Bold Enough

What if everything you’ve been told about success is wrong? You’re crushing your goals, hitting your targets—maybe even making more money than ever. So why does it still feel like something’s missing?

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Zac Palmer, renowned sales and persuasion strategist, who’s personally driven over $150 million in sales and worked alongside icons like Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi. But Zac’s story didn’t start on stage—it started in a telemarketing cubicle and took him through deep entrepreneurial trenches, personal reinvention, and eventually, total freedom.

From turning around an $800,000-in-debt business at age 19 to launching high-performance sales teams and a transformative podcast, Zac shares how his love for communication, commitment to growth, and deep self-awareness became the foundation for sustained impact. Zac’s journey reveals that success isn't just about the numbers—it's about finding fulfillment, freedom, and balance in all areas of life.

Key Takeaways

• You don't need formal education to lead—you need hunger, humility, and hustle
• Communication is a superpower that shapes both stage presence and team success
• Success means nothing without fulfillment and presence with those who matter most
• Personal growth fuels professional growth—and often comes from surprising sources
• Celebrate your wins: train your nervous system to seek joy and reward

In This Episode

• [00:00:00] Introduction to Zac Palmer
• [00:04:48] Pivotal moments in Zac’s journey
• [00:08:14] Balancing desire and reality
• [00:12:59] Lessons from parenthood
• [00:14:40] Perpetual Growth Podcast overview
• [00:17:31] Navigating life’s balance
• [00:20:19] Awareness of life changes
• [00:22:08] Does Zac consider himself successful?
• [00:28:11] Zac’s success algorithm
• [00:30:58] Where to find Zac Palmer

Notable Quotes

• [00:02:48] "I realized at a very early age that I had a knack for communication and, you know, a passion for connecting with people. Just something I enjoyed." — Zac Palmer
• [00:10:43] "You might find or create a new passion at 40. Maybe it's 60, maybe it's 80 years old. And it's giving yourself the permission to pursue that thing and pivot and change." — Zac Palmer
• [00:14:49] "If something's not growing, it's dying." — Zac Palmer
• [00:24:44] "Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure." — Zac Palmer
• [00:26:31] "When you're in a moment of delight, of an achievement, when even if it wasn't on your list of hot lists of things you wanted to do, but it feels delightful to you… linger in that moment.” — Madeleine MacRae

Our Guest

Zac Palmer is a high-performance sales and persuasion strategist who has grossed over $150 million in sales. From his humble beginnings in telemarketing to consulting for Tony Robbins, Dean Graziosi, and other major names in personal development, Zac now focuses on building elite sales teams and helping business owners develop sustainable, people-first strategies. He also hosts the Perpetual Growth Podcast, where he explores holistic success across business, relationships, health, and life.

Resources and Links

Zac Palmer

• Website - https://www.thezacpalmer.com/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thezacpalmer
• Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/zac-palmers-perpetual-growth-podcast/id1794170265

Madeleine MacRae

• Website - https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/

Mentioned 

• Knowledge Business Blueprint - https://megankharrison.com/clients/tony-robbins-and-dean-graziosis-knowledge-business-blueprint/
• Success Without Fulfillment is the Ultimate Failure - https://www.inc.com/bill-carmody/tony-robbins-success-without-fulfillment-is-the-ultimate-failure.html

Are you feeling stuck in your career, yearning for something more but unsure how to make the leap? You're not alone. Many people dream of entrepreneurial success but struggle to break free from the golden handcuffs of corporate life.

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae chats with Steven Livingston, a self-proclaimed "corporate misfit," and entrepreneur whose journey is as real as it gets. Growing up in Jamaica, Steven’s passion for business started early—he was selling in school and working in investment banking by 17. Years later, he and his wife then made a bold move: buying a franchise while still working full-time corporate jobs. It wasn’t easy, but it was smart. They used what they learned in their careers to grow their business, creating a snowball effect that paid off big time.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Steven opens up about a major financial loss and how it tested his confidence. Instead of giving up, he doubled down—on himself. He also talks about the juggling act of life, likening it to a three-legged stool: it’s not about perfect balance every day, but getting it right over time.

For Steven, success isn’t about titles or money—it’s about growth, humility, and staying grateful. Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and finding your version of success.

