All We Know About the Stuff We Know

In this episode, Ashley and Dave sit down with serial entrepreneur and investor Frank Capan, whose business journey includes everything from selling donuts in middle school to building (and selling) a highly successful ATM company that grew from 2 employees to 170 in just a few years.

Frank opens up about:

• How growing up around family businesses shaped his entrepreneurial drive
• Early lessons from failing (and eating unsold inventory 🍩)
• The role of mentorship, partnership, and learning through failure
• How he simplified complex decisions by focusing on “the one thing”
• Why hiring great people matters more than building perfect systems
• What separates businesses that succeed from those that stall out

Whether you’re a founder, a leader, or just someone who loves a good business story, Frank’s insights will leave you inspired, encouraged, and equipped with practical lessons you can apply to your own leadership and growth journey.

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Ken Coleman’s Proximity Principle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kvp-xviiP8
• Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Proximity-Principle-Proven-Strategy-Career/dp/0978562038
• Identity Sports | Using Sports to Share the Gospel: https://www.identitysports.com/
• Gary Keller’s The One Thing: https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776
• The HopeKids Experience: https://hopekids.org/

What happens when a golf course designer becomes the president of a national nonprofit? You get Josh Taylor—engineer by trade, heart-led leader by calling. In this episode, Dave and Ashley sit down with Josh to explore how HopeKids serves thousands of families facing childhood illness through small, frequent moments of joy—and a strategy rooted in decision-making, discipline, and scalability.

Josh shares:

• His unexpected career pivot from engineering to nonprofit leadership
• The early days of launching HopeKids chapters without a roadmap
• How strategic planning, logic models, and custom-built tech power national growth
• The hardest decision he’s ever had to make—and what made it bearable
• Why good decisions aren’t always about being “right”—they’re about being ready

It’s a conversation about heart and hustle, spreadsheets and spirit, and how to build something that lasts without losing sight of the mission.

Mentioned in this Episode:

· Donate to HopeKids and learn more about the HopeKids experience: https://hopekids.org/

· Download our decision-making spreadsheet: https://focustools.podia.com/decision-analysis

· Purchase our e-book 5 Things You Need to Know About Making Decisions: https://www.focustools.com/5things

· Connect with Josh on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-taylor-b92b16127/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Color Palette Exploration

02:08 Meet Josh Taylor: From Australia to Nonprofit Leadership

04:46 Understanding Hope Kids: Mission and Impact

10:06 Josh's Journey: From Golf Course Design to Nonprofit

15:42 Leadership and Decision-Making in Nonprofits

20:52 Challenges of Nonprofit Growth and Sustainability

21:59 Setting Expectations in Nonprofit Leadership

22:56 Strategic Planning and Goal Alignment

25:13 Understanding Logic Models in Nonprofits

26:36 The Importance of Tying Activities to Goals

28:33 Evaluating New Opportunities Against Mission

29:12 Serving Families: Scale and Efficiency in Operations

31:18 Leveraging Technology for Nonprofit Success

34:09 Centralizing Operations for Greater Impact

35:43 The Role of a Nimble Board in Decision Making

37:46 Learning from Experience: Wisdom for the Future

39:33 The Decision-Making Process in Nonprofits

44:04 Looking Ahead: Future Plans for Hope Kids

What makes a decision a great one? It often comes down to this: knowing your musts from your wants. In this episode of All We Know About the Stuff We Know, Dave and Ashley walk through the fifth and final “thing you need to know” about making better decisions—how to use decision criteria to cut through the noise and get clarity.

You’ll learn:

• Why a pros and cons list often leaves you more confused
• The difference between musts (non-negotiables) and wants (priorities, not requirements)
• How to apply this concept to everyday decisions (buying a home) and billion-dollar ones (relocating a production plant)
• What it looks like when teams use this process—and what happens when they don’t

From Ashley’s story about potentially living in a pool house to Dave’s consulting tale about a multimillion-dollar Boeing-related decision, we explore how identifying your musts early can save you time, money, stress, and possibly your marriage (or at least your Sunday afternoons spent arguing about acreage).

Mentioned in this episode:

• Our Decision Focus courses and workshops: https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus
• Check out our book! https://www.focustools.com/5things
• Watch us (and subscribe!) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@focustoolsforlife

05:41 Decision-Making Framework Overview

08:03 Understanding Decision-Making Fears

10:10 The Importance of Decision Criteria

12:35 Cascading Decisions in Life

14:43 Defining Musts vs. Wants in Decision-Making

17:10 Applying Musts to Real Estate Decisions

19:33 Team Decision-Making Dynamics

22:25 Navigating Manufacturing Decisions

24:25 Establishing Musts and Wants in Decision Making

29:04 The Importance of Clarity in Decision Criteria

32:54 Applying Musts and Wants to Personal Decisions

37:14 Complex Decision-Making in High-Stakes Situations

44:10 The Impact of Clarity on Decision Outcomes

We’ve all faced those heavy decisions that seem to boil down to two painful choices: Should I stay or should I go? Take the leap or play it safe? Keep it or cut it loose?

