GROWTH PILLAR: Leadership & Ops
WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Coaches / Service-based entrepreneurs managing seasonal revenue
WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: Practical strategies for summer cash flow, forward-planning frameworks, pipeline mindset shifts, and seasonal business ops that actually hold up.
Most entrepreneurs don't lose the fall — they lose it in June. That's the real message from this East Trade Winds Mastermind session.
Host Percy Barr brings together six sharp contributors for an unscripted round-table on one of the most common blind spots in small business: the summer slowdown. It's not just about July and August. It's about what you did — or didn't do — in the months before.
Wayne Pratt reminds us that months are meaningless. Seasons are not. Build for fall now, while you still have runway.
Tony Gyenis shares how forward-visioning — staying one to two years ahead — turns slow seasons into opportunity windows. His story about acquiring warehouse rollers before he knew he needed them is worth the listen alone.
Carl Richards points out that a September podcast launch means work starts now. Sixty to ninety days minimum. Waiting until you're back from the cottage is how January becomes April.
Noemi Beres confirms the podcasting world never really stops — and that the best booking windows close faster than most people expect.
JoJo LaRiccia brings it back to trust. Show up. Keep moving. Life shows up for the people who do.
Bernie Franzgrote ties the room together with a runway metaphor that applies to every entrepreneur planning an event, a launch, or a rebrand: the marketing has to breathe before the moment arrives.
Percy anchors the whole session with a simple reframe — this is spring. It's the right time to plant.
Summer cash flow gaps and how to plan around them
Why reactive entrepreneurs always scramble in fall
Forward visioning as a daily operational practice
Tech disruptions and the hidden cost of ignoring update notices
Pipeline psychology — staying confident when leads thin out
The 60–90 day rule for launches, podcasts, and events
Re-engaging dormant clients before the slowdown hitsConnect with our contributors:
Percy Barr — canadagrowthnetwork.com | LinkedIn
Wayne Pratt — freshlybrewedcoaching.com | LinkedIn
Tony Gyenis — lovehigherself.com | LinkedIn
Noemi Beres — podcastconnections.co | LinkedIn
JoJo LaRiccia — laricciamedia.com | LinkedIn
Carl Richards — podcastsolutionsmadesimple.com | LinkedIn
Bernie Franzgrote — Kreativ Insight ConsultantsThis episode is brought to you by:
@Hive — Real networking for freelancers and growing teams. Online and in person. Community without the noise.
Property Wizard — Gentry Learning — Real estate investing made practical. If building wealth is on your radar, start here. Podcast: tinyurl.com/3psh5bdk
VidIQ — The tool behind the Knack 4 Business YouTube channel. Smarter titles, better tags, real growth data.Join East Trade Winds — free, every Tuesday 8–9 AM EST: Register here
Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD first month, $47 CAD/month after: canadagrowthnetwork.com/ghl
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Disclaimer: Please note that the East Trade Winds podcast episodes are meant solely for educational and general informational purposes. The information and opinions contained within are not intended to be professional advice on any subject matter. The thoughts, views, and opinions expressed by the participants are their own beliefs and do not represent the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations.
It is important to note that this podcast is not a replacement for consulting with certified experts in your area who possess knowledge of your unique situation. The hosts of the podcast, along with any participants or affiliated groups, do not take responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the information presented in this episode.
It is highly recommended that individuals seek guidance from their advisors in fields such as accounting, law, or other pertinent areas prior to undertaking any actions or making decisions that may impact their financial, legal, or other aspects of life.