Above The Business

Above The Business

By Bradley HamnerBusiness
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Above The Business episodes

  • Episode 514: The Visionary Integrator Fallacy

    In this candid solo episode, Bradley Hamner challenges one of the most popular concepts in business literature: the idea of the CEO as "visionary" with an integrator handling everything else. While books like Traction and Rocket Fuel have made this framework wildly popular, Bradley argues it's not realistic for small business owners—and explains why execution matters just as much as vision.

    If you've ever felt pressure to be the visionary who just "visionates all over the place" while someone else does the real work, this episode is your permission to embrace a more practical approach to leadership.

    Connect with Bradley:

    1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

    Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

    Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About the Above the Business Podcast

    The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

    Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

    11 min
  • Episode 513: RECAST - Leadership and Team Development with David Peterson

    In this recast, David Peterson joins Bradley to discuss leadership, business planning, and team development. You’ll hear them chat about top advice for agency owners, and how to lead your business well.

    As a father of four, and an owner of multiple businesses, Coach P is a big fan of systems and processes.  He believes we should have a plan for every scenario and constantly drive results through our team.

    After years of trial and error, he realized the significance of team development.  Due to this, he created a program to drive consistent, high-level coaching to agencies across the country.

    Connect with Bradley:

    1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

    Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

    Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About the Above the Business Podcast

    The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

    Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

    50 min
  • Episode 512: What - How - Who

    In this episode, Bradley reflects on a powerful lesson from Auburn's interim coach DJ Durkin about the importance of not just what you do in business, but how you do it and who does it. This leads to a personal examination of leadership enthusiasm and self-care as critical components of business success.

    Connect with Bradley:

    1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

    Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

    Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About the Above the Business Podcast

    The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

    Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

    13 min
  • Episode 511: RECAST - Small Business Acquisitions with Conner Young

    In this episode of Above The Business, Bradley Hamner sits down with Conner Young, the Co-founder of Kairo Data, a groundbreaking acquisition platform designed to empower searchers, family offices, and investors in their journey to find, finance, and close deals with confidence.

    Over the past five years, Kairo Data has revolutionized the business acquisition landscape, serving more than 210 clients and connecting thousands to valuable opportunities. With an unparalleled database of over 18 million businesses, access to 4,000+ brokers, and a thriving network of over 1,000 industry professionals, Kairo Data has become the go-to resource for sourcing off-market businesses and facilitating seamless acquisitions.

    Conner shares his unique approach to deal-making, from building trust-based relationships with sellers to leveraging innovative financing strategies. He also opens up about his personal journey of resilience, including overcoming brain tumors and brain surgery, all while leading the fastest-growing SMB acquisition platform in the U.S.

    Whether you're a seasoned investor or just beginning your acquisition journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights on sourcing deals, negotiating effectively, and navigating the complex world of business acquisitions. Don’t miss this inspiring and educational conversation with Conner Young.

    Connect with Bradley:

    1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

    Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

    Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About the Above the Business Podcast

    The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

    Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

    36 min
  • Episode 510: Stage Based Business Blueprints

    In this solo episode, Bradley Hamner breaks down the concept of stage-based blueprints for small businesses and explains why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. He outlines the four distinct stages of business growth from $0 to $300k, $300k to $1M, $1M to $3M, and then to $10 million and shares why business owners need to Get Above The Business, Think Like and Architect, and then Design the Blueprint. You need different strategies, systems, and team structures at each stage.

    Connect with Bradley:

    1-1 Game Plan Call: Get Above The Business. Think Like an Architect. Design The Blueprint. Ready to Design, Systematize, and Grow a $1m-$3m Business? Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

    Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

    Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    About the Above the Business Podcast

    The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

    Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

    Join the email newsletter and get Bradley's Friday email: https://www.blueprintos.com/newsletter/

    15 min
  • Episode 509: Leadership Unblocked with Muriel Wilkins

    In this episode of the Above the Business Podcast, host Bradley Hamner sits down with leadership expert Muriel Wilkins to discuss her new book, Leadership Unblocked: Break Through the Beliefs That Limit Your Potential. Muriel shares her unexpected journey from aspiring CMO to executive coach, and reveals why leading yourself is the foundation of leading others effectively.

    Connect with Bradley:

    1-1 Game Plan Call: Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

    Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

    Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

    Connect with Muriel Wilkins

    Website: MurielWilkins.com

    Book: Leadership Unblocked - Available wherever books are sold

    LinkedIn: Muriel Wilkins

    Instagram: @CoachMurielWilkins


    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.


    About the Above the Business Podcast

    The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above the business, start thinking like an architect, and design the business blueprint so they can grow their business. Join host Bradley Hamner for conversations about leadership, strategy, culture, and everything small business.

