In this episode, Aaron Gordon speaks with Brian Ahearn, an author and expert on ethical influence. They delve into the significance of honesty and transparency in sales, the ethical use of influence, and the psychology behind persuasion. Ahearn shares his journey from the insurance industry to becoming an entrepreneur, highlighting the importance of addressing objections strategically and refining skills continuously. They discuss the impact of framing messages and the principle of scarcity, emphasizing positive and ethical influence. Ahearn also recounts personal stories illustrating discipline and perseverance and shares motivational quotes from Viktor Frankl and Seneca. Aaron wraps up by thanking Brian and encouraging listeners to embrace and learn ethical influence techniques for personal and professional growth.

Get To Know Brian Ahearn

Brian Ahearn is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, trainer, coach, and consultant who specializes in applying the science of influence and persuasion to everyday situations. With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Brian has held various positions, including underwriting, sales, and corporate training. Throughout his career, he has provided coaching to regional vice presidents, sales managers, field sales representatives, claim representatives, and independent insurance agents.

As a prolific writer, Brian has authored several influential books, including "Influence PEOPLE: Powerful Everyday Opportunities to Persuade that are Lasting and Ethical," which was recognized as one of the Top 100 Influence Books of All Time by BookAuthority. His book "Persuasive Selling for Relationship Driven Insurance Agents" also became an Amazon New Release Best Seller. Brian's most recent book, "The Influencer: Secrets to Success and Happiness," offers valuable insights through a business parable. He has been acknowledged as one of the Top 100 Influencers of 2016 by the Science of Digital Marketing and has reached over 400,000 individuals through his persuasive selling and coaching LinkedIn courses. Brian is also a Cialdini Method Certified Trainer®.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Ethical Influence: Understanding and applying ethical influence can build trust and credibility. Brian emphasizes honesty, transparency, and mutually beneficial outcomes as the cornerstone of genuine relationships in sales.

2. Importance of Continuous Learning: Continuous enhancement of one's influence skills through learning and practice is vital. Brian's journey illustrates that refining and learning from mistakes are essential for personal and professional growth.

3. Transforming Challenges into Opportunities: Brian's transition from the insurance industry to becoming an ethical influence expert demonstrates the power of focusing on potential upsides and persevering through initial fears and uncertainties. His story highlights the importance of resilience and action in entrepreneurship.

Show Overview:

01:11 Brian reflects on father's influence and book.

06:20 Influence can change people's thoughts and actions.

07:47 Value scarcity, loss aversion - human behavior evolution.

10:41 Overcome fear, find drive, strive for success.

14:41 Entrepreneurship brings freedom and personal satisfaction.

19:23 Honesty is key to gaining trust.

21:48 Leading with honesty and transparency influences decisions.

25:50 Creating a virtuous cycle, looking out for best interest.

27:27 Understanding psychology-based sales techniques for better success.

31:06 Global definitions are evolving, influence holds value.

34:10 Preparation meets opportunity, conversations are valuable reps.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes magician Shlomo Levinger. The discussion delves into Shlomo's journey in magic, from early shows to a career-defining performance for Mike Trout and other MLB superstars. He stresses building a brand, ongoing hustle, and creating a supportive team. Shlomo shares insights on balancing work and personal life, emphasizing patience and the unpredictability of outcomes. He also highlights the meaning of hustling, achieving success through hard work, and maintaining meaningful connection  Enjoy the show!

Get To Know Shlomo Levinger 

Shlomo Levinger is a magician from Far Rockaway, NY. He has performed his jaw-dropping illusions worldwide, including in the US, UK, and Israel! Shlomo is also known on social media for his street magic videos that have amassed millions of views performing for all different types of people, including athletes and celebrities! Search for his appearances on ABC TV, People.com, and the Daily Mail.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Harnessing True Passion: Pursue what genuinely excites you. Shlomo's story of blending his passion for magic with hard work demonstrates how following your true interests can lead to fulfilling success and recognition.

