EVERY company, at some point, is going to need someone to transform it to adapt to coming changes. That's what business consultant Jeffrey Fox, bestselling author of "The Transformative CEO," tells us.  In our interview, he discusses the salient points of how to keep your business relevant and profitable in today's business market.

Plus, Jeffrey shares the stories of 1-800-Flowers' success, Eggland's re-imagining of the egg, and AFLAC's near-disaster.

Stop by Jeffrey's site www.foxandcompany.com to learn much more.  Don't forget to visit www.ACloserLookRadio.com as well for more fascinating and informative interviews!

Former superstar major league baseball player, Darryl Strawberry  attained outstanding achievements during his career.  However, his personal life managed to undermine him repeatedly. In our chat, Darryl and his wife, Tracy Strawberry, talk about surviving and overcoming incredibly difficult obstacles including addiction, financial problems, and infidelity. 

Authoring the book “The Imperfect Marriage: Help for Those Who Think It’s Over” Darryl and Tracy detail how they both went from being wounded people to salvaging their relationship and finding balance. They offer a step-by-step guide to forgiving, rebuilding trust, and staying strong in faith to grow a faltering marriage into a strong one.

For more fascinating and insightful interviews please be sure to stop by www.ACloserLookRadio.com.

In his  latest novel, "Botticelli's Bastard," award-winning author  Stephen Maitland-Lewis covers art restoration, the intrigue of the art world, and lost treasures plundered by the Nazis.

As fascinating as Stephen's books are, they only portray one side of the man. Another facet is his love affair with jazz, and his expertise in all things Louis Armstrong in particular. Pen pals with Satchmo for years, Stephen has a perspective of the great man that very few know about.

For much more information please be sure to visit www.maitland-lewis.com. Don't forget to stop by www.ACloserLookRadio.com for more fascinating interviews!

We are saddened to note that Arlene Martel passed away this week. Forever ingrained on our memories as T'Pring, Spock's fiance from Star Trek, Arlene was a television icon who's list of tv appearances are literally too numerous to mention.

We also dish with Arlene about her romances with Marlon Brando, Cary Grant and James Dean, (who was the love of her life), and their relationship that ended tragically with his death.

In addition to the above, Arlene weighs in on life, health, choices, and regrets. For more fascinating interviews please be sure to visit www.ACloserLookRadio.com.

Check out this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADMyVTdrwtg for Arlene's famous line, "Room for One More Honey."

For over a century the town of Bassett, Virginia turned out products and employed hundreds. Then globalization hit and factory jobs were sent overseas. Award-winning author Beth Macy details in her book "Factory Man: How One Furniture Maker Battled Offshoring, Stayed Local - and Helped Save an American Town" the history of Bassett, the story of the Bassett heir who refused to back down, and how survived the devastation of globalization.

Find out how John Bassett III was pushed out of the family business only to return and take on the Chinese in the International Court of Trade. His legal victory left Vaughan-Bassett as the only US mid-priced wooden bedroom furniture factory still standing. Be sure to visit www.intrepidpapergirl.com for many more details on this American success story. Don't forget to stop by www.ACloserLookRadio.com for more fascinating interviews!

Successful business modeling is crucial for a business to thrive and anticipate the future market. In his book "The Risk-Driven Business Model: Four Questions That Will Define Your Company," INSEAD Professor Karan Giotra stresses the difference between business model strategy and business model innovation in today's market.

The fact that a business has been successful in the past doesn't ensure that it will continue to be successful moving forward.  Karan discusses the epic rise and fall of Blockbuster Video, and how companies like Zara have found success by innovating HOW things are done. Find out how to keep your business on track to survive and thrive with Karan's guidance. You can find much more information on his website www.defineyourbusiness.com. For more great business advice please be sure to visit www.ACloserLookRadio.com!

It wasn't so long ago that women were still fighting to be taken seriously in a male-oriented career. Author Karin Slaughter is here to remind you of the trials and tribulations some women went through to become police officers. Her latest novel, "Cop Town" takes place in Atlanta, Georgia in the '70s where if anything times were even tougher for women back then.

Filled with recollections from actual policewomen Karin's work of fiction resonates with readers with a serious glimpse into the hurdles women had to overcome, even from their own female coworkers trying to climb the ladder.

Grab the book, take a seat, and be prepared to be drawn into a world of the not so distant past. Be sure to visit Karin's website at www.karinslaughter.com and don't forget to stop by www.ACloserLookRadio.com for more fascinating interviews!

Three economists go on a roadtrip to the heartland of America.  The result: A book titled “Roadside MBA: Back Road Lessons for Entrepreneurs, Executives and Small Business Owners."  Economist Mike Mazzeo, associate professor at the Kellogg School of Management, was one of those three economists.  In our interview he enlightens us about actual successful business methodologies they discovered while taking several roadtrips.

Mike defines cornering your specific market, how to beat the "Big Guys," and product differentiation for small businesses. We learn that a one-size-fits-all strategy doesn't exist to make your business a frontrunner in town, and that "it depends" deserve a place in your business strategy. 

Find out more about the RoadSide MBA on the website www.roadside-mba.com. Please be sure to stop by  www.ACloserLookRadio.com for more information and interesting interviews!

A chat with legend Willie Nelson - a 1997 interview from our Vault. We talk about why his music endures, what advice he has for up-and-comers, and health advice about caffeine! 

Willie also clears up the misunderstanding about his firing as a DJ on KVAN radio, and shares what onscreen work he is doing (including Don Johnson's NEW show Nash Bridges!).

Step back into 1997 and share a cup of Joe with Willie Nelson.  You can check out his website www.willienelson.com for much more information, and don't forget to stop by www.ACloserLookRadio.com for more fun and informative interviews!

Are you living in fear, afraid to take the reins and create the life you REALLY want? Jen Sincero, bestselling author, success coach and motivational speaker, chats with us about how to live the life we REALLY want... one of unbridled awesomeness. Her latest book "You Are a Bad Ass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life” is your guide to leaving the mundane behind and living the life YOU want to live.

Jen discusses several key points about how to attract success and positive resolutions to the biggest fears in our lives. Find out more about how you can rev up your life by visiting www.jensincero.com. Be sure to listen to more innovative and fascinating interviews at www.ACloserLookRadio.com!