Pillar6 Podcast

Building a Stronger Business by Transforming the Leader With Andreas Dankelmann

After building and selling a successful business, Andreas Dankelmann decided to share his experiences with other entrepreneurs and business owners in growth mode. Today, Andreas is a Vistage Chair at Vistage Worldwide, Inc., the world's largest executive coaching organization for small and midsize business leaders. Andreas facilitates confidential peer advisory groups and provides one-on-one coaching to help CEOs and executives make better decisions to achieve better outcomes. With over 20 years of executive leadership experience in Fortune 500 and privately held companies, Andreas also serves as an EOS Implementer, guiding leadership teams to gain clarity and traction. In this episode… Most business owners and executives of larger organizations will periodically find themselves stuck, burned out, overwhelmed, or frustrated by slow-moving progress. Even the best-run organizations periodically experience stalling growth and loss of momentum. So what's really holding back growth? According to Andreas Dankelmann, a seasoned coach and former entrepreneur, businesses plateau because the leaders stall. Andreas firmly believes that an organization cannot outgrow its leadership, and the first step toward transformation begins with personal growth. When leaders become clearer on their long-term vision and step out of the day-to-day operations to gain a better perspective, their entire organization benefits. Andreas shares how making time for deep reflection, asking the right questions, and co-creating alignment with teams can dramatically shift business outcomes. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Andreas Dankelmann, Vistage Chair at Vistage Worldwide, Inc., to talk about how transforming the leader first leads to sustainable business growth. They discuss the leadership mindset shift required for scaling, the importance of clarity and team alignment, and why business debt can silently slow momentum. Andreas also gives advice on creating space to think strategically. Resources mentioned in this episode: * Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanpolnar/] * Pillar6 Advisors [https://pillar6.com/] * Andreas Dankelmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/eos-implementer/] * Vistage Worldwide, Inc. [https://www.vistage.com/] * Fifth Ascent [https://www.growbeyondboundaries.com/] * Sync'd Up [https://open.spotify.com/show/7uVvVKWFQdNJsFedZYE6wR] * Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman [https://www.amazon.com/Traction-Get-Grip-Your-Business/dp/1936661837]

Growth, Presence, and Leadership from a Military Leader and Author of Five Million Steps With Jason France

Jason France is a retired Chief Master Sergeant from the US Air Force, an avid outdoorsman, author of Five Million Steps, and the Owner of Elevate Leadership Solutions. Having spent 31 years in the US Air Force, Jason experienced invaluable lessons in leadership, team-building, and strategic alignment. Since launching Elevate Leadership Solutions, Jason has partnered with business leaders to help them navigate complex challenges and foster high-performing cultures in their respective organizations. In this episode, Jason shares personal and professional experiences that resulted in the most transformative and valuable realizations. In this episode… Is the strength you've built through years of leadership quietly holding you back? Many high performers push forward, driven by success, structure, and service, but rarely pause to unpack the pain they carry. How can slowing down lead to breakthroughs, deeper clarity, higher growth, and deeper successes? According to Jason France, a decorated military leader, author, and leadership coach, transformation begins when we allow ourselves to be fully present even in our most difficult moments. Compartmentalizing trauma during military service disconnected Jason from his real life and his family, but eventually asking for help marked the start of personal healing and greater growth. That moment of vulnerability became a gateway to becoming a stronger father, husband, and leader. Upon retiring, Jason solo hiked the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail that led to his memoir titled Five Million Steps, where he shares meaningful moments of reflection, discoveries, and gratitude that inspired him and many of his readers. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar and Tove Hansen sit down with Jason France, Owner of Elevate Leadership Solutions, to talk about how presence and pain shape more powerful leaders. Jason shares why asking for help is a sign of strength, how his long-distance hike rewired his perspective, and why being in the moment matters more than chasing what's next. Jason also shares how leaders can support others through quiet, empathetic connection. Resources mentioned in this episode: * Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanpolnar/] * Tove Hansen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tove-hansen-6ba9b01b] * Pillar6 Advisors [https://pillar6.com/] * Jason France: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-l-france/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/Jay_F_Adventures/] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@JayFAdventures] * Elevate Leadership Solutions [http://www.elevateleadershipsolutions.com] * Five Million Steps: Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail after Three Decades of Service to Our Nation by Jason France [https://www.amazon.com/Five-Million-Steps-Pacific-Decades/dp/B0D94X9RXG] * Enough: Climbing Toward a True Self on Mount Everest by Melissa Arnot Reid [https://www.amazon.com/Enough-Climbing-Toward-Mount-Everest/dp/0593594088]

