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Cut The Tie episodes

  • “If Pluto Can Find His Place, So Can I”—How a Kid’s Book Changed Everything for Ishara

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    Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

    Episode 263

    At just nine years old, Ishara is already making waves as a podcast host, reader, speaker, and future astronaut-neurosurgeon-author. In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Thomas sits down with the youngest guest ever on Cut The Tie to explore how books—and big imagination—can unlock confidence, creativity, and purpose. With a wisdom well beyond her years, Ishara reminds us that no dream is too big and no age is too small to start chasing it.


    About Ishara

    Ishara is the creator and host of V Reading Podcast, a show dedicated to helping kids and adults rediscover the magic of books and imagination. Her mission? To give voice to the kids who’ve been told “no” too many times—and show them that the right book can unlock their “yes.” With hundreds of books read, authors interviewed, and an upcoming public speech, Ishara is a rising voice for youth empowerment, curiosity, and creativity.


    In This Episode:

    • Cutting the Tie to the Pandemic Blues
      When COVID closed libraries and canceled skating, Ishara turned loss into creativity—and launched her podcast journey.

    • The Power of One Book
      A Place for Pluto changed everything for Ishara. She shares how one story about not fitting in helped her find her voice.

    • Why Kids Need Books Now More Than Ever
      From ancient cave drawings to ChatGPT, Ishara explains why books still matter—and how her podcast is bringing them back.

    • Doing What Adults Do—But Better
      As a kid speaking to kids and adults, she’s flipping the script on what leadership and impact look like.

    • From Podcast to Podium
      Ishara reveals her next big move: delivering her first public speech on the power of books in Baltimore.

    Key Takeaways:

    • You’re Never Too Young to Start
      If you feel called to do something—do it. Age doesn’t define readiness.
    • Books Are Keys to Imagination
      Some kids lack access to books. Others haven’t found the right one yet. Both need help unlocking their potential.
    • Support Builds Confidence
      With family behind her, Ishara proves that belief at home powers bold moves in the world.
    • Roadblocks Reveal Strength
      Obstacles, from bullying to pandemics, can lead to creative breakthroughs.
    • Follow What Lights You Up
      From ice rinks to graphic novels, when joy leads, growth follows.

    Connect with Ishara

    📺 YouTube: Isha’s Journey: Science, Skating, and Podcasting

    🎙️Podcast: Ishara’s Reading Podcast – Available on all major streaming platforms

    🌍 Ideal listeners: Kids who need access to imagination, and adults ready to rediscover it.


    🔗 Connect with Thomas Helfrich

    🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
    💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
    🌐 Website: cutthetie.com

    📧 Email: [email protected]
    🚀
    InstantlyRelevant.com

    Support the show

    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie

    17 min
  • “Nobody Was Coming to Save Me”—Mike ‘C-Roc’ Ciorrocco on Taking Total Ownership

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    Cut The Tie Podcast

    Mike "C-Rock" Ciorrocco shares how he broke free from a high-paying but unfulfilling career in the mortgage industry and created a media empire by embracing intention, faith, and the power of podcasting. In this energizing episode, Mike dives into how cutting the tie to chase mode led to a life of creation, clarity, and impact. From his viral energy to his commitment to helping others shine, C-Rock delivers real talk for entrepreneurs ready to stop playing small.

    About Mike “C-Rock” Ciorrocco

    Mike Ciorrocco is the founder of That One Agency, the #1 podcast booking firm in North America. A dynamic entrepreneur, podcast host, and brand strategist, C-Rock has appeared on over 1,100 shows and is known for helping mission-driven leaders build authority and attract opportunity through strategic guest appearances. His mission is to help people realize their power and step into the life they were meant to lead.

    In This Episode:

    • Cutting the Tie to Chase Mode
      C-Roc shares how walking away from a successful mortgage business helped him escape the grind of chasing money—and step into a life built on intention and ownership.

    • Using Podcasting to Build Authority
      After guesting on over 1,100 podcasts, he reveals how consistent podcast exposure became his most powerful growth engine—and why it's the ultimate brand strategy.