In this episode of All We Know About the Stuff We Know, Dave and Ashley unpack one of the most common—and most limiting—traps in decision-making: binary framing. When we reduce decisions to a simple yes/no or either/or, we not only add pressure, we shrink the very options that could lead us to a better outcome.

Dave shares everything from blind wine tastings at home to boardroom debates over international expansion—all illustrating how reframing the question unlocks smarter, more creative, and more confident decisions.

Ashley gets personal, opening up about a time when binary framing nearly broke her: “It’s easy for our little pea brains to try to relieve pain by saying, ‘Should I stay or should I go?’ That’s honestly how I felt a few years ago, making the biggest decision of my life—should I get a divorce? Yes or no. My gosh, there was so much pressure. But when I reframed the decision to ‘Choose best life for Ashley’—everything shifted. My heart opened. I had options. I had hope.”

This episode will help you:

• Recognize when you’re stuck in binary thinking
• Use the “Goldilocks zone” of decision framing to find better options
• Reclaim your creativity and clarity—at work, at home, and even at Taco Tuesday

🎧Tune in and learn the small shift that makes a big difference in any decision.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Our Decision Focus courses and workshops: https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus
• Find out your DiSC style: https://bit.ly/DiSCstyle
• Let Me Clear My Throat by DJ Kool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG9ZWUitFik
• The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz: https://www.amazon.com/Paradox-Choice-Why-More-Less/dp/0060005696
• Check out our book! https://www.focustools.com/5things

In this engaging conversation, Dave and Ashley welcome Tim Traudt, a seasoned leader with over 40 years of experience in banking and financial management. They discuss Tim's journey from being an average student to an amazing leader of thousands, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and building trust within teams. Tim shares valuable insights on leadership principles, the significance of prioritization, and the impact of encouragement in the workplace. The discussion also touches on Tim's book, which explores leadership lessons from U.S. presidents, and concludes with reflections on personal growth and the responsibilities of leadership.

Mentioned in this episode:

Tim’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Executive-Office-Presidents-Through-Leadership-ebook/dp/B0BGYT9XXD/

Our book: https://www.focustools.com/5things

Mark Manson’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713

Gary Keller’s book: https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776

Support Tim’s organization in Ukraine: https://www.familyofchristinternational.org/donate

Align your team’s strategies with their vision, purpose, goals, roles with our ATP workshop: https://www.focustools.com/atp

Level up your decision making power & confidence with Decision Focus: https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus

Chapters

01:48 Upcoming Series on Leadership and Decision Making

04:46 Introducing Tim: A Journey from Average to Exceptional

07:12 Tim's Early Career and Influential Mentors

10:00 Transitioning to Private Banking and Team-Based Approaches

14:09 Relinquishing Leadership for Growth

18:32 Evolution of Leadership Style and Principles

20:43 The Essence of Leadership and Communication

22:42 Adaptability vs. Resilience in Leadership

28:43 Building Relationships and Allies

34:52 The Power of Encouragement in Leadership

40:03 Strategic Communication and Prioritization

44:15 Advancing Team Performance

47:11 The Importance of Prioritization

48:36 Building Trust as a Leader

51:32 Life After Corporate: Finding Purpose

52:52 Leadership Lessons from U.S. Presidents

55:55 Giving Back Through Leadership Development

Keywords

leadership, decision making, mentorship, teamwork, adaptability, communication, trust, encouragement, prioritization, personal growth, atp, decision focus

Is fear driving your decision making? In this episode of All We Know About the Stuff We Know, Ashley and Dave tackle the fears that get in the way of making effective decisions—and how to overcome them.

