Episode #167: Experts in Growth Leadership Consulting – Vivian Blade
Vivian Blade of Experts in Growth Leadership Consulting: Building Resilient Leaders That Thrive Vivian Blade is a nationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author who empowers leaders to become more resilient in the face of adversity. As the President and CEO of Experts in Growth Leadership Consulting, Vivian helps companies create stronger leaders and better workplaces—especially in today’s ever-shifting business landscape. With more than 20 years of corporate experience at giants like Humana and GE, she brings unmatched insight into navigating disruption and scaling with purpose. In Episode 167 of Clicks & Bricks, Vivian joins Ken to talk about her transition from corporate to entrepreneurship, how she overcame a layoff to build her thriving consulting firm, and the five powerful principles she teaches to help business leaders become “resilience ready.” Episode Takeaways: Corporate experience fueled her leap into entrepreneurship After nearly 13 years at GE, Vivian used her unexpected layoff as a launchpad to start her own business—despite being told entrepreneurship “wasn’t for her.” The five “Resilience Ready” principles Vivian breaks down the five core practices—Perspective, Purpose, Perseverance, Partnership, and Praise—that help leaders not just survive challenges, but thrive through them. Culture matters more than ever To attract and retain talent—especially Gen Z—leaders must create workplaces that foster growth, flexibility, and a shared entrepreneurial spirit. Leadership is emotional Vivian recommends mastering emotional intelligence as a foundational skill for any aspiring entrepreneur or leader. Her top book picks Atomic Habits by James Clear and Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman are must-reads for developing daily discipline and emotional resilience. Want to get resilience-ready? Watch Vivian Blade’s full episode now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbLd2VUif9g Memorable Quote: “We all have a purpose—and we have to be courageous enough to take that first step.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Vivian Envelope Linkedin Globe
Episode #166: Less Fear, More Flow – Teresa Bruni
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Teresa Bruni of Less Fear, More Flow Teresa Bruni, founder of Less Fear, More Flow LLC, joins Clicks & Bricks to share her powerful transformation from corporate burnout and chronic illness to becoming “The Healer’s Healer.” With a passion for helping heart-centered entrepreneurs overcome imposter syndrome and self-limiting beliefs, Teresa brings a wealth of hard-earned wisdom, intuitive healing insight, and actionable strategies for living a fulfilling life on your own terms. In this episode, Teresa reveals how a decade of illness led her to a deeper purpose — guiding others to align their minds, bodies, and businesses for true success. Episode Takeaways: Entrepreneurship isn’t about burnout. If you’re not enjoying what you do, you’re doing it wrong. Period. Imposter syndrome is real — and fixable. Teresa uses tools like PSYCH-K® and reframing techniques to help clients shift subconscious beliefs. Heart-centered entrepreneurs need a different kind of coaching. Teresa’s “Healer’s Healer” program helps people step out of the “healer’s closet” and into their power. Small steps create big change. Stop dreaming and start doing — even one habit a week builds momentum. Balance is non-negotiable. Teresa takes a full tech Sabbath every Sunday and encourages entrepreneurs to prioritize rest and wellness. Ready to be inspired by Teresa’s journey and wisdom? Watch the full episode now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPKuALqnuvE Memorable Quote: “If you’re not enjoying being an entrepreneur, you need to re-examine the way you’re managing yourself and your business.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Teresa Linkedin Globe
Episode #165: Life & Business Coach at ProAdvisorCoach – Andrew Safnauer
