What if the worst night of your life became the spark behind your greatest impact?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Phil Mershon—jazz musician, event designer, and author of “Unforgettable”—to break down the art of building events people remember for a lifetime.

Phil reveals his personal story of stepping onstage and falling short—then using years of practice (and a near-disaster) to fuel a revolution in how we think about experiences. Discover the science, emotion, and strategy behind making your message resonate and your audience transform.

What You'll Learn:

• How a humiliating jazz performance set Phil on a path to mastery—and what it taught him about growth.
• The 3M Framework: Memorable, Meaningful, Momentous—a playbook for powerful experiences.
• The secret power of senses—why a whiff of coffee can make your event unforgettable.
• The top mistake event planners make (and how to avoid designing for yourself instead of your audience).
• Why storytelling isn’t fluff—it’s the glue that makes every lesson stick.

Timestamps: 00:03 – Jazz, Failure, and Fuel: Phil’s Pivotal Night in Chicago
05:15 – The 3M Framework Exposed: Memorable, Meaningful, Momentous
09:30 – Engaging the Senses: Coffee, Smell, and Memory Triggers
12:20 – Crafting Emotional Journeys: Audience Relevance & Deep Impact
16:10 – Pitfalls to Avoid: Who Are You Really Designing For?
18:45 – Storytelling Hooks: From Morpheus to Avengers—Making Lessons Stick
22:40 – How to Connect: Phil’s Book, Links & Where to Go Next

Where to reach our Guest:

• Website: filmersean.com
• Book: Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences (also available at major retailers: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart)
• LinkedIn: Phil Mershon on LinkedIn
• Instagram: @phil_mershon

What makes an event not just memorable—but transformative?

In this episode, Phil Mershon, acclaimed Director of Experience at Social Media Examiner and author of "Unforgettable," pulls back the curtain on the art and science of creating experiences that linger long after the final applause.

What if you could orchestrate events that people talk about for years, bond over for a lifetime, and that even change the course of careers? Phil’s journey from jazz saxophonist to global event architect is rich with hard-won insights, missteps, and soaring successes. Dive into an emotional, curiosity-driven conversation about how “belonging,” intentional design, and the courage to innovate forge truly unforgettable experiences.

What You'll Learn :

• Experiences have the power to transform—not just entertain—when people feel genuine belonging.
• The road from jazz musician to event visionary taught Phil that great events are “living organisms” that evolve every year.
• The book “Unforgettable” was inspired by the need to turn intuitive magic into practical frameworks others can follow.
• Unpredictable, immersive moments—like a mysterious “secret family reunion” in Tuscany—create lifelong bonds and new opportunities.
• The best events blend personal touches, meaningful conversations, and a willingness to learn from failures along the way.

Timestamps:

• [00:02] The Spark: Phil’s unconventional journey from jazz saxophone to event design
• [01:22] Early Mentors & Why Quality Management Changed Everything
• [03:22] The Birth of “Unforgettable”—Turning Vision Into Framework
• [05:00] Why Most Events Miss the Mark: The Belonging Factor
• [08:37] Creating Experiences No One Forgets—The Science & Emotion of Memorable Events
• [10:31] The Secret Family Reunion—A Lesson in Anticipation & Connection
• [16:53] If You Could Build an Event Anywhere: Middle Earth, Narnia… or Beyond?

Guest Links:

• Website: Social Media Examiner
• LinkedIn: Phil Mershon on LinkedIn
• Instagram: @phil_mershon
• Book: Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences

Let this episode show you: Every event has the potential to change lives—if you dare to make it unforgettable.

Bold, emotional, and brutally honest—this episode rips back the curtain on business advice and coaching. Hosted by Junaid Ahmed, "The Diary of a CEO" welcomes Mike Milan—known as “Cash Flow Mike”—who reveals the untold story behind his journey from state trooper to financial motivator.

Why do so many entrepreneurs ignore solid advice? What makes some finally take action? This episode is as much about emotional transformation as it is about balance sheets.

Mike shares his revolutionary "Elevation Sequence," a method forged on the front lines of human behavior, not just in boardrooms. Learn why most consultants get it wrong, why changing behavior is the only path to true business success, and how you can ignite breakthrough results in yourself and others.

