Today’s #MeetCoolPeople episode features a great conversation with Lauren Kwedar Cockerell, founder and president of Kwedar & Co. We actually met at an event and hit it off before I learned she was on the panel for podcasters. She’s got a long history in PR, helping B2B companies and purpose-driven leaders tell their stories in clear, honest ways.

Lauren breaks down how PR has changed in the last two decades. Think less about faxing press releases, more about crafting thoughtful stories that stand out in today’s crowded market. We talked about the real value in showing your business’s heart. Even in industries that people call “boring.”

We covered a lot, from building relationships with journalists to pitching stories without sounding robotic. Lauren had strong opinions about the right and wrong ways to get PR opportunities, especially how important it is to respect both your brand and the media’s time.

Here are my favorite takeaways:

• Start With Curiosity: The best stories come from asking questions and finding the personal angle behind the business. Even companies that feel “boring” have something special when you look closer.
• Build Real Relationships With Media: Journalists and reporters are people. Follow them, comment on their work, and communicate like you would with any colleague. Mutual respect gets better results.
• Quality Over Quantity in Pitches: Don’t spam generic pitches or hire cheap firms that do. Lauren stressed how badly that hurts your reputation. Invest in someone who learns your story and can match you to the right opportunities.
• Small Businesses Can Win at PR: You don’t need a big budget. Even solo founders can offer expert perspectives, become a resource for local media, and use platforms like podcasts to share their voice.
• PR Means Serving, Not Selling: Think about the value you bring to journalists, audiences, and clients. Make things easier for everyone and trust goes further.

Connect with Lauren:

• Website: https://KwedarCo.com/
• Podcast: The Impatient Entrepreneur Podcast (available everywhere)
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenkwedar/
• Social: @KwedarCo on most platforms

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This solo episode is a little different. It’s my birthday week, so I took the mic to reflect on gratitude, milestones, and what truly matters as another year turns.

"Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Buddhist saying

Gratitude gets tossed around a lot in November, but this year I wanted to slow down and dig into what it really means, well beyond a quick “thanks.” I’ve grown a lot personally and professionally, and I noticed that intentionally focusing on appreciation is what helped me break out of some tough stretches.

I share why surface-level gratitude isn’t enough, and how deep appreciation can actually change your perspective and relationships. I talk about moving to Dallas-Fort Worth, making new connections, and how a single introduction kicked off a whole chain of positive events in my life.

I break down the daily practice that’s made a difference for me: writing five things I’m grateful for every morning. Plus I throw out a challenge for you to reach out to three people who’ve been your “gardeners” this year.

Here’s what stood out:

• The difference between quick gratitude and real, deep appreciation, and why the latter matters for happiness.
• How to spot the chain of events that led to something positive in your life, instead of just the outcome.
• The practical power of saying thank you, publicly and privately, to people who move you forward.
• Simple, specific ways to express appreciation (think audio or video messages, not just notes).
• Why intentionally focusing on gratitude rewires your mind, builds stronger connections, and reduces burnout.

If you want to connect or dig deeper, I’m always happy to connect with listeners. You can reach out to me directly if you want to chat further or if I can help with anything at all.

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Today's #MeetCoolPeople episode brings you a practical marketing chat with Kristi Mitchell. If you've ever found yourself frustrated by marketing, wondering what actually works, this episode is for you.

Kristi is a marketing strategist who traded in corporate jargon for clarity. Her focus is pure strategy, helping purpose-driven businesses find their best approach, stop chasing every shiny object, and land on what works for them.

One thing that stood out for me is Kristi's analogy of a marketing strategist as a personal trainer. She's there to guide, plan, and hold you accountable, not to do the “reps” for you. That distinction really hits home for business owners deciding where they need help.

Our conversation covered why the classic marketing funnel still matters in 2025. Tactics and platforms may shift, but you still need to attract, convert, nurture, and close. Kristi explained how strategy, and sticking with tried and true frameworks, beats jumping to the next trend.

