B.D. interviews Stacey Brown Randall, who he likes to call the referral ninja.

Feeling stuck when it comes to referrals? Want to finally unlock the secret to consistent, high-quality business growth—WITHOUT having to awkwardly ask or pay for leads? The “Referral Ninja” herself, Stacy, just dropped ALL the gold on our latest episode of Grow, Sell and Retire!

Tune in as Stacy shares: 🌱 Her proven strategies for building a REFERRABLE client experience (it’s NOT just about doing great work!) 💡 The real KPIs you MUST track to know if you’re missing out (and how to skyrocket your ROI) 💌 Creative ways to wow clients that actually turn them into referral machines 🧠 The #1 mistake that’s leaving referrals and $$$ on the table… and HOW to fix it 🔥

Plus: What makes her technique binge-worthy for ANY business owner!If you’re tired of outdated, awkward referral tactics and want actionable, genuine ways to create lasting growth, THIS is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

Website:
Her main website, which features both her books and more about her methodologies, is:
https://www.stacybrownrandall.comBook – The Referable Client Experience:
More details and purchasing options for her latest book can be found here:
https://www.referableclientexperience.comLinkedIn:
You can connect with Stacy directly on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacybrownrandall

Welcome to another episode of GSR Place! This time, host B.D. Dalton is joined by Walter Crosby—Michigan Wolverine, B2B sales expert, and the voice behind the "Sales and Cigars" podcast with over 225 episodes under his belt. Walter’s journey from fending for himself in the wild world of sales in New York City to coaching teams to boost their numbers by up to 43% is nothing short of inspiring. Together, B.D. and Walter dive into the realities of building and coaching successful sales teams, the must-have traits for high performers, and the common mistakes business owners make when hiring and managing salespeople. Get ready for actionable advice on hiring, training, and retaining the best sales talent, plus Walter’s take on the most expensive mistakes you can make in sales—and how to avoid them. If you’re looking to grow your business or just sharpen your sales edge, this conversation is packed with straight talk, useful takeaways, and a touch of Big Ten rivalry. Tune in and let’s get growing!

https://helixsalesdevelopment.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/walterlcrosby/

On today’s episode of Grow, Sell and Retire, I sat down with Scott White, the Life Is Too Short Guy, to talk about how real happiness isn’t just about chasing success—it’s about perspective, gratitude, and the small changes we make every day. Scott shares powerful, practical tips like starting your morning with gratitude, smiling more, and investing in your social network. The big takeaway? Success follows happiness, not the other way around. Life is too short—so shift your mindset, build those relationships, and enjoy the journey.

https://www.lifeistooshortguy.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottewhite2/

B.D. Dalton sits down with Steven Puri—a battle-tested entrepreneur who’s raised over $21 million, and whose career spans iconic film studios like DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox, and Sony. Steven shares his fascinating journey from being the son of two IBM engineers and a “code monkey” in his teens, to working at the intersection of creativity and technology in Hollywood, to founding the Suka Company—a company devoted to helping people maximize productivity and happiness, especially in our new world of remote work.

Together, B.D. and Steven dive into actionable strategies for thriving in hybrid and remote work environments, drawing on lessons from both the film and tech industries. They talk about the importance of deep work and flow states, why company culture and vision can’t be outsourced, and how leaders can blend in-person and remote collaboration for maximum creativity and productivity. 

Steven also opens up about his motivation for starting Suka, the art of timeboxing, and what it really takes to make progress on your biggest goals.Whether you’re an entrepreneur, remote team leader, or just craving some inspiration for leveling up your productivity, this episode is packed with practical tips, memorable stories, and a healthy dose of good humor. So tune in for some wisdom, some laughs, and maybe even the permission to finally delete those “fat clothes” from your closet!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/
https://www.thesukha.co/

Ever wondered if chasing that first million is really worth it? On today’s GSR episode, B.D. sat down with Lucy Cohen, founder, author, and champion of doing business differently. We talked about why focusing on what truly matters—like time, freedom, and personal fulfillment—often beats fixating on big revenue targets. Lucy shared her journey from disrupting traditional accountancy with subscription models to building systems that scale. Her biggest tip? Pay yourself first and build for the business you want tomorrow, not just today. If you’re ready to rethink growth and put yourself back at the center of your business, this episode is for you!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucycohen/

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a real community, create a movement, and make a true impact—while still having a ton of fun? Don’t miss the latest episode of GSR Place, where our host B.D. sits down with the unstoppable Ben Keane: founder of Rebel Book Club, RAAISE (helping fund climate change startups), and Superfli!