Guest Profile: Andrew Safnauer – Life & Business Coach at ProAdvisorCoach Helping Entrepreneurs Move Forward With Intention Andrew Safnauer isn’t your average business coach. With a background in radio, voiceover work, and entrepreneurship, he’s a creative force who’s spent decades building a career on grit, adaptability, and intentional growth. Now with ProAdvisorCoach, Andrew helps business leaders define their goals, overcome limiting beliefs, and design a future that fits their personal definition of success. Top 5 Takeaways from the Episode: Intentionality Matters: Success doesn’t happen by accident. Andrew believes you must intentionally decide to move your life and business forward. Otherwise, life just “happens” to you. Price Integrity Wins: Competing on price is a race to the bottom. Andrew emphasizes the value conversation—don’t lower your rates to match Fiverr. Elevate your work by showing the results it delivers. Perfect is the Enemy of Progress: He shares that waiting for perfection stalls growth. “Ship it at 90%,” he says, and iterate from there. Small Wins Add Up: Whether it’s a workout at 4:30 AM or sending a proposal, daily wins build long-term success. One step forward each day is still progress. Success is Personal: From owning a van on the beach to leading a billion-dollar company—Andrew says success must be defined by you, not society. Whether you’re a founder looking to scale, a solopreneur craving momentum, or just feeling stuck—Andrew’s journey and practical insights will leave you inspired to take action. Watch the full episode now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhRNIl6lAvk Memorable Quote: “Don’t let life happen to you. Take control and move your life forward.” – Andrew Safnauer Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Andrew Linkedin Globe
Episode #164: Crystal Lily Creative – Crystal
Guest Profile: Crystal Whittaker of Crystal Lily Creative — Championing Authentic Inclusion Through Branding Crystal Whittaker is the founder of Crystal Lily Creative, an inclusive branding consultancy built from the ground up with heart, purpose, and a powerful mission. After leaving the rigidity of corporate America, Crystal followed her passion for storytelling and social equity—first through photography, and eventually through guiding values-driven brands to show up authentically and inclusively. Her work empowers coaches, creatives, and conscious companies to lead with intention and create spaces that truly welcome everyone. 5 Key Takeaways from Crystal’s Episode: From Burnout to Breakthrough: Crystal left her corporate career feeling disconnected and soul-sucked—pivoting to a photography business that eventually morphed into a purpose-led branding consultancy. Inclusion is More Than a Buzzword: She educates businesses on real, values-based inclusion—not just performative marketing—helping leaders infuse DEI into their brand DNA. Equity ≠ Equality: Crystal gives a powerful explanation of the difference between equity and equality in business, emphasizing fairness over sameness. Mental Health Matters: Crystal opens up about her battle with situational depression and how having a support system, therapy, and mindfulness practices helped her heal and thrive. Simple Steps to Inclusive Language: From using team-based language to sharing your pronouns, Crystal shares actionable ways leaders can foster belonging through everyday communication. Don’t miss this deeply human and eye-opening conversation with Crystal Whittaker on Episode 164 of Clicks & Bricks Podcast. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqYeIAettZQ Memorable Quote: “You are not required to be productive in order to have value. Take care of yourself first and foremost.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Crystal Facebook Linkedin Globe Instagram
Episode #163: Fitness Together – Russ Yeager
From CPA to 10X Fitness Leader: Meet Russ Yeager of Fitness Together Russ Yeager isn’t your typical fitness coach—he’s a former CPA turned body transformation expert and high-performance business coach. As the owner of two Fitness Together personal training studios in Georgia and a global peak performance coach, Russ helps entrepreneurs reclaim their health and build sustainable success. In Episode 163 of the Clicks & Bricks Podcast, Russ shares how a childhood experience being called “husky” sparked his lifelong journey toward fitness—and how that journey ultimately led him to the stage with business titans like Grant Cardone and John Maxwell. Top Takeaways from Russ Yeager’s Episode: From Numbers to Nutrition: Russ transitioned from corporate accounting to fitness coaching by betting on himself, entering a body transformation contest, and building a six-pack—and a new life. Your Health is Your Greatest Business Asset: Entrepreneurs who invest in their health show up stronger in leadership, decision-making, and energy levels. The $1 Billion Equipment Analogy: Treat your body like a billion-dollar machine—you wouldn’t run it 24/7 without maintenance. Fail Fast, Act Faster: Russ lives by the “ready, fire, aim” mentality. Take action before perfection—mistakes are part of the win. Getting on the Grant Cardone Stage: Russ didn’t wait for permission—he created his own stage, delivered real value, and won the opportunity of a lifetime to speak in front of 13,000 people at 10X GrowthCon. Ready to hear how Russ went from husky kid to 5% body fat and global business coach? Watch the full episode now at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzVKMEYIHaY Memorable Quote: “You can fail as many times as you want—you only have to be right once.” —Russ Yeager Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Russ Linkedin Globe
