How far would you go to reclaim your life?In this transformative, heart-on-sleeve interview, Jerry Dugan peels back the curtain on his bold escape from corporate leadership into the uncertain but exhilarating world of creative entrepreneurship. With raw honesty, Jerry shares the moment he realized success was a golden cage, how his family catalyzed his leap, and why reinventing yourself demands both courage and vulnerability. If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, this episode is for you.
What You'll Learn:
The emotional toll of “golden handcuffs”—and the price of freedom
How a single conversation at home can change your entire life trajectory
Three mentors’ uncanny advice that pointed Jerry to his true calling
The struggle to build a business from scratch (and why the right “why” matters)
Powerful lessons on identity, letting go, and crafting a life on your terms
Timestamps:
[0:00] Full Circle Moments: Jerry Returns—The Backstory Behind the Leap
[2:00] “Put Yourself In a Prison”—The Real Cost of Corporate Success
[7:45] Three Conversations That Changed Everything—Listening Between the Lines
[10:00] Building ‘Beyond the Rut’: From Podcasting to Publishing
[12:00] Burnout, Blessings, and Saying No to the Wrong “Yes”
[15:30] The Uber Chapter: Reinventing, Recharging, and Rethinking What’s Next
[20:00] Lessons from Dune & Beyond—Leadership, Identity, and Curiosity Unleashed
Guest Links:
Website: https://beyondtherut.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrydugan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrydugan/
Book: “Beyond the Rut” – https://amzn.to/yourbooklink
What if you could finally measure what really drives revenue—without cookies, guesswork, or silos?In this episode, Jeff Greenfield, the authority behind Provalytics, takes us on a riveting journey through the future of marketing measurement.
Get ready for a conversation that shatters the myths of digital attribution, revealing how data and AI can uncover the true impact of every marketing dollar—even in a world without third-party cookies. Jeff opens up about the emotional weight of uprooting the status quo and shares how “being less wrong” might be the most valuable marketing mindset of all.
What You'll Learn:
The seismic shift from click-driven to impression-driven attribution
Why legacy analytics are failing marketers (and how AI closes the gap)
The real story behind multi-channel campaigns and the customer journey
How to finally connect brand awareness to hard business results
The one marketing metric that keeps CEOs and marketers up at night
Timestamps:
[00:01] Welcome back, and why marketers are in crisis without cookies
[03:30] AI-driven attribution: going backwards to find real answers
[07:08] The full customer journey: from website to Amazon to everywhere
[10:20] Breaking organizational silos—unifying finance, marketing, and agencies
[14:13] Proving the value of brand-building: connecting impressions to revenue
[16:52] The metric that changes everything: Time to Conversion
[20:07] Jeff’s vision for the next 2–3 years in marketing measurement
Guest Links:
Website: provalytics.com
Additional resource: Provalytics Attribution Certification Course
Imagine discovering that the data guiding your marketing dollars is a lie.
On today’s episode, Junaid Ahmed unpacks a seismic shift in marketing attribution with Jeff Greenfield—CEO and founder of Provalytics, pioneer behind C3 Metrics, and a leader whose ideas are rewriting the rules in a world with no more cookies.
Jeff shares hard-won truths from his three-decade journey, exposing why most marketers are blind to what’s truly driving results—and how a privacy-first, AI-driven future is not just possible, but necessary. This is a must-listen for marketers, founders, and anyone chasing real ROI in a post-cookie world.
What You'll Learn:
Marketing’s biggest myth: Why the numbers you trust are often wrong.
The collapse of cookie-based tracking—and the rise of privacy-first measurement.
Inside the walled gardens: How Amazon, Facebook, and Google obscure real impact.
Impressions vs. clicks: The mindset shift every marketer must embrace.
Why AI and machine learning are the keys to attribution’s future.