    Subscribe, rate, and review the Above the Business Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

    39 min
  • Episode 508: The Chief Problem Solver "Hat"

    In this episode, Bradley challenges the popular notion that business owners should be the "Chief Problem Solver" (CPS) of their organization. Instead, he argues that taking on this role keeps you stuck as the rainmaker and bottleneck in your business. Bradley shares a practical framework for empowering your team to solve problems independently while maintaining effective leadership.

    Actionable Takeaways
    1. Stop being the first point of contact for all problems in your organization.
    2. Implement the 1-3-1 framework with your team starting today.
    3. Train your team to be resourceful before coming to you.
    4. When you do provide answers, explain your reasoning to build their capability.
    5. Remove the "Chief Problem Solver" hat from your leadership closet entirely.

    Connect with Bradley:

    1-1 Game Plan Call: Begin building your business blueprint when you schedule your Game Plan Call at https://blueprintos.com.

    Bradley's company, BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks.

    Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass or book your Game Plan Call when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    11 min
  • Episode 507: Be Yourself At Work: Claude Silver on Leadership, Authenticity & Building High-Performance Teams

    "When you have trust, sky's the limit. When you have trust, that's when you're gonna build resiliency."

    In this episode, Bradley Hamner sits down with Claude Silver, the world's first Chief Heart Officer and the number two executive at VaynerX to Gary Vaynerchuk. Claude shares her unconventional journey from New York to Santa Fe to San Francisco, London, and back to New York, and how these experiences shaped her approach to leadership and human-centered business culture.

    As the author of the forthcoming book "Be Yourself at Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart," Claude debunks the myth that authenticity is a weakness in the workplace and shares practical insights on building psychologically safe, high-performing teams.

    Key Topics Discussed:

    • Claude's Origin Story.
    • Building Authentic Workplace Culture.
    • Leadership and Vulnerability.
    • Hiring for Culture Fit.
    • Performance and Empathy.
    • Remote and Hybrid Work Considerations.

    Connect With Claude Silver

    Get your copy of Claude's new book, "Be Yourself At Work: The Groundbreaking Power of Showing Up, Standing Out, and Leading from the Heart" at https://beyourselfbook.com/

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: ClaudeSilver.com

    Connect With Us
    • Get the newsletter every Friday: https://BlueprintOS.com/assets
    • Subscribe on YouTube for video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@_abovethebusiness
    • New episodes drop every Monday & Friday.

    If you found value in this episode, share it with just one other business owner who might benefit. Remember—building a community happens one person at a time. Subscribe, like, and comment with your biggest takeaway from this episode!

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks. Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    41 min
  • Episode 506: One Sub At a Time

    In this episode, Bradley Hamner shares a powerful lesson about building simplicity into your business, inspired by an unexpected teacher—his son Cooper. When Cooper and his friends launched their sports YouTube channel, his approach to growing their community one subscriber at a time reminded Bradley of a fundamental truth that every small business owner needs to hear: sustainable growth happens one customer at a time.

    Key Takeaways

    The Power of One-at-a-Time Growth

    • Building a business community requires focusing on individual customer relationships.
    • Every sale, lead, and customer interaction matters.
    • Growth from $30,000 to $40,000 per month happens one sale at a time.
    • When looking at spreadsheets with 130 sales targets, remember each represents a real person whose life you're impacting.

    Actionable Business Strategy

    Bradley recommends scheduling a thinking time session to ask yourself two critical questions:

    1. How can I help my team realize that every lead, prospect, and customer interaction matters?
    2. How can I ensure we have a very simple customer journey for people to follow?

    About the Show

    The Above the Business Podcast helps small business owners get above—not just in or on—their business so they can think like an architect. Just as architects use blueprints, Bradley believes every small business should have a blueprint for success.

    Resources Mentioned

    BlueprintOS.com - Book a game plan call to:

    • Discover where your business is currently.
    • Map out where you want to go.
    • Create a stage-based blueprint for your business growth.

    Connect With Us
    • Get the newsletter every Friday: https://BlueprintOS.com/assets
    • Subscribe on YouTube for video episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@_abovethebusiness
    • New episodes drop every Monday & Friday.

    If you found value in this episode, share it with just one other business owner who might benefit. Remember—building a community happens one person at a time. Subscribe, like, and comment with your biggest takeaway from this episode!


    Thanks to our sponsors...

    BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks. Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    11 min
  • Episode 505: Leadership, Vision, and Mindset with Ron Alford of Southwestern Consulting

    "We will never, ever outperform our self-image."