2. Building a Collaborative Team: Embrace the power of teamwork. Shlomo emphasizes that achieving greater heights is often a collective effort. Surrounding yourself with the right people can enhance your hustle and enable you to reach new levels.

3. Balancing Hustle with Patience: Shlomo's advice on the importance of patience and not rushing into decisions is a key takeaway. It highlights the value of steady, consistent effort over time, avoiding unnecessary financial risks and ensuring sustainable growth. This underscores the importance of strategic growth and the value of patience in business.

Show Overview: 3:14 Shlomo talks growing up friends, playing sports, very driven.

08:30 Wife understands importance of his work, support.

12:17 Career-defining moment led to rising success.

13:05 Magical viral video boosts career and brand.

16:19 Desire for career growth, Vegas show logistical conflict.

19:50 Success is valued and goals are ambitious.

24:16 Patience and responsibility in business timing.

27:03 Fully support prioritizing family, religion, and work.

29:43 Hustling is about hard work and mentality.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with Jake Burhans, who shares his journey inspired by "Rich Dad Poor Dad" to pursue real estate and wealth creation. Initially driven by a desire for wealth, Jake's focus shifted to helping others start their entrepreneurial journeys and build a real estate community. Key topics include the importance of blind faith, perseverance, and the impact of making over 20,000 cold calls. Jake emphasizes the significance of discipline, developing a unique mindset, and not comparing oneself to others. They also discuss the value of consistency and the foundational skills learned from sports that translate into business success. Jake reflects on his upbringing, his transition from hockey to real estate, and the joy of seeing others succeed. Aaron and Jake encourage listeners to take action, focus on consistent effort, and trust the process for long-term success. Enjoy the show! Get To Know Jake Burhans

Jake Burhans is an accomplished Real Estate Investor and serves as the Director of Acquisitions at QA Home Buyers and Maple Birch Properties. With a strong belief in the power of consistent effort, Jake has carved a successful career in real estate investment by adhering to fundamental yet effective strategies over the long term. His philosophy centers on the importance of persistence and avoiding over-complication in business endeavors. As a dedicated entrepreneur, Jake empowers communities through QA Home Buyers, providing tailored solutions for homeowners seeking to sell their properties. Simultaneously, as an active real estate investor with holdings in the New Hampshire area through Maple Birch Properties, he is committed to positively impacting the industry. Known for his calculated and relentless approach, Jake's commitment to outworking others exemplifies his dedication to achieving his goals and making a lasting difference in the real estate sector. LinkedIn Instagram

3 Episode Key Takeaways - The Power of Perseverance: Jake emphasizes that cold calling isn't easy, but making over 20,000 calls in 3 years taught him invaluable skills. Consistency and practice turn challenges into opportunities for growth.

- Blind Faith and Discipline: Success isn't just about having a plan; it's about trusting that process and surrounding yourself with people who believe in your vision. Jake's story shows how unwavering faith and discipline lead to transformative results.

- Taking Action Over Consuming Information: In a world full of endless information, Jake reminds us of the importance of action. Don't get stuck in the trap of constantly learning without doing. It's the doing part that gets you closer to your goals. Show Overview: 01:23 Hustle, evolve, commit, set foundation, endless opportunities. 06:29 Sports showcase dedication over natural talent in life. 07:23 Jake played junior hockey, got hurt, and missed college. 12:18 Work ethic instilled by family upbringing. 15:11 Build a real estate community on Facebook and help people. 20:09 Information overload prevents taking effective action consistently. 22:56 Focus on one actionable step from seminars. 24:55 Cold calls require quick thinking and practice. 29:11 Skipping milestones hurts child development and success.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon interviews insurance executive Lisa Lounsbury. They delve into Lisa's career journey, highlighting the impact of self-belief and mentorship.. Lisa shares her diverse experiences, from a childhood in horseback riding to becoming the CEO of a major insurance organization in Syracuse, New York. The conversation covers the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and the challenging regulatory environment for insurance agents in New York. Lisa's anecdotes about balancing work and life as a working mom and Aaron's personal stories about his mother emphasize the human side of the industry. The episode concludes with motivational advice on taking risks and overcoming the fear of failure, reminding listeners to "keep hustling" with a curious, determined mindset.