Timestamps:
[00:01] The paradigm shift: Attribution in a privacy-first world
[02:15] Covid, habit change, and the measurement “black hole”
[03:02] The commission crisis: How Jeff discovered the problem
[08:09] What broke traditional attribution & why impressions matter
[13:02] A world without cookies: What marketers get wrong about ROI
[17:42] Big lessons & mind flips from data-driven marketing
[20:00] What’s next for marketers: The AI-driven future
Guest Links (please verify before publishing):
Website: https://provalytics.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/provalytics
C3 Metrics (Legacy): https://c3metrics.com
What does it really take to go from nothing to a thriving company—without a safety net?
Brian Clayton, CEO and cofounder of GreenPal, returns for a raw, curiosity-fueled conversation on the lonely reality of building, scaling, and letting go. Discover why delegation can kill a startup—or make it unstoppable, how bootstrapping turns founders into wild animals on the hunt, and which hidden traps you must dodge as you raise (or reject) funding.
Brian’s story is packed with lessons that will resonate with every founder, leader, and dreamer. This episode dives into why founders must wear every hat—until the moment they must let go. You’ll learn what separates a founder from a true CEO, how “having less” forges true innovation, and why sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you’re forced to get scrappy.
What You'll Learn:
Delegation is a double-edged sword—do it too soon or too late, and you’ll pay.
Founders thrive when their backs are against the wall—even bootstrapping, out of necessity.
Building an org chart early creates a roadmap for scalable growth.
There is a big difference between being a founder and being a CEO—know the transition point.
Real innovation is often born from limitation—not luxury or funding.
Timestamps & Labels
0:00:00 A No-Holds-Barred Welcome Back—Brian Clayton’s origin story, unfiltered.
0:01:00 The Delegation Trap—Why outsourcing can nearly kill your company.
0:03:30 Surviving the Trenches—From doing everything to building a real team.
0:05:36 Founder vs. CEO—The mindset shift every entrepreneur faces.
0:09:22 Bootstrapping vs. Funding—Why having less makes you more dangerous.
0:12:37 Innovation from Constraint—How limitations fuel creativity and drive.
0:15:10 If I Had to Start Over—The pain points ripe for disruptors in 2025.
Guest Links
Website: [GreenPal](https://www.yourgreenpal.com/)
LinkedIn: [Brian Clayton on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-clayton-a96b33214/)
Instagram: [@brianmclayton](https://www.instagram.com/brianmclayton/)
Book Mentioned: "The E Myth" by Michael Gerber
What if the secret to building a multi-million dollar business is hidden in door-to-door flyers, no shortcuts, and your personal cell number?
In this emotional and curiosity-driven conversation, Brian Clayton—CEO and co-founder of GreenPal—reveals the raw journey of turning an old-school lawn mowing hustle into a $30 million empire. Forget Silicon Valley fairytales. This is a masterclass in resilience, relentless customer obsession, and why most entrepreneurs focus on the wrong things.
Discover why Brian believes hand-to-hand selling and direct feedback are the lifeblood of any real startup—and learn the lessons he wishes he’d known before fighting for every customer. This episode will make you rethink growth, funding, and the true price of entrepreneurial success.
What You'll Learn:
Bootstrapping isn’t just possible; it’s a superpower—if you focus on true customer needs.
The best funding comes from happy customers, not investors.
Scaling a company? Tackle it like a video game: one level at a time, and don’t worry about level ten until you master level six.
Reliable service and speed matter more to users than being the cheapest option.
Entrepreneurship is the ultimate personal development engine—more powerful than any book or classroom.
Timestamps:00:02 – Brian’s Origin Story: The Hustle Behind GreenPal02:00 – The Painful Truth About Early Growth (and Why No One Came)05:00 – Real Lessons from Hand-to-Hand Customer Combat09:00 – Why Brian Chose Bootstrapping Over VC Cash12:00 – The Moment He Knew It Would Scale15:00 – Direct Feedback, Star Ratings & Building for Users, Not Investors20:00 – Brian’s Resilience Hack: The “Never Give Up” RuleGuest Links:
Website: https://www.yourgreenpal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianmclayton
What if the real secret to leading isn’t about titles, but invisible work behind the scenes?In this raw and revealing conversation, award-winning mentor and Navy veteran Enrique Acosta Gonzalez exposes how the world’s most authentic leaders are built in silence, not on stage. With emotional honesty and practical wisdom, Enrique shares how to overcome fear, prepare for your defining moment, and transform every setback into strength.
