Business Roundtable

What makes a leader truly worth following?

In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Jeremie Kubicek, co-founder of GiANT Worldwide, best-selling author of The 100X Leader and 5 Voices, and a globally recognized voice in transformational leadership.

Jeremie shares lessons from building businesses in post-communist Russia to shaping leadership cultures worldwide. He unpacks practical frameworks like the Support/Challenge Matrix and the Five Voices, showing how leaders can create alignment, multiply influence, and avoid the trap of “accidental leadership.”

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most organizations underestimate the power of intentional people development
• How to know yourself, lead yourself, and develop others
• Why leadership is influence multiplied, not authority demanded
• How to use the Support/Challenge Matrix to transform team dynamics
• Practical ways the Five Voices framework builds trust and alignment

If you’re a business owner, consultant, or executive leader, Jeremie’s insights will help you grow into a leader who inspires, equips, and multiplies others.

Connect with Jeremie Kubicek:
Website: jeremiekubicek.com 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremiekubicek

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

Connect with Steward Your Business:

• Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
• Call: +1 909.404.9865
• Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Watch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Can laughter really be a leadership strategy?

In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Adam Christing, keynote speaker, founder of Clean Comedians, and author of The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead.

Adam shares how humor can serve as a shortcut to trust, a spark for creativity, and a bridge that connects leaders to their teams. His five humor tactics—surprise, poke, in-jokes, wordplay, and amplify—show how laughter, when used with purpose, can transform culture and communication. 

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why leaders who use humor well build stronger trust and engagement
• How humor can break tension and foster resilience in challenging moments
• Practical ways to add humor to presentations, meetings, and daily leadership
• Why laughter is more than entertainment—it’s a tool for influence and connection

If you’re a business owner, executive, or entrepreneur who wants to lead with more authenticity and connection, Adam’s insights will help you harness the power of humor to create lasting impact.

Connect with Adam Christing:
Website: https://adamchristing.com
Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/800211/the-laughter-factor-by-adam-christing/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

Connect with Steward Your Business:

• Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
• Call: +1 909.404.9865
• Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Watch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What if you could make better business decisions with the same clarity as an MRI—but for the mind?

In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Dr. Tony Alessandra—Hall of Fame speaker, bestselling author of The Platinum Rule, and founder of Assessments 24x7. With over 50 years of experience in professional speaking, leadership training, and assessment development, Tony shares how tools like DISC, Motivators, and Emotional Intelligence unlock self-awareness, strengthen teams, and drive measurable business results.

From selling cookware alongside Zig Ziglar to building a multimillion-dollar assessment company, Tony’s journey is packed with insights on leadership, culture, and the future of assessments in the AI era. 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why assessments are like an MRI of the mind and how they reveal hidden strengths
• How DISC and Motivators improve hiring, leadership, and conflict resolution
• The problem with “one-and-done” assessments—and how to maximize their value
• How AI-powered assessments are transforming coaching, sales, and team alignment
• Why knowing yourself is powerful, but knowing others is even more important

Whether you’re a CEO, coach, or consultant, this conversation will challenge you to move beyond gut decisions and leverage data-driven insights to lead with clarity, build trust, and create lasting impact.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Tony Alessandra
Website: https://assessments24x7.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyalessandra
Email: [email protected]

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

Connect with Steward Your Business:

• Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
• Call: +1 909.404.9865
• Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Watch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

What does it take to simplify complexity, stand out in a crowded market, and build a profitable practice as a fractional leader or consultant?

In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Dr. Kayvon K—medical doctor turned entrepreneur, author, and Profit Finder at Simplify Profits. With a background spanning medicine, web development, marketing, and coaching, Kayvon brings a rare perspective on diagnosing business problems and turning them into opportunities.

We discuss how fractionals and consultants can overcome the three big roadblocks: not being noticed, not being chosen, and not closing sales. Kayvon shares how to simplify business development, position yourself as the expert, and avoid the race to the bottom in pricing.