    • Faith and the Power of Surrender
      A breaking point in his kitchen led to a spiritual surrender that changed everything. C-Roc explains how leaning into faith gave him clarity, confidence, and a new purpose.

    • Designing a Life Around Identity
      From core values to non-negotiables, C-Roc outlines how knowing who you are makes business decisions binary—and life dramatically simpler.

    • Why You Don’t Need Permission to Pivot
      If the vehicle you’re in no longer aligns, get out. He shares how cutting ties—even with “successful” paths—unlocks new freedom and growth.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Stop Chasing, Start Creating
      Replace the “next sale” mindset with an attraction-based model rooted in intention and alignment.
    • Your Environment Sets the Tone
      Vibes are contagious—tilt the room with your energy and repel what doesn’t serve you.
    • Faith Is a Leadership Advantage
      Letting go of control and surrendering to a higher purpose can unlock massive breakthroughs.
    • Build Top-Line Revenue First
      You can’t scale or survive without sales. Focus 95% of your time on promotion and closing.
    • You Don’t Need Permission to Pivot
      The vehicle you’re in isn’t your identity. If it no longer fits, cut the tie and move on.

    🔗 Connect with Mike Ciorrocco

    🌐 That One Agency
    📷 Instagram: @mikecroc
    💼 LinkedIn: Mike “C-Roc” Ciorrocco

    🔗 Connect with Thomas Helfrich

    🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich | @nevbeenpromoted
    📘 Facebook: Never Been Promoted
    📸 Instagram: @neverbeenpromoted
    💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
    🌐 Website: neverbeenpromoted.com

    Support the show

    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie

    23 min
  • “Comfort Was the Tie I Had to Cut”—Chris Wolstenholme on Betting It All on Mate!

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    Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

    Episode 261

    In this high-energy episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas sits down with Chris Wolstenholme, an Aussie entrepreneur based in Atlanta who went from managing restaurants to founding the world’s first vodka protein water brand: Mate!. Chris shares the real story behind launching a beverage startup without outside funding, the gross moment that finally pushed him to quit his job, and how cutting the tie to comfort opened the door to purpose, grit, and global ambition.

    About Chris Wolstenholme:
    Chris is the founder of Mate Beverage, a unique alcohol startup combining vodka with protein. After 20+ years in the restaurant and hospitality industry across multiple countries, Chris made the leap into entrepreneurship with no investors—just a vision, a supportive spouse, and a mop in hand. His brand “Mate” is a bold attempt to redefine “drinking smart,” and he’s doing it one pitch, one bar, and one bottle at a time.

    In this episode, Thomas and Chris discuss:

    • Cutting the Tie to Comfort
      From restaurant GM to startup founder, Chris had to walk away from a stable paycheck and step into financial uncertainty to chase a bigger dream.
    • The Bathroom Epiphany
       It took cleaning vomit off a restaurant bathroom floor—for minimum wage—for Chris to finally realize it was time to bet on himself.
    • Why Mate is Different
      No bubbles. No bloat. No empty calories. Chris breaks down the unique niche Mate fills in a crowded beverage market—and why he’s the only vodka with protein on the shelf.
    • Start With One Thing a Day
       
      From napkin sketches to LLC formation, Chris shares how just doing one thing every day kept his momentum (and sanity) as a solo founder.
    • An Outsider’s View of America
      As a non-American building a business in the U.S., Chris offers a thoughtful and powerful reminder about unity, identity, and opportunity.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Comfort is the Enemy of Growth
      If you’re too comfortable, you’re probably not building something bold enough.
    • Take Action Immediately
      Big dreams start with small, fast moves. Start the LLC. Sketch the label. Take the shot.
    • Sacrifice is Just Reallocation
      You don’t need to suffer—you just need to shift your priorities for the mission.
    • Gratitude is a Growth Strategy
      Gratefulness fuels perseverance. Appreciate the support, the freedom, and the opportunity.
    • Just Don’t Quit
      It’s hard. It’s messy. But if you keep showing up, momentum will find you.