What You'll Learn:
Leadership starts in the unseen: act today, lead tomorrow.
The Triad Principle: balance material and spiritual leadership.
Overcoming fear is crucial—small steps toward courage matter.
Guide from your own “why,” not just external expectations.
True legacy is made with selfless action and impact.
Timestamps 00:00 – A Navy Journey Transformed: Enrique’s origin story 02:00 – Triad Leadership: Spiritual and Tactical Secrets 04:00 – The Power of Leading Yourself—Before You Lead Others 08:15 – Why “Why” Changes Everything: Digging into personal motives 10:40 – Confronting Fear: How to know if you’re ready to lead 14:05 – The Possibility Practice: Imagining your future self 16:20 – Growing in the Shadows: Building a legacy that matters
Guest Links
LinkedIn: [Connect with Enrique Acosta Gonzalez](https://www.linkedin.com/)
Website: [Enrique’s Contact & Resources](https://www.enriqueacostagonzalez.com/) (edit with real link)
Instagram: [@enriqueacostagonzalez](https://instagram.com/) (edit with real link)
Book a Call: Via LinkedIn profile
Each episode stands alone as a true Diary of a CEO moment, challenging you to go deeper, think harder, and step up—quietly—until the world can’t help but notice.
What does it take to go from the shadows of the unknown to the spotlight of global recognition?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Enrique Augusta Gonzalez—CEO of Triad Leadership Solutions, retired Navy veteran, and six-time bestselling author—to uncover the raw truth behind leadership, legacy, and the courage to chase your dreams.
Enrique’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. From 26 years of service in the US Navy to building a thriving business and award-winning podcast, he reveals the mindset shifts, daily habits, and emotional battles that shape true leaders. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn setbacks into stepping stones and create impact that outlives you, this conversation is your blueprint.
What You'll Learn:
The hidden cost of “playing it safe” with your dreams—and how to break free.
Why legacy is built in the quiet moments, not just the spotlight.
How Navy core values shaped Enrique’s leadership philosophy for life.
The emotional rollercoaster of transitioning from military to entrepreneurship.
Practical tools for developing the leader within—starting today.
Timestamps:
00:00 – From Unknown to Award-Winning: Enrique’s journey begins02:10 – 26 Years in the Navy: Core values that never fade05:30 – The Lost Feeling: Navigating life after service08:15 – Salary vs. Dreams: The moment Enrique chose legacy over comfort12:00 – Building Triad Leadership Solutions: The birth of a mission15:20 – Podcasting & Possibility: Why sharing your story matters18:45 – Legacy, Longing, and Leadership: Lessons from “Somewhere in Time”
Guest Links:
Website: https://triadleadershipsolutions.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/enriqueaugustagonzalez
If you’re ready to step into your own influence and build a legacy that lasts, don’t miss this episode.
What if losing your dream job was the best thing that ever happened to you?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Kirk Gimenez, a two-time Emmy winner and the first Latino to anchor in English at ESPN, to uncover the untold story behind his rise, fall, and ultimate reinvention as the founder of sizzle TV. Kirk reveals how losing his authentic voice in mainstream media led him to create a platform that celebrates multicultural stories, positivity, and unapologetic representation.
Dive deep into Kirk’s journey of resilience, the power of staying true to your roots, and the mission to flood the world with uplifting stories. This conversation is a masterclass in turning adversity into opportunity, building a brand with purpose, and why the future of media belongs to those who dare to be different.
What You'll Learn:
How Kirk became the first Latino to anchor in English at ESPN—and why it mattered.
The pain of losing his authentic voice and the 20-year journey to reclaim it.
Why sizzle TV is more than a platform: it’s a movement for multicultural, positive storytelling.
The business case for authenticity and why brands must embrace multiculturalism.
Kirk’s new mission: using AI mini-docs to amplify untold, uplifting stories at scale.