You’ll also hear why complexity is the real enemy of profitability, how to leverage storytelling and clear messaging, and why being “different” is more powerful than being “better.”

Whether you’re a fractional executive, consultant, or small-business leader, this conversation will help you clarify your value, communicate it effectively, and accelerate profitable growth.

Connect with Dr. Kayvon K:
Website: https://simplifyprofits.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkayvonk
Free 7-Day Email Course: http://TalkToKayvon.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

Connect with Steward Your Business:

• Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
• Call: +1 909.404.9865
• Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Watch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Are you leading your business at the cost of your health? In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr, founder of Steward Your Business, sits down with Xavier Serrano, CEO of Marquee Medical, to uncover why high-performing leaders can no longer afford to ignore longevity and proactive health. Xavier shares his personal journey from the wake-up call of his father’s heart attack to launching a disruptive model of personalized, AI-driven preventative healthcare designed for executives and business owners. Together, David and Xavier explore:

• Why traditional healthcare fails leaders—and how a proactive model changes the game
• The hidden costs of burnout, poor sleep, and stress on decision-making and leadership impact
• How diagnostics, genetics, and personalized coaching unlock clarity, vitality, and long-term productivity
• Practical strategies (including the “3-2-1 Sleep Formula”) you can implement immediately

If you’re a founder, CEO, or professional services leader striving to sustain peak performance without sacrificing your health—or your team’s culture—this conversation is for you. Listen now to discover how investing in your health is the most strategic leadership decision you can make. Connect with Xavier Serrano and learn more about Marquee Medical here:
https://marqueemedical.com

Subscribe to the Business Roundtable Podcast for more insights on leadership, growth, and resilience:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

Connect with Steward Your Business:

• Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
• Call: +1 909.404.9865
• Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Watch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Most sales teams aren’t failing because of effort—they’re failing because of outdated systems, poor hiring, and broken leadership. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr talks with Steve Heroux, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and founder of The Sales Collective. Known as The Sales Contrarian, Steve shares why old-school tactics don’t work, and what it really takes to build a high-performing, respected sales organization. You’ll discover:

• Why one-size-fits-all sales training is broken and what to do instead
• How poor hiring decisions cost companies over $1.3M per bad sales hire
• Why only 14% of companies have a documented sales playbook—and what that means for you
• How to use the Sales DNA Test to hire and coach with precision
• Why respect, authenticity, and leadership—not manipulation—create sustainable revenue growth

If you’re a business owner, consultant, or AEC/professional services leader who’s tired of wasted sales hires, inconsistent pipelines, and underperforming teams, this episode will challenge the myths you’ve been told—and give you the clarity to build a sales team that lasts.

Connect with Steve Heroux:
Website: https://www.thesalescollective.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveheroux1

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

Connect with Steward Your Business:

• Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
• Call: +1 909.404.9865
• Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Watch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Many CEOs struggle with stalled pipelines and costly sales hires that don’t work out. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr speaks with Christopher Filipiak about why the CEO is the best person to drive revenue—and how to do it with clarity, consistency, and confidence. You’ll learn:

• Why CEOs become bottlenecks in sales—and how to break free
• The hidden cost of outsourcing sales too early
• How mindset and emotions directly shape sales outcomes
• What it takes to build a truly sales-ready organization

If you’re a business owner, consultant, or AEC leader seeking predictable growth, this episode will show you how to master sales without losing focus on leading your company.


Connect with Christopher Filipiak:
Website: https://christopherfilipiak.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherfilipiak

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

Connect with Steward Your Business:

• Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
• Call: +1 909.404.9865
• Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Watch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Too many business owners confuse more activity with more sales. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr talks with Joe Gregory, known as The Sales Catalyst, about how leaders can simplify sales, eliminate costly mistakes, and build scalable systems that actually drive business growth. Joe shares his journey from struggling early in his sales career to becoming a trusted advisor for business owners and sales teams across industries. Together, they uncover:

• Why “one-size-fits-all” sales tactics fail in professional services and consulting
• How business owners can move from being the rainmaker to building repeatable sales success
• Why clarity—not activity—is the biggest driver of results
• The psychology behind how buyers make decisions (and why they need a guide, not a pitch)
• How to disqualify poor-fit opportunities and protect profit margins
• The real question every leader should ask: What does a good day look like for you and your team?