Why You Should Listen:

This episode delves into the psychology behind why fears—like fear of failure, loss, or being judged—tend to shape our decisions and often hold us back from making important choices. Dave and Ashley explore practical ways to name and tame your fears so you can move forward with more confidence, whether at work or in your personal life. The dialogue also touches on the dynamics of team decision-making, highlighting the impact of groupthink and the importance of creating an environment where all voices are heard. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to confront their fears and embrace growth for better decision-making.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify Your Fears: Whether it’s fear of failure, regret, the unknown, loss, or judgment, recognizing your fears is the first step toward making better decisions.
• The Role of Fear in Behavior: Dave discusses how fear can unconsciously drive decision-making, often without us realizing it.
• Loss Aversion Bias: Understanding why we naturally focus on avoiding loss rather than seeking gains—and how that mindset can hold us back.
• DiSC Styles and Fear: Different DiSC behavioral styles experience decision-making fears differently—like the dominant D style’s fear of losing control.
• Team Dynamics and Fear: How fear of judgment or contradicting groupthink can stifle innovation and smart decision-making within teams.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• What does each DiSC Style fear? Read our blog: https://www.focustools.com/post/what-does-each-disc-style-fear
• Want to find out your DiSC Style? Take the DiSC survey here: https://bit.ly/DiSCstyle
• Is your team facing a complex decision? Book a workshop: https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus
• Want to be a better decision maker in 20 minutes? Download our ebook: https://www.focustools.com/5things
• Want to dive deep and learn our decision making processes on demand? Take one of our courses: https://www.focustools.com/decision-focus-courses

Connect with Us:

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestuffweknowshow

Watch us (and subscribe!) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@focustoolsforlife

Work with us: https://www.focustools.com

Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain over it? In this episode, Ashley and Dave tackle the kind of chaos that doesn’t come with easy answers—messy work situations, unexpected leadership changes, and the creeping urge to quit. Instead of defaulting to “stay or go,” they introduce a smarter way to sort through the mess: Situation Analysis. You’ll laugh (cabinet paint colors and cats are involved), you’ll think (about comfort vs. growth and of course Dave drops the mic on us 🎤), and you’ll walk away with a framework that can make even the gnarliest problems feel manageable. They also discuss why binary thinking ("should I stay or should I go?") limits your choices—and how reframing the decision can open up new, better options. Whether you’re overwhelmed at work or navigating personal frustration, this episode offers a calm, clear way to find your next move. Bonus: Dave and Ashley talk about their Decision-Focus course, where you can learn these tools at your own pace—plus get coaching when real life gets tricky. Hit play and find out why this just might be the best tool you’ve never used.

🛠 Learn more about the process (and get your own downloadable worksheets): www.FocusTools.com/Decision-Focus

💡Want to book a workshop with us or have a question for Ash & Dave? Email [email protected] or find us on Instagram @thestuffweknowshow

Mentioned in this episode:

Ashley’s amazing retractable sliding screen door: https://g.co/kgs/kciek8c

Her favorite green for kitchen cabinets: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-colors/color/509/cypress-green

Is your life a mess? Figure it out with Situation Analysis: https://focustools.podia.com/situation-analysis

Choose how to make better decisions with Decision Analysis: https://focustools.podia.com/decision-analysis

PS: We wrote a book! Here’s what people are saying so far about 5 Things You Need to Know About Decision Making…

• “You don’t know what you don’t know until you read this book.”

• “This is an example of something we all think we’re good at it…and we’re not.”

• “Very practical and immediately usable. The decision-making framework and tools are outstanding resources for business and everyday life decisions.”

We’ll be discussing each of the 5 things in our upcoming episodes, so make sure to click that subscribe button so you’ll get notified! Grab your copy of the book: https://www.focustools.com/5things

What’s the second thing we need to know about making decisions? In this conversation, Ashley and Dave explore intricacies of decision-making, focusing on different styles and the impact of personality on choices. They discuss the concepts of maximizing versus satisficing, the DiSC model, and the importance of self-awareness in making effective decisions. You’ll learn how to get consensus if one person is a slower decision maker than you, how valuing harmony impacts the decisions you make, and whether or not crowdsourcing is a good idea. You’ll also hear Dave’s super deep unintentional question that cracked Ashley up and briefly made her question all her life’s choices.

Spoiler Alert: She’s a maximizer.

"If you're getting buy-in for the sake of just avoiding conflict rather than seeking an optimal solution, then that might not be a good thing.” - Dave

Want to know more about how your DiSC style impacts your decision making? Take the assessment for yourself: https://bit.ly/DiSCstyle

Get a promo code to find out your decision making DiSC style when you buy our ebook 5 Things You Need to Know About Decision Making. Here’s what people are saying so far …

· “This is an example of something we all think we’re good at it…and we’re not.”

· “Very practical and immediately usable. The decision-making framework and tools are outstanding resources for business and everyday life decisions.”

Get your copy here! https://www.focustools.com/5things

Takeaways

· Understanding decision-making styles is crucial for effective choices.

· Maximizers seek the best options, while satisficers settle for good enough.

· Self-awareness plays a key role in how we make decisions.

· The DiSC model can help identify decision-making tendencies.