Timestamps:
00:00 – The Power of Follow-Up: How Junaid and Kirk first connected
03:15 – Breaking Barriers at ESPN: Becoming the first Latino anchor in English
08:40 – Losing and Reclaiming Authenticity: The birth of sizzle TV
15:20 – Multiculturalism as a Superpower: Why 200%ers are the future
22:10 – The Broken State of Media—and Kirk’s plan to fix it with positivity
28:45 – AI Mini-Docs: Revolutionizing storytelling for nonprofits and brands
34:00 – Advice to His Younger Self: “Never let them take your Latino voice”
Guest Links:
Website: https://www.sizzletv.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkgimenez/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirkgimenez/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kirkgimenez
What if you could rewire your brain to break free from trauma and step into a life of confidence, clarity, and calm?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Ruso—certified havening practitioner, podcast host, and trauma healing expert—to uncover the science and soul behind emotional resilience. Hilary reveals the hidden mechanisms of the brain, shares powerful real-life transformations, and guides you through practical havening techniques that anyone can use.
Prepare to challenge everything you thought you knew about trauma. This conversation is a masterclass in self-healing, packed with actionable insights, emotional breakthroughs, and the tools to start your own journey toward lasting change.
What You'll Learn:
The four elements of trauma encoding and why your brain can’t tell past from present
How havening rapidly rewires neural pathways for healing and resilience
Real-world stories of overcoming fear and reclaiming safety—even on the world’s biggest stages
The “AAA Effect”: Awareness, Allowance, and Alignment as the foundation for transformation
Simple daily havening practices to calm your mind and build emotional strength
Timestamps:
0:01:05 Trauma Decoded: The Four Elements That Shape Your Brain
0:06:33 Why Your Brain Is Wired for Negativity—and How to Change It
0:08:38 From Opera Stage to Safe Space: A Grammy Winner’s Breakthrough
0:11:52 Havening 101: The Science and Practice of Self-Healing
0:14:19 Positive Mindset vs. Pleasant Distraction—What Really Works?
0:16:38 The AAA Effect: The First Step to Lasting Resilience
0:20:41 Who Needs Havening Most? Hilary’s Surprising Fictional Pick
Guest Links:
Website: https://hilaryrusso.com
Podcast: Holistically Speaking (https://hilaryrusso.com/podcast)
Events & Trainings: https://hilaryrusso.com/events
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hilaryrusso
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/hilaryrusso
Book (upcoming): “Hug It Out” (details on website)
This episode is your invitation to be kind to your mind, discover the power of havening, and start hacking your way to healing.
What if you could rewire your brain for resilience and joy?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Hilary Rousseau—one of only 50 certified havening trainers in the world, trauma-informed holistic practitioner, and host of the globally top-rated “Holistically Speaking” podcast. Hilary reveals the neuroscience behind self-healing, the transformative power of gratitude, and how her “Hug It Out” method can help you reclaim your mind’s safe space.
Discover how humor, understanding, and gratitude can become your daily tools for emotional well-being. Hilary’s journey is both deeply personal and universally inspiring—this conversation will change the way you think about healing, self-care, and the stories we tell ourselves.
What You'll Learn:
The “Hug It Out” Method: How humor, understanding, and gratitude can transform your emotional landscape.
Havening Techniques: The science-backed self-soothing practice that rewires your brain for safety and calm.
Gratitude’s Power: Why two minutes of gratitude each morning can change your entire day.
Music & Healing: How rhythm and song activate your vagus nerve and regulate emotions.
Resilience in Adversity: Lessons from trauma, storytelling, and finding joy—even in the hardest moments.
Timestamps:
00:00 — Hilary Rousseau: The Journey to Healing and Resilience
02:10 — What Is Havening? The Science of Creating a Safe Mind
07:45 — The Hug It Out Method: Humor, Understanding, Gratitude
13:20 — Self-Healing vs. Self-Care: Starting with Gratitude
17:05 — Music, Rhythm, and Emotional Regulation
22:30 — Lessons from War Movies: Finding Strength in Adversity
28:15 — The Power of Storytelling: Big Fish, Grief, and Legacy
What if the only thing standing between you and a thriving, burnout-proof freelance business is a single mindset shift? In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Jason Willis Lee—medical translator, business strategist, and host of the Freelance Training podcast—to uncover the hidden frameworks that separate struggling freelancers from industry leaders.
