Becoming Preferred

SEASON: 6 EPISODE: 1

Episode Overview:

Welcome to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for entrepreneurs and business leaders dedicated to building a life of purpose and prosperity. Today, we have a guest whose journey proves that the most valuable lessons are often learned in the fire. My guest is Bennett Maxwell, a serial entrepreneur who went from door-to-door selling to building a nationwide franchise empire with Dirty Dough. He's a master of turning adversity into a competitive advantage, navigating a high-profile legal battle that ultimately propelled his brand into the national spotlight. 

But his story is more than just business. Bennett is an advocate for mental health and believes that true success is about building a business that supports your life, not consumes it. Today, we're talking about how he built a franchise system from the ground up, the critical mindset shifts required for explosive growth, and why he’s now focused on helping other entrepreneurs find their path to financial freedom. Get ready to learn the business playbook from a man who's seen it all. Join me for my conversation with Bennett Maxwell.

Guest Bio:

Bennett Maxwell is an entrepreneur and investor that likes to move fast and grow with other like-minded leaders.

Bennett is a serial entrepreneur, franchise mentor and mental‑health advocate. After exiting multiple companies (including Dirty Dough Cookies), Bennett now helps aspiring entrepreneurs build wealth through franchising while staying mentally resilient.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://bennettmaxwell.com/
• Product Link: https://bennettmaxwell.com/franchise/ 

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:31 I had purchased Dirty Dough with the intent of franchising it

05:54  Even working within an organization, you can still be an intrapreneur

07:19 T he emotion's typically attached with the journey rather than the destination

09:22 A lot of people  are chasing the thing that's going to fix their life

12:21  I've contemplated bankruptcy more days than I want to admit

14:39  I hired really good advisors that had been in the game

17:40  I guess the new mission statement is freedom from constant thought to live a life of ease and gratitude

22:46  I've always been able to do what I need to do whenever I need to do it

25:58  I couldn't fully enjoy it because I could never be present

29:54  Tell everybody what you're doing and try to find really good advisors

34:10 What are your goals?

35:54  it's really hard, I think to start something, because you just don't know what you don't know

38:29 Your website bennettmaxwell.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennett-maxwell-703717126/

Twitter: https://x.com/bennettmaxwell0?lang=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bennettmaxwell35

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyho7xB9vJbK7lsYCKz0iYw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bennettmaxwell35/?hl=en

Podcast - Deeper Than Dough: https://bennettmaxwell.com/podcast/

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 36

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, where we help you become the emotional favorite in your market. Today we are in for a masterclass on a topic that is the very foundation of all business success: marketing. My guest is someone who has spent his entire career at the intersection of brand strategy, consumer behavior, and marketing innovation.

We have the privilege of sitting down with Greg Licciardi. As the Vice President of Sponsorships and Partner Programs at the Association of National Advertisers, the ANA, he works with some of the most influential brands in the world, helping them elevate their campaigns and connect with their audience. With an MBA from Fordham and over a decade of experience as an Adjunct Professor of Marketing, he’s not just a practitioner; he's an educator who understands the principles behind what works. He’s also the author of the new book, The Holy Grail of Marketing. From American Express to Univision, Greg has consistently delivered award-winning results and today he's here to share his hard-won wisdom with all of us. Get ready to rethink how you approach your marketing efforts. Join me for my conversation with Greg Licciardi.

Guest Bio:

Greg Licciardi received his MBA from Fordham University and his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Marketing at Fordham and Seton Hall universities for the past ten years.

As Vice President of Sponsorships and Partner Programs at the ANA, Association of National Advertisers, he consults with leading brands on how to elevate their marketing campaigns using the ANA's vast resources and events. He has also held senior leadership roles at American Express, Univision and Worth Media Group where he has won numerous awards.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://holygrailofmarketing.com/
• Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Grail-Marketing-Greg-Licciardi/dp/B0F8KP9TNK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4EP267K9ERYG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.gylKSSBpgd1EJTYsGOSWvsJ-OmqnSJ8W62eDJe8pD3d7tcz7MXDrpeX9AtE_ziw1KqzF_wMbRCy4EPL2ypRVQq4nYCMnoAOSol0dAEWtqSGlh9vfeJ74nYHuWGWqmlIKw3W-DIs

 Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:37 This is a really good question because marketing has changed greatly

06:11 Your book is entitled The Holy Grail of Marketing

07:19 I  started researching other companies that were doing it really well

10:06 My goal with the book is to make it the must read modern day marketing book

11:08  I love the whole point of the right message at the right time, with the right individual and in the right environment

12:04  That's the positive side of AI, personalization with authenticity

14:18  How can we stop the customer from burning calories?