Get To Know Lisa Lounsbury

Lisa Lounsbury is the President & CEO of Big I New York & Connecticut and Co-Founder and President of the Board of Directors at Catalyit. With an impressive background in the insurance industry, she has served on various committees and obtained professional designations, including Certified Association Executive and Accredited Adviser in Insurance. Lisa's journey into business began at an early age, influenced by her father's entrepreneurial spirit, leading to a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship. She is a Miami University of Ohio graduate with a bachelor's degree in finance. Currently residing in Cazenovia, New York, Lisa is also actively involved in her community, serving on the Cazenovia Central School District Board of Education and the Onondaga-Madison School Boards Association. Her dedication to both her professional and personal endeavors is truly inspiring.

3 Episode Key Takeaways - The Power of Mentorship: Lisa reflects on her mentor, Dick, who treated her as a person with potential rather than just categorizing her based on gender. His belief in her made a significant impact on her career trajectory.

- Value of Diversity and Equality: Emphasizing the importance of supporting women and fostering a diverse board, Lisa advocates for inclusivity in the insurance industry to drive growth and innovation.

- Balancing Professional and Personal Life: From riding lessons orchestrated by her father's hustle to juggling career and motherhood, Lisa’s story highlights the importance of work-life balance and remaining passionate about your profession.

Show Overview: 02:23 Family history traces back to Syracuse.

05:14 Lisa’s father's agency started, memorable early experience.

07:46 Lisa grew up riding horses competitively, traveled extensively.

11:27 Entrepreneurial spirit, hustle, and scrappiness shape success.

15:47 Considering moving to Pennsylvania, chose entrepreneurship.

16:28 Left insurance industry, Lisa meets mentor.

22:00 Formal education isn't always necessary for success.

25:14 Believe in yourself; listen to encouragers.

31:05 Embrace diversity and inclusion in service industry.

33:18 Founded Catalyt, defied assumptions, embraced experimentation.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon chats with Ana Lacher, a seasoned manager in the hospitality industry. Ana recounts her career journey from working on the restaurant floor to managing events, highlighting each role's mental shifts and challenges. She shares a pivotal moment in her career where she made a significant impact and discusses the importance of mentorship and resilience in the hospitality industry. Ana also shares an intriguing story of serving the Obamas, shedding light on the intense security measures involved. Throughout the episode, Ana and Aaron reflect on the demanding yet rewarding nature of hospitality work, emphasizing the significance of compassion, patience, and self-care. Tune in for insights into the high-stakes world of event management and the hustle required to succeed.

Get To Know Ana Lacher

Ana stumbled into the restaurant industry during her senior year at Tulane University. That job changed the trajectory of her career, and the rest is history. She spent the early years of her career in some of New Orleans' most celebrated restaurants, including Peche Seafood Grill under the Link Restaurant Group umbrella, before making her way to the front of house team at award-winning restaurant Zahav in Philadelphia. 2019 Ana returned home to New York, joining the USHG restaurant family at Caffe Marchio and Marta. During her hiatus in 2020, she reflected on what life would look like next. She loved being in restaurants and was passionate about hospitality, but she knew she needed a change. In 2021, as the world shifted, Ana returned to Marta as an hourly team member as Maitre D'. Later that fall, she transitioned to the events team, overseeing private and group dining at Marta and Ci Siamo - USHG's newest addition to the family. She has continued to grow within her role and is currently the Senior Events Sales Manager at Ci Siamo - continuing to oversee all group and private dining events. Ana thrives at creating memorable experiences and personal connections with guests LinkedIn

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Embrace Career Transitions: Shifting from one role to another can add new dimensions to your skill set. Ana's move from working on the restaurant floor to managing events highlights the importance of mental agility and adaptation.