From the power of lead magnets to the art of productizing your expertise, Jason shares the hard-won lessons and emotional turning points that fueled his evolution from service provider to sought-after thought leader. If you’re ready to attract better clients, earn more, and finally break free from the time-for-money trap, this conversation is your blueprint.
What You'll Learn:
Discover why “standing out in a sea of sameness” is the #1 skill for freelancers—and how to do it.
Learn the lead magnet strategies that build trust and fill your pipeline with high-quality clients.
Find out how virtual assistants and automation can buy back your time and scale your business.
Uncover the secrets to productizing your expertise and making the leap to six figures.
Get Jason’s advice for building a resilient content machine that keeps working—even when you’re not.
Timestamps:
00:01 – Welcome & Jason’s Evolution: From translator to thought leader
00:42 – The #1 Mistake Freelancers Make (and how to fix it)
02:24 – Lead Magnets That Actually Work: Glossaries, cheat sheets, and more
05:07 – The Power of Teams: Why virtual assistants are a game-changer
05:41 – Packaging Your Expertise: Moving beyond time-for-money
08:13 – Automation & Newsletters: Building a business that runs itself
11:11 – What to Build First: Jason’s advice for stuck freelancers
Guest Links:
LinkedIn: Search “Jason Willis Lee” or “Entrepreneurial Translator”
Podcast: Freelance Training (available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts)
Book Reference: “How to Find Modern Clients” (featured in episode)
Instagram: (Not provided; recommend searching guest’s name)
If you want to go deeper, connect with Jason on LinkedIn or visit his website for more resources, courses, and his acclaimed podcast.
Step inside the mind of Jason Willis-Lee, an ITI certified medical translator and serial entrepreneur, who’s spent over 25 years navigating the shifting tides of business, burnout, and personal brand in a world flooded with AI and endless content.
With wisdom forged in Madrid and a career packed with reinvention, Jason reveals how freelancers can break through the noise, leverage their story, and create a business only they can build.
In this unmissable conversation, Jason and Junaid dive into the secrets of packaging your IP, building a magnetic personal brand, and why iteration— not perfection— is the real superpower in 2025. Whether you’re a solopreneur, creative, or future-proofing your income against the AI tide, this episode uncovers how to claim your authority, connect more deeply, and build demand for what only you can deliver.
What You'll Learn:
Why personal branding is your uncopyable moat in business.
How to transition from trading time for money to scalable impact.
Lessons on balancing automation with authenticity and quality.
The importance of rapid iteration over perfection for freelancers.
How the best in the business—from Elon Musk to Hormozi—build demand and break out.
Timestamps:
[0:00] Welcome & Rapid Introduction: Meet Jason Willis-Lee—translator, entrepreneur, and podcast host.
[0:45] From Employee to Entrepreneur: Jason’s powerful pivot and 25 years of reinvention.
[2:35] The Per-Hour Trap & Packaging IP: How to stop selling time and start selling transformation.
[5:00] “Find More Clients” and the Supply-Demand Secret—building buzz like Elon Musk.
[7:14] AI, Automation & Quality: Standing out when content is infinite.
[12:28] Authority Through Authenticity: The personal brand strategy that never fails.
[17:29] The “Perfection Trap”: Jason’s game-changing advice for every freelancer.
Guest Links:
Website: https://www.jasonwillislee.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-willis-lee/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasonwillislee/
Book: “How to Find More Clients”
Could your biggest trading loss be just one emotional decision away?
In this gripping episode, Casey Stubbs — veteran, trader, and creator of the 1% Weekly Trading System — reveals the life-changing mindset shifts and risk strategies that help thousands move from gambling with their futures to building real wealth. Casey brings military discipline, hard-earned wisdom, and a rare emotional honesty to a conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about success in the markets and in life.
Discover why trading isn’t about getting rich quick, how to tame emotional impulses, and why those who protect their gains — not just chase them — become the true winners. Whether you’re looking to escape financial pain or secure a vision for your future, this raw, curiosity-driven discussion will leave you re-evaluating how you approach money, risk, and personal growth.