From living on a remote island in Fiji to launching a decade-strong book club, Ben shares jaw-dropping stories, game-changing lessons on tribe-building, and the secrets behind turning big ideas into REALITY.

🌎📚Get ready for candid conversations about: ✨ The wild origin story behind Rebel Book Club ✨ Why building a community beats just chasing customers ✨ Making what the world really needs (not just another product!) ✨ Startup wisdom you’ll ACTUALLY want to try.

This episode will inspire you to stop scrolling and take action on your boldest ideas.

https://benkeane.com

When it comes to thriving in life and business, it’s not just about what you do—it’s about where you do it. In today’s session with Ryan Frederick, we unpacked why your environment, community, health, and finances are all shaped by the places you choose—whether you're launching a company or planning your next chapter in life. The right place can fuel your happiness, connections, and success. Don’t just plan your finances—plan your place. Take three minutes for a 'place check'—it could change the way you work and live!
👉 https://www.here.life

Want to master the art of negotiation in business and life? In this episode of the Grow, Sell and Retire podcast, I sat down with Molly Bloomquist—a 20-year US government vet turned negotiation expert. Molly shared game-changing insights on preparing for negotiations, the power of silence, reading body language, and the importance of empathy and sincerity. Her secret? Active listening, staying flexible, and making real human connections to achieve the best outcomes. If you want to level up your negotiation game, you’ll want to hear Molly’s top tips!
www.mollyblomquist.com 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/molly-blomquist/

Welcome to another episode of GSR Place, where host B.D. Dalton digs deep into the secrets of growth, marketing, and personal branding for the “lazy overachiever." In today's episode, B.D. is joined by the incredible Stacy Cohen—a seasoned entrepreneur and PR/marketing agency owner from New York with over 25 years of experience.

Introduced by Allison Kluger, Stacy shares her dynamic journey, starting as a 14-year-old home waitress all the way to writing two books on personal branding: “Brand Up” and “Brand Up 2.0.”Together, they dive into the value of building your personal brand early, the importance of authentic self-reflection, and the power of going beyond the average to truly set yourself apart—no matter your field.

Stacy explains her signature Discovery, Development, and Delivery framework for branding, dishes out actionable advice for amplifying your value (without bragging!), and offers real-world stories of branding wins and lessons learned.Listen in for practical strategies, inspiring stories, and Stacy’s Brand Up Challenge—guaranteed to get you thinking differently about how you present yourself to the world. Whether you’re a student, a business owner, or a professional hungry for growth, you’ll walk away with tips you can use right now to strengthen your brand and seize new opportunities.Let’s jump in!

In this episode, host B.D. Dalton is joined once again by Robert Siegel, lecturer at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, investor, operator, and now author of “The Systems Leader.” 

Together, they dive into the crucial role that systems—and the leaders who master them—play in guiding both billion-dollar companies and small businesses through today’s constant change and crisis.Robert shares insights from eight years of research, unpacking the five key “cross pressures” that challenge modern leaders, from balancing innovation with execution to navigating global turbulence. 

Drawing from stories of CEOs at companies like Accenture and Waste Management, Robert and B.D. explore real-world examples of how the best leaders operate at the intersection of competing priorities, make tough choices with humility, and find purpose amid chaos.Whether you’re managing a massive team or just starting out, this conversation offers practical tools, reflective questions, and actionable advice to help you become a systems leader—one who doesn’t just survive the new normal but thrives in it. So sit back, get ready to learn, and discover how to grow, sell, and retire on your own terms.