2. Harness the Power of Mentorship: Mentors can significantly influence your professional journey. Ana's experiences shed light on how mentors provide guidance, inspiration, and opportunities, making a profound difference.

3. Thrive Under Pressure: Handling high-stress situations is an essential skill in the hospitality industry. Ana's stories of serving notable guests like the Obamas and managing challenging events underscore the importance of composure and resilience.

Show Overview: 05:48 Ana's first restaurant job led to host position.

09:11 Explaining stress of running a high end restaurant.

10:28 Respecting balance in customer service and goals.

13:22 Transition from restaurant to events, managing differences.

18:03 Importance of GM speaking highly of Ana

20:24 The power of mentorship in inspiring success.

25:25 Expect karma to keep going despite cynicism.

28:29 Panthers forever, lead with grace, be patient.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon explores the journey of guest Mark Metzler, highlighting their discussion on perseverance, hard work, and achieving success through dedication. Mark's determination to succeed in real estate, despite incurring credit card debt and facing initial challenges, showcases his unwavering commitment to his chosen path. The episode delves into the influence of Mark's family work ethic in shaping his drive and motivation, emphasizing the value of hustle and continuous learning in his career. Mark's rejection of a plan B and firm belief that failure is not an option underscores his dedication to plan A, resonating with the podcast's theme of staying focused on goals without distractions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of grit, hustle, and overcoming obstacles as integral elements in achieving success, inspiring listeners to pursue their passions wholeheartedly. Aaron Gordon praises Mark's inspirational journey, highlighting the transformative power of hard work and commitment in carving out a path to success in any field.

Get To Know Mark Metzler Mark Metzler, a driven real estate professional with Compass in Westchester County, NY, blends his passion for client success with unparalleled local market insights and negotiation prowess. A protégé of Ryan Serhant, the renowned real estate mogul from Million Dollar Listing NY, Mark leverages top-tier training and marketing acumen to achieve outstanding results for his clients. Dedicated to fostering lasting relationships, Mark's approach extends beyond transactions, ensuring a memorable and positive experience from start to finish. His commitment to excellence is evident in his continuous investment in professional development, aligning with the best in the industry to elevate his service standards. Away from real estate, Mark's interests span high-end automotive events, fitness, and cultivating connections within professional circles. His multifaceted lifestyle underscores a commitment to excellence and community. Instagram LinkedIn Facebook

3 Episode Key Takeaways - Embrace the "no plan B" mindset: Mark's commitment to success in real estate, without a fallback plan, showcases the power of unwavering determination in achieving your goals.

Fear of failure as a motivator: Mark's view on leveraging fear of failure as a driving force toward success underscores the importance of channeling challenges into opportunities for growth.

- Persistence Pays Off: Mark's story highlights the value of persistence and unwavering dedication to one's goals, emphasizing that pushing forward, especially during challenging times like the pandemic, can lead to eventual success in your endeavors. Show Overview: 01:23 Mark learning investing, rental properties, tax advantages, sales. 06:29 Grateful for COVID downtime to improve business skills. 10:09 Father's work ethic and success created opportunities. 12:03 Questioning family's discouragement from pursuing trade. 16:18 Signed with company, quit job, pursued happiness. 18:00 Passionate about Plan A, not interested in Plan B. 20:57 Desire for success and embracing the fear of failure. 27:31 Favorite quote: "You don't need to catch every break."

In this episode, Aaron Gordon and Nick Klingensmith delve into the transformative power of goal setting and resilience. Nick shares his journey, marked by physical challenges like running marathons with a broken foot, battling cancer, and overcoming personal adversities such as alcoholism and depression. A pivotal turning point occurred on July 12, 2014, when a drinking incident in Las Vegas motivated Nick to change his life. Despite facing setbacks, including professional success marred by personal loss and a car accident, Nick embraced a mentality of perseverance.

Nick emphasizes the importance of physical and mental endurance training for races and handling life's challenges. He recounts his marathon running experiences and the significant support from the New York crowd. The discussion extends to the impact of his wife's support and how their shared participation in races strengthened their relationship. 

