In this episode of the Nice Business Podcast, hosts Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Jennie Loev, Founder of JLoev Consulting, for a real conversation about imposter syndrome, confidence, and the messy reality of professional growth. Jennie sheds light on how even accomplished leaders quietly wrestle with self-doubt, why stretching into new roles creates tension, and how acknowledging those feelings can be the first step toward greater competence.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Episode Snippet 

00:48 – Welcome to the Nice Business Podcast

01:30 – Introducing our guest, executive coach Jennie Loev

03:08 – What is imposter syndrome?

05:10 – Imposter syndrome can drive motivation

06:52 – Understanding the root of imposter thoughts

08:09 – Normalize and acknowledge

10:39 – Building confidence through learning

20:05 – Do what only you can do

22:13 –  How to know when you’ve “overcome” imposter syndrome

23:50 – Celebrate wins to build confidence

28:11 – Unchecked imposter syndrome can cause burnout

29:02 – Shift focus from failures to wins

31:24 – People thrive when valued and trusted

32:30 – Poor reviews can discourage high performers

35:29 – Good feedback inspires growth

37:00 – Intentional leadership builds confidence

39:10 – Connect with Jennie Loev

About Our Guest:
Jennie Loev is the Founder of JLoev Consulting and a dedicated advocate for personal and professional growth. With a background that blends business strategy and psychology, she helps clients navigate challenges, clarify direction, and pursue meaningful success.

Jennie holds an MBA and a BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, with professional training in Positive Intelligence, Neuroscience of Coaching, Coaches Rising programs, and Professional in Career Management through the National Society of Career Management. Through thoughtful, personalized coaching, she empowers leaders and professionals to build confidence, embrace growth, and unlock new possibilities in their careers and organizations.

Connect withJennie Loev:

• Web: https://jloevconsulting.com/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/jloevconsulting/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jennieloev/
• X: https://x.com/JennieLoev
• YT: www.youtube.com/@jennieloev5412
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennieloev/

Connect with Richard Train:

• Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz 
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 

Connect with Jim Bob Howard:

• Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com 
• X: https://x.com/jbhoward 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward 
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward 

In this episode of the Nice Business Podcast, hosts Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Jason Duncan, founder of the Exiter Club and author of Exit Without Exiting, for an honest conversation about leadership, burnout, and what it really takes to build a business that does not consume your life.

Jason challenges the idea that strong leadership requires fear or control and unpacks the critical difference between being nice and being kind. From holding boundaries and accountability to letting go of the “hero syndrome,” this episode explores why many entrepreneurs stay stuck in the weeds and how shifting from owner operator to owner investor can create both freedom and sustainable growth.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Episode Snippet 

01:15 – Welcoming our guest, The Real Jason Duncan

02:22 – Jason Duncan’s journey and the mission of the Exiter Club

03:56 – What “exit” really means for business owners

04:55 – The hidden cost of earn-outs and traditional exits

08:49 – Working in, on, and above the business

26:35 – Being nice doesn’t mean weakness

29:27 – Honest feedback vs. people-pleasing

34:36 – Being kind to yourself as a leader

36:15 – Connect with The Real Jason Duncan

About Our Guest:

Jason Duncan, known as The Real Jason Duncan, is America’s Exit Coach and the creator of the XOS™ Method, a proven framework that helps entrepreneurs build owner-independent businesses. He is the founder of The Exiter Club, a mastermind for seven-figure business owners who want their companies to run without constant involvement.

A TEDx speaker, bestselling author of Exit Without Exiting, and host of The Root of All Success podcast, Jason draws from his own experience of building a million-dollar company that depended heavily on him. Today, he helps entrepreneurs replace burnout with systems, increase business value, and reclaim their time without selling or walking away from what they built.

Connect with Jason Duncan:

• Web: https://www.therealjasonduncan.com/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/therealjasonduncan/
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFHruC2UNG2jiLXHiOJxd7w
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjasonduncan/
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SsJoe5OXyErysuGmdtJnq?si=1502e61891f74f1c&nd=1&dlsi=eada0bfba69743a5

Connect with Richard Train:

• Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz 
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 

Connect with Jim Bob Howard:

• Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com 
• X: https://x.com/jbhoward 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward 
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward 

In this episode of the Nice Business Podcast, Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard talk with Randy Murphy, serial entrepreneur and fractional CEO, about keeping company culture intact during private equity transitions.