Key Takeaways

• Talent + Passion = Magic – Success thrives at the intersection of what you love and what you’re good at.
• Golden Handcuffs vs. Golden Parachutes – Breaking free from corporate security requires conviction.
• Entrepreneurship Isn’t for Everyone – It demands resilience through financial lows and personal sacrifices.
• ADHD as a Superpower – Leverage hyperfocus on passions; delegate weaknesses.
• Redefine Success – It’s about fulfillment, gratitude, and the journey—not just the destination.
• Leadership = Unlocking Potential – Great leaders spot talent mismatches and reposition people for excellence.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction to Steven Livingston
• [01:20] Early life and business ventures
• [05:03] Corporate career and entrepreneurial balance
• [07:20] The leap to full-time entrepreneurship and the inspiration behind it
• [12:37] Finding passion and talent intersection
• [14:09] The luck paradigm
• [17:29] Embracing ADHD as a superpower
• [18:55] The entrepreneurial journey: Unexpected hurdles
• [21:17] Balancing life as an entrepreneur
• [24:26] Defining success: A personal perspective
• [27:30] Crafting your own success algorithm
• [33:30] Final thoughts and farewell

Notable Quotes

• [04:12] “ What I found was I continued to grow at a faster rate whenever I had a business on the side because then I would take the things that I'm learning from business and apply it to my job. And then that allowed me to come with a different approach, a different perspective, a different angle.” — Steven
• [03:37] “I started doing entrepreneurial roles within corporate. I was 100% a corporate misfit.”— Steven
• [05:53] “There would be times when the therapist is looking at me and saying like you were meant to be an entrepreneur, why are you still at work yourself in this position in corporate where the skill sets has gotten you to a certain point that it creates what they call the golden parachute.”— Steven
• [13:47] “In many cases, people are just in the wrong seat doing the right things. Right the wrong seat, doing the wrong things. But it's for a leader to establish what the right things are. Part of leadership is identifying where those two intersect so you can find that talent.” — Stevenu
• [12:37] “I've always lived by the philosophy that where talent and passion intersect, there is where magic is formed.” — Steven
• [14:43] “When I was a little kid, I made the world's most horrific, rancid smelling perfumes out of my mom's dead flowers and tried to sell them on my front porch. You cannot take the entrepreneur out of the girl.” — Madeleine 
• [26:57] “Instead of asking myself every day if I'm successful, because that's always a moving target. I wake up every morning asking, am I fulfilled? Because if I'm fulfilled, then success will always be an inevitable byproduct.” — Steven

Our Guest

Steven Livingston is a Jamaican-born serial entrepreneur, franchise owner, and former corporate leader with experience at Diageo, Walmart, and eBay. From early hustles to boardrooms, he’s built his success on a philosophy of betting on yourself—and now empowers others to do the same by helping them unlock their full potential.

Resources and Links

Steven Livingston

Website: https://thisissteven.com/

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

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

Madeleine MacRae

Website: https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/

Linktree: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/

Apply to be a guest: https://podcast.proqsystems.com/

In this episode, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Meghann Conter, founder and CEO of The Dames, to dismantle the myths of hustle culture and redefine what success looks like for high-achieving women. From physiological differences in productivity to personal stories of burnout, ADHD diagnoses, and solo parenting, this episode is a masterclass in intentional leadership and aligned living.

Together, they explore how women can reclaim their time, energy, and joy—without sacrificing ambition. If you're a woman in business who's tired of grinding and ready to lead with authenticity, this episode is your wake-up call.

Key Takeaways

• Ditch the Hustle: The 24/7 hustle model was not made for women. Aligning with your natural rhythms leads to more sustainable success.
• CEO is an Inside Job: Your business thrives when you are well. Tracking energy, prioritizing wellness, and building structure around your cycles can transform your results.
• Choose Presence Over Perfection: Being present in the moment and embracing your evolution creates a deeper, more fulfilling version of success.
• Drop the Stick: Shame, guilt, and comparison are silent saboteurs. Letting go of internalized judgment opens the door to aligned action and joy.
• You’re in a Category of One: There is no competition when you embrace your unique path. Comparison is wasted energy.