Welcome to another episode of the Grow, Sell and Retire podcast! In this engaging conversation, host B.D. Dalton sits down with the dynamic Carrie Freeman, whose career journey has taken her from the clean rooms of Intel’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, to spearheading sustainability and community engagement initiatives, and even to running a sparkling wine business. Together, they dive into how Carrie made her bold leaps across industries, what she’s learned about leading purpose-driven businesses, and the million-dollar insights she’s gained along the way.

Carrie shares valuable lessons on building impactful, sustainable companies—drawing from her experiences at Intel, her work driving social innovation at Second Muse, and her most recent foray in the wine industry. The episode is packed with actionable advice, including how to energize teams, make better business decisions, and focus on what truly matters as a leader. Whether you’re looking to reinvent your business, get inspired by stories of transformation, or just curious about what a pantyhose factory tour is like, this episode is not to be missed!

Find Carrie here for speaking and other engagements. https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-freeman/

Health & Profits: The Productivity Connection In a revealing conversation with B.D. Dalton II, Dr. Pat shared groundbreaking insights on the direct connection between health optimization and business profitability. What began as an observation of struggling professionals in Boston evolved into a comprehensive approach that's transforming how forward-thinking companies view wellness programs. Rather than promoting health as merely a lifestyle benefit, Dr. Pat demonstrated how targeted interventions like gut health improvement and detoxification directly enhance workplace productivity, decision-making quality, and client-facing presence—all measurable factors that impact the bottom line.

The interview took a fascinating turn when B.D. pressed Dr. Pat on implementation strategies for busy organizations. Dr. Pat outlined her proven framework, including annual team health assessments that identify productivity gaps, engaging health challenges with clear business metrics attached, and establishing the right internal champions who can communicate ROI to decision-makers. A compelling case study revealed how one company's accounting department experienced a 64% error rate reduction and 31% faster project completion after implementing these targeted health interventions—without any other operational changes.

Perhaps most valuable for B.D.'s business-focused audience was Dr. Pat's practical approach to health as a competitive advantage in client relationships and networking. She explained how the face-gut connection impacts first impressions during sales meetings, while improved cognitive clarity enhances negotiation outcomes. "The most overlooked profit center in your business isn't a department or product line," Dr. Pat concluded, "it's the untapped potential of your team's mental and physical performance." This perspective offers business owners a refreshing framework: strategic health investment as a direct path to improved financial performance rather than simply another wellness initiative.

Forget the outdated concept of retirement! Wealth management veteran Russ Hill (with 55 years of industry wisdom) shares game-changing strategies for business owners who want more than just a long life—they want a purposeful, profitable one. Drawing from his 96-year-old travel agent mother's inspiring journey and Stanford's innovative "road atlas" for life planning, Russ reveals how today's entrepreneurs can build businesses that support their health, wealth, and legacy. This conversation delivers practical wisdom on:

• Creating business transitions that preserve your purpose and passion
• Protecting your most valuable business asset (your health) through strategic lifestyle investments
• Building age-diverse teams that blend wisdom with technical innovation
• Establishing financial foundations that support longevity without sacrificing quality of life
• Leveraging continuing education to stay competitive in rapidly evolving markets

Perfect for business owners who want to grow, sell, and thrive—without burning out along the way.

In this episode of the Grow Sell and Retire podcast, B.D. Dalton II sits down with branding expert Barry to dive deep into the world of differentiation in business. They explore the power of authenticity, consistency, and how understanding your unique selling points can skyrocket your brand’s market presence.
Barry shares his wisdom on:
- Why being real and consistent matters in branding
- How leaders shape a brand’s identity and boost employee loyalty
- The game-changing practice of refocusing on customer needs to drive market share
- How 'jam sessions' and active listening can unlock your team’s best ideas
- Using direct customer feedback to define your brand’s core strengths and avoid empty buzzwords like "quality" or "service"
🎯 Actionable Next Steps for Listeners:
- Identify your business’s unique qualities by asking your customers
- Define and name your differentiators—ditch the generic terms
- Share your brand identity with your team to boost retention and improve customer satisfaction
Barry’s transformation story of pushing a company’s market share from 30% to 70% by listening and responding to customer feedback will leave you inspired and ready to take action in your own business.
Tune in to learn how to differentiate your brand, inspire your team, and create a market presence that sticks!

