What does it take to go from a buttoned-up CPA to a bold, strategic business leader winning the world of financial services? Growth isn't just about numbers — it's about vision, adaptability, and the courage to take bold steps forward.

In this episode, we chat with Bart Davis, CEO and co-founder of 512Financial, about his journey and what it's like to be a first-time CEO, why speed matters more than perfection, and how fractional services are helping small businesses do more with less.

You'll discover:

• Insider strategies for leveraging financial insights for business growth

• Navigating the challenges of becoming a first-time CEO

• Innovative approaches to outsourcing critical business functions

• The role of AI in modern financial services

• Practical advice for entrepreneurs and business leaders

Tune in and get inspired to rethink what financial leadership looks like.

Show Notes:

Bart Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartdavis512/

512Financial: https://512financial.com/

Resources:

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Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

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Connect with Bethany Cranfield on LinkedIn

As a business leader, you know the importance of building trust, credibility, and differentiation for your organization. But have you considered how developing your personal brand as a strategic business influencer can unlock new levels of impact and growth?

In this episode, we sit down with Paige Velasquez Budde, Partner & CEO at Zilker Media and an expert in helping executives and entrepreneurs amplify their thought leadership. Paige shares a transformative framework for recognizing your unique potential and aligning your personal and professional goals.

You'll discover:

• The common misconceptions that hold leaders back from personal branding (and why they're wrong)

• A step-by-step process for creating your "Influence ID" to build a mission-driven, authentic brand

• Practical tips for managing online presence and first impressions to accelerate trust

• How to leverage your expertise and experience to drive greater impact beyond your company

Whether you're preparing for a business exit, looking to recruit top talent, or simply want to expand your reach, this episode will inspire you to embrace your role as a strategic business influencer. Get ready to unlock your full potential and take your leadership to new heights!

Show Notes:

• Paige Velasquez Budde LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigevelasquez/

• Influence ID - 5-step process for building an authentic, mission-driven brand

• Brand Power Score - https://zilkermedia.com/brand-power-score-quiz/

• Zilker Media - https://zilkermedia.com/ an Austin-based agency building people-driven brands

• "The Strategic Business Influencer" - upcoming book by Paige Velasquez Budde

Resources

Door No. 3 Website

Door No. 3 LinkedIn

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Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

Connect with Bethany Cranfield on LinkedIn

This year has been a journey through inspiring conversations with industry leaders across banking, skincare, plant-based foods, and beyond. In this episode of the Listen Loudly Podcast, we look back to stories that reveal not just the strategies behind iconic brands but the human grit, passion, and innovation driving them forward. Whether you're scaling a startup or leading a team in a global organization, this episode will help you learn how leaders made their mark in the industries they're in.

Show Notes

The ROI of Purpose: An Interview with Haley Rushing from The Purpose Institute www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwzSb5UBqk0

Embracing a Challenger Spirit to Ignite Change: An Interview with Nicole Rex from Dell www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEBImDriXo0

Lean Into Growth: An Interview with Jason Bronstad www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kf60sW6LJM

The Evolving Leader: An Interview with Amy Gordinier from Skinfix www.youtube.com/watch?v=barMJOrurJA

How to Scale a CPG Brand: An Interview with Rich Rodríguez-Mahé www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DsZgfAyBaw

Resources

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Door No. 3 LinkedIn

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Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

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In this episode of Listen Loudly podcast, we dive deep into the intersection of creative and media in marketing with Ryan Pitylak, a seasoned digital marketer. Having worked with major brands like Fox, E-Trade, and Beachbody, Ryan shares:

• The critical role creative plays in driving ad performance.

• Why creative is now the key to targeting on platforms like Meta and TikTok.

• The distinction between demand creation and demand capture, and how to master both for brand success.

• How empathy and mission-driven strategies transform both businesses and lives.

• Why scaling creative production is essential for reaching broader audiences.

Ryan also shares his personal journey, from running his agency to creating pathways for traders to succeed, emphasizing how value-driven products lead to sustainable growth.

Don't miss these actionable insights to level up your marketing game!

• Ryan Pitylak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpitylak

• Unique Influence – A creative agency specializing in performance marketing, offering strategic campaigns that connect brands with their audience.

• Demand capture – focuses on reaching and converting customers who are already actively interested in a product or service. It involves targeting high-intent audiences through precise media buying, personalized messaging, and strategic ads.

• Demand creation – focuses on generating awareness and interest in a product or service among audiences who may not yet know they need it. Through creative content, targeted campaigns, and strategic outreach.

• 72andSunny – A full-service creative agency known for campaigns that inspire action and drive results, blending traditional and digital media.

• Zynga – A leading mobile game developer, known for creating engaging, interactive games that drive large-scale user acquisition through demand capture strategies.

• Beachbody – A health and fitness brand that leverages campaigns with targeted digital marketing to build its loyal customer base.

• P90X – A fitness program by Beachbody.

• OTT (Over-the-Top) – A digital media service delivering content directly over the internet, capturing demand through on-demand viewing and creating new demand.

Resources

Door No. 3 Website

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Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

Connect with Bethany Cranfield on LinkedIn

In this episode of Listen Loudly Podcast, we delve into the transformative power of mindfulness with our guest, Sherif. Discover how creating space between stimulus and response can unlock fulfillment and help you focus on what truly matters.

• Learn about daily mindfulness practices, from meditation to gratitude.

• Explore why mindfulness isn't just a trend but a business imperative.

• Hear how the "eulogy exercise" reshapes leadership priorities.