In This Episode

• [0:00] Meet Meghann Conter: visionary, founder, community builder
• [1:36] The Dames: Hogwarts + Harvard for women entrepreneurs
• [4:00] Why most networking is broken—and how to fix it
• [7:15] The hustle myth: why it burns out women faster
• [10:15] Productivity vs. alignment: managing your energy
• [13:05] The CEO wake-up call: redefining time and success
• [17:00] Replacing coping mechanisms with true self-care
• [22:00] When ADHD isn’t a curse—it’s clarity
• [26:30] Releasing the “hard life” narrative
• [31:00] Letting go of shame and owning your evolution
• [34:59] Don’t wait to live your life: the journey is the destination
• [37:49] Megan’s personal success algorithm

Notable Quotes

• [08:16] “Men are built on the 24 hour clock and that is how they function. Women are built on a 28 day cycle and that is how our bodies function.” — Meghann Conter
• [10:16] “If you are a true CEO, you are not the one who's operating the business and running the business.” — Meghann Conter
• [17:08] “The life of a CEO is an inside job. So if you're not consistently doing your own personal growth work and becoming completely aware of yourself in your own unique cycles, your own unique human design, astrology personalities, et cetera, then you are typically looking at what's going on around you.” — Meghann Conter
• [37:49] “Until we decide that we're successful, we'll never be successful. It's like until we decide that we belong in a community, we'll never belong in a community.” — Meghann Conter
• [40:37] “If you're going to waste your time comparing yourself, you are donating your time to other people's causes that you don't necessarily like.” — Meghann Conter

Our Guest

Meghann Conter is the founder and CEO of The Dames, a women’s business accelerator for six, seven, and eight-figure entrepreneurs and corporate leaders who want growth without sacrificing themselves. Known for its “Harvard meets Hogwarts” vibe, The Dames combines deep strategy with aligned energy and authentic community.

Meghann Conter

• The Dames: https://www.thedames.co/about
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghannconter/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghannconter

Madeleine MacRae

• Website: https://mmmacrae.com/making-changes-training-motivating/
• Linktree: https://www.linkedin.com/in/macraemadeleine
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleine.macrae/
• Apply to be a guest: https://podcast.proqsystems.com/

What does it take to build a thriving business while staying true to your values? How do you navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship without losing sight of what truly matters?  

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Trevor Emerson, founder of LSM and host of the FranchisOR Bust Podcast, to explore his unconventional journey from college hustler to seasoned entrepreneur. Trevor shares hard-won lessons on leadership, company culture, and the power of authenticity, revealing how agility and a people-first mindset propelled his agency’s success.  

From wearing suits to work in 2008 (even when it was just two guys in an office) to overcoming hiring disasters and redefining success, Trevor’s story is a masterclass in resilience. Tune in for actionable insights on building happy teams, adapting to change, and measuring success beyond the zeros in your bank account. 

Tune in now to discover how to build a business that succeeds and fulfills you—straight from an entrepreneur who’s done it.

Key Takeaways

• Personal growth is essential to business growth.
• How you show up shapes how others take you seriously.
• Clients want results, not just marketing jargon.
• Happy, empowered employees do the best work.
• If your business isn’t evolving, it’s falling behind.
• Genuine relationships are one of entrepreneurship’s biggest rewards.
• Success is about fulfillment, not just finances.
• Authenticity attracts the right clients and team.

In This Episode

• [00:00:44] Introduction to Trevor Emerson
• [00:01:37] Trevor’s journey from side hustles to entrepreneurship
• [00:04:16] Trevor’s high and low points along the progression of his business
• [00:06:03] The 2008 suit-and-tie turning point
• [00:07:57] Shifting from "digital marketing" to business solutions
• [00:11:32] Doing something different every year
• [00:12:35] Hiring disasters and the birth of "Happy, Excellent Employees"
• [00:15:50] Why flexibility and ambition fuel excellence
• [00:17:50] Why some people don’t thrive in environments of happiness and excellence
• [00:19:19] Why your business has to be magnetic – Magnetizing your culture (and repelling misfits)
• [00:22:06] What has been unexpectedly delightful for Trevor: Networking that became friendships
• [00:26:17] Trevor’s success algorithm and whether he considers himself successful
• [00:29:43] Why entrepreneurs must pause and celebrate wins
• [00:30:47] How to connect with Trevor Emerson