    Connect with Chris Wolstenholme:
    🔗
    Mate Beverage on Instagram
    🔗 Chris on Instagram
    🔍 Website

    Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
    🐦
    Twitter
    📘 Facebook
    💼 LinkedIn
    🌐 Website
    📧 Email: [email protected]
    🚀
    InstantlyRelevant.com

    Support the show

    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie

    23 min
  • “Don’t Sell Like a Wolf—Sell Like a Leader”—Alan Versteeg on Modern Sales Mastery

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    Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich 

    Alan Versteeg, founder of Growth Matters International, shares how agency, conviction, and sales leadership transformed his life and business. In this empowering episode, Alan opens up about going from rock bottom to global contracts, how mindset outpaces skillset, and why professional selling is non-negotiable for any entrepreneur.

    About Alan Versteeg:

    Alan is the founder of Growth Matters International, a company that develops sales managers into world-class leaders. With a background in engineering and a journey that began with personal struggle, Alan has grown his firm from humble beginnings in South Africa to global partnerships with Adobe, Amazon Web Services, and more. His mission: drive impact through sales.

    In this episode, Thomas and Alan discuss:

    • Cutting the Tie to Self-Doubt

     Alan reveals how stepping into agency—giving himself permission to lead—unlocked the breakthrough that launched his business globally.

    • How Sales Management is the Secret Lever

     He explains why investing in sales managers is the only way to create scalable, sustainable impact in sales organizations.

    • The Power of 10x Thinking

     Inspired by the book 10x Is Easier Than 2x, Alan shares how eliminating distractions and focusing deeply changed the trajectory of his business.

    • Conviction Creates Confidence

     Alan outlines a formula: Clarity → Conviction → Confidence → Agency—and how it helps entrepreneurs show up powerfully and professionally.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Growth Comes From Elimination
      Focus is your greatest multiplier. 10x requires cutting what doesn’t serve your mission.
    • Agency is Evidence of Conviction
      You must choose to believe you’re worthy of success—and act like it.
    • Sales Training Must Start with Mindset
      Competency comes last. Without clarity and conviction, no training sticks.
    • Selling is Service
      If your offer changes lives, it’s your duty to master selling. It’s not sleazy—it’s service.
    • Build a Business, Not a Job
      Sales should serve your life—not dominate it. Structure your business to scale and free your time.

    Connect with Alan Versteeg:

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

    Website: https://www.growthmattersintl.com/

    CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

    X (Twitter):
    https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
    Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
    Email: [email protected]
    InstantlyRelevant.com

    Support the show

    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie

    19 min
  • “I Was Living in My Car”—How JC Misko Rebuilt Life Through Brisket and Sobriety

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    Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

    JC Misko, founder of Misko Mountain Flavor Company, shares how recovery, faith, and brisket tacos came together to form a life-changing mission. In this heartfelt episode, JC opens up about overcoming addiction, building a food business from nothing, and using his story to help others do the same. 

    About JC Misko:

    JC is the founder of Misko Mountain Flavor Company, a brisket taco business built with a mission to support early recovery. Through his work and future foundation, Grant for Hope, JC is creating a new recovery system—one that offers real pathways to stability and ownership through food and entrepreneurship.

    In this episode, Thomas and JC discuss:

    • Cutting the Tie to Distractions
      JC shares how staying sober gave him clarity to rebuild his business from the ground up—this time with purpose and boundaries.
    • How Brisket Tacos Became a Vehicle for Recovery
      He explains how BBQ and business are a foundation for community, healing, and proving what's possible in early sobriety.
    • Building a Recovery System that Actually Works
      JC breaks down the flaws in the current rehab cycle and outlines his vision for a program that helps people earn, save, and thrive.
    • Trusting God, Trusting the Process
      From living in his car to dreaming of brick-and-mortar locations, JC reflects on how faith and service kept him moving forward.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Start Small, Grow Intentionally
      JC opens only on Fridays and focuses on selling out—not burning out.
    • Business Should Uplift, Not Exploit
      His model rewards progress, not relapse, flipping the script on the traditional recovery industry.
    • Teach What You Know
      From cooking to budgeting, JC uses his past to build new futures for others.
    • Success is Measured in Impact
      His dream isn’t just multiple locations—it’s helping hundreds of people restart their lives.