How Leaders Build Integrity, Adapt To Change, and Plan for the Future

Roman Polnar is the Founder and Managing Partner of Pillar6 Advisors, a multifaceted financial planning and wealth management firm geared toward serving successful individuals and families with active lifestyles. Roman is also a Partner at Pillar6 College Planning, where he helps families unlock debt-free money from the financial aid system so they can avoid loans and navigate the system with ease. Roman has over 18 years of experience in the financial services profession, working for some of the nation's most recognized names. After 10 years in the corporate world, he left to build an independent firm that would do things differently, and that's when Pillar6 Advisors was born. In this episode… Leadership, business growth, and personal well-being often intersect in ways that require leaders to balance values, adapt to change, and prepare for the unexpected. From building mission-driven organizations and embracing emotional complexity to leveraging digital marketing and creating essential estate plans, today's leaders are navigating challenges that demand both heart and strategy. So what can we learn from professionals who are blending integrity, adaptability, and forward-thinking planning? Brad Stroh shares how his company's culture of integrity, care, and advocacy empowers 3,000 team members to create meaningful impact for families facing financial hardship. Michael Koehler explores the emotional reality that all change comes with both gains and losses, encouraging leaders to approach transitions with empathy and awareness. Lael Sturm emphasizes the increasing importance of digital marketing in a world where in-person interactions are limited, urging businesses to make online engagement a central part of their growth strategy. Andy Cahill dives into the importance of expanding one's emotional capacity to handle complexity and uncertainty without falling into reactive patterns. Finally, Rachel Dodson highlights the critical role of estate planning — especially healthcare directives — in ensuring individuals and families are prepared for unforeseen circumstances. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, Roman Polnar reflects on these conversations with Brad Stroh, Michael Koehler, Lael Sturm, Andy Cahill, and Rachel Dodson. Their insights offer valuable guidance for leaders striving to align their business, personal, and financial lives with their values, even amidst an ever-changing world. Resources mentioned in this episode: * Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanpolnar/] * Pillar6 Advisors [https://pillar6.com/] * Brad Stroh on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordstroh] * Michael Koehler on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelkoehler-konu/] * Lael Sturm on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laelsturm] * Andy Cahill on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewjcahill/] * Rachel Dodson on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-dodson-074b382/?trk=org-employees_mini-profile_cta]