· Crowdsourcing opinions can lead to confusion without clear boundaries.

· Decision fatigue can impact our ability to make choices.

· Different situations may require different decision-making approaches.

· Knowing your style can improve team dynamics and decision outcomes.

· Emotional factors often influence decision-making processes.

· It's important to balance speed and quality in decision-making.

In this episode you will learn:

• The Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 decisions
• What RAPID Roles stands for and how it helps you get to a decision faster
• How to move forward when your partner says no to whatever you want to do
• The key thing you're doing wrong when making (or not making) the decision; aka the life changing nugget that blew Ashley's mind

In this conversation, Ashley and Dave discuss how understanding types of decisions can alleviate the stress associated with decision-making, particularly in personal and professional contexts. The conversation also delves into the importance of defining decision roles within teams and the accountability that comes with having veto power. By reframing failure as an opportunity for evolution and using DiSC (don't forget to find out your style below!), they provide insights into making more effective decisions and learning from past experiences.

Takeaways

• Type one decisions are reversible and less costly.
• Type two decisions require careful consideration and expert input.
• Understanding decision types can reduce anxiety in decision-making.
• Decision roles clarify who has authority in the process.
• Veto power comes with the responsibility to propose alternatives.
• Emotional costs should be factored into decision-making.
• Organizations often confuse type one and type two decisions.
• A good decision now is better than a great decision later.
• You can give yourself permission to fail in personal decisions.
• Learning from past decisions can improve future outcomes.

Sound Bites

• "The cost of failure is no big deal."
• "You can give yourself permission to fail."
• "The cost of the internal struggle is high."

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Decision Types

03:05 Navigating Type Two Decisions

05:58 The Importance of Decision Roles

09:11 Managing Veto Power in Decisions

11:54 Personal Decision Dynamics

14:56 Learning from Decision-Making Experiences

PS: We wrote a book! Here’s what people are saying so far about 5 Things You Need to Know About Decision Making…

• “You don’t know what you don’t know until you read this book.”
• “This is an example of something we all think we’re good at it…and we’re not.”
• “Very practical and immediately usable. The decision-making framework and tools are outstanding resources for business and everyday life decisions."

Grab your copy of the book: https://www.focustools.com/5things

Find out your DiSC style: https://bit.ly/DiSCstyle

Work with Us: https://www.focustools.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestuffweknowshow

Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/StuffWeKnowShowOnApple

Rate us on Spotify: https://bit.ly/StuffWeKnowShowOnSpotify

Watch us (and subscribe!) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@focustoolsforlife

In this behind the scenes view, Ashley and Dave open up their weekly call to Stuff We Know Show podcast listeners. They discuss various personal updates, including health issues, home renovation challenges, and insights into entrepreneurship. They share experiences related to decision-making in home projects, the impact of health on daily life, and the importance of being adaptable as an entrepreneur. Dave reflects on the importance of intuition in decision-making, especially when it comes to hiring contractors, and the lessons learned from this experience.

Key Takeaways

• Ignoring intuition can lead to costly decisions.
• Urgency in decision-making can cloud judgment.
• Unexpected costs often arise in home renovation projects.
• Health issues can significantly impact daily life and decision-making.
• Entrepreneurship requires a comfort with uncertainty and adaptability.
• Life can be viewed as a comedy, depending on perspective.
• Effective communication is crucial in project management.
• Reflecting on past decisions can help improve future choices.
• Building a support network is essential for navigating challenges.

Sound Bites

• "We need more money, send us money."
• “How hard can it be?”
• "Do we have our own jingle too?"
• "I don't care, next."
• "This is the one we're trying right now."
• "It's terrible. It's comedy."

PS: We wrote a book! Here’s what people are saying so far about 5 Things You Need to Know About Decision Making…

· “You don’t know what you don’t know until you read this book.”

· “This is an example of something we all think we’re good at it…and we’re not.”

· “Very practical and immediately usable. The decision-making framework and tools are outstanding resources for business and everyday life decisions.”

We’ll be discussing each of the 5 things in our upcoming episodes, so make sure to click that subscribe button so you’ll get notified!

Grab your copy of the book: https://www.focustools.com/5things

Find out your DiSC style: https://bit.ly/DiSCstyle

Work with Us: https://www.focustools.com

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestuffweknowshow

Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/StuffWeKnowShowOnApple

Rate us on Spotify: https://bit.ly/StuffWeKnowShowOnSpotify

Watch us (and subscribe!) on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@focustoolsforlife

Keywords decision-making, intuition, project management, financial surprises, life reflections, entrepreneurship, decision making, health, contractor issues, decision making, intuition, respiratory virus, home improvement