16:18 In that chapter I write about how sales and marketing are increasingly converging

21:10 I still teach the four Ps of marketing: Price, Product, Placement, and Promotion

23:30  I write about that in the book. I'm so happy you brought that up...the why

24:24  He calls it, What's your because?

25:30  A lot of today is about storytelling

28:05  Brands can't lose sight of the value of brand purpose

30:26  One campaign doesn't fit all niches

33:02  You also have to be a good networker

35:31  Don't always take the shortcut

36:19  The website is holygrailofmarketing.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greglicciardi/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greglicciardi/

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 35

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast! Do you ever feel like you've hit a ceiling in your business or career? You're successful, you've got a great team, but there's a nagging feeling that you're capable of more—if only you could get unstuck. Our guest to day understands that feeling better than anyone. He's the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, a coaching company built specifically for established business owners and professionals who are ready to b reak through to that next level of growth without sacrificing their health or their values.

With over two decades of leadership experience—from launching his first business at 21 to managing a national sales force of over 300—he knows the entrepreneurial journey from the ground up. He's ditched the generic, one-size-fits-all approach to coaching in favor of something deeply personal and effective and he brings a refreshingly honest and grounded voice to the conversation, and he's here to help us do the work that actually works. Please join me for my conversation with the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, Mike Irving.

Guest Bio:

Mike Irving is the founder of Advanced Business Abilities, a coaching company designed for established business owners who know they’re capable of more—but haven’t yet found a support system that truly meets them where they are.

With over two decades of leadership experience—from launching his first business at 21 to managing a national sales force of over 300—Mike understands the highs of entrepreneurial success and the hidden costs that often come with it: burnout, disconnection, and stalled progress.

Frustrated by one-size-fits-all coaching programs that glossed over individual nuance, Mike set out to build something different. The result was Advanced Business Abilities: a coaching platform that combines deeply personal insight with practical, strategic execution.

One of the unique aspects of ABA’s methodology is the Success Predictor Profile—a proprietary tool backed by 50+ years of scientific research—that helps easily and efficiently identify a person's strengths, weaknesses, and blindspots and allows ABA to give business owners a custom blueprint for growth, performance, and alignment.

Today, Mike works with owners leading teams of 5 or more, who are not just chasing revenue but want to lead with integrity, improve decision-making, and grow without sacrificing their health or values. His approach resonates with founders who are practical, values-driven, and actively investing in their long-term success.

Whether he’s coaching in a boardroom or speaking on a podcast, Mike brings a refreshingly honest, grounded voice to the leadership conversation—always focused on helping others do the work that actually works.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com/
• Free Discovery Session: https://advancedbusinessabilities.com/individual-sales-coaching/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:36  I found a job that I could learn how to do, going door to door, doing sales and commission only

04:36  What does it take to be successful today?

08:19  If I have resistance within me, that resistance can and will activate resistance in the other person

08:40 You developed the Success Predictor Profile

12:28  It's kind of like looking at a person through the analogy of a helicopter

14:19  Identifying if there are blind spots in general, competency is super important

19:45  One of the things I was very interested in is what you call the psychology of effortless selling

22:11  My definition for sales: Sales is effective communication towards action and commitment

24:59  One of the first questions that I ask every time...

26:15 Those stepping stones are attention, interest, desire, action, and commitment

28:31  It's really the art of the questions

31:19  Really comes down to the person's willingness to be completely open, honest, and transparent

33:16  There's a part of that process that is the result of win-lose thinking

35:02  It's a lie that most people believe, that in order to be successful or earn more money, I have to work harder

36:25  I often call it 'unseen leadership'

37:31  The first thing is to continue to work on yourself

38:14  I've never, ever, in my life, seen an opportunity wandering around on its own 

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irvingmike/

Business LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/advanced-business-abilities/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvancedBusinessAbilities/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChbg_ESzS4rqG-Ew_DJ_utA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advancedbusinessabilities/

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 34

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast where we talk to the people and hear the stories and insights that can help us build better professional and personal lives.