What You'll Learn:

• Why business owners resist advice—and what really motivates change
• The Elevation Sequence: 8 actionable coaching steps to drive results
• How to create buy-in and ownership: the “Nudge Pact” and its real power
• Mike’s emotional lessons from hoarders, parenting, and policework
• A mindset shift: facilitating change instead of preaching answers

Timestamps:

• 00:01—From State Trooper to Cash Flow Coach: Mike’s unlikely journey
• 02:10—Why “Don’t Tell Me What to Do” is the advisor’s core challenge
• 05:25—Verbal Judo & The Art of Business Motivation
• 08:45—What Hoarders Can Teach Us About Business Owners
• 13:19—The Elevation Sequence: Eight Steps That Transform Clients
• 18:47—Emotion Meets Action: Connecting Money to Motivation
• 20:55—How to Unlock Commitment and Crush Resistance

Guest Links:

• Website: https://www.cashflowmike.com (free 7-minute cash flow lesson & digital resources)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cashflowmike
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cashflowmike
• Books:

Are you unknowingly bleeding cash from your business? 

In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with Mike Milan, famously known as “Cash Flow Mike”—the coach who’s helped over 25,000 business owners uncover $150 million in hidden cash. Discover why most entrepreneurs fly blind with their finances, and how a simple, actionable framework can radically transform your business life.

Mike opens up about his journey from state trooper to financial educator, the toughest cash flow lessons from the trenches, and his emotional mission to make business failure a thing of the past. If you want to see your numbers clearly—and finally stop lying awake at night—this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

What You'll Learn:

• The single biggest cash flow mistake most business owners don’t realize they’re making
• Why understanding your financial statements isn’t as hard as you think
• The life-changing “Seven-Minute Conversation” and how it can spotlight your business’s burning issues—fast
• How to mine your company for hidden cash and shrink the dreaded “financial gap”
• Why “Don’t Be a Dumb Business Owner” isn’t an insult—it’s a wake-up call to master your money story

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Meet Cash Flow Mike: From spreadsheets to strategy—Mike’s origin story
• [02:00] Are you flying blind? Most business owners are—here’s why
• [03:11] How to read your numbers (and why most people zone out)
• [06:10] Mining for Hidden Cash: Six calculations to plug the leaks
• [08:00] The financial “gap”—and how it quietly drains your growth
• [09:58] The Seven-Minute Conversation: Transform your business finances in minutes
• [13:14] “Don’t Be a Dumb Business Owner”—the real story behind the book

Guest Links:

• Website: cashflowmike.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cashflowmike (searchable as “Cash Flow Mike”)
• Instagram: instagram.com/cashflowmike
• Book: Look for “Don’t Be a Dumb Business Owner” by Mike Milan on Amazon or at the links on his website

What if mastering sales was less about scripts—and more about psychology, habits, and building lasting systems?

In this electrifying, curiosity-driven conversation, Matt Raad sits down with renowned sales coach Howard Wolpoff, who reveals why confidence—not pressure—powers high-performing teams. From escaping the clutches of toxic micromanagement to the overlooked magic of CRMs, discover not just strategies, but the deeply human stories behind sales that stick. Walk away ready to transform your team's mindset, your own daily rituals, and the way you measure success.

Five Key Takeaways:

• Confidence is the fuel behind every great salesperson—and it starts with asking the right questions.
• Micromanagement kills momentum; creating real accountability means empowering, not stifling, your team.
• Simple, daily use of a CRM is the hidden superpower for tracking, follow-up, and closing.
• The only sales metrics that matter measure real progress toward your team’s true revenue targets.
• High-performance teams thrive with routines: block time for key activities, track it, and see exponential results.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Why Confidence—Not Scripts—Drives Sales: The Big Mindset Shift
• [02:26] Micromanagers Ruin Teams: Howard’s Personal Wake-Up Call
• [04:51] The Secret Power of CRMs (and How Most Salespeople Miss It)
• [08:18] Vanity Metrics vs. Real Results: What Sales Leaders Track
• [11:07] Transforming Team Habits: How to Block Time, Build Rituals, and Win More
• [13:47] Designing the Dream Sales Retreat: Maui, Reflection, and Real Connections
• [14:44] Connect with Howard: Unlock More Sales Wisdom

Guest Links:

• Website: https://www.howardwolpoffswc.com
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff
• (For additional platforms or books, see show notes or guest’s website)

So many of us are thrown into the deep end of sales, armed with nothing but a phone, a quota, and a sense of dread. But what if everything you knew about selling—and leading—was wrong?In this episode, Junaid Ahmed sits down with veteran sales and leadership coach Howard Wolpoff, who reveals how he transforms struggling teams and uncertain professionals into confident, high-performing closers. From cold calls and door-to-door rejections to masterminding sales breakthroughs across industries, Howard’s stories and strategies will forever change the way you look at selling—and yourself.

