Accelerate Your Business Growth

Welcome to "Accelerate Your Business Growth," the podcast dedicated to sharing insights and strategies to help your business thrive. In today's episode, host Diane Helbig welcomes Paul Epstein, a seasoned NFL and NBA executive, leadership coach, and author, to discuss the transformative power of self-leadership. Join us as Paul delves into his philosophy of "playing offense" in life and business, which champions a proactive, purpose-driven approach over a reactive, defensive mindset. Discover how Paul’s concept of self-leadership emphasizes leading oneself effectively before guiding others, and why it’s essential for fostering true leadership at any organizational level. Together, Diane and Paul explore crucial gaps in business education, particularly the lack of training in leadership and people management. Paul shares insights from his book, "The Power of Playing Offense," and offers actionable steps for aligning individual purpose with organizational goals to reduce employee attrition, increase engagement,

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where we dive deep into the intricacies of effective leadership and organizational change. Today, we are thrilled to have Curtis Bateman, the VP of Direct International Offices for Franklin Covey and best-selling author, join us to explore crucial strategies for communicating and managing change within an organization. Curtis underscores the power of storytelling and dialogue, emphasizing that leaders must prioritize conversations over monologues to genuinely engage their teams and partners. We delve into the concepts of "trust taxes" and "trust dividends," discover the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability in leadership, and learn how to shift from a "command and control" mindset to a "trust and inspire" culture. Additionally, Curtis  shares insights from his books and the structured change management model he champions. Get ready to equip yourself with actionable advice to not only handle change but to turn it into an oppor

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth" with your host, Diane Helbig. In today's episode, we dive into the art of giving effective feedback with our special guest, Wendy Appel, a renowned executive coach, facilitator, keynote speaker, and co-founding partner of Trilogy Effect. Wendy, the author of “Inside Out Enneagram” and creator of Enneagram typing cards, brings a wealth of knowledge on leadership development, particularly in the nuanced context of remote work environments. Throughout the conversation, Wendy and Diane unpack the essential components of impactful leadership, emphasizing self-awareness, adaptive leadership styles, and the human capacity for growth and change. Wendy provides invaluable advice on delivering honest and compassionate feedback, the importance of understanding the impact of one’s actions, and the critical role of real-time feedback in fostering employee engagement and growth. They explore the challenges of providing feedback in professional set

Welcome to another enlightening episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth," where today, our host Diane Helbig invites esteemed guest John Baird to delve into the complexities of leadership and decision-making. John Baird, a seasoned coach to leaders in high-profile companies like Apple, Nike, and Google, shares his insights on how clear communication and adaptive leadership are crucial as companies scale. In this episode titled "The Decision-Making Death Spiral," we explore the communication strategies that young leaders must adopt, the significance of personal interaction, and effective time management. John emphasizes the need for CEOs to connect their efforts to the organization's mission, foster trust through empowerment, and navigate the challenges of hybrid work environments. He introduces us to valuable techniques such as the "3 question feedback" method and icebreaking activities to build stronger team connections. Furthermore, John sheds light on the importance of a transparent decision-making pro

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! In today's insightful discussion, our host Diane Helbig sits down with leadership expert Ron Karr to explore how to turn your vision into reality through effective leadership and employee engagement. Ron emphasizes involving employees in workplace policy conversations to create a collaborative and adaptable corporate culture. Drawing on decades of global experience, Ron introduces us to his transformative "Velocity Mindset" and underscores the importance of focusing on outcomes, personal accountability, and empathetic communication. We'll delve into real-world examples, including the consequences of rigid workplace demands and the shift in leadership styles from autocratic to inclusive. Ron reveals how pausing and reevaluating can enhance productivity and shares practical advice for salespeople to build trust and better serve clients. Alongside promoting his book, "The Velocity Mindset," Ron offers valuable insights into how leaders can leverage n

Welcome to another compelling episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth"! Today, we have the privilege of hosting Jim Huling, the global managing consultant for Franklin Covey's 4 Disciplines of Execution. Jim brings his wealth of expertise to discuss the critical elements that drive successful business strategy and execution. In this episode, we dive into the significance of committed individuals, the transformative power of realistic and winnable goals, and the pivotal role leaders play in guiding their teams to success. We'll explore why leadership isn't just about setting goals but also about actively participating in the journey to achieve them. Jim breaks down the essential "4 Disciplines of Execution" framework, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between daily operations and focused, breakthrough objectives. We also touch on the current challenges in leadership, such as the "great resignation," and how a culture of engagement can help attract and retain top talent. Tune in as Jim sha