Notable Quotes

• [00:03:53] "As you build your business, the person who’s going to need to change the most is actually you. You will undergo so much change because you have to grow and adapt to the business you're building, and expand your own capacity to lead at a higher level." — Madeleine MacRae

• [00:07:00] "We began to understand very clearly that what we have to say and what we do is far less important in the conversation than what the customer needs, what their goals are, or what kind of profit margin they have on certain items." — Trevor Emerson

• [00:11:32] "Every year, I tell my team: ‘Next year, we’ll be doing something different.’ The core values stay, but how we deliver value? That evolves." — Trevor Emerson

• [00:15:51] "Happy, excellent employees — that’s sort of been our number one mantra for years and years, and it still is." — Trevor Emerson

• [00:20:35] "Your team is customer number one. Lose a client? You’ll find another. Lose a great employee? That’s a crisis." — Madeleine MacRae

• [00:26:24] "If you try to measure success by the zeros attached to your name, there will always be someone more successful than you." — Trevor Emerson

Our Guest

Trevor Emerson is the founder of LSM, a Nashville-based digital marketing agency, and host of the FranchisOR Bust podcast. With 20+ years in entrepreneurship, he’s mastered the art of blending strategy, culture, and authenticity to drive growth. 

Trevor Emerson 

• Website
• LinkedIn

Madeleine MacRae

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Mentioned Podcast

• FranchisOR Bust - Franchise Marketing

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Billy Samoa Saleebey, the creative force behind the very production of this show. Billy shares his eclectic journey from big-budget Hollywood productions to Tesla training, and ultimately, to building a podcast empire that saves leaders time and amplifies their impact.

Billy breaks down the difference between being busy and being effective, and why learning to manage your energy is just as important as managing your time. With an emphasis on building sustainable success, this episode dives deep into what it takes to lead with purpose, clarity, and discipline—without burning out.

Key Takeaways

• Podcasting is Edutainment: Podcasts are modern storytelling tools that combine education with entertainment, and when done right, they become timeless assets that keep giving.
• The Success Algorithm: Billy shares three pillars that define high performers: prioritize what matters, focus relentlessly, and manage your energy with intention.
• Mindset is Everything: Overcoming the inner critic and embracing imperfection (version 1 doesn’t have to be version 10!) is essential for progress and personal growth.
• Activities Drive Results: It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most, consistently.
• Time Is a Choice: No one has the time; successful people make the time by automating, delegating, or deleting what doesn’t belong on their plate.

In This Episode

• [0:00] Meet Billy Samoa Saleebey: producer, entrepreneur, storyteller
• [1:38] From Hollywood to Tesla to podcasting
• [4:28] Why education + entertainment = lasting impact
• [7:00] The power of voice, story, and emotional connection
• [9:38] From insight to action: how to make content meaningful
• [11:42] The three habits of successful people
• [14:48] Why knowing your energy patterns matters more than rigid productivity
• [16:39] The journal trick: tracking how you actually spend time
• [19:14] Chaos is a choice; structure is a superpower
• [21:11] The slow road: nothing happens as fast as you think
• [24:30] Mindset management and silencing the inner critic
• [27:12] Ship the thing: why done is better than perfect
• [29:00] Reframing success and redefining progress
• [32:48] Billy’s personal definition of success
• [36:33] Where to connect with Billy and start your podcast journey

Notable Quotes

• [01:38] “I got started in entertainment a few decades ago and worked in Hollywood big budget movies and then sort of had an interesting career trajectory.” — Billy Samoa

• [02:18] “When I left Tesla, I said, how do I combine entertainment and education? And a podcast was a good fit.” — Billy Samoa

• [02:33] “Really at our core, what we do is we buy people back their time.” — Billy Samoa

• [04:28] “You can build a body of work that accumulates over time and it's the gift that keeps on giving.” — Billy Samoa

• [05:01] “We go through our lives and we learn from experience. Yes, but we could also learn from other people's experience.” — Billy Samoa

• [06:19] “Podcasts do something very unique... there is something very special, something very deep and rich about the human voice.” — Billy Samoa

• [29:25] “People overestimate what they could do in a year and underestimate what they could do in 10 years.” — Billy Samoa

• [29:53] “Success is not a destination. Success is a journey.” — Billy Samoa

Our Guest

Billy Samoa Saleebey is the founder of Podify, a full-service podcast production company that helps thought leaders turn their wisdom into action. His career spans film production, corporate training at Tesla, and building edutainment platforms that elevate voices and ideas. His podcast Insight Out dives deep into the stories behind today’s most impactful leaders.