Takeaways:

• Why most sales training fails—and what actually works to grow sales and confidence.
• The hidden reason companies “churn and burn” their salespeople (and how to break the cycle).
• How understanding personality unlocks rapport—and closes deals you never thought possible.
• The 15 ways to close a deal (and why most salespeople only know two).
• The power of mentorship: what it means to truly impact someone’s life—and how the best rewards might come years later.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 — “Thrown Into Sales: The Untold Truths” (Raw beginnings in sales, no training, and early challenges)
• 5:01 — “Breaking Through: From Cold Calls to Coaching” (Howard’s shift from uncertainty to helping others succeed)
• 9:09 — “Teaching, Mentorship & The Long Game” (The hidden power of teaching and an unforgettable story from the New York Mets)
• 12:00 — “The Confidence Gap: Inside Every Salesperson’s Mind” (Why even superstars struggle—and what to do about it)
• 14:18 — “Scripts, Humility, and the Secret to Connection” (Weaponizing preparation without losing authenticity)
• 15:09 — “When Salespeople Hit the Wall: Making Breakthroughs Happen” (Practical stories of real-world growth)
• 20:40 — “Scaling the Unscalable: The Mistake That Destroys Sales Teams” (Howard’s #1 blueprint mistake—revealed)

Guest Links:

Website: www.howardwolpoffSWC.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardwolpoff/

Could your next book be the spark for seven-figure success?

Meet Aurora Winter, bestselling author, publisher, and master of turning words into wealth, as she unpacks the secrets behind building authority, attracting premium clients, and multiplying income—all from the written word. In this episode, Aurora reveals actionable strategies—from “show me the money” mindset to leveraging books for brand-building, speaking gigs, and alternative revenue streams that most authors overlook.

With stories of legal thriller authors, dentists, and entrepreneurs, each insight builds on curiosity: What if your book isn’t just a calling card, but the gateway to your next million?

What you'll learn:

• Writing a book is just the beginning—clarity, branding, and monetization must be woven into your strategy from the start.

• Build and nurture your audience before launching your book to avoid its release into a “vacuum.”

• A published book opens doors: speaking, higher fees, media, partnerships, and more—your authority multiplies.

• Seven (and even eight) distinctive ways to monetize your message—beyond book sales—include speaking, merchandise, training/certification, and affiliate revenue.

• Independent publishing puts you in control—of your story, your brand, and your profits.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Welcome Back: Aurora Winter on Wealth-Building Books

• [00:41] “Show Me the Money”: Why Books Are Business Tools

• [02:00] Making Experts Famous—From Lawyers to Dentists

• [04:41] Building an Audience Before Publishing: Essential Steps

• [06:00] Turning Brand into Premium Pricing

• [11:52] Books as Gateways to Startups, Speaking, and Merchandising

• [15:00] The Free Book Funnel—How Upsells Generate 6 Figures

• [21:10] The Hidden 8th Strategy: Affiliate Income

• [22:39] Final Takeaways and Free Resources

Guest Links:

• Website: SamePagePublishing.com

• Book: Turn Words Into Wealth – free eBook and resources!

• Aurora’s Free Business Breakthrough Call: BookCall.biz

• Aurora’s Profile: AuroraWinter.com

• Socials: [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurorawinter/), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/aurorawinterauthor/)

This episode is packed with actionable strategies and heart-stirring inspiration. Ready to let your story work for you? Dive in.

What if the path to real influence wasn't about shouting the loudest, but about mastering your story?

In this episode, best-selling author, publishing mentor, and entrepreneur Aurora Winter shares the powerful journey from childhood inspiration to helping leaders craft bestselling books and unforgettable brands.

With raw honesty and actionable wisdom, Aurora breaks down the costly mistakes most aspiring authors make, reveals the invisible structures behind magnetic stories, and offers a blueprint for moving from expert to authority—even if you doubt your story matters.

Learn from Aurora:

• Why most entrepreneurs fail at communicating their value, and how to finally monetize your message

• The secrets behind ghostwriting for the world’s top thought leaders

• How to turn testimonials into stories that convert fans into followers

• Battling imposter syndrome and shifting your focus to service

• Innovative ways to share your wisdom: from video books to bestsellers

**Timestamps:** 00:01 – The Spark: Aurora’s childhood dream and Silicon Valley DNA 02:45 – Why Entrepreneurs Fail at Messaging (and How to Fix It) 06:40 – Ghostwriting Exposed: What Actually Happens Behind the Scenes 10:55 – Authority Unlocked: How Clarifying Your Story Changes Everything 14:38 – The Power Structure: Making Any Story Unforgettable 18:20 – Battling Self-Doubt: Why Your Story Really Does Matter 22:13 – Humanity’s Code: Stories as a Blueprint for Life**Guest Links:**

• Website: Same Page Publishing

• LinkedIn: Aurora Winter

• Instagram: @aurorawinter

• Book: Turn Words Into Wealth

What you'll learn :

• Turn your expertise into authority with professional storytelling—don’t go it alone.