Nick's inspirational journey is highlighted by his setting epic goals, such as completing a Spartan Ultra race, and his unwavering commitment to finishing what he starts despite limitations. The episode underscores the importance of building on small successes over time and encourages listeners to dream big, push past limitations, and keep hustling through life's adversities.

Get To Know Nick Klingensmith

Nick Klingensmith is a 4-time cancer survivor, type-1 diabetic, and recovering alcoholic who transformed his life by becoming an obstacle course racer, inspiring keynote speaker, and best-selling author. With 20 years of sales experience and 10 years of executive leadership, he is passionate about driving revenue, developing people, and collaborating cross-functionally to drive business growth. Nick is adept at reverse-engineering and engaging with key accounts, and he excels in crisis-mode leadership and process improvement. Through his personal journey and professional expertise, Nick empowers achievement-driven professionals and teams to overcome self-doubt, fears, and excuses, guiding them to clarify their purpose, define tangible goals, and achieve success.

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Stride Motivation Book Nick Here 

Get Nick’s Book - Through The Fire

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. The Importance of Mental and Physical Endurance: Nick emphasizes that training your mind and body to endure challenges benefits your athletic endeavors and equips you to handle adversities in all aspects of life. This holistic approach to endurance fosters resilience and personal growth.

2. The Power of Never Giving Up: Despite facing diabetes, cancer, and other personal obstacles, Nick's determination to finish what he starts—like running marathons without training—showcases the importance of persistence and defying limitations. His story encourages listeners to persevere and push beyond their perceived limits.

3. Small Wins Lead to Big Successes: Aaron highlights the significance of achieving small successes and gradually stacking them up over time. This methodical approach to goal-setting and progress ensures sustainable and long-lasting accomplishments, embodied by Nick's journey from personal struggles to inspiring achievements.

Show Overview: 01:45 Drunk incident in Vegas made me reconsider life.

05:11 Overcoming adversity after struggling with health issues.

07:22 Abandoned by parents, struggled with rejection, insecurity.

11:09 Actions have consequences, affecting others and reputation.

16:08 Entrepreneurs need to think big and dream.

17:02 Overcome limitations, chase dreams, don't sell short.

22:58 Overcoming doubt and achieving success through perseverance.

25:26 Forced to train despite foot injury.

28:17 Busy conversation, team talk, run with determination.

In this episode, host Aaron Gordon invites Maverick Pitchford, an up and coming star in the insurance industry, to share his journey, challenges, and the motivational forces behind his career decisions. Maverick discusses his transition from working at a regional bank to founding his own independent insurance brokerage, an idea fueled by a desire to build a sustainable legacy for his family. Raised in Oklahoma and heavily influenced by his wife and the familial ties that bound them since high school, Maverick's story is deeply embedded with a commitment to providing for his family and offering his children opportunities he was not afforded.

Aaron and Maverick explore the emotional and practical facets of starting and sustaining a business. They highlight the importance of perseverance, even when faced with doubts and challenges. Maverick reflects on the significance of legacy, inspired by his desire to impact his family positively in the long term. At the same time, Aaron shares a personal anecdote about his father's legacy, connecting it back to the core theme of building businesses that last and positively influence.

Both host and guest underscore the role of determination, support from loved ones, and the courage to dream big without fear of failure, concluding with a mutual acknowledgment of each other's inspirations and a reminder to the audience to continue hustling for good.

Get To Know Maverick Pitchford

Maverick Pitchford is a husband, father, business owner, and the Principal Agent at Bison Ridge Insurance. He was born and raised in Oklahoma and grew up as an only child with a single mother, which shaped him into a curious and determined individual. Maverick is a natural networker and community builder who is unafraid to ask questions and learn from others, which has helped him become a successful professional and entrepreneur.