What You'll Learn:
The biggest mental shift traders must make: it’s not a casino, it’s a craft.
Emotional control is the true “edge” — and most traders lose without it.
Risk management isn’t optional; it’s your survival plan.
Consistency and reinvesting profits are keys to scaling up safely.
Focus on the “top 20%” — the Pareto Principle creates outsized results, especially in tech.
Featured Timestamps:
[00:00] Mindset Reset: How traders sabotage success by chasing quick wins
[01:12] The Hidden Cost of Emotional Trading & How to Beat It
[03:01] Military Secrets: Risk Management Lessons for Investors
[07:23] From Profits to Progress: The Power of Reinvesting
[08:40] The 80/20 Rule: How Top Investors Pick Winning Stocks
[10:00] Tech as the Wealth Engine: Past, Present, and Future
[12:23] Fun Finale: What Monk the Detective Teaches Us About Money
Guest Links:
Website: freedomincomeoptions.com
What if you could walk away from your 9-to-5 and never look back?
In this revealing episode, Casey Stubbs—trading authority and mission-driven mentor—shares how he empowers 100,000 professionals to master a step-by-step trading system for consistent 1% weekly returns. Discover the emotional journey behind the strategies, the misconceptions about options, and the mindset shift that can transform your financial life forever.
Join Junaid Ahmed in a deeply honest conversation where financial independence meets personal growth, and the real keys to lasting wealth are finally unlocked.
What You'll Learn :
Why most people misunderstand options trading—and how Casey makes it simple and safe.
The life-changing power of consistent, small wins over risky gambles.
How emotional intelligence shapes financial success (and failure).
The "cash-secured put" and "covered call"—Casey's two-step formula for predictable returns.
The one mindset shift every aspiring trader must make to change their lives.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Escaping the 9-to-5: Meet Casey Stubbs and his mission
[01:00] A family legacy—early influences, hard lessons, and teenage stock trading
[05:00] Emotional spending, discipline, and turning $200/week into $30,000
[08:40] The biggest misconception: options are not just for “gamblers”
[11:20] Breaking down Casey’s 1% system: The two strategies anyone can use
[14:40] Real success stories: retirees, side hustlers, and the power of consistency
[19:01] The rule that applies to trading—and life: manage risk, not just dreams
**Guest Links:**
Website: CaseyStubbs.com (placeholder – replace with actual link if available)
LinkedIn: Casey Stubbs on LinkedIn
Instagram: @caseystubbs
Book: [Casey Stubbs’ Books]
What if the secret to building a thriving business isn’t about being everywhere, but about showing up where it matters most?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Michelle Thames—brand strategist, podcast host, and digital ecosystem architect—to uncover the real blueprint for standing out, attracting clients, and turning your passions into profit.
Michelle’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention and resilience. She reveals why visibility is more than just posting online, how to craft a customer journey that converts, and the mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to succeed. Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about branding, marketing, and making your mark.
What You'll Learn:
Visibility starts with knowing your audience—down to their deepest motivations.
Focus on platforms where your ideal clients actually spend time, not everywhere at once.
Build a customer journey: nurture leads, create trust, and guide them to conversion.
Monetize your expertise through digital products, audio courses, coaching, and more.
Messaging and follow-up are the secret weapons for turning followers into paying clients.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Michelle’s Reinvention: Why It’s Never Too Late to Start Over
00:39 – The Visibility Blueprint: Where to Show Up and Why
02:44 – The Biggest Mistake Entrepreneurs Make (and How to Fix It)
06:55 – Monetizing Multiple Passions: From Digital Products to Paid Speaking
10:12 – The #1 Fix for Struggling to Convert Your Audience
12:59 – Three Practical Steps to Boost Visibility and Revenue Today
14:48 – Michelle’s Dream Business Beyond Marketing (and Her Love for Matcha)
Guest Links:
Website: https://thingsmediasolutions.com
Website: https://michellethames.com (coming soon)
Instagram: https://instagram.com/michelleLthames
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michellethames
Facebook: https://facebook.com/michellethames
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@michellethames
This episode is your invitation to rethink visibility, embrace your expertise, and start building a brand that truly stands out.