    "I want to create a recovery model where doing better helps everyone, not just the system."— JC Misko

    CONNECT WITH JC MISKO:

    Website: https://mmflavor.com
    Location: Fridays at Emilita Street & Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA

    CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

    X (Twitter):
    https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
    Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
    Email: [email protected]
    InstantlyRelevant.com

    Support the show

    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie

    19 min
  • “Stop Overplanning—Just Start”—Juno Lux’s Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

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    Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

    Juno Lux, founder of The Haus  of H, joins Thomas for a vibrant, honest conversation about spirituality, entrepreneurship, and the power of self-ownership. From working in social work and hospitality to founding a nonprofit for queer spiritual healing, Juno shares the experiences that led them to cut the tie with outdated systems and build something empowering from the ground up.

    About Juno Lux:

    Juno Lux is the founder of The Haus of H—a nonprofit that creates holistic, judgment-free spiritual spaces for queer individuals. With a background spanning social work, IT, and hospitality, Juno brings both soul and structure to their work, hosting immersive retreats and advocating for deeper access to queer-centered healing.

    In this episode, Thomas and Juno discuss:

    • Cutting the Tie to the Employee Mindset
      Juno shares the moment they realized they weren’t made to follow rigid systems and rules—they were meant to build their own.
    • Spirituality Without Shame
      They discuss how many retreats over-emphasize sexuality, and how The House of H shifts the focus to healing, exploration, and genuine connection.
    • Branding, Storytelling & Self-Discovery
      Juno unpacks the struggle of separating personal identity from brand identity—and how clarity came through books like StoryBrand and Save the Cat.
    • The Power of ChatGPT & Neurodivergent Creativity
      They explain how AI tools help organize thoughts and build confidence in communication, especially for those with processing challenges.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Don’t Wait for Permission
      Start now. You’ll never feel fully ready—and planning too much can kill momentum.
    • You Are the Engine
      Entrepreneurship becomes real the moment you realize: if you disappear, the business stops. That’s power—and responsibility.
    • Let Your Experience Lead You
      Your story, even the rough parts, makes you uniquely qualified to lead, teach, and heal.
    • You’re the Guide, Not the Hero
      In branding and in life, don’t center yourself—lead others through their transformation.

    "You don’t need to be the hero. You’re the guide—that’s where your magic is." — Juno Lux

    CONNECT WITH JUNO LUX:

    Website: https://thehausofh.org
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/juno-epifanio/
    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/_hausofh/

    CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

    X (Twitter):
    https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
    Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
    Email: [email protected]
    InstantlyRelevant.com

    Support the show

    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie

    27 min
  • “You Can’t Please Everyone Forever”—How Riggs Eckelberry Took Full Ownership of His Business

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    Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

    Riggs Eckelberry, CEO of OriginClear, joins Thomas to unpack the broken water system, decentralization, and what it means to cut the tie to pleasing others. From rejecting broken industry norms to walking away from Wall Street pressure, Riggs shares a refreshingly honest look at entrepreneurship, leadership, and finding your own path—even if it takes decades.

    About Riggs Eckelberry:

    Riggs is the founder and CEO of OriginClear, a public company leading the decentralized water movement. A former corporate exec and nonprofit leader, Riggs now advocates for do-it-yourself water treatment systems for industrial users—bringing innovation and accountability to one of the world’s most neglected infrastructure sectors.

    In this episode, Thomas and Riggs discuss:

    • Cutting the Tie to Pleasing Everyone
      Riggs talks about the trap of building for investors, advisors, and outsiders—and the moment he stopped doing it and finally owned his leadership.
    • The Myth of Centralized Infrastructure
      He explains why massive water systems don’t work anymore, and how modular, onsite water treatment is the real future.
    • Focusing on the Core
      Riggs shares how he finally doubled down on OriginClear’s most scalable units instead of chasing every “bright idea.”
    • Relearning Leadership in Real Time
      After years of trial and error, Riggs explains how he rebuilt confidence, trusted his gut, and stopped chasing solutions that didn’t fit.