Have you ever wondered what separates a good idea from a truly brilliant one? Or how some companies seem to effortlessly innovate while others struggle to survive? Our guest today has made it his life’s work to answer those very questions.

Today, we're joined by Alan Gregerman, a renowned author, speaker, and consultant who believes we all have the capacity for genius. Alan isn't just about big ideas; he's about unlocking the incredible potential that exists within each of us and the organizations we're a part of. He’s going to share how a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us can lead to breakthroughs we never thought possible.

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking for that next big idea or a business professional trying to foster a culture of innovation, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Get ready to rethink how brilliance actually happens and discover the keys to becoming more creative, innovative, and successful than you ever imagined. J oin me for my conversation with Alan Gregerman.

Guest Bio:

Alan Gregerman is an author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant, teacher, researcher, and community volunteer who is constantly trying to figure out how to unlock the genius in all of us and all of the companies and organizations we work for.  

Alan believes that we all have the ability to be way more creative, innovative, and successful than we ever imagined by having a better understanding of ourselves, the world around us, and how brilliance actually occurs.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://alangregerman.com/
• Product Link: https://alangregerman.com/resources/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

05:00  I think it was your first book, The Necessity of Strangers came out in 2013

05:41  The simple notion that 99% of all new ideas are based on somebody's thinking

08:10  We're all innovative if we're curious

09:23  We often think about innovation as you know, who's got a brilliant idea

11:37  I would never start an innovative thinking session in a room with a bunch of people who come in with what they know and their expertise

13:55 I start with purpose

15:02  So, what you've done is you've paid to figure out how to be the best of the worst

16:50  I ask audiences sometimes when I'm speaking, what if Apple got into your business? What would that look like?

19:04  They need to put their best customers at the center of their business, and they need to design around them

23:34  What kind of questions should they be asking to gain truly valuable insights?

24:22 The second is what I call serendipity

25:17 Strangers matter because they think differently than I do and my friends do

27:35 We need to eat our lunch before someone else does

29:06  I don't think being clever and curious costs money

30:39  We're going to get out there and figure out how to be more amazing together

32:23 We can't behave as though the world is going to stand still

37:00  We have to create cultures in which we're open to these ideas and willing to give them a fair test

39:36  The reality is every business can sharpen its pencil

40:12  Releasing a new book called Wisdom of Ignorance

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-gregerman-a33b236/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alangregerman5885

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agregerman/

Blog: https://alangregerman.com/blog/

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 33

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast dedicated to empowering you to become the preferred choice in your industry, your business, and your life. Today we're tackling a topic that is essential for every entrepreneur and business professional striving for significant growth: momentum. We all have ambitious goals, but sometimes the path forward feels muddled by roadblocks, self-doubt, or just plain inertia. How do you consistently take action that truly matters? How do you move forward with genuine clarity and unwavering confidence?

Our guest today is an expert in exactly that. She helps individuals unlock their potential by teaching them how to build and leverage momentum. She's going to share actionable strategies to overcome those persistent roadblocks and propel you towards your most important objectives. Get ready to shift from dreaming to doing, with purpose and power. Please join me in welcoming the incredible Cat Mulvihill!

Guest Bio:

Cat Mulvihill is an acclaimed expert dedicated to helping business professionals and entrepreneurs transform their ambitions into tangible achievements. With a focus on "Using Momentum to Take Meaningful Action Towards the Goals That Matter," Cat empowers her clients to navigate challenges, conquer self-doubt, and consistently move forward with clarity and confidence. She understands the unique pressures faced by leaders and founders, providing practical, actionable strategies to overcome analysis paralysis, leverage small wins, and sustain progress even amidst demanding schedules.

