Access to Anyone

As President and Founder of The Block Group, Patty Block is on a mission to help women harness their unique traits and strengths to make big things happen in their lives and careers. Today she shows us how she does it. During our conversation, Patty also unpacks her winning strategies for connecting with the right people, and reveals what everyone forgets to consider when assessing their value.

In 2006, Patty Block founded The Block Group to empower women who own service companies. As their trusted advisor, she brings a unique perspective, having experienced and solved many of the same complex issues women face, as leaders, as moms, daughters and sisters. 62% of women rely on their businesses for their primary income, yet 88% of these businesses generate less than $100,000 in annual revenue.

Having seen the same struggles time and again, Patty teaches women how to shift their mindset and build their confidence to generate more revenue with less stress. Her life journey–the good and the bad–allows her to course-correct clients by leading and advising with compassion, empathy and quiet resolve. The result is a partnership of unbiased accountability, helping women position their companies–financially, operationally, technologically–for game-changing results.

Patty raised three fantastic kids, all of whom have launched their careers and also work in Patty’s company (she essentially raised her own workforce!) Clients often refer to Patty as their “business therapist” and “secret weapon.” By establishing long-term relationships and serving as a strategic sounding board, clients experience direct benefits to create real and lasting change, turning roadblocks into building blocks.

As an illustrious media coach, Jess Ponce teaches everyone from authors to celebrities how to ace their public speaking. Today he’s revealing some of his best practices. During our conversation, Jess unpacks why effective communication—whether you’re a small business owner or an international superstar—boils down to being your authentic self.

Recognized as a top media coach and branding expert, Jess Ponce III uses laser-focused training to help professionals from all industries and walks of life strengthen their presentation, leadership, and media skills so they can shine when they need it most—in any speaking arena.

As the author of Everyday Celebrity: A Personal Branding Guide from a Hollywood Media Coach and A.W.E.S.O.M.E: Seven Keys to Unlocking the Speaker Within, Jess created “The Art of Authentic Self Promotion,” also known as “The A Factor®.” His expertise in media communications skills stems from his vast experience in the world of entertainment where he produced and developed programming for ABC, Warner Bros., E! Entertainment, Style, TV Guide Network, and MTV.

He is also the creative force behind Media 2×3, a US-based media company that develops individual branding strategies for influencers, media personalities, and subject matter experts. He also consults and advises TV hosts, Fortune 500 executives, creative professionals, brand ambassadors, and TEDx speakers. Corporate clients include Lucasfilm, The Walt Disney Company, HGTV, LinkedIn, The Ritz Carlton, and BNP Paribas.

Jess co-created multiple communication and public speaking programs for adults and youth as a workshop facilitator and keynote for The Awesome Group in Taipei and its affiliates in Hong Kong and Mainland China. In the United States, Jess is a professional speaker based near Hollywood where he helps others find their strengths on leadership presence, brand awareness, crisis communication, and on-camera strategies.

In his second appearance on Access To Anyone, relationship expert and author Andy Lopata, reveals why asking for help is the only real way to revolutionize our careers. Oh, and he shows us how to do it too. During our conversation, we also take a deep dive into what it really means to get honest with each other (and ourselves) and how this will ultimately deepen our connections and improve our lives.

A specialist in professional relationships and networking for over 20 years, Andy Lopata was called ‘one of Europe’s leading business networking strategists’ by the Financial Times and ‘a true master of networking’ by The Independent and Forbes.com. A very experienced international speaker, Andy is the author of five books, has been quoted in a number of other business books and regularly quoted in the international press.

Andy is a Fellow and a Board Member of the Professional Speaking Association UK & Ireland (PSA) and a Fellow of the Learning and Performance Institute as well as a Master of the Institute for Sales Management. He is also one of just 26 recipients of the PSA’s top honour, the ‘Award of Excellence’.

Dr. Jim White has built an incredibly diverse career—from salesman and entrepreneur to psychologist and bestselling author. But the one common thread throughout his story is his passion for helping people. In today’s episode, Dr. White breaks down everything you need to know about doing business with trust, integrity, and confidence. He also unveils some killer financial advice that every entrepreneur should take to heart.

Dr. Jim White is Chairman and CEO of Post Harvest Technologies, Inc. and Growers Ice Company, Inc., Founder and CEO of PHT Opportunity Fund LP, and Founder and President of JL White International, LLC. He is the author of several acclaimed books—most recently, Opportunity Investing: How to Revitalize Urban and Rural Communities with Opportunity Funds. He is also author of the bestseller What’s My Purpose? A Journey of Personal and Professional Growth, which has been lauded by such industry leaders as Steven M.R. Covey and Jack Canfield. Dr. White holds a B.S. in civil engineering, an MBA, and a doctorate in psychology and organizational behavior.

Jim is also the founder of the customized yearlong, leadership and management transformation process, The Circle of Success; Jim White’s Classic Movie Series; and The Red Carpet Tour. These innovative events have attracted more than 100,000 participants worldwide, including Fortune 500 CEOs, management teams, entrepreneurs, governments, and trade associations.

Dr. White achieved international recognition as CEO of Blount World Trade Corporation, owner and Managing Director of ACEC Centrifugal Pumps NV, Belgium, and as Vice President and Division Manager of Ingersoll Rand Equipment Corporation. Throughout his career, he has bought, expanded, and sold 23 companies, operating in 44 countries. Jim acquires struggling businesses to revive and develop them into profitable enterprises using his business turnaround strategy. To date, Jim has generated more than $1.8 billion in revenue.

