Alexi Cortopassi

Developing Your Unique Brand Identity with Paul Povolni - EP 372

Unlock the secrets to mastering personal branding and differentiate yourself in a crowded market! Tune in as branding virtuoso Paul Povolni, with over three decades of experience, reveals his journey from an imaginative child in Australia to an expert in graphic design and branding. Through his inspiring story, Paul shares invaluable insights on why authenticity and creativity are crucial for standing out, and the common mistakes to avoid in branding.

Discover the profound impact of meticulous attention to detail, from design to maintaining visual coherence. You will learn the significance of aligning all creative outputs with your core values and mission for effective branding.

The episode is an exploration of content strategy and audience engagement. Paul provides insights into the power of consistency and differentiation, especially when tackling social media algorithms. Gain tips on how to create compelling, targeted content that resonates with your audience. Finally, Paul and Tony delve into the importance of embracing authenticity, managing criticism constructively, and boldly expressing your core values. Don't miss the opportunity for collaboration and growth through the 365 Driven community, designed to elevate your business and life.

Key highlights:

  • Discovering Personal Branding Through Creativity
  • The Importance of Attention to Detail
  • Developing Your Unique Brand Identity
  • Content Repurposing and Algorithm Insights
  • Consistency, Differentiation, and Branding Strategy
  • Embracing Authenticity in Personal Branding
  • Finding Your Bold Voice in Branding
  • Embracing Criticism and Haters

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by Alexi Cortopassi

Hurricanes & Humanity - EP 371

What happens when a community is thrust into chaos by a natural disaster? In this solo episode, Tony recounts the recent damage of Hurricane Beryl and its profound impact on Houston.  In those few days without electricity, phone signals, and internet, the true test of the community’s resilience began. By reflecting on previous hurricanes like Ike, Tony highlights the essential need for preparation and describes the community’s resilience amidst the storm’s wrath.

Navigating the world without modern conveniences showcased both strengths and weaknesses. From the havoc on the roads with non-functional traffic lights to the empty gas stations causing frustration and conflict among neighbors, Tony witnessed firsthand the crisis of unpreparedness. Through sharing personal encounters and observing community behavior, he highlights the critical need for readiness and emotional control. Stoicism and forethought proved invaluable, contrasting sharply with the widespread panic and entitlement that emerged in the wake of the storm.

By promoting personal responsibility and preparedness, Tony challenges you to build robust support systems and become part of resilient networks like the 365driven community, ensuring we’re all equipped to face future challenges together.

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by Alexi Cortopassi

Defend Your Business Against Tyranny with Ian Smith - EP 370

Ian Smith is a political activist and gym owner, whose defiant stand against New Jersey's lockdown orders made headlines in 2020. In this episode, Ian shares his journey from being a personal trainer to turning around Atilis Gym, transforming it from a hostile environment into a thriving community hub. Ian recounts the critical moment in March 2020 when he chose to keep his gym open, despite state mandates, reflecting on his commitment to health, resilience, and standing up for his beliefs during a challenging time.

Ian and Tony also explore the broader struggles faced by small business owners during the pandemic, touching on the challenges of gaining media attention and the frustrations with government mandates that deemed businesses non-essential. Ian's narrative brings to light the emotional toll on small business owners as they watched large corporations profit while their own livelihoods were at risk. This episode highlights the principles of entrepreneurship and the determination required to maintain one's business amidst systemic challenges.

Additionally, Ian takes us through his legal battles, his run for Congress, and his transition into the field of hormone therapy at Summit Rejuvenation. His story is one of resilience and transformation, from facing multiple municipal charges to becoming a public figure advocating for various causes. Ian shares his experiences and insights into the world of telemedicine and business, offering a unique perspective on navigating life's challenges with passion and integrity. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with personal anecdotes and valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and activists alike.

Key highlights:

  • Business Shutdown Due to Politics
  • Small Business Struggles in Politics
  • Business Owners Facing Legal Challenges
  • Ian’s Journey to Becoming a Public Figure
  • Challenges of Running a Political Campaign
  • Ian’s transition to telehealth

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by Alexi Cortopassi

Skyrocket Your Business through YouTube with Roger Wakefield - EP 369

 

Unlock the secrets to skyrocketing your business through YouTube with Roger Wakefield, Tony’s returning guest and YouTube sensation who has amassed over 612,000 subscribers. Learn how Roger became a YouTube giant and advertised his plumbing business, using authenticity and relatability as his secret weapons. He candidly shares his initial struggles with marketing companies and the pivotal moment that changed his trajectory.

Roger unveils actionable strategies to leverage YouTube for your own business growth. He explains his personal roadmap for harnessing YouTube's potential, from researching successful channels to hiring the right coaches.