What if losing everything was the spark you needed to build your dream life?
In this episode, Michelle Thames reveals how being fired from her healthcare job became the catalyst for a radical reinvention. Discover how she transformed a side hustle into a thriving business, built a digital marketing agency with her husband, and became a sought-after speaker and podcast host.
Michelle’s story is a masterclass in betting on yourself, embracing your passions, and turning setbacks into your greatest advantage.
What You'll Learn:
Why getting fired can be the best thing that ever happened to you
The power of starting small and building one client at a time
How to balance multiple passions without losing focus
The mindset shift every woman over 40 needs to thrive in business
Why you don’t need to be everywhere to build visibility
Timestamps:
00:02 — Fired & Fearless: Michelle’s turning point
02:10 — From Side Hustle to Full-Time: The birth of a business
04:30 — Building a Brand: Lessons from a multi-million dollar startup
07:15 — Betting on Yourself: The moment Michelle went all in
10:00 — Balancing Passions: Strategies for multi-passionate entrepreneurs
13:20 — Reinventing After 40: Advice for late bloomers
16:00 — Quickfire: Biggest leap, mindset shifts, and visibility mistakes
Guest Links:
Website: [Michelle Thames Media Solutions](#)
LinkedIn: [Michelle Thames](#)
Instagram: [@michellethames](#)
What if everything you know about marketing is wrong?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Joshua Ramsey, the Fractional CMO who’s helped countless businesses slash costs and skyrocket results. Joshua pulls back the curtain on the real reasons most marketing budgets fail—and shares the science, stories, and strategies that separate the winners from the wasted.
Discover the emotional journey behind every marketing decision, the power of perception, and why data—not gut feeling—should drive your next campaign. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or just curious about what really works in 2025, this episode will change how you see your brand, your budget, and your business.
What You'll Learn:
The “Law of Thirds”: Why understanding your true cost per acquisition is the first step to smarter marketing.
Perception is everything: How your brand’s reputation is built (or broken) by what people see—not what you say.
The funnel decoded: Why every business must master inbound before chasing trends like AI.
Real-world hacks: From mall surveys to Google AdWords, Joshua shares actionable tactics for any budget.
Fact vs. feeling: The surprising reason most business owners miss out on their best marketing opportunities.
Timestamps:
00:00 – The Hidden Costs of Marketing: Joshua’s eye-opening story of a roofer who stopped all marketing (and what happened next)
04:20 – Hollywood’s Secret: What movie trailers can teach you about ramping up your brand
06:54 – Leverage Marketing: How to double down on what works (and cut what doesn’t)
10:27 – Fact vs. Feeling: The data-driven mindset that changes everything
17:17 – 2025’s Top Marketing Trends: Why AI is overhyped and what really matters
20:27 – Where to Invest First: Joshua’s no-nonsense advice for new businesses
23:48 – Three Quick Wins: Citations, real feedback, and the $250 AdWords hack
Guest Links:
Website: jrcmo.com
LinkedIn: Joshua Ramsey on LinkedIn (search “Josh Ramsey marketing”)
Instagram: @josh_ramsey_cmo (suggested handle, verify for accuracy)
Book: “The Agile Marketing Plan” (placeholder—replace with actual title if available)
Are you burning money on marketing agencies and still not seeing results?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Joshua Ramsey, a fractional CMO with 20+ years of experience and 80,000+ campaigns under his belt, to expose the hidden truths behind agency relationships—and how business owners can finally take control.
Joshua shares raw stories of frustration, costly mistakes, and the emotional rollercoaster of trusting the wrong partners. Discover the mindset shifts, strategies, and KPIs that separate thriving businesses from those stuck in a cycle of disappointment. If you’re ready to stop wasting money and start scaling smarter, this episode is your wake-up call.
What You'll Learn:
Why most business owners set themselves up for disappointment with agencies—and how to break the cycle.
The single most important question to ask before hiring any marketing partner.