• Even global leaders rely on ghostwriters to craft and elevate their messages.

• A compelling testimonial is a ‘hero’s journey’—structure matters.

• Focusing on service, not self, defeats imposter syndrome and deepens impact.

• Experiment with new formats—video books, interviews, and emotional hooks—to stand out and genuinely connect.

  
  

  Guest Links:

  Aurora Winter Media Page: https://www.aurorawinter.com/media/
  Aurora Winter PR Photos: https://www.aurorawinter.com/prphotos/
  Aurora Winter Website: https://www.aurorawinter.com
  Same Page Publishing: https://www.samepagepublishing.com
  LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/AuroraWinter
  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AuroraWinter
  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/AuroraWinter
  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuroraWinterMBA
  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aurorawinterMBA
  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aurorawinterMBA
  Marketing Fasttrack Amazon: https://a.co/d/8xrIglK
  Turn Words Into Wealth Amazon: https://a.co/d/7RRkVYb

Have you ever felt the itch to leave it all behind and create a life on your own terms?In today’s episode, Jerry Dugan reveals the honest, often messy truth behind walking away from a secure corporate role to chase a creative dream—becoming a full-time voiceover artist. From risking it all on gig platforms to navigating the loneliness of entrepreneurship and mastering the art of authentic storytelling, Jerry shares every raw milestone, failure, and hidden lesson.

Curiosity, hustle, and emotional grit: these are the cornerstones Jerry credits for lasting success. Whether you crave creative freedom, or simply wonder what it takes to get paid using your voice, Jerry’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention.

What You'll Learn :

• Why traditional careers can stifle creativity—and the turning point that sparked Jerry’s leap.

• The tactical steps to break into voiceover—without a safety net (or big budget).

• How to land your first client—even when everyone says you’re not “qualified.”

• Surviving rejection, client drama, and tough transitions: inside the emotional rollercoaster.

• The power of leadership skills—how corporate lessons become creative superpowers.

Timestamps:

• 0:02:00 The Leap: Jerry’s wake-up call from corporate to creative.

• 0:04:00 First Blood: The hustle to find gigs—Upwork, Fiverr, ACX, and getting paid the first time.

• 0:07:00 Client Chemistry: Navigating relationships, tricky feedback, and finding your “groove.”

• 0:12:00 A Day in the Life: Jerry’s exact daily routine as a full-time voiceover artist.

• 0:18:00 Brutal Truths: Rejection rates, authenticity, and the persistence required to win.

• 0:27:00 Leadership Rewired: Why old business skills are the secret edge in creative work.

• 0:35:00 Dreams & Impact: Jerry’s personal project wishes—and how to turn stories into legacies.

Guest Links:

• Website: jerryduganvoice.com

• Upwork, Fiverr, Voices.com profiles linked on website

How far would you go to reclaim your life?In this transformative, heart-on-sleeve interview, Jerry Dugan peels back the curtain on his bold escape from corporate leadership into the uncertain but exhilarating world of creative entrepreneurship. With raw honesty, Jerry shares the moment he realized success was a golden cage, how his family catalyzed his leap, and why reinventing yourself demands both courage and vulnerability. If you’ve ever questioned the path you’re on, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

• The emotional toll of “golden handcuffs”—and the price of freedom

• How a single conversation at home can change your entire life trajectory

• Three mentors’ uncanny advice that pointed Jerry to his true calling

• The struggle to build a business from scratch (and why the right “why” matters)

• Powerful lessons on identity, letting go, and crafting a life on your terms

Timestamps:

• [0:00] Full Circle Moments: Jerry Returns—The Backstory Behind the Leap

• [2:00] “Put Yourself In a Prison”—The Real Cost of Corporate Success

• [7:45] Three Conversations That Changed Everything—Listening Between the Lines

• [10:00] Building ‘Beyond the Rut’: From Podcasting to Publishing

• [12:00] Burnout, Blessings, and Saying No to the Wrong “Yes”

• [15:30] The Uber Chapter: Reinventing, Recharging, and Rethinking What’s Next

• [20:00] Lessons from Dune & Beyond—Leadership, Identity, and Curiosity Unleashed

Guest Links:

• Website: https://beyondtherut.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerrydugan/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrydugan/

• Book: “Beyond the Rut” – https://amzn.to/yourbooklink