How Podcasting Builds Powerful Business Relationships With John Corcoran

John Corcoran is the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. He helps clients generate ROI through its done-for-you podcast service. Since 2012, John has hosted the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, interviewing hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. He is also a recovering attorney, an author, a former White House writer, and a speechwriter for the Governor of California. During his career, John worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. In this episode… Launching a podcast might seem overwhelming — especially when you're already running a busy business. But what if the real value of podcasting isn't in downloads or viral clips but in something far more powerful: building relationships? Could podcasting be the single best networking tool for B2B professionals? According to John Corcoran, a seasoned podcast host and business relationship strategist, the answer is a resounding yes. He explains that podcasting creates a unique space for meaningful conversations with clients, referral partners, and industry influencers. He highlights that the act of inviting someone to be a guest opens doors that traditional networking simply can't. This relational approach turns interviews into trust-building moments and helps deepen connections that often lead to new business. By consistently showing up, having thoughtful conversations, and outsourcing the busywork, John argues, podcasting becomes not just a marketing channel but a strategic growth engine. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, to talk about how podcasting builds powerful business relationships. They explore why authenticity beats perfection, how to use interviews to deepen professional connections, and why consistency is the secret weapon for growth. John also shares advice on overcoming self-doubt and launching your podcast even if you don't feel ready. Resources mentioned in this episode: * Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanpolnar/] * Pillar6 Advisors [https://pillar6.com/] * John Corcoran on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/corcoran/] * Rise25 [https://rise25.com/] * Smart Business Revolution Podcast [https://smartbusinessrevolution.com/podcasts/] * The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber [https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280] * The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries [https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898] * Scaling Up: How a Few Companies Make It...and Why the Rest Don't by Verne Harnish [https://www.amazon.com/Scaling-Up-Companies-Rockefeller-Habits/dp/0986019526] * Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear [https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299] * The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries [https://www.amazon.com/Lean-Startup-Entrepreneurs-Continuous-Innovation/dp/0307887898] * "039: James Clear | How to Adopt Good Habits (and Drop Your Bad Habits)" on the Smart Business Revolution Podcast [https://smartbusinessrevolution.com/039-james-clear-how-to-adopt-good-habits-and-drop-your-bad-habits/] * "055: Adam Grant Author of Give and Take | How to Succeed in Business by Being a Giver" on the Smart Business Revolution Podcast [https://smartbusinessrevolution.com/055-adam-grant-author-of-give-and-take-how-to-succeed-in-business-by-being-a-giver/] * "[One Question] Awakening the Entrepreneur Within featuring Michael Gerber Founder of Michael E. Gerber Companies" on the [https://www.inspiredinsider.com/michael-gerber-one-question-inspires/] Inspired Insider Podcast [https://www.inspiredinsider.com/michael-gerber-one-question-inspires/] * "Verne Harnish | How to Scale Up Your Business (Without Losing Your Mind)" on the Smart Business Revolution Podcast [https://smartbusinessrevolution.com/verne-harnish-how-to-scale-up-your-business-without-losing-your-mind/] * "072: Kevin Thompson | How to Make $14.5 Million from an Ugly Website" on the Smart Business Revolution Podcast [https://smartbusinessrevolution.com/072-kevin-thompson-how-to-make-14-5-million-from-an-ugly-website/] * "Anthony Vidergauz | Immigrant Turns $5,000 into $300M/year Business – with Former CEO of California Closets" on the Smart Business Revolution Podcast [https://smartbusinessrevolution.com/anthony-vidergauz-immigrant-turns-5000-into-300m-year-business-with-former-ceo-of-california-closets/] * Sara Blakely on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarablakely27/] * Brad Feld on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bfeld/]

A Guide To Selling Your Business With Matt Cohen

Matt Cohen is a Partner at Synesis Advisors, a San Francisco-based firm specializing in the sale of privately held businesses. Matt has successfully closed over 100 transactions across industries such as healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, and other services-based businesses. Known for his mastery of the sales process, meticulous attention to detail, and client-focused approach, Matt ensures his clients are correctly positioned to get their businesses sold. Matt is a Certified Business Broker (CBB) and a member of the California Association of Business Brokers (CABB) and the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA). In this episode… Selling a business is one of the most significant and emotional decisions a business owner will make. While most owners are confident operators, navigating a successful sale requires a very different mindset and a specific playbook. So what does it really take to move from wanting to sell to a closed deal? According to Matt Cohen, a business broker with over two decades of experience, the process starts with viewing the business through the buyer's lens. He highlights that many deals fall apart because sellers underestimate the importance of terms, deal structure, valuation, and risk mitigation from the buyer's side. Simply having a profitable business isn't enough to maximize its sale price; it needs to be transferable and justifiable in the eyes of a cautious buyer. Matt explains how everything from handshake contracts to overreliance on the owner to mispricings can derail a deal and why the real work begins before a business is listed for sale. In this episode of the Pillar6 Podcast, host Roman Polnar sits down with Matt Cohen, Partner at Synesis Advisors, to discuss how business owners can prepare for a successful sale. They cover the biggest misconceptions about pricing and terms, how to structure your company for buyer confidence, and what to expect during due diligence. Matt also shares tips for assembling a trusted advisory team to guide the process. Resources mentioned in this episode: * Roman M. Polnar on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanpolnar/] * Pillar6 Advisors [https://pillar6.com/] * Matt Cohen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-cohen-mba-cbb-7445492/] * Synesis Advisors [https://www.synesis-advisors.com/] * My Beloved Monster: Masha, the Half-wild Rescue Cat Who Rescued Me by Caleb Carr [https://www.amazon.com/My-Beloved-Monster-Half-wild-Rescued/dp/0316503606]