Key Takeaways:

• Strategy comes first. Chasing tactics without a plan leads to wasted time and money.
• Know your ideal client. It shapes your messaging and sets you apart from competitors.
• Your message needs to hit real pain points. Get out of your own bubble and speak your clients' language.
• Authentic storytelling builds connection. Personal brand and sharing your own journey create trust.
• Values matter. Kristi said alignment is more important than being “like-minded”. That’s where good collaborations start.

Kristi made a great point: if you’re not sure who your audience really is, start with clarity work before jumping into marketing strategy. Check out her podcast, Unfudge Your Marketing, and connect with her for real stories and lessons learned.

Connect with Kristi:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristimitchell/
• Website: https://kristimitchell.com/ (hit the Resources tab for free guides)
• Podcast: Unfudge Your Marketing 

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Hey there! Today's #MeetCoolPeople episode features Jordan Ring, and I knew this one would be good. Jordan is a ghostwriter, book coach, and development editor who helps leaders, coaches, and founders turn their ideas into legacy-building books. We originally met at the Badass Business Summit, hit it off right away, and set up this conversation to dig into his process and advice.

Jordan shared how he got into ghostwriting after years working with audiobook production and book marketing. What struck me is how he genuinely loves the long-form writing process. He's helped clients who either want to create something timeless at the end of their careers or entrepreneurs looking to boost their credibility as their businesses grow.

We covered everything from the myths about ghostwriting, what actually goes into writing a book, and how writing can serve both personal purpose and business goals. If you've ever wondered if a book can help you stand out or build trust, this is an honest take.

Here are some key takeaways from our chat:

• Process Over Perfection: You don't need a perfect book idea to get started. Jordan says it's all about collaboration and refining your message, even if you feel stuck or unsure.
• Legacy Matters: Legacy books aren't just for big names. Anyone who’s spent years gathering stories and expertise can create something lasting for the next generation.
• Ghostwriting Is Collaborative: It's not “set it and forget it.” The best results come when you're part of the process, putting your own voice and ideas into the writing.
• AI As a Helper: Jordan gave his straightforward take on AI. He uses it for brainstorming and organizing ideas, but still emphasizes the power of human thinking and editing skills.
• Know Your Goals: Whether you want credibility, leads, or just to get your ideas out in the world, be clear about your "why" before getting started.

Connect with Jordan:

• Website: https://jmring.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorjmring/

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Hey, thanks for tuning in to the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast. Today, I sat down with Craig Andrews, and honestly… his story’s got layers. Craig’s a US Marine turned electrical engineer who then designed mobile phones and, finally, built a top marketing agency called Allies For Me. We crossed paths at the Badass Business Summit, and after our first chat, I knew this was someone you should meet.

Craig’s got a unique take on marketing. Especially for crowded and commoditized industries. He helps businesses dig out their deeper story, especially those selling higher-ticket, trust-heavy services. 

If you've ever wondered whether adversity can shape smarter business strategies… Craig’s comeback tale after months in the hospital makes the answer pretty clear.

Here are some takeaways that really stuck:

• Your Story Is Your Differentiator: If you can’t stand out by what you do, stand out by who you are. People buy from personalities, not just products.
• Flaws Build Trust: Craig insists the thing most folks are scared to reveal (their vulnerability) actually makes others trust you. Sharing a weakness or a messy backstory can make your About page magnetic.
• Skip The Scripted Hero’s Journey: Don’t just list facts and “overcome adversity.” Make people feel something when they read about you.
• Authentic About Pages Matter: The About page isn’t a last-minute throwaway. Craig spends real time interviewing and writing for clients, using film techniques from the book “Stealing Fire from the Gods” to spotlight why you do what you do.
• Show Up As Yourself: People connect faster when they see your quirks and relatability. Craig’s story proves there’s power in owning your uniqueness.

If you’re in a crowded market and struggling to stand out, this episode is for you!

