Learning to Lead - Ken Eslick - EP 327

Ken Eslick is a seasoned entrepreneur and a leadership expert in the recruiting industry. In this episode, Ken shares his remarkable journey from a kid with a knack for leadership to a professional recruiting leader. His experiences range from an epiphany in a Carl's Jr. parking lot that led him to the military, to 14 years in the corporate world, and ultimately a decade in recruiting. Ken candidly discusses his personal struggles as well as his distaste for corporate red tape.

Ken also shares his experiences in the military and how they shaped him into the leader he is today. Ken and Tony talk about the lessons learned from basic training, the importance of military values, and why we shouldn't dismiss the corporate world's merits. Then, Tony and Ken share how they utilized their corporate experience in their own businesses. They stress the importance of organizational charts, balance sheets, communication strategies, and the value of "shamelessly stealing" best practices from large corporations to ensure success in small businesses.

The discussion further explores two models for recruiting professionals - retained and contingent, the concept of leadership, and how it creates an environment for people to perform at their highest level. Listen in as they discuss the importance of not paying in advance for anticipated results and the necessity of personal growth, a thirst for knowledge, and an openness to change. Don't miss when they cover the power of a growth mindset and the importance of taking action to overcome fear.

Key highlights:

  • Leadership and Recruiting for Success
  • From Desperation to the Army
  • Corporate Experience in Small Business
  • Leadership and Developing Potential
  • Belief in Self and Growth Mindset
  • Taking Action and Overcoming Fear

Connect with Ken Eslick:

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by Alexi Cortopassi

Turning Your Passion Into Profit - with Steven Rupp - EP 326

 

What if the spark of a lifelong passion could ignite the journey of your dreams, guiding you to a career you never envisioned? Today’s guest is here to inspire you to take big risks and follow your passion. Steven Rupp is the Technical Editor for Motor Trend Group (motortrendgroup.com), which includes magazine brands such as Hot Rod and Automobile Magazine, and TV shows such as Top Gear America and Road Kill.

Swapping corporate confines for the open road, Steven pursued his love for cars and carved a unique path in automotive journalism. With over 20 years experience as an automotive journalist, photographer, and car builder, Steven brings keen insights about pivoting careers, creative work and marketing, and doing what you are passionate about.

Steven talks about the power of networking and how it steered him towards success. He also shares about the challenges of creating a balanced magazine like Super Chevy, highlighting the importance of continuous improvement, mentorship, and the art of listening more than note-taking. Steven offers insightful perspectives on the popular EV trend, sharing why converting your classic car to an EV may not always be the best financial decision.

Steven also confronts the reality of businesses that fall victim to ego-driven decisions and discusses the importance of keeping your audience's needs at the forefront. He explains the value of understanding your customer base to effectively market your product or service. Tune in for invaluable insights, lessons, and stories. 

Key highlights:

  • Taking Risks and Pursuing Passion
  • The Importance of Building a Network
  • The Importance of Adaptation in Business
  • Marketing to the Right Customers
  • The Importance of Taking Risks

Connect with Steven Rupp:

Connect with Tony Whatley:

by Alexi Cortopassi

Leading and Coaching with Integrity - with Josh Kosnick - EP 325

 

We're cracking open the playbook to success with Josh Kosnick, founder of Kairos Coaching and Consulting, as we discuss how to lead and coach with integrity. Josh shares his rollercoaster ride from the world of finance and wealth management to the field of business coaching, giving us a front-row seat to his encounters with corporate nepotism and the silver lining he discovered by tweaking his business model amidst the COVID storm.

This episode pushes the boundaries as we challenge the credibility of self-declared coaches who've never been in the trenches themselves. We take on the influencer marketing phenomenon, and stress the significance of organic and authentic content. Josh opens up about his decision to sell his companies, and how he redirected his focus towards recruiting and developing people.

We share our top tips to becoming an effective coach, from selecting your tech stack to identifying and bridging skill gaps. We underline the need for entrepreneurs to step out of their comfort zones on social media and invest in public speaking skills. This is a conversation all about enhancing your business, your life, and your bottom line in finances, so tune in for more!

Key highlights:

  • Coaching and Influencers in Business
  • Leadership and Avoiding Narcissism
  • Tips for Becoming a Coach
  • Credibility and Authenticity in Business
  • Importance of Being Uncomfortable on Social Media
  • The Importance of Public Speaking Skills
  • Opportunities for Business Growth and Support

Connect with Josh Kosnick:

Connect with Tony Whatley:

by Alexi Cortopassi

Identify and Destroy Limiting Beliefs - EP 324

Are you wrestling with self-limiting beliefs that are preventing you from experiencing true success and freedom? Or maybe your self-talk is keeping yourself from your dreams without even realizing it. How would your life change if you stopped holding yourself back from what you desire and deserve?

This episode is an earnest examination of these invisible handcuffs as Tony shares his journey of breaking free from these self-imposed constraints. Tony shines a light on the complex connection of self-worth and our choices, guiding us on a journey that will question our internal dialogue and its influence on our actions.

Now that you have identified and acknowledged that your limiting beliefs are holding you back, how do you overcome them? This episode opens the doors to a new identity shaped by positive habits and vision. Tony dissects how past experiences and influences affect our beliefs, and how accepting accountability for them can pave the path to a brighter future. Listen in, free yourself from limiting beliefs, and embrace a life of limitless potential.

Key highlights:

  • Limiting Beliefs in Affordability and Dreams

  • The Value of Vacations and Education

  • Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Building Self-Confidence

  • Building a New Identity Through Habits

  • Visualizing and Achieving Your Dreams

 Connect with Tony Whatley:
Instagram: @365driven

Facebook: 365 Driven

LinkedIn: Tony Whatley

by Alexi Cortopassi

Zero to $300 Million Story of TapouT with Dan Caldwell - EP 323

Life has a funny way of taking you on unexpected paths. In this episode, you’ll hear the successful journey of Dan Caldwell, co-founder of the brand TapouT. From a law enforcement officer to a high flying entrepreneur, Dan's journey is not only inspiring but filled with invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. While a career pivot is no small feat, Dan's entrepreneurial drive, combined with a deep understanding of his audience, catapulted TapouT into becoming a $300 Million dollar brand.

Dan talks about the topic of managing cash flow during rapid business growth and shares practical advice about exploring financing options, building strong relationships with manufacturers and recognizing when to bring in external expertise. Dan candidly reflects on the post-acquisition roller coaster ride and the emotional challenge of losing control of the brand he built with so much passion.

Dan and host Tony Whatley also discuss the significance of cultivating entrepreneurial skills in today's students. So tune in to this incredible journey with Dan Caldwell, which ultimately explores the power of passion, persistence, and resilience in the world of entrepreneurship. This episode is a testimony to the fact that with the right mindset, you can tap into your potential, turn your passion into profit, and take the world by storm.

Key highlights:

  • Scaling a Martial Arts Brand
  • Building a Brand Through Storytelling
  • Company Growth and Cash Flow Management
  • Small Business to Multi-Million Dollar Success
  • Lessons in Business Growth and Acquisition
  • Teaching Entrepreneurship in Education

Connect with Dan Caldwell:

LinkedIn: Dan Caldwell

Instagram: @tapoutpunkass

 Connect with Tony Whatley:
Instagram: @365driven

Facebook: 365 Driven

LinkedIn: Tony Whatley

by Alexi Cortopassi