Through her insightful coaching and proven frameworks, Cat equips individuals to identify their true priorities, dismantle roadblocks, and build unstoppable momentum towards their most significant personal and professional aspirations. Discover more about her work and how you can build your own momentum at CatMulvihill.com.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://catmulvihill.com 
• Product Link: https://catmulvihill.com/work-with-me/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:12 In 2024, I finally was diagnosed with ADHD

05:17 This idea of the Momentum Formula and that there are three different roadblocks and then there are three different approaches

07:32 You've got Method, Mode and Mindset

10:14 A lot of people know what to do, but they don't actually have a method or a plan in place

11:57 I call it BEEP: Biology Expectations, Environment, and Preferences

12:39 We all naturally either meet or resist expectations

16:18 I think where traditional advice starts to fail us is that they don't look at the why not

19:38 How important is it to have a clarity of your values and your mindset and linking that behavior to values?

22:45 I believe we all have blind spots

26:44 There was still a cost because the indecision was a cost

28:40 Over time, your preferences may change

30:32 H ow do I make it shiny and new?

32:36 I have actually reached out and said to another person, Hey, do you wanna be an accountability buddy on this?

34:47 I think that it's really important to embrace discernment

36:13 Your intuition's really quiet and fear is really loud

37:37 Are there specific practices you recommend for revitalization?

40:20 When you start to focus on some of those foundational habits...

43:25 Stay curious and to sort of step into the role of an observer

45:02 The website's catmulvihill.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mulvihillcatherine/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/catmulvihill

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/catmulvihill

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catmulvihill

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 32

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, the show dedicated to helping you achieve more and reach your highest potential. Today, we have an incredible guest who is going to challenge everything you think you know about success and productivity.

In our fast-paced world, we're taught that being busy is a badge of honor, but what if that very belief is holding you back from your true potential? Our guest is here to show us a new way. Peggy Sullivan is a renowned keynote speaker, author, and researcher who has dedicated her life to helping individuals and Fortune 500 companies break free from the "hustle culture."

As a self-proclaimed "busyness addict in recovery," Peggy has developed a transformative, research-backed methodology called the "Busy Busting Framework," which she outlines in her latest book, Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More with Less. Get ready to rethink your approach to work and life, as Peggy shares her powerful insights on how to achieve peak performance without sacrificing your well-being or happiness. Join me now for my conversation with Peggy Sullivan.

Guest Bio:

Peggy Sullivan is a renowned keynote speaker, author, researcher, and expert in the field of overcoming busyness and achieving peak performance. With years of extensive research and a transformative methodology, Peggy has helped individuals and organizations unlock their true potential without compromising well-being or happiness. Her research-backed framework has been successfully implemented by numerous individuals, teams, and Fortune 500 companies, including Google, Bank of America, Blue Cross BlueShield, and Ingram Micro.

Driven by her mission to shift the narrative from busy to fulfilled, Peggy is dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses to prioritize meaning and happiness over the Huscle Culture. In her latest book, "Beyond Busyness: How to Achieve More with Less," she teaches her signature Busy Busting Framework, a practical three-step methodology that has already benefited thousands, guiding them away from the busy treadmill and towards a life filled with intention, fulfillment, and remarkable outcomes.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.peggysullivanspeaker.com/
• Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Busyness-Achieve-Doing-Less%EF%BB%BF/dp/B0DGMPZTBG 

Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:23 I think you wrote your book, Achieve More by Doing Less. Break Free From the Busyness Trap, for me

03:22 I had four wake up calls

05:55 My dad and his family escaped the Holocaust

07:44 I knew I had a problem, but I didn't know what the solution was

09:10 We identified 25, what we call busy habits, low value activities

09:53 Whenever you're trying to change an addictive behavior, you have to replace it with dopamine

11:04 An interesting concept that you introduced was the concept of time poverty

11:44 We forget about how busyness impacts our colleagues, our friends, our workers, our families

13:52 And there are so many "times sucks"

15:20 It takes the average person 23 minutes to reclaim the mental state that they were in

17:52 I researched over 12,000 people to understand what values equate to quality of life

19:35 How do we get our mojo working in the right direction?

20:20 Being in customer service is a really hard job

22:07 I believe that values are very universal

25:01 In 2023 you came out and created the busy report

28:07 It takes daily diligence

28:37 What would you do with five to seven hours if you had new found time?