Additionally, Roger and Tony discuss the critical role of meaningful relationships and give tips on how to become a better public speaker. Roger emphasizes the importance of a strong online presence and his mission to make you and your business "Googleable." His newest endeavor is designed to empower small businesses to manage their online visibility more effectively. This episode is a comprehensive guide to mastering YouTube, public speaking, and digital presence for business success.

Key highlights:

  • YouTube Implementation Strategies for Business Growth
  • Mastering Public Speaking Techniques
  • Learning From Successful Business Leaders
  • Googleability for Business Success
  • Building a Strong Online Presence

Episode resources:

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by Alexi Cortopassi

Mastering Storytelling in Marketing - EP 368

Can you imagine turning your business around by simply telling a better story? That’s the transformative power of storytelling Tony is exploring in this episode. He explains how a compelling narrative can revolutionize personal branding, content creation, and overall business success. By focusing on present achievements and future goals, your story can directly align with your desired outcomes—whether it’s increasing sales, attracting more clients, or building influence.

You will also get practical tips on mastering soundbites for media and public speaking. Learn how to deliver impactful, concise statements that resonate across various platforms. Tony also stresses the importance of extending your comfort zone for success, illustrating this with personal stories of overcoming public-speaking fears and treating content creation as a serious endeavor. By consistently improving and stepping out of your comfort zone, you can make a lasting impact and ensure your message is memorable. Tune in to discover the full spectrum of storytelling techniques that can propel your business to new heights.

Key highlights:

  • The Power of Storytelling in Business

  • Positioning Yourself as the Hero vs Knowledgeable Guide

  • The Wisdom of Classic Psychology Books

  • Mastering Soundbites for Media Success

  • The Art of Storytelling in Interviews

  • Storytelling and Brand Building Essentials

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by Alexi Cortopassi

Purpose-Driven Success in Business - with Ty Backer - EP 367

Ty Backer is the CEO and founder of TC Backer, a mid-eight-figure roofing and home improvement company, and host of the podcast Behind the Tool Belt. Listen in as Ty shares his inspiring journey from starting as a one-man operation to building a thriving multi-state business. Discover the critical role of delegation in transforming his company and how Ty's initial resentment turned into a passion for creating meaningful careers for his employees. Ty's story exemplifies the power of perseverance, learning from past experiences, and the impact of empowering a team.

Ty and Tony explore the challenges of early entrepreneurship, including the difficulty of delegating tasks and the necessity of wearing multiple hats. Ty offers valuable insights into overcoming these hurdles by finding and trusting the right team members and shifting from micromanaging to inspiring and supporting a team. He also highlights the importance of personal development and leadership growth, emphasizing how investing in oneself and others can lead to greater organizational success.

Ty also shares his journey of overcoming imposter syndrome and self-doubt, focusing on the transition from self-centered motives to a purpose-driven approach. Hear about his transformative experience of conquering public speaking fears by focusing on serving the audience, culminating in a powerful moment at RoofCon. This episode underscores the significance of authenticity, mentorship, and empowering leadership in building a successful business. Be sure to tune in for more insights and stories that will inspire and guide you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Key highlights:

  • Building a Successful Roofing Business
  • Lessons in Delegating and Empowering Employees
  • Leadership and Personal Development Growth
  • Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt
  • Authenticity and Impact in Public Speaking
  • Empowering Leadership and Decision-Making

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by Alexi Cortopassi

Parallels of Power: Lessons from Roman History - with Jeremy Ryan Slate - EP 366

How can lessons from the fall of Rome help us navigate today’s political landscape? Jeremy Ryan Slate is back on the 365 Driven podcast to explore the striking parallels between ancient Rome and modern America. Jeremy holds a master's degree in Roman History and he brings his expertise to this episode to draw parallels to modern America and the lessons we can learn from Rome’s fall. Jeremy kicks off by examining the pivotal changes of 1913, including the introduction of the income tax, the 17th Amendment, and the Federal Reserve Act, and their lasting impact on American politics. Jeremy then dives into the significance of emperor worship and propaganda in Rome's transition from a republic to an empire, and shows how these historical events provide a perspective on our current political struggles.

Jeremy then journeys through the extensive history of Rome, from its founding in 753 BC to the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, and beyond to the Eastern Empire's collapse in 1453. Understanding Rome's evolution from kingdom to republic to empire offers rich insights into the factors that led to its decline, such as poor leadership, economic turmoil, and military crises.

You will learn about the decline of the Western Roman Empire and its financial and political woes, echoing modern federalism in the United States. Evaluating the stories of key figures like the Gracchi brothers, Gaius Marius, Lucius Cornelius Sulla, and Julius Caesar, we can extract valuable lessons on reform, conflict, and power struggles. Additionally, Jeremy touches on the relevance of Roman history in today's social media-driven discussions and underscores the importance of community involvement and independent thought in navigating contemporary politics. Tune in for a compelling exploration of history that resonates powerfully with our present.