If you’re an AEC firm leader, consultant, or professional services executive struggling with stalled pipelines, unclear sales processes, or overreliance on your own rainmaking, this conversation will help you rethink how you approach growth.

Connect with Joe Gregory:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joegregorythesalescatalyst 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

Connect with Steward Your Business:

• Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
• Call: +1 909.404.9865
• Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Watch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Running complex environmental projects isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about leadership, communication, and trust. In this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr talks with David McIntyre, founder of McIntyre Environmental, about what it takes to move from technical work to leading major projects with multiple stakeholders.

David shares lessons from his journey—from the Marine Corps to environmental consulting to running his own firm—including:

• How shifting laws and regulations (like NEPA and the Clean Water Act) affect projects today
• Why proactive planning and communication save time, money, and headaches
• How to balance technical expertise with project management and stakeholder engagement
• The importance of building relationships with subcontractors, agencies, and the public
• Why trust and transparency lead to repeat business and better outcomes

If you’re a leader in environmental consulting, AEC, or professional services, this episode will help you see why successful projects depend on more than technical compliance—they rely on clarity, collaboration, and confident leadership.

Connect with David McIntyre:
Website: http://mcintyreenvironmental.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-mcintyre

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

Connect with Steward Your Business:

• Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
• Call: +1 909.404.9865
• Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Watch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

How do you go from NASA strategy rooms to disrupting HVAC and building decarbonization?

On this episode of the Business Roundtable Podcast, host David W. Carr sits down with Jordan Sotudeh, CEO and cofounder of Venaera, a startup redefining HVAC with modular, intelligent heat pump systems. With deep roots in science, policy, and innovation—from NASA to JPL to the Department of Defense—Jordan brings an unmatched systems-thinking approach to solving some of the most significant climate infrastructure challenges of our time. 

This conversation explores how technical brilliance meets entrepreneurial grit, and what it really takes to lead a mission-critical venture that marries sustainability, technology, and market execution. If you’re a founder, consultant, or leader in the AEC, energy, or technology sector, Jordan’s insights into policy-informed innovation and her vision for scalable decarbonization will challenge your assumptions and inspire smarter action. What You’ll Learn:

• How Jordan’s experience in aerospace and government shaped his entrepreneurial mindset
• The mission behind Venaera—and how it’s solving outdated HVAC inefficiencies
• Why decarbonization must be modular, adaptive, and resilient
• Lessons on leadership, clarity, and scaling technical teams
• How to navigate the “builder’s paradox”: fast growth vs. long-term impact
• Why founders must think in systems, not silos

About Jordan Sotudeh
Jordan is the CEO of Venaera, where he leads a team reinventing HVAC systems for a sustainable future. Previously, he served in leadership roles across NASA, JPL, the Department of Defense, and top aerospace firms, supporting strategy, innovation, and emerging technologies. A certified PMP with a Master’s from GWU, she also advises UCSB’s Engineering Leadership Program. 
Website: https://venaera.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordansotudeh

About the Host
David W. Carr is the founder of Steward Your Business and host of the Business Roundtable Podcast. He helps leaders and firms align people, process, and purpose for confident, scalable growth.
Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business

Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help amplify leaders like Jordan doing transformational work in mission-critical sectors.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/business-roundtable--6049255/support.

Connect with Steward Your Business:

• Book a Leadership Clarity Call: https://calendar.stewardyourbusiness.com/cc
• Call: +1 909.404.9865
• Website: https://stewardyourbusiness.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwcarr

Watch more episodes  and subscribe on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@steward_your_business