How to set KPIs that actually drive results (and what to do when they’re not met).
The power of agility: why sticking to a failing plan is the costliest mistake of all.
Programmatic advertising explained: the future-proof channel you can’t afford to ignore.
Timestamps:
00:00 – The Hidden Frustration: Why Most Agency Relationships Fail02:26 – The Unique Selling Proposition: What Really Makes You Stand Out?05:33 – Setting KPIs That Matter: The Secret to Agency Accountability10:26 – Should You Hire a CMO? The CEO’s Dilemma13:56 – When to Cut Your Losses: The “Good Money After Bad” Trap16:54 – Agility or Die: The Real Secret to Surviving in Marketing20:26 – The One Channel Joshua Would Bet His Career On
What if the key to your business growth isn’t more ads, but more authenticity?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Alec Johnson—live video strategist, digital stage pioneer, and founder of Take One Tech—to reveal the untold truths behind building a magnetic brand in the digital age.
Alec shares the real reason live video transforms strangers into superfans, the overlooked tech upgrades that instantly boost your presence, and the emotional journey of turning online connections into lifelong relationships.
Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or just starting out, Alec’s story will challenge what you think you know about content, connection, and confidence. Get ready for actionable insights, honest confessions, and a roadmap to monetizing your passion—without losing your soul.
What You'll Learn :
The simplest live video setup that anyone can start with—no fancy gear required
Why audio quality matters more than video (and the affordable mic Alec swears by)
The “confidence monitor” trick that instantly levels up your on-camera presence
How to turn casual viewers into loyal clients—Alec’s secret to building trust
The #1 mistake that kills engagement (and the new tools that fix it for good)
**Timestamps:**
00:01 — Why Live Video Is a Game Changer for Entrepreneurs
01:05 — The Beginner’s Setup: Start Simple, Sound Great
03:20 — Level Up: The Two Upgrades That Transform Your Production
06:34 — The Real Secret to Audience Engagement (and What Most Get Wrong)
12:26 — From Streams to Sales: Turning Viewers into Clients
15:35 — Monetization 101: The First Step Alec Wishes He Took Sooner
18:57 — Dream Locations, Real Connections: Alec’s Vision for the Future
**Guest Links:**
Website: takeonetech.io
YouTube: [Take One Tech 2](https://www.youtube.com/@TakeOneTech2)
What if the only thing standing between you and your audience is a single moment of courage?
In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Alec Johnson, founder of Take One Tech and creator of Digital Stage Academy, to uncover the raw truth behind building confidence, clarity, and connection in the world of live video. Alec reveals the hidden fears, the power of community, and the game-changing mindset shifts that separate those who merely show up from those who truly command the digital stage.
Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or someone terrified of hitting “Go Live,” this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to embrace imperfection, authenticity, and growth. Discover why your first live stream is never as scary as you think—and how the right support can turn your biggest mistakes into your greatest strengths.
What You'll Learn :
Confidence is built through repetition, authenticity, and embracing imperfection.
The Ecamm Live community’s support is a game-changer for creators at every level.
Your first live stream is rarely watched—so use it as a safe space to grow.
Mistakes and tech failures are not setbacks; they’re opportunities for real connection.
Start simple: focus on your message, not the gear, and let your skills evolve naturally.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Alec Johnson’s Journey: From One-Take Videos to Digital Stage Mastery
03:44 – The “Aha” Moment: Why Authenticity Beats Perfection Every Time
08:00 – The Biggest Fear: Is Anyone Really Watching Your First Live Stream?
10:45 – When Tech Fails: Turning Bloopers into Unbreakable Confidence
12:35 – The 3 Cs: Clarity, Confidence, and Connection Explained
14:52 – Scuba Diving & Live Video: Staying Calm When Everything Goes Wrong
19:58 – The Most Ironic On-Camera Blooper (and What It Taught Alec)
Guest Links:
Website: Take One Tech (placeholder)
LinkedIn: Alec Johnson on LinkedIn (placeholder)
Instagram: @takeonetech (placeholder)
Book: Digital Stage Academy (placeholder)