Episode #162: Mcnally Recruitment – Steve McNally
From World Traveler to Recruitment Trailblazer: Steve McNally of McNally Recruitment Steve McNally, founder of McNally Recruitment, joins us from Scotland with an inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and entrepreneurial grit. After spending over a decade traveling the world and teaching English abroad, Steve returned to his roots in recruitment and launched his own firm—proving that when you invest your time and money into something, you’re in it for the long haul. With decades of experience in IT and energy recruitment across the UK and beyond, Steve shares his unconventional journey from global educator to business owner, offering candid insights into hiring, growing a business from scratch, and staying the course even when things get tough. 5 Takeaways from Episode 162: Leap of Faith: Steve turned down a comfortable job offer to launch McNally Recruitment from his couch—with full support from his wife. Start Lean, Think Big: He launched the business with minimal spending and scaled slowly, focusing on sustainability over flash. Listen Over Sell: In sales and recruitment, Steve believes success comes from listening—not talking. Gut Over Résumé: When hiring, trust your instinct. People can learn skills, but attitude and potential are harder to teach. Invested Means Committed: Putting your own money and energy into a business makes quitting much harder—and success that much sweeter. Watch the full episode now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIGQLZj-u3A Memorable Quote: “If you’re really dead set and determined to do something, then just go ahead and do it.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Steve Linkedin Globe
Episode #159: The Alternative Board – Graeme Ward
Guest Profile: Graeme Ward of The Alternative Board – Helping Business Owners Take Back Control Meet Graeme Ward, serial entrepreneur and facilitator at The Alternative Board (TAB) in The Woodlands. With decades of hands-on business experience — including launching a radio station from scratch and turning around a failing tech company — Graeme brings hard-earned wisdom to help entrepreneurs stop being dragged by their business and start leading it. If your company feels like a big dog walking you, this episode is for you. Graeme shares how TAB gives business owners structure, accountability, and a peer group to regain control — not just of their company, but of their lives. This Episode’s Highlights From Chaos to Clarity: Graeme’s leadership turned a struggling dot-com era tech firm into a thriving, process-driven company — all during a market crash. Team Culture Wins: Empowering employees and removing toxic micromanagement helped land a $2.4M U.S. Coast Guard contract. TAB’s Sweet Spot: TAB is ideal for owners with 10–30 employees and $1M–$10M in revenue — when every hire really starts to matter. Culture Over Clock-In: Treating people with flexibility, empathy, and respect leads to better retention and performance. Entrepreneurship = Adaptability: Graeme proves that knowing when to pivot, let go, or build structure is key to business longevity. Watch the full interview with Graeme Ward on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLoRMyXRVeo Memorable Quote: “Sometimes your business starts running you — TAB helps you take the reins back.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Graeme Facebook Linkedin Globe
Episode #158: DW Consulting Solutions – Debbie Wemyss
Guest Profile: Debbie Wemyss – Founder of DW Consulting Solutions Helping Professionals Over 50 Master LinkedIn and Build a Personal Brand That Gets Results Meet Debbie Wemyss, the inspiring founder of DW Consulting Solutions, a LinkedIn-focused consulting firm based in West Palm Beach, Florida. After exiting a toxic nonprofit job in her 50s, Debbie took a leap of faith and transformed her job-hunting frustrations into a thriving business. For over a decade, she’s helped thousands—from job seekers to Fortune 500 executives—create powerful LinkedIn profiles that drive opportunities. Top Takeaways from Debbie’s Episode: Start Before You’re Ready: Debbie could’ve launched her business a year earlier but didn’t due to fear—until her free help started landing people real interviews. Age Is Not a Barrier: Her business was originally focused on helping