    Today on the podcast, Ron Alford joins Bradley to discuss leadership, vision, and mindset of an owner. Ron is a Senior Partner, Vice President of Recruiting, and Executive Coach for Southwestern Consulting.

    What if the secret to business success isn't just about strategy, but about getting your head AND heart right before you even open your laptop? In this powerful episode, Ron Alford—a 32-year veteran of Southwestern Consulting who's coached more top 1% producers than anyone in the company's 150+ year history—reveals why mindset is truly "the beginning and the end" of everything we do. From his unconventional start selling books door-to-door instead of joining the Marine Corps, to his current role transforming businesses and leaders worldwide, Ron shares battle-tested wisdom on crafting crystal-clear vision, leading remote teams authentically, navigating difficult conversations, and why "our endurance in life is tied directly to the clarity of our vision." Whether you're crushing your goals or facing a bumpy road heading into 2026, this conversation will challenge you to slow down to speed up, move from anxiety to impact, and remember that true wealth isn't measured in trophies—it's measured in the lives you touch. Get ready for a masterclass in servant leadership that will shift how you show up every single day.

    With over 32 years with the Southwestern Family of Companies, Ron has an extraordinary track record in sales and leadership development. He is a company record holder, having personally achieved the highest level of sales 70 times with Southwestern Advantage, and is a leadership record holder, coaching and training more top 1% producers than any other manager since Southwestern Advantage was founded in 1868.

    Connect with Ron Alford and Southwestern Consulting

    Website: southwesternconsulting.com

    Services Offered:

    • One-on-one Sales, Leadership, and Executive Coaching (12+ month programs).
    • Team Training and Workshops.
    • Keynote Speaking.

    Special Offer: Tell Southwestern Consulting about your needs and get started with a free consultation. Whether you're looking to increase sales, improve time management, develop leadership skills, or enhance your team's performance, their certified coaches can create a personalized plan tailored to your goals.

    Visit southwesternconsulting.com or check out their coaching programs at southwesternconsulting.com/coaching,

    Thanks to our sponsors...

    BlueprintOS equips business owners to design and install an operating system that runs like clockwork. Through BlueprintOS, you will grow and develop your leadership, clarify your culture and business game plan, align your operations with your KPIs, develop a team of A-Players, and execute your playbooks. Register to join us at an upcoming WebClass when you visit www.blueprintos.com!

    Coach P found great success as an insurance agent and agency owner. He leads a large, stable team of professionals who are at the top of their game year after year. Now he shares the systems, processes, delegation, and specialization he developed along the way. Gain access to weekly training calls and mentoring at www.coachpconsulting.com. Be sure to mention the Above The Business Podcast when you get in touch.

    Club Capital is the ultimate partner for financial management and marketing services, designed specifically for insurance agencies, fitness franchises, and youth soccer organizations. As the nation's largest accounting and financial advisory firm for insurance agencies, Club Capital proudly serves over 1,000 agency locations across the country—and we’re just getting started. With Club Capital, you get more than just services; you get a dedicated account manager backed by a team of specialists committed to your success. From monthly accounting and tax preparation to CFO services and innovative digital marketing, we’ve got you covered. Ready to experience the transformative power of Club Capital? Schedule your free demo today at club.capital and see the difference firsthand. Make sure you mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast to get 50% off your one time onboarding fee!

    Autopilot Recruiting helps small business owners solve their staffing challenges by taking the stress out of hiring. Their dedicated recruiters work on your behalf every single business day - optimizing your applicant tracking system, posting job listings, and sourcing candidates through social media and local communities. With their continuous, hands-off recruiting approach, you can save time, reduce hiring costs, and receive pre-screened candidates, all without paying any hiring fees or commissions.

    More money & more freedom: that’s what Autopilot Recruiting help business owners achieve. Visit https://www.autopilotrecruiting.com/ and don't forget to mention you heard about us on the Above The Business podcast.

    Direct Clicks is built is by business owners, for business owners. They specialize in custom marketing solutions that deliver real results. From paid search campaigns to SEO and social media management, they provide the comprehensive digital marketing your business needs to grow. Here’s an exclusive offer for Above The Business listeners: Visit directclicksinc.com/abovethebusiness for a FREE marketing campaign audit. They’ll assess your website, social media, SEO, content, and paid advertising, then provide actionable recommendations. Plus, when you choose to partner with them, they’ll waive all setup fees.

    38 min

About Above The Business

From the publisher's feed

What if you could step out of the day-to-day and see your business from a whole new perspective? Welcome to Above The Business, where we empower you to rise above the daily grind and embrace a higher way of business ownership. It's time to build your business by design.

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