Billy Samoa Saleebey

• Podify
• Insight Out Podcast
• LinkedIn

Madeleine MacRae

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

In today’s digital landscape, the heart of entrepreneurial success lies in continuous learning and adaptation. 

In the latest episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Moe Abbas, founder of Sales Ask – an AI-powered sales tool designed to revolutionize home service businesses. Together, they explore the secrets to scaling a business effectively without losing sight of your core purpose, the hurdles of maintaining a consistent sales process, and why discipline, structure, and technology are the keys to long-term sales success.

Moe takes us through his journey, from starting a construction company at 19 to harnessing the power of AI to optimize sales performance. He shares invaluable insights on how AI can supercharge your sales strategy and the critical importance of implementing structured processes for success.

Discover how to future-proof your sales organization with cutting-edge technology. Tune in now!

Key Takeaways

• The critical role of discipline in achieving sustained sales success.
• The five fundamental components that drive a high-performing sales organization.
• The initial challenges of adopting cutting-edge technology, and the long-term benefits it ultimately provides.
• The transition from individual sales efforts to developing a robust, scalable sales team capable of supporting significant growth.
• The relationship between resilience in the face of adversity and overall success.
• Understanding success as a multifaceted concept, with outcomes that are specific to different areas of business and personal achievement.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction to Moe Abbas
• [01:26] The power of sales processes
• [04:01] AI in sales: transforming accountability
• [06:47] Discipline and consistency in sales
• [14:29] The journey from trades to technology
• [16:02] Building a winning sales organization
• [19:20] Leveraging technology for sales success
• [22:22] The exponential growth of AI
• [26:13] The competitive advantage of early adoption of AI
• [27:37] Overcoming unexpected hurdles in business
• [34:59] Moe’s concept of success and its domains
• [39:30] Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

• (00:03:09) " The process is the winning formula. It’s the recipe for success. If you follow the process, you're gonna get the outcome that you desire." — Moe

• (00:07:28) " Discipline is being consistent in your actions regardless of how you feel, and the consistency breeds excellence over time. This is a long game; this isn't about getting results today or tomorrow. This is about winning every single day, every single time you need a client." — Moe

• (00:09:43) " There's practice, and then practice becomes habit. And then habit becomes ritual. When something becomes a ritual, there's no thinking involved. It becomes part of your subconscious processes. It becomes instinctual and reflective." — Moe

• (00:28:12) " Your capacity to take pain is directly correlated to how successful you're gonna be." — Moe

• (00:32:51) “ Decision fatigue is real. Don't clutter up your mind with little decisions if you can help it.” — Madeleine

Our Guest

Moe Abbas is the founder of Sales Ask, an AI-driven sales tool designed to optimize sales performance for home service and home improvement companies. Starting his career at 19, Moe quickly scaled from a novice in construction to managing multi-million dollar design-build firms in Canada. With two decades of industry experience, he has developed a unique blend of hands-on expertise and technological insight. Moe advocates for combining advanced AI with disciplined processes and human-centric coaching to transform sales strategies. Through Sales Ask, he aims to revolutionize sales by turning conversations into actionable insights and measurable success.

Moe Abbas

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Threads

Madeleine MacRae

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Kristopher Stuart, co-founder of Bloomin’ Blinds, to unravel how a family-built window coverings business is rewriting the rules of franchising with AI, robotics, and a firefighter’s grit. But here’s the twist: their biggest innovation isn’t in the tech—it’s in the human connection the tech enables.

From repairing blinds as a 10-year-old to leading a franchise empire of 80 locations, Kristopher reveals how Bloomin’ Blinds is using AI to strip away everything except the irreplaceable moments of trust between their franchisees and customers. Think drone deliveries, robot installers, and coffee-fueled conversations—because the future of home services isn’t just automated; it’s intentionally human.