Be sure to connect with Craig:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-andrews/
• Website: https://allies4me.com/

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This episode of #MeetCoolPeople gave me a chance to sit down with Rex Jones, founder of On Demand HR in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Rex is the guy you want in your corner if you’re thinking about anything HR for your small business.

We covered a lot, including how HR isn’t just for big companies. Even if you’re a solopreneur or have just a handful of employees, setting up good habits now makes every stage of growth easier down the road. Rex kicked things off with the story of how he went from considering funeral direction (thanks, Mom) to becoming a calming force in HR for 30 years.

The real gem in Rex’s advice? Frequent, clear communication. Whether someone is a contractor or on your payroll, touch base regularly. Set expectations, ask what support they need, and don’t just leave them floating. Rex reminded me about the difference between delegation and abdication. If you’re hiring for skills you don’t have, give them the task, give them the process if it exists, and stay involved without breathing down their neck.

We swapped stories about personality profiles too. Rex recommends getting people’s strengths on paper and not picking clones of yourself. Hire someone whose skill set balances yours so the important-but-less-fun jobs get done well.

Here are a few takeaways:

• HR is about building up your people. The right support means better results.
• Never assume a top performer should become a manager. Some folks just want to do the thing, not lead the charge.
• Recurring check-ins create space for honesty and faster problem-solving.
• If someone isn’t the right fit, help them transition out early. Don’t wait until burnout or costly mistakes.
• Personality profiles are useful tools. But only if you and your team use them to learn and adapt.

Want to connect with Rex? Find him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rexjones/

Send a message mentioning this podcast so he knows where you found him.

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Hey there! This episode is a milestone for me ⇒ 100 episodes of #MeetCoolPeople. I went solo for this one to reflect on some of the biggest insights I’ve collected over these first hundred shows. If you’ve been listening for a while, you know these conversations are about more than just meeting interesting folks. They’re about what happens when you bring together people who genuinely care and share openly.

I broke down a few common themes that kept popping up. 

The power of authentic storytelling. Guests like Graham Kuhn and Mario Wilson gave real examples of how stories shape the way we connect, learn, and grow.

Systems and structure came up a lot, too. Conversations with Scott Neal, Michael Stewart, and Dan Smink dug into building SOPs, delegating, and why automation isn’t about avoiding people It’s about freeing up time for deeper connections.

Another thing that stood out: winners prefer collaboration over competition. Andy Grider’s view on “coopetition” hit home for me. Supporting each other just works better, plain and simple.

Meaningful communication was a thread throughout. Both Dr. K and Julie Jones touched on what it takes to build lasting relationships. These are skills that go way beyond networking.

Many guests pushed the idea of celebrating your own quirks. We talked Renaissance Festivals, opera backgrounds, and AI cats, and MUCH, MUCH MORE! You name it. Being yourself really is the shortcut to finding your tribe.

Here are some takeaways I hope you’ll remember:

• Your story matters, tell it honestly.
• Automate, delegate, and drop the stuff you hate.
• Collaboration beats competition for business growth.
• Clear, warm communication goes further than tactics.
• Celebrate your weird side… it’s your greatest asset.

I want to give the biggest Thank You to each and every one of you that listen to the show and to every guest who helps to make it happen.

I appreciate you all!

✌️ 

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This week on the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast, I hung out with Brian Hilliard—an author, speaker, and, honestly, one of the most down-to-earth experts on helping speakers get booked that I’ve met.

Brian’s done over 400 speaking gigs since launching his business in 2001. He’s figured out how to help other speakers get on stages without giving away big commissions or wasting hours prospecting every day. Instead, he built a process that uses a smart mix of AI, virtual assistants, and his own experience, so his clients can spend less time chasing and more time speaking.

Brian and I got into what really makes conference speaking different from the typical “Speak to Sell” circuit. In his case, it’s much more about mindset, building long-term relationships, and always putting value first.