    Key Takeaways:

    • You Don’t Need Permission
      Sometimes the tie to cut is waiting for someone else to say yes—leadership starts when you decide.
    • Old Systems Can’t Solve New Problems
      From water to entrepreneurship, big outdated systems break down under pressure—innovation comes from the edges.
    • Stick With It Until It Clicks
      It might take years, but when your business finally hits momentum, you’ll be glad you didn’t bail early.
    • Don’t Underestimate What You’ve Already Built
      The thing you’ve quietly been building might be the future—it just needs your full belief and focus.

    "Your judgment is better than you think it is—stop handing the keys to someone else."
    — Riggs Eckelberry

    CONNECT WITH RIGGS ECKELBERRY:

    Website: https://originclear.com
    Sign up: Legends of Water Monthly Broadcast
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/riggs

    CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

    X (Twitter):
    https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
    Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
    Email: [email protected]
    InstantlyRelevant.com

    Support the show

    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie

    34 min
  • "Entrepreneurship? It's Like Squid Game" a humorous solo episode by your host, Thomas Helfrich

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    Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

    In this special solo episode, Thomas Helfrich lays out the wild reality of leaving corporate life and jumping headfirst into entrepreneurship—through the lens of a chaotic, hilarious, and brutally honest "Squid Game" analogy. If you’ve ever thought about quitting your job or building your own thing, this episode pulls no punches on what the journey really looks like.

    In this episode, Thomas shares:

    • Round One: The "I Quit" Moment
      When the realization hits that corporate life feels more like Squid Game—where "mandatory fun" is torture and OKRs are slow death—the dangerous words "I quit" change everything.
    • Round Two: Entrepreneur Mode Activated
      The thrill (and terror) of updating your LinkedIn title to "Founder" while everyone around you quietly panics on your behalf.
    • Round Three: Red Light, Green Light
      Freedom comes at the cost of no paycheck, no PTO, and a new coworker (your cat) judging your every move.
    • Round Four: The Glass Bridge of Growth
      Each sale feels like a miracle, each rejection feels like a gut punch, but you keep taking step after terrifying step forward.
    • Final Round: The Realization
      Entrepreneurship isn’t a highlight reel—it’s a chaotic, gritty, beautiful mess. You’re building something real—and it’s yours.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Entrepreneurship is Panic in Private, Not Glory in Public
      It’s late nights, heavy doubts, and random Googling—and it’s worth it.
    • Your Only Safety Net is Grit
      There’s no cheat code, no easy button. Just resilience, messy action, and a whole lot of coffee.
    • Messy Beats Perfect
      Your "Google Doc full of chaos" is more valuable than the perfect plan you never execute.
    • Freedom Costs More but Feels Better
      Leaving comfort for chaos is terrifying—but the trade is authenticity, growth, and a life you actually own.

    "In entrepreneurship, there's no safety net, no cheat code, and no epidural. Just grit, growth, and a Google Doc full of chaos." — Thomas Helfrich

    CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

    X (Twitter):
    https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
    Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
    Email: [email protected]
    InstantlyRelevant.com

    Support the show

    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie

    4 min
  • “I Automated Myself Out of a Job”—KJ Fenton on Taking the Risk That Paid Off

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    Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

    Sales engineer and podcast host KJ Fenton joins Thomas for a fun, honest conversation about balancing a thriving W-2 career with building a passion project, and how cutting ties with "safe" thinking can open bigger doors than you ever expected. From coding macros at EY to launching KJ's Corner, KJ shares how small risks turn into massive growth.

    About KJ Fenton:

    KJ Fenton is a principal solutions engineer at Salesforce specializing in Intelligent Automation. He's also the host of KJ's Corner, a podcast where he interviews professionals across sales, marketing, and tech to unpack the real inflection points behind their success stories. KJ brings a rare blend of technical skills, sales acumen, and authenticity to everything he does.