How do you grow from $10 million to $500 million? Here's some tips.
Get ready for an energizing and insightful episode of the Grow Sell Retire Podcast, where B.D. Dalton sits down with the brilliant Melanie Dulbecco, CEO of Torani! In this episode, Melanie dives into her journey through the Liquor Era, Café Era, and now the booming Consumer Era, sharing what it takes to empower teams and lead them through growth and transformation. Her contagious energy and hands-on approach to leadership will leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on your own business challenges.
Melanie doesn’t just talk about success; she lives it! She discusses her philosophy of setting three-year plans to keep teams aligned and motivated, with a laser focus on actionable goals. Her insights into Torani's incredible journey, including how they looked to trailblazing companies like Cliff Bar for guidance when scaling from $50 million to $100 million, are invaluable for any business owner with big dreams of expansion.
Tune in to hear all about Melanie’s “Success Journeys,” where she gathers wisdom from those further ahead in their growth trajectory, and learn how you, too, can leverage the experience of others to power your own success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to grow, scale, and empower their team like never before!

Want to learn secrets about improving your business image, enhancing your communication in the boardroom or just want ways to engage and motivate team members? This episode Allison Kluger, whose pedigree goes from Good Morning America to teaching classes along side American idols like A-Rod and Tyra Banks, gives so many tips from her life time of helping people communicate to sell and enthrall. You will have frame works to get team mates on board and give you the confidence to drive in the direction in your life you know you want to.  Don't miss this awesome episode. More about Allison here https://www.allisonkluger.com/ 

In this episode of the Grow Sell and Retire podcast, B.D. Dalton sits down with Peter to delve into his remarkable career and his latest book, "Leading from the Jump Seat." With a background that spans 25 years as a Royal Air Force pilot and a collaboration with Simon Sinek, Peter brings a wealth of experience to the table. He explains the "jump seat" philosophy, emphasizing learning from every experience and sharing those lessons in an accessible way. B.D. is captivated by Peter's storytelling and eager to explore the practical insights from his book.
Peter shares an intense personal story from his time as a co-pilot, navigating an emergency with a novice captain. This incident underscores the vital themes of trust, teamwork, and leadership under pressure. The conversation expands to discuss the transition of leadership, the empowerment of others, and fostering a sense of belonging within teams. Peter highlights the necessity of aligning personal beliefs with organizational goals, building strong relationships, and creating an environment of mutual trust and support. For more from Peter, click [here](https://www.leadingfromthejumpseat.com/).

Hey folks! Tune in to the latest episode of B.D. Dalton's dynamic business podcast where he sits down with Glenn Kramon, the editorial genius from The New York Times and a seasoned Stanford professor. This episode is a goldmine for anyone looking to elevate their written communication game. Glenn shares his top tips, emphasizing the importance of standing out with his mantra, "Be one in a million, not one of a million." He also reveals the power of the PS as a secret weapon to engage and personalize your messages. The conversation is not just informative but also filled with lively banter and insightful anecdotes.
Glenn doesn't just stop there; he dives into the BLUF method—Bottom Line Up Front—stressing the value of getting straight to the point. His advice? "Get rid of the organ music before church. Get to the point. It shows respect." This episode is packed with practical strategies and engaging stories, making it a must-listen for anyone serious about mastering the art of communication. So, grab your headphones, hit play, and get ready to transform the way you write with insights from one of the best in the business!

Brain and Brawn: Two Powers of Herculean Business:
In this dynamic episode, B.D. Dalton II sits down with Robert Siegel to dive into the pivotal themes of digital transformation and systems leadership, as unpacked in Robert's enlightening book "The Brains and Brawn Company". They dissect how the most successful firms are those that effectively meld the digital with the physical, and how traditional companies can evolve to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
Key Points Discussed:

1. Adapting to Business Changes: B.D. and Robert delve into the relentless evolution of the business landscape, highlighting the crucial role of leaders in steering their teams through the waves of change brought about by AI and global events like the Covid-19 pandemic. The necessity for leaders to develop both their cognitive and emotional intelligence is underscored.