Audrey Holst is on a mission to stop our current perceptions of perfectionism from holding us back in our lives and careers. In today’s episode, she reveals how to rewire how we feel about perfection and, ultimately, ourselves. Audrey also breaks down the fascinating connections between perfectionism and our survival instincts, and shares why the most helpful thing you can do for yourself is simply reach out.

Audrey Holst helps people reform their perfectionism so they can reclaim their agency and put their full energy into what really matters. Her work uses a combination of mindfulness and neuroscience tools and combines over a decade of experience teaching yoga with deep knowledge of the nervous system and extensive training and work as a Certified Professional Coach through the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). Through her Fortitude & Flow® Process, Audrey guides individuals and groups through a holistic experience to shift the way they approach themselves and the things that matter to them – for good.

As the founder of Persyo, Mostafa Hosseini helps clients craft and implement one-page marketing plans that lead to big results. Today he breaks down his winning formulas for making that happen. He also reveals why leaders with written plans are way more likely to succeed, and talks about the true importance of being proactive in your relationship building.

Mostafa Hosseini is a serial entrepreneur, author, business coach, founder of Persyo Inc., and Creator of Simple Marketing Formula, Viral Coefficient Formula, and Simple Time Management Formula. Mostafa Helps Coaches, Consultants and Experts Develop & Implement Their 1-Page Marketing Plan In 7 Days Or Less.

Mostafa has been coaching and consulting for the past 10 years, helping businesses in various niches and industries grow and scale and become more profitable. He is an avid skier, hiker, reader and he loves to spend time with his family in his free time. Married to Ziba, his Sons’ names are Ali and Sina, and his burning desire is to have Harmony in life.

As the CEO of BrEpic Communications, bestselling author Justin Breen fosters a giant incubator of geniuses all over the world. In today’s episode, he reveals why mindset and network are the two keys to building a global brand. We also talk about the power of harnessing your unique brand of genius and unpack how taking action will create endless opportunities for yourself and your network.

Justin Breen is CEO of the PR firm BrEpic Communications and author of the No. 1 international best-selling book, Epic Business. Justin is hard-wired to seek out and create viral, thought-provoking stories that the media craves. And he finds the best stories when he networks with visionary entrepreneurs and executives who understand the value of investing in themselves and their businesses.

Justin believes strongly in the power of introductions and creates important relationships through those introductions. He is an extremely active member of Abundance 360, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Strategic Coach, Secret Knock and ProVisors, and he has an incredible global network of visionaries and exceptional businesses.

If there’s one thing that author and Naked founder Joel Primus has learned, it’s that we never have only one hero’s journey. And in today’s episode, he reveals why we should always seize the chance when the universe calls on us for new adventures. During our chat, Joel also gets candid about the ups and downs of starting his underwear business from the ground up, talks about his experience on the hit show Dragon’s Den, and shares the importance of helping others learn from your mistakes.

Joel Primus is the founder and creative visionary behind Naked (NASDAQ: NAKD). He helped raise over $17m, establishing retail distribution at Holt Renfrew, Nordstrom, Hudson Bay, and Bloomingdales as well as brokered a partnership with 3x NBA Champion Dwyane Wade on an exclusive Wade x Naked Collection.

Naked completed a merger with Australian-based industry powerhouse, Bendon Lingerie exiting in 2018. Recently, Joel co-founded Kosan, a travel clothing company, which launched one of the most successful Kickstarter apparel products of all time – reaching over $1million in sales in 30 days. He was one of the inaugural BC Business top 30 under 30 Entrepreneurs and is also an author and award-winning documentary filmmaker.

In today’s episode, author and business mentor Paul Higgins reveals how harnessing a high-performance mindset will help you innovate your business (and how to do it). During our conversation, Paul also opens up about the struggles with his kidney condition and how this played a transformative role in his career trajectory.

Paul Higgins is a Business Mentor, podcaster, and published author who helps Coaches & Consultants to Build Online Businesses to Fund Lifestyles. He has 26 years of experience in Sales & Marketing, finishing up an 18-year gig at The Coca-Cola Company leading the Marketing strategy for a $700m+ Business Unit. In 2011 he left to manage his inherited kidney condition. He has founded and sold two businesses and had a successful transplant from his best mate in February 2019.

With his newfound energy, he loves to mentor, spend time with my teenage children, and play golf. He has a book called Build Live Give, and 100% of the proceeds go to the Purple House.

What do cult leaders, propagandists, and hip-hop artists all have in common? Hype. Oh, and they’re also some of Michael F. Schein’s favorite topics. Yes, my former co-host Michael is back to break down all things hype—including how we can all harness its power in positive and meaningful ways. During our conversation, he also reveals some of the most fascinating (and surprising) insights from his new book, The Hype Handbook.

Michael F. Schein is a writer, speaker, business owner, and hype artist. He is the author of The Hype Handbook: 12 Indispensable Success Secrets From the World’s Greatest Propagandists, Self-Promoters, Cult Leaders, Mischief Makers, and Boundary Breakers (McGraw Hill, January 12, 2021).

His articles have appeared in Fortune, Forbes, Inc., Huffington Post, and Psychology Today. He speaks to international audiences spanning from the northeastern United States to the southeastern coast of China.

As founder and president of marketing agency MicroFame Media, he has launched campaigns and created content for companies including eBay, Magento, The Medici Group, University of Pennsylvania, Gordon College, University of California Irvine, United Methodist Publishing House, Ricoh, LinkedIn, and Citrix.

He has also recently begun practice the martial art Wing Chun, giving him yet another similarity with Robert Downey, Jr.