Stick around for a masterclass in resilience, the “deposits of grace” that sustain long-term partnerships, and why Kristopher believes we’re living through a once-in-history opportunity to redefine industries. By the end, you’ll rethink how technology serves relationships—not the other way around. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• The AI-Human Paradox: How Bloomin’ Blinds uses AI to automate everything except the face-to-face customer experience—turning window coverings into a high-trust, high-tech service.
• From Firehouse to Franchise: Kristopher’s firefighting background shaped their management style: “Treat the office like a fire station—drop everything when the call comes in.”
• The “Deposits of Grace” Principle: Why building relational capital (and owning mistakes) is the secret to franchisee loyalty—even when tech rollouts hit snags.
• The Generational Tech Shift: “We went from changing TV dials to coding AI bots—this is the only time in history that’ll happen. If we’re even 10% right, we’re ahead of 97% of the market.”
• Redefining Success: Kristopher’s algorithm: Spearheading a movement + robust relationships + being of service—not just profits.

In This Episode

• [00:00] Introduction to Kristopher Stuart
• [09:22] AI and robotics in business
• [13:50] Leveraging AI for efficiency
• [20:06] Impact of technology on customer experience
• [21:29] Future of technology in home services
• [23:36] The origin of the franchise
• [24:10] Expanding beyond window treatments
• [24:27] The vision of robotics in installation
• [25:24] Human connection in technology
• [27:50] Challenges in the journey
• [29:05] Optimism in overcoming obstacles
• [33:34] Defining success
• [36:15] Personal success algorithm
• [40:31] Mutual understanding in leadership
• [43:15] Closing thoughts and connections

Notable Quotes

• (23:33) "Technology should enhance the human relationship, not replace it." — Kristopher Stuart
• (26:23 )"I think the haves and have nots going forward, because information is available to everybody. It used to be information, it's now going to be the creativity to apply it."— Kristopher Stuart
• (33:48) "I found my happy place. I'm successful as I'm joyful, have a happy, healthy family that loves and supports me."— Kristopher Stuart
• (40:58 )"Everybody in the company should have decision-making authority on behalf of the company. If they don't or shouldn't, they shouldn't be in the company."— Kristopher Stuart

Our Guest

Kristopher Stuart is the Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Bloomin’ Blinds, a family-owned franchise specializing in window coverings. From his early days as the company's first employee and field technician, he has played a pivotal role in its growth to over 80 locations nationwide. Kristopher also served as a career firefighter and paramedic, bringing his leadership and team-building skills to the business. Today, he focuses on coaching franchisees in growth and business development, emphasizing self-awareness and operational excellence.

Kristopher Stuart

• Bloomin' Blinds
• LinkedIn

Madeleine MacRae

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Imagine standing at the edge of a breakthrough—your business, your dream, your legacy—but something holds you back. Is it fear? Lack of resources? Or have you simply never been shown the invisible architecture behind every great achievement?

In this episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae pulls back the curtain with Dr. Mercidieu “Phil” Phillips, a man who’s cracked the code on turning failure into fuel and ordinary beginnings into extraordinary generational impact. But here’s the twist: his biggest revelation isn’t about hustle, mindset, or even resilience. It’s about the people you’ll never meet. The ones who quietly opened doors for you. The failures that secretly guided you. The mentors who didn’t know they were mentoring you. Dr. Phillips calls it success genealogy—and once you see it, you’ll never chase success the same way again.

From losing everything in the 2008 crash to speaking for 86,000 people at the NBA, Dr. Phillips’ journey is a masterclass in audacity. But the real question is: Who’s in your success genealogy? And more importantly—who will be in yours because of the risks you take today?

By the end of this episode, you’ll rethink every setback, every open door, and every dollar you’ve ever earned. Because success isn’t just about you. It’s about the trail you blaze—and the hands you pull up behind you.

Key Takeaways

• The "Success Genealogy" Principle: How recognizing the people who opened doors for you (or taught you through failure) creates a ripple effect of opportunity.
• Why Dr. Phil’s restaurant collapse became the catalyst for his entrepreneurial empire—and how to reframe failure as data, not defeat.
• The "R&R" philosophy (Risk + Resilience) that helped Dr. Phil scale from "abject poverty" to generational change agent.
• The three non-negotiables for durable success: character, resilience, and humility (plus why he studies failure stories more than success).
• Why your network determines your net worth—and how to build a "resilience squad" for your next growth season.