Highlights from this episode:

• Find Your Why: Brian says having a clear purpose matters. Are you speaking to sell or to serve? Get honest before you pitch yourself.
• It’s a Two-Way Street: Think about what the event gets from you, not just what’s in it for you.
• Mindset Is Everything: Success at conferences is tied to your attitude. If you want more gigs, focus on helping and connecting, not just showing off expertise.
• Be Ready for Anything: From schedule mix-ups to last-minute changes, staying flexible pays off for any speaker.
• Conference Gigs = Higher Stakes: This isn’t just a local lunch-and-learn. Audiences expect more. Go in prepared and treat it like a bigger stage.

Brian’s approach is all about real connection and being a “cool person” both on and off stage. If you want to see how someone blends business, generosity, and professionalism, Brian’s a great model.

E sure to connect with Brian here:

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-hilliard/
• Website: https://morepaidspeakinggigs.com

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On this episode of #MeetCoolPeople, I sat down with Brian K. Wright. Brian is a writing coach, radio show host, and publisher of Ultimate Achievers Magazine. If you've ever thought about writing a book, getting on more podcasts, or simply making your expertise stand out, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Brian & I met back in 2022 at the Million Dollar Mastermind event in Dallas (not long before I moved). Brian’s story is all about consistency and building relationships. He’s been hosting his radio show since 2012, logging over 600 episodes and interviewing some of the biggest names out there. He shared several honest insights about what it really takes to keep a show, or any content platform, going for the long haul.

We talked about mistakes new authors make, how to use a book to grow your business, and why sharing your story (any way you can) opens doors you never saw coming. We even got into the details of what ghostwriting actually looks like, and why you don’t have to be famous to hire someone to write your book.

Here are a few of my favorite takeaways:

• Consistency wins: Brian’s radio show sets a regular schedule so both he and his audience know exactly when to tune in. If you’re building any recurring content, locking in a time and sticking with it really does matter.
• A book opens doors: Forget about bestseller lists. A completed book can get you speaking gigs, bulk orders for events, and positions you as an authority overnight.
• Books don’t have to be long: Brian stressed the value of concise, easy-to-read books that deliver clear results. Sometimes the most powerful message fits in a smaller package.
• Ghostwriting isn’t just for celebrities: If you have knowledge and are short on time or writing skills, hiring someone to help get your ideas on paper can move your project forward way faster than you think.

Connect with Brian K. Wright:

• Main website: https://briankwright.com
• Book writing info: https://writeabookforyou.com
• Schedule a call: https://callwithbrian.com

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Hey there! I had such a good time on this episode of the #MeetCoolPeople Podcast with Graham Kuhn. If you’ve ever wondered how storytelling, video production, and authenticity can work together to boost your business, this one’s for you.

Graham is the founder of Focus Films, a video production company in Atlanta. He actually started out studying opera, then spent 20 years performing as a singer, but jokes that he did everything but opera. Eventually, his creativity and interest in stories led him toward video, beginning with filming wrestling matches as a teen, and years later producing weekly videos for his church.

What really stuck with me was Graham’s commitment to real stories. He talked about the difference between a scripted sales pitch and a truly honest, unscripted story. The way he approaches his work isn’t about flashy production; it’s about making people comfortable so the “real” version of them comes through. That matters, whether you’re a lawyer, a doctor, or a local business owner.

Some takeaways from our conversation:

• Authenticity connects more than any scripted promo ever could. People trust people, not robots.
• Most people sound stiff in front of a camera, but a friendly chat brings out their best.
• Your “why” means more to your audience than your credentials or years of experience.
• Simple frameworks (like before, during, and after stories for testimonials) can create powerful client videos — no jargon needed.
• Rising above the noise isn’t about being bigger, but about being genuine and letting character shine.

Want to connect with Graham? Check out his site: https://focusfilms.com

Or find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gkuhn1/

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Want to see how my team and I can help you convert more casual connections into clients? Grab my FREE audio mini-course at https://buildyourfollowupmachine.com/ and discover the step-by-step flow I help clients with in their email follow up machine!