Welcome to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a conversation that promises to equip small business owners with invaluable insights on financial health and leadership. Joining us is Michelle Scribner, CEO of Sum of All Numbers. In this episode, we'll explore the "Profit First" mindset—an approach that can transform how you manage cash flow and profitability. Michelle shares her expertise on ensuring business stability, nurturing high-performing leadership teams, and balancing entrepreneurial chaos with methodical planning. Whether you're an entrepreneur aiming to improve your financial strategies or a leader looking to foster a more empowered and curious team, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories. Stay tuned as we delve into the finer points of creating a sustainable business while empowering your team for long-term success. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales res

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." Today, we're thrilled to have Brenda Neckvatal, a two-time best-selling author, award-winning HR professional, and serial entrepreneur featured in prominent publications like Forbes and Fast Company. Brenda is the author of Mission Ready. In this episode, Brenda shares her wealth of experience in crisis management and group dynamics, emphasizing the importance of core values, particularly integrity, and how they drive business success. Brenda discusses common workplace challenges, especially with the newer generations entering the workforce, and highlights the distinction between managing tasks and leading for transformation and innovation. With real-world anecdotes and practical advice, she delves into the significance of clear communication, trust, and the fine line between leadership and management. Brenda also touches on generational shifts in leadership, offering valuable insights into mentoring and developing new leaders. Join u

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, Diane Helbig is joined by Julie Holunga, a leadership advisor dedicated to amplifying influence and impact within professional teams. Julie's expertise spans the law, accounting, and investment sectors, with a particular focus on empowering female leaders. In this episode, Diane and Julie delve into one of the most challenging yet crucial aspects of leadership—conflict management. They explore the common mistakes leaders make, the roots of workplace conflict, and practical strategies for fostering a culture of trust and constructive communication. Julie shares invaluable insights on why conflict is a necessity for innovation and how organizations can build high-value teams that are happier, more engaged, and ultimately more productive. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that promises to transform your approach to leadership and team dynamics. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting t

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth with your host, Diane Helbig. Today, we dive into the world of sales with our special guest, Will Barron, founder of Salesman.com and author of the insightful book "Selling Made Simple." Will brings a wealth of knowledge, emphasizing the need for a structured sales framework, and shares his journey of simplifying the selling process to achieve greater success. In this episode, we uncover the pitfalls of trendy sales tactics, the importance of a focused value proposition, and the power of a personalized approach for B2B salespeople. Diane and Will explore how to effectively articulate your business's unique value, prioritize daily prospecting, and use technology wisely without falling into the trap of overcomplication.  Tune in as we share actionable strategies on setting clear revenue goals, understanding your ideal customer persona, and navigating economic uncertainties—especially in an election year. Whether you're a small business owner or a sea

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, we delve into a subject that is often misunderstood but immensely valuable for business owners: Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). Our special guest is Kelly Finnell, president of Memphis-based Executive Financial Services, a leading ESOP consultant, and a sought-after speaker. Kelly regularly shares his expertise on employee ownership across various international platforms, and he's also the acclaimed author of "The ESOP Coach: Using ESOPs in Ownership Succession Planning."  In this episode, Kelly breaks down what an ESOP is and how it serves as both a liquidity strategy for business owners and an equity-based retirement plan for employees. He discusses the significant tax benefits of ESOPs, common misconceptions, and how company culture can play a pivotal role in their success. Kelly also shares key financial metrics to consider and provides a glimpse into the process of implementing an ESOP.  Join our host, Diane H

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a thought-provoking conversation with leadership engagement expert Chad Brown. Chad, who has a rich background in developing leaders for brands like Lululemon and Ironclad Document Services, delves deeply into the complexities of trust within the business environment. We explore why he believes trust should be given immediately, how betrayal is simply a break in commitments, and the importance of explicit promises. Chad also shares actionable insights on fostering mature trust, recognizing small shifts in employee focus, and handling broken commitments with understanding rather than judgment. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get your copy of Succeed Without Selling today. Learn the importance of Always Be Curious. Accelerate Your Business Growth is proud to be included on the list of the 45 Best Business Gr

Welcome to another insightful episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have the honor of speaking with the remarkable Patrick Thean. Patrick is an international speaker, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, CEO of Rhythm Systems, and a seasoned coach and serial entrepreneur. In this episode, we'll dive into the essential practices from his latest book, "Navigating Leadership: 7 Essential Practices for CEOs and Senior Leaders." Patrick shares wisdom from his 20+ years of coaching, exploring the critical importance of working on oneself, building a robust team culture, establishing an early warning system, and much more. Whether you're a CEO, a business owner, or aspiring to be one, Patrick's insights offer invaluable guidance to propel your business towards sustained growth. Get ready for an episode packed with practical strategies and transformative leadership advice. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the s

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth. In today’s insightful discussion, host Diane Helbig sits down with Larry Mietus, the founder of Speaking of Strategy. Larry is an accomplished independent business advisor, speaker, author, and educator known for his practical, hands-on experience in leadership development, organizational design, employee engagement, and sales and marketing strategies. He is also the author of “We Tried That Once.” In this episode, Larry offers his expert insights on the essential role of strategy and culture in business success, the pitfalls of ego among business owners, and the critical importance of understanding financials. Whether you're running a small mom-and-pop shop or a large international enterprise, Larry's advice is invaluable. Tune in as we delve deep into these foundational aspects of business growth and learn how to create a thriving business environment. Don't miss out on this opportunity to accelerate your business growth with actionable strateg