professionals over 50 overcome ageism and find meaningful work through LinkedIn. Toxic Workplaces Shouldn’t Be Tolerated: Debbie’s story is a powerful reminder to prioritize your mental health and walk away when environments turn unhealthy. Scaling Doesn’t Mean Losing Quality: She resisted growth at first but eventually trained a team to match her coaching style, expanding DW’s reach. Innovation Through Community: From sign language interpretation to trilingual coaching, her business has grown by listening to the community’s real needs. Debbie’s journey is a blueprint for how to build something meaningful from scratch—especially for entrepreneurs launching later in life. Whether you’re navigating a career pivot or want to elevate your executive brand, this episode is packed with practical, hard-won wisdom. Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzMCkQSwDsQ Memorable Quote: “You have nothing to lose and everything to gain—just do it.” — Debbie Wemyss Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Debbie Linkedin Globe
Episode #157: Founder of Serotonin Creative – Casey Hogue
Guest Spotlight: Casey Hogue – Founder of Serotonin Creative Meet Casey Hogue, the visionary founder of Serotonin Creative, a branding and creative consultancy driven by empathy, authenticity, and purpose. After nearly five years as a creative director at E. & J. Gallo Winery, Casey made a bold leap—leaving behind the security of corporate life to build a company that aligned with his passion for impactful storytelling and doing good in the world. With a unique blend of art school creativity and scientific curiosity, Casey brings a refreshing perspective to the modern marketing landscape. His mission? Help brands tap into their core values, build tribes, and create meaningful connections that inspire action. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Creativity over everything: Analytics are essential, but creativity is timeless and irreplaceable. “We’ve been creative for over 120,000 years… I’m taking creativity every time.” Start with why: Like Apple, the most successful brands don’t lead with features—they lead with values and vision. Know your tribe: Great marketing speaks to someone—and just as importantly, not to everyone. Marketing is neuroscience: Serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin—understanding human emotion is the key to effective branding. Web3 is a renaissance: NFTs and smart contracts are changing the game for creators—Casey believes this era is the “digital art renaissance.” Ready to dive in?Watch the full episode of Clicks & Bricks Podcast Ep. 157 with Casey Hogue and explore the future of branding, creativity, and digital innovation:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG0Wal5q1MU Memorable Quote: “Creativity and communication are just fundamental human things… if you understand them well and do them right, everything else falls into place.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Casey Linkedin Globe
Episode #156: Clocktower Advisors – Todd Nilson
Todd Nilson of Clocktower Advisors: Building Communities That Matter in the Digital Age Todd Nilson, founder of Clocktower Advisors, is a seasoned strategist who helps businesses create thriving online communities with purpose and longevity. From his roots in online gaming forums to helping global brands drive community engagement, Todd brings a deep understanding of how connection, trust, and technology intersect to fuel modern business growth. In Episode 156 of Clicks & Bricks Podcast, Todd breaks down what it takes to build a sustainable, meaningful online community that delivers real value—not just vanity metrics. Top 5 Takeaways from Todd’s Episode: Start Small, Go Deep: The most successful communities begin with just 5–25 core members who truly believe in the mission. Trust is Everything: Build trust on three levels—technology, transparency, and peer-to-peer relationships within the group. Let It Evolve: Don’t over-architect your community. Start simple and let your members guide its growth through real engagement. Community is Not Just Online: Online and offline experiences work together—live events can ignite loyalty and deepen connections. Web3 Is Coming: Decentralized identity, NFTs, and DAOs are set to transform how we build, join, and interact in digital communities. Want to learn how to build a loyal community that actually helps your business grow?Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRVO4ZZSWbo Memorable Quote: “We’re way too focused on how big a community is. If just 25 members are driving value, that can be a six-figure business.” Want to be a Guest on our Show? Apply Now Connect with Todd Linkedin Globe