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3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Building a Legacy: Maverick emphasizes the importance of viewing business endeavors as a long-term venture primarily aimed at creating stability and opportunities for future generations. This perspective fuels his daily motivation and shapes his strategic decisions, highlighting the profound impact of legacy-driven goals in business.

2. Embracing the Leap into Entrepreneurship: The transition from employment to establishing one's own business demands courage and a resilient mindset. Maverick's experience illustrates that with the right support system and a clear vision, it's possible to successfully navigate the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. This lesson encourages listeners to consider the entrepreneurial leap a viable option to fulfill personal and professional aspirations.

3. The Power of Support in Business Ventures: Throughout the episode, the significance of having a supportive network—family, friends, or mentors—is recurrently underscored. Maverick attributes a considerable part of his success to his wife's unwavering support and his peers' motivational influence. This reinforces the notion that building and maintaining strong relationships is crucial in the entrepreneurial journey, not just for moral encouragement but also for practical guidance and inspiration.

Show Overview: 02:00 Maverick grew up as an only child in Oklahoma. 05:55 Support from wife and agent crucial. Perseverance. 09:00 Graduated college, worked at bank, then independent brokerage. 12:37 Seizing opportunity and independence in business. 14:02 Starting an agency was a big decision.16:27 Trust is there, she never questioned me. 21:55 Choosing the right business for future ease. 22:50 Entrepreneur faces challenges balancing work and motivation. 27:36 Remembering things at bedtime makes us legendary. 30:32 Sticky note reminder: focus on legacy and possibility.

In this episode, Aaron Gordon speaks with guest David Meltzer, a prominent figure who delves into the intricate balance between personal drive and well-being. David emphasizes that hustling isn't merely about relentless work but enjoying the persistent pursuit of personal potential.

David Meltzer introduces the concept of aligning hustle with core values such as gratitude, forgiveness, accountability, and inspiration. He outlines a structured approach combining values, daily practice, and effective execution to sustain hustle without succumbing to burnout. One major takeaway is Meltzer's focus on understanding and appreciating time—acknowledging the importance of both past experiences and future aspirations while optimally utilizing the present.

The conversation also highlights the critical role of personal health and relationships in sustaining long-term hustle. Meltzer shares personal anecdotes, underscoring the power of minimal yet meaningful interactions in maintaining strong family connections.

To conclude, Meltzer generously offers listeners a free signed book, encouraging them to spread positivity and engage in good deeds. His parting words, "Be kind to your future self and do good deeds," encapsulate the spirit of this inspiring episode, urging listeners to hustle responsibly while making impactful life choices.

Get To Know David Meltzer

David Meltzer is a legendary sports executive and formerly served as CEO of the renowned

Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment agency, which was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire.He is one of the world's top Entrepreneurs, Investors and Business coaches. David has been recognized by Variety Magazine as their Sports Humanitarian of the Year and awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

David is the Executive Producer of the Apple TV series 2 Minute Drill and Office Hours. He is also the executive producer of Entrepreneur’s #1 digital business show, Elevator Pitch. David is featured in many books, movies, and TV shows such as World’s Greatest Motivators, Think and Grow Rich and Beyond the Secret featured on Netflix. His life’s mission is to empower OVER 1 BILLION people to be happy! This simple yet powerful mission has led him on an incredible journey to provide one thing… VALUE. In all his content, and communication that’s exactly what you’ll receive. Website Instagram Twittter/X Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Reexamine Hustle: Understand that hustling doesn't mean burning out. It's about enjoying the consistent, persistent pursuit of your own potential. Learn to define what hustle means for you and find joy in the journey!

2. Time Management Mastery: Become a student of time. David teaches us the importance of managing our days effectively by understanding the infinite past and future while maximizing our daily 24-hour cycles. This approach helps avoid burnout and promotes sustainable success.

3. Invest in Relationships and Self-Care: Allocate daily intentional time for your health and relationships. These minimal yet powerful investments in family and personal well-being create a foundation that supports your hustle and enriches your life.