2. Venture Capitalist's Insight: As a seasoned venture capitalist, Robert shares his three-fold criteria for investment: market potential, team execution capability, and business model defensibility. He lays out the attributes he values in CEOs and the strategic importance of corporate venture capital.
3. Expanding Knowledge: Robert advocates for broadening one's horizon through diverse sources of information, stressing the significance of staying abreast of technological trends and their business implications.
4. Technology and Systems Leadership: The conversation shifts to practical technology use and the overarching concept of systems leadership. Robert provides a peek into his upcoming book, aimed at equipping leaders to better navigate the complexities of modern business environments.

B.D. and Robert's discussion serves as a masterclass for modern entrepreneurs and established business leaders alike, offering insights and strategies to thrive in today's fast-paced and interconnected world. Tune in for a blend of practical advice, forward-thinking strategies, and leadership wisdom. More info on Robert Siegel
https://robertesiegel.com/

Want to Crush the Competition? Here is episode 3 of our mini Series from Dave Dodson.
Get in here.

Small Business Strategy: Key to Growth
The discussion revolved around the importance of business strategy, especially for small business owners. B.D. and David spoke about the significance of strategy for business growth, even for companies with a small market share. David shared insights from their book, "The Manager's Handbook," and their collaborations with thought leaders such as Michael Porter. They emphasized that having a clear strategy can help businesses stand out in their respective markets. The conversation also touched upon the importance of forming a strong team to execute the strategy and understanding the market dynamics. David suggested that listening to the market and being open to advice are crucial steps in designing a successful strategy.
Market Insights and Strategy Focus
David emphasized the importance of gathering information from employees, customers, vendors, and competitors to better understand the marketplace. They highlighted the need for a specific definition of quality from the customer's perspective and the importance of sticking to a strategy. B.D. questioned the reluctance of companies to ask customers and competitors certain questions, such as why they do or don't exclusively buy from them. David explained the value of open-ended questions and the insights they could provide, as well as the role of trade shows in gathering information. They also stressed the importance of maintaining focus on the strategy without losing sight of the company's mission, vision, and values.
Integrating Leadership and Management Skills
David stressed the importance of integrating various skills of leadership and management, such as hiring and retaining good people, maintaining a focus on priorities, and adhering to quality, to achieve maximum performance. They emphasized that these elements should not be selectively applied but should work together. B.D. raised the concern of how to ensure that employees and clients understand and buy into the company's strategy, to which David responded that setting and maintaining priorities, saying no to distractions, and having specific tools in place can help maintain focus. B.D. shared their personal application of these strategies with clients and expressed plans to provide them with books on the subject.
Operating Plan Development Process
David explained the process of developing an operating plan, emphasizing that it's not merely a budget but a strategic document that outlines focus areas, priorities, and day-to-day operations. They highlighted the importance of involving key stakeholders in the planning process and seeking outside advice. David also stressed the need for leaders to communicate and emphasize the plan's importance throughout the organization. They shared examples of successful companies, such as Southwest Airlines, where all employees are aware of and committed to the operating plan.
Maintaining Corporate Culture and Strategy
B.D. and David discussed the concept of maintaining corporate culture and strategy. B.D. expressed interest in how to ensure a strategy continues to work, prompting David to explain the title of Chapter 21, "Walk behind the Tractor". They shared their father's experience of manufacturing pharmacy equipment, and how they would follow customers to understand their use of the product. David emphasized the importance of understanding the end user's experience, particularly for software companies, where the IT department may not fully understand the product's use. The discussion concluded with David explaining how companies can adapt the "walk behind the tractor" concept based on their specific needs.
Strategy and KPIs in Business Operations
B.D. and David discussed the importance of a clear and actionable business strategy, suggesting that it should be adjusted and...