30:00 Human connection is the most important currency we have

31:52 Knowledge is power

32:30 The challenge is, when you're in the middle of it, sometimes you don't see

33:23 We can self-correct, but we need to become self-aware

34:03 Check out peggysullivanspeaker.com

35:19 As soon as you start to subtract low value things, you already feel relief

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggyasullivan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/peggysullivanspeaker

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyVk8tpyJYL_aqyqb6HOLGA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peggysullivanspeaker/

TedX: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo1Bmz8q-BM

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 31 

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred, the podcast for professionals and entrepreneurs who are ready to build their expertise and dominate their industry. Have you ever felt like you're doing all the right things, but still not getting the results you want? What if the key to unlocking your next level of success isn't about working harder, but about understanding the invisible habits of thought that are running the show?

Our guest today is a world-class expert on this very topic. She is a best-selling author of the book I See You. Her work is all about helping individuals and organizations achieve more without burning out by aligning their thoughts with their goals. She is on a mission to help people get out of their own way so they can build a life and a business they love. Please join me for my conversation with Amy Kemp.

Guest Bio:

Amy Kemp is the owner and CEO of Amy Kemp, Inc. In her work within this growing company, Amy helps leaders and business professionals understand how deeply “thought habits” impact every part of their work and lives.

As a certified Habit Finder coach, Amy has led over 400 female business leaders through a four-month small group engagement called Encounter. This experience is designed to help clients replace subconscious thought habits that are no longer serving them with more healthy ones. She has worked through the Habit Finder curriculum with hundreds of leaders in one-on-one settings and with leadership teams at small and large companies.

In addition, Amy teaches two engaging online courses each year in the fall and spring that are designed to challenge and expand her clients’ understanding of themselves and to welcome new, curious people into the scope of her work. Some of the most popular topics in her library of offerings are “Money Is a Mirror” and “A Boundary Is Not a Wall.”

Finally, with the launch of her first book, I See You: A Guide for Women to Make More, Have More, and Be More – Without More Work, on February 29, 2024, Amy has created an opportunity for everyone to learn and engage with her and the principles that guide her coaching. 

Resource Links:

• Website: www.amykemp.com
• Product Link: https://amykemp.com/habit-finder-assessment/ 

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:47 Nobody in here is smarter than anyone else

07:24 Your work really revolves around the idea fundamentally that thought creates habit, and habit creates results

09:30 We're hardwired to survive

10:35 In the title of your book, I See You, A Guide for Women to Make More, Have More and Be More...Without More Work

12:04 The core message of the book is that you can't outwork your thought habits

12:51 Women generally still carry the absolute majority weight of the unpaid labor in our world

14:40 If in fact you're choosing to do the unpaid labor...

16:40 I think families are businesses

18:50 There has to be an intentional division of that labor that isn't just falling on one person

21:23 Your work with the Habit Finder Assessment is really the cornerstone of your coaching

23:25 Everyone has a wall when you first encounter them

24:50 You need to have more guilt free play

27:11 That's the kind of energy that grows a business or that grows your leadership

31:20 If you want to sustain any kind of discipline in that way, it has to be connected to a deeper value or a deeper purpose

31:35 Playtime is an investment in growing my income and impact and influence

32:17 The world has a lot of external noise around what is success. For me, there's three pillars

33:15 Eventually, when you resist structure for long enough in those areas, structure imposes itself upon you

34:28 It's about knowing what you want to create, and then being intentional about creating it

37:31 You have to define what's success to you, none of it is going with you

38:19 I would pay attention to the opportunity for personal or professional growth that's right in front of you

39:22 The website's amykemp.com

Connect Socially:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/See-You-Guide-Women-More-Without/dp/1774584425/ref=sr_1_1

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amykempinc

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykempinc/

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 30

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to Becoming Preferred podcast. The podcast dedicated to providing business professionals and entrepreneurs with the strategies and mindset to not just succeed, but to truly thrive and create the life they desire. Today, we have a guest whose journey completely redefines conventional wisdom. He's a living testament that success isn't confined to traditional paths. In fact, sometimes, the most profound insights come from those who forge their own way.