Show Overview: 00:36 - David Meltzer on Redefining Hustle

01:11 - Embracing Values in Hustling

02:13 - Daily Practices for Success

03:05 - Overcoming Detours in the Hustle

04:40 - Time Management for Effective Hustling

06:35 - The Role of Self-Image in Achieving Goals

08:09 - Importance of Non-negotiables in Daily Life

10:18 - Loving What You Do and Its Secrets

14:16 - Impactful Parenting Tips from David

In this episode, Aaron Gordon and guest Samantha Lacher dive into the intricacies of integrating acquired businesses and establishing new departments within their organization. They highlight the expansion of their marketing and PR work, the role of mentorship, and cultural fit in hiring. Samantha shares a personal anecdote about overcoming a missed internship opportunity with her now partner’s help, underscoring the importance of persistence. Samantha discusses her experiences post-acquisition by Finn Partners, emphasizing her remarkable work ethic and loyalty, which persisted even after structural changes. They also touch on the need to reassess work-life balance amid remote work's evolving landscape and share insights on dealing with work-related stress. Samantha and Aaron exchange thoughts on the illusion of overnight success, advocating for continuous hustle and the value of learning from failure. The conversation includes stories illustrating the support for entrepreneurial spirit within family businesses and career growth moments. Finally, they reflect on loyalty and dedication, with a nod to Samantha's 17-year journey at the same firm, revealing the significance of commitment in a transient professional world.

Get To Know Samantha Lacher

Samantha Lacher, Partner, FINN Partners

Samantha specializes in creating campaigns and developing brand positioning that markets to niche audiences. Her ability to spot trends, capitalize on cultural moments and develop storylines in traditional, digital and social media outlets has made a positive impact on destinations, global hotel companies, hospitality brands, restaurants, nonprofits, and more.

Sam has marketed to outdoor enthusiasts, wellness gurus, environmentalists, city-goers, foodies, beauty aficionados, and more across generations. She excels at conceptualizing executive positioning programs that align with business objectives and using thought leadership to amplify special initiatives. More than a decade of media relationships drives feature coverage across industries, and an eye on the evolving media landscape has led to success with influencer campaigns, from negotiating agreements to creating content. From media relations to influencer programs to program development and partnership creation, Sam has directed PR strategy for clients including Travel Alberta, St. Kitts Tourism Authority, Jamaica Tourist Board, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Westin Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Aspen, SeriousFun Children's Network, No Kid Hungry, Back on My Feet; and more. She started her career at MFA (Missy Farren & Associates), and joined FINN 5 years ago.

Sam loves the beach, hiking, and DIY home improvement projects

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3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Embracing Corporate Changes: Navigating a company acquisition can be daunting, but Samantha's experience teaches that loyalty and a positive outlook toward change can lead to unforeseen opportunities. The integration of businesses and adaptation while maintaining the core team spirit exemplifies the importance of staying flexible and open-minded during corporate transitions.

2. Importance of Mentors and Culture Fit: Securing a fitting role isn't solely about the skills on your resume. Samantha's journey highlights how personal connections, like her experience with Missy, and aligning with a company's culture can pave pathways to success. Seek mentors and environments that resonate with your values and where your contributions will be appreciated beyond your immediate skill set.

3. Work-Life Balance and Healthy Boundaries: Even in the hustle culture, knowing when to power down is vital. Samantha's reflection on her self-imposed pressure to overwork is a powerful reminder to set and respect boundaries between professional and personal time. The shift to remote work further underlines the need to establish clear lines to ensure a balanced lifestyle while maintaining productivity.

Show Overview: 02:00 Samatha's work ethic and loyalty to company.

03:26 Devoted to MFA and extended work family.

07:14 Personal introduction with Missy, unsuccessful internship.

12:32 Culture of finding the next best thing.

13:46 People leaving and returning to companies surprises.

18:13 Increased awareness of work-life balance and communication.

22:45 Entrepreneurial passion faces pressure to succeed.

25:42 Hiring with confidence, valuing family and loyalty.

28:20 Admiration for someone's willingness to embrace failure.