In This Episode

• (00:00) Introduction to Dr. Phil Phillips
• (06:20) Upcoming event announcement
• (08:37) Courage in entrepreneurship
• (10:36) Highlighting success in others
• (14:01) Overcoming fear of failure
• (16:49) Defining success
• (17:57) Algorithm for success
• (19:23) Trailblazing in entrepreneurship
• (20:02) Success genealogy
• (21:49) Identifying role models
• (23:08) Resilience and community
• (24:01) Closing remarks

Notable Quotes

• (01:47) "I don't like to call myself a motivational speaker. I train business owners and organizations on how to improve and how to do what they do better." — Dr. Phil
• (03:30) "You can always be your own boss and you can chart your own course." — Dr. Phil
• (08:50) "I'm a risk taker. I'm not a daredevil. I just love taking risks and seeing what happens. I call myself the R and R guy, the risk and results guy." — Dr. Phil
• (16:49) "I consider myself a generational shift agent or change agent. I have generations coming after me that says, if you can do it, I want to do it. So for me, that's success." — Dr. Phil
• (15:27) "I love being around people like you because what you carry is so contagious. I never want to wear a mask around you because I want to catch it." — Dr. Phil
• (20:14) "No one is dropped out of a success helicopter. You have a trail." — Dr. Phil

Our Guest

Dr. Mercidieu “Phil” Phillips is a transformational leader whose passion is to positively touch people’s lives and affect holistic change. He is a much sought-after conference speaker, teacher, business consultant, and coach. His worldwide work in places such as Asia, Israel, Europe, South America, Central America, Canada, the Caribbean, and across the United States has made him an inspiration to millions. Dr. Phil is the President and CEO of Level Up Coaching Solutions. He is the author of several books, including, LeaderFlip, Divine Repairs, and his latest best-seller Navigating Defining Moments. Dr. Phil is an adjunct professor and guest lecturer. He has also written dozens of published articles on family, organizational development, and leadership. Since 1990, Dr. Phil has trained over 150,000 leaders and organizations.

Mentioned Book

• The Tenacious Pursuit of Peace: Where to Go When Success is Not Enough by Madeleine MacRae

Dr. Mercidieu “Phil” Phillips

• Level Up Coaching Solutions Website
• LinkedIn
• Take the Lead Business Conference (May 10, Fort Myers)

Madeleine MacRae

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

What does it take to transform a 21-year-old print magazine into a cutting-edge multimedia empire powered by AI? In this compelling episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae sits down with Tom Bohn, CEO of TheHomeMag, who did exactly that—and doubled his company's revenue in just three years.

In today's rapidly evolving market, standing still is the fastest path to irrelevance. Under Tom’s leadership, the traditional home-improvement media company embraced AI tools like ChatGPT, launched a competitive digital platform, and even expanded into the pet industry—all while maintaining the human touch that built their legacy. Tom also shares profound leadership lessons from his most formative moments and his "Clear the Path" philosophy that creates a culture where teams move fast, fail forward, and challenge ideas without ego.

For any leader facing disruption—whether from AI, market shifts, or internal growing pains—Tom's story offers both inspiration and actionable strategies. Discover what it truly means to build a business that evolves without losing its soul.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding how AI tools can boost efficiency by 30% and how we should recognize them as our co-pilot, not our replacement
• How a “clear the path” and trust-filled work culture removes roadblocks for both teams and customers
• The importance of laughter as a secret weapon in high-pressure situations
• Why it’s better to fail fast than to fail cheap and to strive for progress over perfection
• The realization that success isn’t a paycheck; it’s freedom, family, and writing your own rules

In This Episode

• (00:00) Introduction to Tom Bohn
• (01:10) Transforming TheHomeMag  
• (02:56) Embracing change and innovation  
• (08:06) The role of AI in business growth  
• (15:47) The importance of resilience and trust  
• (22:36) Defining success and leadership  
• (26:07) Conclusion and final thoughts 

Notable Quotes

• (01:46) "If you just stay comfortable with what you are and who you are, what's going to happen is that's all going to start to disappear and change because the world's changing so rapidly." — Tom

• (07:40) "AI has now made it so that the speed and the radicalization of change that's coming at everything is so significant that you actually have to get out ahead of it and integrate and utilize it." — Tom