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! In today's episode, we're joined by the esteemed Noah St. John, often hailed as the father of affirmations and a renowned mental health coach to the stars. As the CEO of successclinic.com, Noah has spent nearly three decades coaching Hollywood celebrities, top executives, and elite entrepreneurs, helping his clients generate over $2.8 billion in sales with his transformative methods. In this insightful conversation, Noah shares the distinction between competent managers and legendary leaders through his concept of "power habits." We delve into outdated leadership strategies that fail to inspire and discover actionable steps leaders can take to amplify their unique strengths and achieve legendary status. Noah also introduces us to his innovative "affirmations" method, a groundbreaking approach to unleashing your full potential. If you are a small business owner or salesperson who struggles with getting the sales results you are looking for, get you

Welcome to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth" with your host, Diane Helbig. Today, we have an incredibly insightful conversation lined up with Jeremy Slate, the accomplished host of the Jeremy Ryan Slate Show. Jeremy brings a wealth of knowledge with his academic background from Oxford University and Seton Hall University, and his extensive experience in podcasting since 2014. Jeremy is also the author of Command Your Brand: Grow Your Impact, Income and Influence in a New Media Landscape. In this episode, Jeremy shares his journey of enhancing his podcast's reach by leveraging YouTube. Learn why he believes that audio podcasts are now harder to grow and how shifting to video content has significantly boosted his visibility. Jeremy delves into practical strategies, from understanding YouTube as a search engine to using AI tools for video production, improving video aesthetics, and optimizing titles and thumbnails for better engagement. We also explore advertising strategies, including the ben

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth. I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a fascinating conversation lined up with Jacquiline Wagner, the founder and president of Wagner HR. Jacquiline, with over 25 years of experience in employment law, joins us to discuss the critical shifts required in today's workplace culture. We delve into how younger generations demand a work environment that prioritizes psychological safety and comfort, and why employers, especially small business owners, must evolve their mindset to avoid negatively impacting employee quality and loyalty. Jacquiline offers her expertise on emotional intelligence (EI)—a pivotal factor in career success—and how it can enhance leadership, reduce litigation risk, and foster a more inclusive and engaging work culture. Throughout our conversation, we uncover practical strategies for communicating policies, conducting thorough performance evaluations, and integrating DEI and EI standards into professional development. Wh

Welcome to another insightful episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth! Today, we're thrilled to have James Hipkin, a distinguished marketing professional with over 40 years of experience in marketing and advertising, joining us. James’ impressive roster of clients includes industry giants like Sprint, Apple, Wells Fargo Online Bank, Nestle, and Toyota. Since 2010, he has been helping businesses thrive through digital marketing. James is also the author of Journey To Success. In this episode, James dives deep into the world of website engagement, a critical yet often misunderstood area for small business owners and their marketing teams. We explore the common pitfalls businesses face, such as the lack of strategy, and how to overcome them by adopting an "outside in" approach. James also reveals powerful techniques for keeping visitors on your website, including the crucial role of page load speed and crafting clear pathways for users. Additionally, we delve into the hub and spoke digital marketing strategy,

Welcome to another episode of Accelerate Your Business Growth. I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a fascinating conversation lined up with Michael Greenberg, the CEO of Third Brain Auto. Michael is a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in digital apps, automation, and AI, helping businesses unlock explosive growth. In this episode, we delve deep into the ROI of implementing AI and automation in business operations, exploring key areas where substantial value can be created. Michael shares a comprehensive framework for digital operations, reveals overlooked opportunities for AI-enhanced growth, and provides actionable insights on how to start implementing these technologies effectively. Whether you’re curious about improving customer support, generating more content, or enhancing workflow consistency, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help you drive your business forward. So, stay tuned and get ready to accelerate your business growth with insights from Michael Greenberg. If you a

Welcome back to another illuminating episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have the pleasure of speaking with Mickie Kennedy, the founder of eReleases. For over 25 years, Mickie has been a champion for small businesses, authors, and startups, helping them boost their visibility and credibility through top-tier press release distribution. Mickie is also the author of "The Beginner's Guide to Writing Powerful Press Releases" and has a wealth of knowledge to share from his extensive experience in media and PR. Take advantage of Mickie’s free masterclass. In this episode, Mickie unpacks the essentials of what makes a press release effective and why it's a critical tool for businesses of all sizes. He offers invaluable insights into crafting compelling quotes, understanding journalists' needs, and tells inspiring success stories—such as how one well-crafted release raised $10 million to help restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you're wondering how to