    In this episode, Thomas and KJ discuss:

    • Cutting the Tie to "Stay in Your Lane"
      KJ shares how questioning inefficient systems at EY led to backlash—and why speaking up was the first move that shifted his career trajectory.
    • Launching a Podcast While Working Full-Time
      He breaks down how he started KJ's Corner not to "monetize fast," but to build a long-term platform for future opportunities.
    • Family First, Always
      KJ reflects on how balancing entrepreneurship with being a husband and father grounds his decision-making—even when the hustle gets chaotic.
    • Treating Your Side Hustle Like a Real Business
      Thomas challenges KJ (and listeners) to treat their side projects seriously today—because the job you think is secure may not last forever.

    Key Takeaways:

    • You Can Build Both
      You don't have to burn your W-2 bridges. Use them to fund your dreams—and take action now.
    • Start Before You're Ready
      KJ didn't have the perfect "hook" or formula—he just started having meaningful conversations and learned as he went.
    • Automation is Your Secret Weapon
      Use tools like Streamyard, Opus.pro, and automation platforms to save time and amplify your content.
    • Listen to What Trusted People Say About You
      If everyone says you're great at something—pay attention. There’s truth in that feedback.

    "The biggest thing you can build is confidence in your own story—even if you’re still writing it."
    — KJ Fenton

    CONNECT WITH KJ FENTON:

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

    CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
    Facebook:
    http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
    TikTok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
    CutTheTie.com

    Support the show

    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie

    18 min
  • “Stop Hiring Jerks”: Mark Murphy’s Mission to Fix Broken Workplaces

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    Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

    Leadership expert and researcher Mark Murphy joins Thomas for a sharp, data-driven conversation about leadership development, why most hiring practices fail, and how to cut ties with assumptions that hold organizations—and individuals—back. Mark shares his journey from following conventional wisdom to questioning it, uncovering insights that help leaders grow faster and smarter.

    About Mark Murphy:

    Mark is the founder of Leadership IQ, a research and training company focused on leadership science. He’s the bestselling author of Hiring for Attitude, Managing Narcissists, Blamers, Dramatics and More, and Hard Goals. Mark’s work combines practical strategies with data-backed insights to help leaders and organizations perform at higher levels.

    In this episode, Thomas and Mark discuss:

    • Cutting the Tie to Existence Bias
      Mark reveals how he challenged the belief that "we’ve always done it this way" — leading to breakthrough research on why new hires fail.
    • Managing Narcissists and Toxic Employees
      Mark shares practical advice from his books on how to spot and manage difficult personalities before and after they join your team.
    • The "Why" That Changes Everything
      He explains how simply questioning assumptions—and asking "why" more often—unlocks hidden opportunities for growth and improvement.
    • How Research Changes Leadership
      Mark discusses how applying rigorous research to hiring, managing, and developing people reveals better paths to building high-performing teams.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Question Assumptions Relentlessly
      Growth and innovation start by challenging what "everyone knows" but no one questions.
    • Attitude Trumps Skill
      In hiring, attitude predicts success far more reliably than skills on a resume.
    • You’re Always Learning or You're Falling Behind
      The minute you think you’ve figured it all out, you’re vulnerable to stagnation and disruption.
    • Culture Fit Requires Clarity
      Good hiring isn’t about personality tests—it’s about understanding your true culture and screening for it intentionally.

    "The minute you think you've got it all figured out is the minute you're done growing."
    — Mark Murphy

    CONNECT WITH MARK MURPHY:

    Website: https://www.leadershipiq.com
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamurphy/

    CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

    X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
    Facebook:
    http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
    Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
    TikTok:
    https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
    YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
    LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
    CutTheTie.com

    Support the show

    https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie

    19 min

About Cut The Tie

From the publisher's feed

Cut The Tie and  Own Your Success reveals how high performers think, decide, and overcome obstacles—so you can apply one actionable idea each week.

Each short episode (<10…