• (08:51) "AI is not a job replacer, it's a job enhancer. What it has done for us is taken the ability for us to bring product to market much quicker." — Tom

• (14:38) "I'll take speed over accuracy any day. I will argue that to the nth degree because if you're fast enough, if you're resilient enough, you can always change course, you can always tweak. But if you're late, too many people are going to beat you out to it." — Tom

• (19:36) "Resiliency is often incredibly underestimated. [...] Now is the time to try and fail. Eventually, you get to a place where you want to be." — Tom

• (22:35) "I think I'm successful because, by and large, I've been able to do what I wanted to do my entire career." — Tom

Our Guest

As CEO of TheHomeMag, Tom Bohn transformed the 21-year-old print publication into a $60M multimedia powerhouse spanning home improvement and pet care. His "Clear the Path" leadership philosophy drives innovation through AI adoption and bold experimentation. Known for hiring philosophy majors over programmers, this disruptive leader proves legacy businesses can outpace startups when they embrace change fearlessly.

Mentioned Book

• Good to Great by Jim Collins

Tom Bohn

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Askhomey.com
• THM Media

Madeleine MacRae

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

In this powerful episode of Scaling the Gap, host Madeleine MacRae, CEO and co-founder of ProQ, sits down with Brian Kaskavalciyan—entrepreneur, podcast host, and a leading voice in the home improvement industry.

Brian shares his journey from launching a relationship marketing company in 2009 to becoming a trusted advisor for home improvement entrepreneurs seeking financial freedom and long-term success. Together, Madeleine and Brian dive into the real work behind entrepreneurship—overcoming self-limiting beliefs, cultivating humility, setting intentional goals, and redefining success beyond just financial gain. This is an episode full of straight talk, inspiration, and actionable strategies for entrepreneurs ready to grow from the inside out.

Key Takeaways

• Why wealth and personal freedom go hand-in-hand for long-term business success
• The mindset shifts that separate surviving business owners from thriving entrepreneurs
• How personal development is the "hardest work"—and the most rewarding
• Strategies to break through self-limiting beliefs and achieve financial goals
• The role of ethics, humility, and impact in building a legacy
• How daily rituals and reminders help align your actions with your vision
• Why defining success for yourself is essential to finding fulfillment

In This Episode:

• 00:00 – Introducing Brian Kaskavalciyan
• 01:40 – Brian’s Journey and Core Business Philosophy
• 04:04 – Wealth as a Path to Freedom
• 05:52 – Personal Development as the Foundation of Wealth
• 08:49 – Ethics and Integrity in Business
• 13:31 – Creating the Ripple Effect of Prosperity
• 17:42 – Why The Hardest Work is Working on Yourself
• 20:58 – Setting Financial Goals with Intention
• 24:04 – Building a Mindset for Long-Term Success
• 28:38 – What Success Really Means
• 41:28 – Final Reflections and How to Connect with Brian

Notable Quotes

• [00:05:37] "  You can't make more time, but you can definitely buy more time." — Brian Kaskavalciyan
• [00:06:01] "  Become a millionaire, not for the million dollars, but for what it will make of you to achieve it." — Brian Kaskavalciyan
• [00:09:29] “ You do not have to practice bad business to get ahead. And in fact, you are gonna become a worse person if you do that.” — Madeleine MacRae
• [00:15:43] “If you are paying attention to how wealth could possibly impact you, you are gonna be careful not to become overly greedy.” — Brian Kaskavalciyan
• [00:20:10] "  Your personal development journey is ongoing. There's not a point where you’re done forever." — Madeleine MacRae
• [00:27:36] “ When you can stand on your own success and you feel confident in what you are achieving, it becomes less and less necessary for other people to applaud you.” — Madeleine MacRae

Our Guest

Brian Kaskavalciyan is a successful entrepreneur, speaker, and the co-founder of gFour Marketing Group. He’s best known as the host of The Wealthy Contractor podcast, where he helps home improvement business owners build profitable, freedom-focused companies. With decades of experience in relationship marketing, Brian empowers entrepreneurs to shift their mindset, grow their businesses with purpose, and define success on their own terms.

Resources and Links

Brian Kaskavalciyan

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• Website

Madeleine MacRae

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Instagram