Our guest is Ken Rusk, the bestselling author of "Blue-Collar Cash," host of the "Comfort, Peace & Freedom" podcast, and the visionary behind "The Path to a Successful Life" course. Ken built a remarkable empire and a life of purpose over four decades, all without a for mal higher education. He's not just building businesses, he's building lives, and fostering a truly employee-centric culture. Get ready for an incredibly insightful conversation that will challenge your assumptions and empower your professional journey. Join me now for my conversation with Ken Rusk.

Guest Bio:

Ken Rusk is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker who achieved WSJ Bestseller status with "Blue-Collar Cash" during the pandemic. He hosts the podcast "Comfort, Peace & Freedom" and empowers individuals through his impactful course, "The Path to a Successful Life."

Ken's unique journey includes appearances on Fox & Friends, Tucker Carlson Tonight, and America's Newsroom. His insights have been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Fox Business, and more. Without formal higher education, Ken's diverse accomplishments include awards like Top Workplaces in Ohio and numerous Franchise of the Year honors.

As the founder of Rusk Industries, he collaborates with notable figures and supports charitable organizations. With over four decades of experience, Ken continues to inspire through speaking engagements. He's currently working on a book about fostering employee-centric business culture for growth.

Resource Links:

• Website: kenrusk.com & veteransuccess.org
• Product Link: https://courses.kenrusk.com/ 

Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:21 Your book, Blue Collar Cash

05:44 Did you have a paper route?

08:32 You learn by what you see sometimes

10:20 I wish they would put out the same statistics that they do for professional football players

15:37 What was the biggest lesson I got out of college?

19:04 The law of supply and demand never fails us

21:12 I don't necessarily care what you do for a living as much as I care what you do with what you do for a living

22:39 Focus on the people, not the product

23:22 I've always thought that you had to go to college to be smart enough to be an entrepreneur

25:16 I call it putting a rudder on your boat

26:54 I practice being grateful

29:46 We're going to walk a higher tightrope, but we're going to raise the net

31:23 What's the lesson here? What's the opportunity?

33:05 There's always multiple pathways of things that are happening at the same time

34:28 That's kind of how I create the balance, by starting with the dessert and putting the meal second

35:51 The work intensifies, if you plan it within your fun

37:27 When you can love your work, secure your future, and find happiness for life, how does it get better than that?

39:56 Spontaneity is an amazing thing that people don't give credit for

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://courses.kenrusk.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KenRuskOfficial/

Twitter (X): twitter.com/KenRuskOfficial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCobMStuxuarzLDFSMgX7u0A

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenruskofficial/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenrusk.official

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfort-peace-freedom-with-ken-rusk/id1660815664

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 29

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. The podcast that helps business professionals and entrepreneurs go from being just another option to being the emotional favorite. Today we're addressing a topic that so many of us navigate daily: the power of quiet leadership. The business world often celebrates the loudest voice in the room, but what if the most powerful leaders are actually the ones who are thinking, listening, and observing?

Our guest today is a living testament to this idea. With over two decades as a successful product and technology executive, he's led teams and scaled startups, but he's here today as the voice of the quiet thinker. He's the host of the Powerful Introvert podcast and newsletter, and he's on a mission to help introverted professionals and leaders embrace their natural strengths and thrive on their own terms. Please join me for my conversation with Greg Weinger.

Guest Bio:

What if the best leaders weren’t the loudest voices in the room?

Greg Weinger has spent over 20 years proving that introverts and unconventional thinkers can thrive in leadership. A seasoned product and technology executive, he has helped scale startups 10X to $70M+ in revenue, leading teams that build market-leading digital products and drive business growth. A Stanford graduate, he studied English literature, creative writing, and software engineering—giving him a unique ability to blend technical expertise, storytelling, and strategic thinking to make complex ideas accessible and actionable.

Greg is the author and host of Powerful Introvert, a Substack publication and podcast dedicated to helping introverts unlock their leadership potential. A sought-after speaker, he challenges outdated leadership norms and explores how organizations can create inclusive leadership structures that embrace diverse working styles.

He is also deeply interested in the intersection of technology and personal wellness, exploring how wearable biometrics and machine learning can optimize meditation, mindfulness, exercise, and sleep to help leaders operate at their best. His mission is to redefine leadership by prioritizing self-awareness, leveraging introverts’ strengths, and creating space for different leadership styles to thrive.