Key highlights:

  • The Decline of Empires and Republics
  • Timeline of Rome's Changing Leadership
  • Rise and Fall of Roman Empire
  • Caesar's Rise to Power
  • Roman Empire, Greek Influence, and Collapse
  • Understanding Empires and Political Parties

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by Alexi Cortopassi

Former SEAL Creates & Destroys - with Ryan Williams - EP 363

A former Navy SEAL and entrepreneur, Ryan Williams joins the 365 Driven Podcast to unravel his remarkable journey from a high school dropout to the founder and CEO of Industry Threadworks. Ryan's story is one of daring choices and the relentless pursuit of self-respect, offering a unique perspective on life's challenges and the drive to overcome them. He opens up about his motivations for joining the SEALs pre-9/11 and his transition into entrepreneurship, providing a candid look into the daring mindset that propels individuals towards such demanding paths.

This conversation takes you through the grueling trials of Navy SEAL training and how they shape the resilient mindset needed for successful entrepreneurship. As the longest-serving BUD/S and SQT instructor, Ryan has seen firsthand the unpredictability of who makes it through and who doesn't, and he draws striking parallels between surviving SEAL training and thriving in the competitive business world. Ryan's personal evolution, from a young man searching for his place in the world to a seasoned business owner, underscores the transformative power of facing and embracing challenges.

Finally, Ryan and Tony shift gears to discuss the intricacies of entrepreneurship, from fostering meaningful conversations among business leaders to the art of negotiation. Ryan shares his experiences in the apparel industry, offering valuable insights into problem-solving and the significance of understanding both the creative and logistical sides of a business. He also reveals some hard-earned lessons on financial decisions and the importance of strong contracts. Tune in for an enlightening look at the intersection of mental fortitude, physical endurance, and entrepreneurial spirit that defines success in both military and civilian life.

Key highlights:

  • Navy SEAL Training and Entrepreneurship Mindset
  • Evolution and Growth Through Challenges
  • Pushing Through Mental Barriers in Fitness
  • Entrepreneurship, Business, and Problem-Solving
  • Negotiating Deals and Contracts

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by Alexi Cortopassi

From Musician to Million-Dollar Side Hustle - with Greg Kerr - EP 362

When Greg Kerr traded guitar riffs for the gleam of custom belt buckles, little did he know it would pave the road to a multimillion-dollar side hustle. In this episode, Greg shares his extraordinary transition from musician to entrepreneur, as he explains how tapping into a niche market, and using his creativity, lead to building his brand, Alchemy Merch.

Greg and Tony reflect on the complexities of manufacturing, the revelation of hiring to streamline workflow, and the 'learn and burn' approach to continuous education. This episode is not just about the mechanics of business growth, but also the personal evolution that's instrumental in sculpting a mindset for success.

Greg opens up about the profound impact of his mindfulness practices, especially in times of personal loss, and the continuous pursuit of self-awareness that has been enhanced by fatherhood. From stoic philosophies to the importance of open communication, this episode is an important reminder of the internal development that's as crucial as external success.

Key highlights:

  • From Musician to Million-Dollar Side Hustle
  • Entrepreneurship and Product Market Fit
  • Importance of Personal Development in Business
  • Exploring Old and New Business Books
  • Core Values in Business and Personal Growth
  • Streamlining Production Processes

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by Alexi Cortopassi

Boss or Leader? - with Dave Ferguson - EP 361

Dave Ferguson is an internationally respected executive coach, speaker, facilitator, and author, in the areas of leadership and personal development. In this episode, Dave peels back the layers of what truly makes a a great leader. He’s not just talking about the corner-office execs; this conversation goes into the heart and soul of leadership, pulling from the wisdom of generations and the humility required to really serve and empower others.

Dave and Tony swap stories that reveal the core of leadership development—stories that reflect the shift from being a learner to a teacher, and then merging the two as a staple of good leadership. Dave covers the importance of self-education, the vitality of fostering a leadership culture within organizations, and the empowering strategy of 'leading up.'

Dave emphasizes the critical role of feedback in honing one's leadership skills, the art of building confidence through genuine connections, and the ever-present need for authenticity—especially in the age of social media. This episode is packed with the kind of truths that serve as the guide for anyone looking to lead with integrity and a relentless drive for personal growth. Tune in for these powerful insights that will leave you contemplating not just how to lead, but how to live.

Key highlights:

  • Lessons in Leadership and Learning
  • Leadership Development
  • Developing Leaders Through Critical Feedback
  • Building Confidence Through Authentic Leadership

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by Alexi Cortopassi

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