Foundation/dp/193787950X/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.WsF1bpsny-zMkGaFwa8_kYl10LqwE-XtYf42jhwNEW0PBIFeuWvCIDrhhHQGn_U37YeJqN4oNcxXflHHsAsuK4VRWcLR7-TDmH2-rb84jBa4cdc_k1l8FXg6GBB6v89EY8KcH6hAsW_Nkk3R7QxAgb7KY7gisJRZAPridZcPYI0jmBDvhluDdU56ltK6sr0bZl8POtzF2lRZ6zYuIl9bvxzsFTfC6POYqdeXubExp4U.3LzSxtBrOgUNIKFRjPpK7zIuX2GtZK1Q-IjNq_Qy8KM&dib_tag=se&keywords=think+and+grow+rich&qid=1780100852&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1] by Napoleon Hill * Rich Dad Poor Dad [https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Asset/dp/1612680194] by Robert Kiyosaki CONNECT WITH MATT UHLER AT ampedsuccess.com [https://ampedsuccess.com/] Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

EP16: Building Profits with Compassion | Bruno Cignacco

In this episode, Tony talks with Bruno Cignacco, author of The Art of Compassionate Business, about how integrating compassion into the workplace can boost profits, improve employee retention, and transform company culture. Discover practical ways to foster human-oriented leadership, develop strong relationships, and create sustainable, successful businesses through kindness and empathy. TAKEAWAYS * The true resource behind business success: humans, not just technology or capital * How compassion fosters cooperation, psychological safety, and innovation * The importance of understanding employees' emotional, mental, and social needs * Practical strategies for building compassionate workplaces (e.g., cross-departmental meetings, social events, feedback culture) * The scientific basis and measurable results of compassionate leadership * The role of humility and active listening in fostering human-oriented leadership * How aligning company mission with human and environmental values shapes culture * The impact of compassion on employee turnover and company profitability * Practical resources for adopting compassionate business principles CONNECT WITH BRUNO CIGNACCO AT brunocignacco.com [https://brunocignacco.com/] Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

EP15: Marketing and Promoting Your Author Brand and Book | Wiebke Tasch | Digital Author

What if your book could open doors that no business card ever could? In this episode of Get Business Smart with Tony Bradshaw, publishing expert and bestselling author Wiebke Tasch reveals the strategy, craft, and savvy behind turning an idea into a book that actually sells — and builds your brand for years to come. Wiebke shares her fascinating journey from working as a PR professional in Germany to becoming a bestselling author and helping other entrepreneurs and thought leaders do the same. Her story is proof that writing a book isn't just a creative endeavor — it's one of the smartest business moves you can make. The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of successful publishing: how to position your book in the right market, why your cover design can make or break your sales, and the critical importance of those first five days after launch on Amazon. Wiebke also tackles the modern author's toolkit, explaining how AI can be used to sharpen your manuscript without losing your voice, and why the layout stage is far more important than most first-time authors realize. Beyond the tactics, Wiebke shares a powerful mindset shift — your book isn't the product, it's the calling card. It's the credibility builder that attracts clients, speaking gigs, and opportunities that no amount of advertising can replicate. For entrepreneurs and aspiring authors ready to stop overthinking and start publishing, this episode is required listening. TAKEAWAYS * Strategic positioning matters before you write a single word — understanding your market and niche determines whether your book finds its audience or gets lost in the noise. * Cover design is a science, not just art — genre conventions and buyer psychology should drive every design decision. * The first 5 days on Amazon are make or break — having a launch strategy in place before publication is non-negotiable. * AI is a powerful editing assistant, not a replacement for a human editor — use it to catch what you miss, not to write what you feel. * Your book is a long-term asset — a well-published book continues generating leads, credibility, and income long after launch day. CONNECT WITH WIEBKE TASCH AT digital-authors.com [https://digitial-authors.com] Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com

EP14: Scaling Your Business with a Fractional COO | Derek Fredrickson | The COO Solution

In this episode, I sit down with Derek Fredrickson, founder and CEO of The COO Solution, to dig into one of the most underutilized levers in business growth: fractional COO services. Derek brings deep experience helping entrepreneurs and small-to-mid-sized business owners build the operational infrastructure they need to scale — without the overhead of a full-time executive hire, and honestly, this conversation opened my eyes to just how much founders are leaving on the table. Derek breaks down something I think a lot of us get wrong — the difference between the CEO and COO dynamic. The CEO is the visionary pulling the business forward, while the COO is the integrator making sure the engine doesn't fall apart at speed. He walks through the scaling challenges that trip up even the most experienced business owners, from communication breakdowns and accountability gaps to simply not having repeatable systems in place — and how a fractional COO can step in and change all of that. We also spend a good chunk of time on AI and what it means for business operations right now. Derek's take is refreshingly direct — early adoption isn't just a competitive advantage anymore, it's becoming the baseline expectation. I loved his perspective on empowering your whole team with these tools, not just the folks at the top. We wrap things up with his framework for vetting business ideas before you go all in, plus some book recommendations I'm personally adding to my reading list. TAKEAWAYS * Fractional COO services give growing businesses access to senior operational leadership without the cost of a full-time executive hire — especially powerful for businesses in the $1M–$20M revenue range. * The CEO is focused on vision and external relationships; the COO translates that vision into executable systems and manages internal operations. * Delegation is a skill that must be developed — without it and clear accountability structures, growth stalls. * Scaling requires repeatable systems and organizational structure, not just hustle. Build them before you need them. * AI adoption is no longer optional — businesses that invest in AI literacy and implementation now will have a significant edge. * The real operational gains from AI come from enabling entire teams to use these tools, not just leadership. * Project management platforms are rapidly evolving with AI integration — reassess your tools and workflows regularly. * Stress-test your business ideas before committing time and capital — fall in love with viability, not just the idea. CONNECT WITH DEREK FREDRICKSON AT thecoosolution.com Get Business Smart Coaching helps entrepreneurs and leaders build better businesses and better lives on purpose with purpose. Learn more about Get Business Smart Coaching at TonyBradshaw.com