Greg speaks with depth, clarity, and a touch of irreverence, delivering insights that challenge assumptions, spark new ways of thinking, and provide practical takeaways for better leadership and performance.

Greg lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife of 25 years, their two cats, and their golden retriever, Mervin. He is a proud father of two college-aged children.

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:11 Introverts are looking inwardly first

02:21 Extroverts, the bias is outward first, they're acting, they're emoting

04:39 They talk about ambiverts

07:02 The more prepared introverts are, the generally the better off they are going into a situation

08:23 So, what are the most damaging misconceptions about introverted leaders

09:04 Just because they're quiet doesn't mean that they don't have anything to say

12:58 Why do we have such a bias towards the extroverted leader?

14:47 There are absolutely ways to do this in a way that are authentic to you

16:32 My personal practice, I wake up earlier and I am meditating for 40 minutes to an hour

20:05 How should we approach to make that introvert feel comfortable or that extrovert feel comfortable?

21:17 Introverts like authenticity

23:25 What's your advice for turning self-doubt into a source of confidence and credibility?

25:29 When you're vulnerable, you're speaking your truth, that's authentic

27:10 The phrase is: Let the puppy tire itself out

28:18 It's a constant practice to be as present as we can

30:45 There's never been a better time to understand yourself, accept yourself, and have support for becoming the leader that you ought to be

31:47 I started this podcast called Powerful Introvert

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryweinger/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@powerfulintrovert

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerful_introvert

Podcast: https://www.powerfulintrovertpodcast.com/

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 28

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast, the show dedicated to helping you master your mindset, amplify your influence, and become the undisputed champion in your field. Today, we have a great guest who embodies the fighting spirit of true success. He’s a former professional boxer who has taken the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking of the ring and translated it into a powerful framework for entrepreneurs and business professionals.

My guest is a high-performance coach, a motivational speaker, and the founder of the Man Challenge. His philosophy isn't just about winning; it's about preparing to win, recovering from setbacks, and fighting like a pro in every aspect of your life. Join me for my conversation with the extraordinary Gavin Lance Topp.

Guest Bio:

Gavin Lance Topp is a former professional boxer who began his journey with 19 amateur fights, drawn to the sport for its physical and mental challenges. He went on to win and defend the Australian Junior Middleweight Title, and after a comeback in 2005, fought five international opponents before earning a World Title Eliminator bout in Germany. At his peak, he was ranked 12th in the world

Then in 2009 founded the Fight Like a Pro Rite of Passage Program — a transformational experience designed to help men rise into their full potential as husbands, fathers, and leaders.

After leading over 3,000 men through the program, Gavin authored A Rite of Passage, which has sold thousands of copies worldwide. Then in 2019 was inducted into Queensland boxing Hall of Fame. This journey led to the creation of the Man Alive Experience, an online mentorship platform connecting with men across the globe.

Resource Links: 

• Website: www.gavintopp.com
• Product Link: https://gavin-topp.mykajabi.com/manchallengetickets

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:42 W hen you're the new kid in town, sometimes you've got to fit in

05:51 Unless my heart was in it, I'm not doing it

06:56 You either compete or you create

08:24 My first book, A Rite of Passage for the Modern Man

08:57 There's 3 men inside every man

11:22 There's always more in a man than what he realizes

13:11 An angry guy is an easy guy to fight...he's predictable

16:33 What are your character traits that you can a hundred percent rely on?

17:35 When the dream is big enough, the odds don't matter

20:54 When you communicate a message that's attached to your purpose, that inspires people

22:52 There's more in you, you can do more, you can become more, you can achieve more

23:48 It's about coming up with the right questions, so then you get the right answers 

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavintopp-fightlikeapro/overlay/contact-info/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076350442592

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gavinlancetopp

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/gavinlancetopp?igsh=MW1xanN6OTlsejMxbA==

Podcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wN5lgb1ixa84lN61IU6gc?si=1671c3f806154dd2

Email: [email protected]

Sponsors: 

Rainmaker LeadGen Platform Demo: https://bookme.michaelvickers.com/lite/rainmaker-leadgen-platform-demo

Rainmaker Digital Solutions: https://www.rainmakerdigitalsolutions.com/

Resources:  https://becomingpreferred-podcast.com/resources/