• Find out how to balance energy, work, and love without the overwhelm.

• Gain actionable tips to integrate mindfulness into your AM and PM routines.

Sherif shares real-life insights, his unique professional journey from engineering to wellness, and practical steps for anyone eager to build mindfulness into their day—even if you're a busy executive.

Whether you're a CEO or someone looking to lead a more balanced life, this conversation will inspire you to start your journey toward mindfulness and purpose.

• Sherif Sakr LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherifsakr108/

Resources

Door No. 3 Website

Door No. 3 LinkedIn

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Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

Connect with Bethany Cranfield on LinkedIn

Dive into a powerful conversation on what it truly means to lead at the highest level. Our guest, a seasoned CEO coach, Joel Trammell, unpacks the often-overlooked mental models that distinguish successful CEOs from the rest. In this episode of Listen Loudly Podcast, we explore the critical shifts CEOs must make, moving beyond specialized expertise to adopt a holistic, goal-centric mindset.

Key Insights

• Transitioning from functional expertise to a generalist CEO role

• The 3 mental models that transform organizational leadership

• Why conventional goal setting often fails CEOs and what to do instead

• The essential role of quarterly goals in maintaining agility and alignment

• How to engage teams and avoid common pitfalls in CEO-level goal setting

Set goals that foster alignment and keep teams engaged, no matter the organization's size. Learn how seasoned CEOs leverage mental models and quarterly benchmarks to stay on track and lead with clarity.

Show Notes:

• Joel Trammell LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeltrammell/

• People Model - one of the mental models that is described as adapting your leadership approach to effectively manage and engage people with diverse behavioral styles

• Sustainable Business Model - one of the mental models described as consistently providing value to three key stakeholders: customers, employees, and shareholders

Resources

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Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

Connect with Bethany Cranfield on LinkedIn

In this episode of Listen Loudly Podcast, we dive deep into how research can dramatically improve marketing outcomes, even on a tight timeline. From AB testing to rapid feedback loops, our guests, Ron Howard and Jordan Kraft, break down how data-driven insights can help brands fine-tune their messaging and make smarter decisions, faster.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why research doesn't have to be a colossal or time-consuming effort.

• Discover how quick, tactical studies can provide invaluable insights for optimizing your ads.

• Hear real-world examples, including a global crisis study completed in just 5 days.

• Explore how AI is transforming the speed and depth of marketing research today.

Tune in to hear why your next campaign might just depend on pausing for research—and why it's faster and more affordable than you think!

Show Notes:

Ron Howard - https://linkedin.com/in/ron-howard-4427ba3/

Jordan Kraft - https://linkedin.com/in/jkraft/

Resources

Door No. 3 Website

Door No. 3 LinkedIn

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Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

Connect with Bethany Cranfield on LinkedIn

In this episode of Listen Loudly, we dive deep into the biggest mistakes challenger brands make when scaling. Joined by seasoned CPG marketer Rich Rodríguez-Mahé, we explore why rushing to change or pivot can harm your brand more than help it. Learn from his 14-year journey at PepsiCo and discover the critical importance of consumer insights in shaping your strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn why testing packaging and understanding consumer sentiment is essential before pivoting.

• Discover the insights Rich gained from working in both corporate and startup environments.

• Find out how AI and data are changing the role of today's CMO.

Show Notes:

Ricky Rodríguez-Mahé

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardrodriguez/

• https://instagram.com/richrod/

Resources

Door No. 3 Website

Door No. 3 LinkedIn

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Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

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Transformation isn't just a buzzword—it's a powerful force that can redefine the future of your brand. In this episode, we dive deep with industry leader Tricia Bouras as she shares her journey of driving transformation across major global brands like Calvin Klein, Hanes, and Wrangler.

We explore the core elements of transformation:

• Vision: How to craft and crystallize a compelling vision that serves as the foundation for change.

• Consumer-Driven Strategy: How understanding market trends and consumer needs can lead to growth.

• Collaboration: Why building a vision together with your team leads to more successful transformations.

• Adapting to Change: Strategies for overcoming the fear of change and turning it into a positive force for innovation.

With a wealth of experience leading brands through significant transformations, Tricia provides actionable insights for marketing leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs looking to navigate change effectively. Whether you're a startup, mid-cap, or an established enterprise, this conversation is filled with lessons that will empower you to create lasting impact.

Show Notes:

Tricia Bouras LinkedIn

transformation - the process of making significant changes in a business's structure, strategy, or operations to improve performance and adapt to market demands. This can include repositioning a brand, entering new markets, or evolving products and services based on consumer feedback.

Resources

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Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

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In this episode of the Listen Loudly podcast, we dive deep into immersive experiences and explore how leadership and customer-driven ecosystems are shaping today's top brands. 🚀

Daz McColl shares insider stories from working with X Games and ESPN, including how they crafted a first-of-its-kind companion app that revolutionized fan engagement—boosting brand value and driving revenue through deeper viewer interaction. We also reflect on the resurgence of luxury retail and the strategic shift at Neiman Marcus, focusing on how digital storytelling helped reclaim their status post-bankruptcy. 📈

This episode is a masterclass in growth marketing—whether you're a leader looking to inspire your team or a brand ready to break conventions, you won't want to miss the transformative insights shared. 💡

Show Notes:

Darren "Daz" McColl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmccoll/

Resources

Door No. 3 Website

Door No. 3 LinkedIn

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Listen to The Empowered Challenger Podcast with Prentice Howe

Connect with Prentice Howe on LinkedIn

Connect with Bethany Cranfield on LinkedIn