Randy shares his experience guiding businesses through growth, recapitalization, and turnarounds, emphasizing the role of transparency, trust, and communication at every level. They explore how private equity investments can create tension between financial goals and the human side of business, and how leaders can navigate that balance without losing the core of their culture. Randy explains how a positive attitude, open communication, and a focus on people can turn disruption into opportunities for growth.

This episode is for business owners, executives, and managers who want to manage change effectively while keeping culture, trust, and engagement strong.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Introduction

01:24 – How to manage private equity without losing your corporate culture

04:22 – Private Equity: Boost or Bust for Culture

06:03 – Balancing culture and financial goals

16:15 – Using transparency to build trust during transitions

18:57 – Acceptance, attitude, and action

24:17 – PE mistake: ignoring frontline, only working with executives

27:05 – Staying human: Care for employees beyond metrics

30:03 – Poor communication creates stress

32:37 – Communicate non-negotiables early and prioritize clarity

34:49 – PE can be highly beneficial if culture and strategy are aligned

About Our Guest:

Randy Murphy is a Serial Entrepreneur and Business Operator, leading strategic growth and operational excellence as the head of Murphy Hiott Consulting. He helps businesses scale, improve profitability, and implement effective processes, drawing on decades of experience founding and growing companies across technology, SaaS, retail, restaurants, and delivery logistics.

Connect with Randy Murphy:

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

About Your Hosts: 

Richard Train is a Vistage Chair, leadership coach, culture consultant, and the creator of the “Nice Business” Podcast. He has spent more than 30 years helping leaders uncover the real issues behind performance, often the hidden “drama problems” that do not always show up in the numbers.

Connect with Richard Train:

• Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz 
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 

Jim Bob Howard is a speaker, author, connector, and collaboration expert specializing in SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365. He helps teams and organizations communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and connect ideas to solve real business challenges. From teaching basic tech skills to leading global events, speaking to large audiences, and coaching teams, Jim Bob is passionate about using technology to bring people and ideas together.

Connect with Jim Bob Howard:

• Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com 
• X: https://x.com/jbhoward 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward 
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward 

In this episode of the “Nice Business!” PodcastTM, Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard talk with Linda Braddy, CEO of the Red Cross of North Texas. Linda shares how her career path led her from higher education into nonprofit leadership, and how staying rooted in mission guides her decisions during times of crisis and uncertainty.

Linda connects disaster response leadership to everyday business life, offering practical lessons on accountability, morale, and caring for people while still getting the work done. This episode is a thoughtful listen for leaders who want to build strong teams, lead with intention, and stay focused on what truly matters when things move fast.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Episode Snippet

01:12 – Introducing Today’s Guest, Linda Brandy

03:18 – Understanding the full scope of Red Cross services

05:18 – Building a well-structured volunteer training system

07:32 – Finding the right way to help during disasters

16:01 – Leading change through consistent communication

18:03 – Reinforcing values through behaviors

20:22 – The Red Cross 7 Principles

22:58 – What “done” looks like in disaster recovery

29:43 – Productivity, boundaries, and sustainable work culture

30:16 – Building a strong volunteer community

About Our Guest:

Linda Braddy is the CEO of the American Red Cross North Texas, where she leads mission delivery and community resilience efforts serving more than 10.4 million people across 121 counties. With a background in higher education and nonprofit leadership, she has guided organizations through major transformation, including serving as President of Brookhaven College and as the inaugural provost of Dallas College. Known for her mission-driven, people-centered leadership, Linda brings clarity, adaptability, and service to complex, fast-moving environments.

Connect with Linda Braddy:

• Web: https://www.lindabraddy.com/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/linda.braddy.3
• X: https://x.com/Linda_Braddy
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindabraddy/

About Your Hosts: 

Richard Train is a Vistage Chair, leadership coach, culture consultant, and the creator of the “Nice Business” PodcastTM. He has spent more than 30 years helping leaders uncover the real issues behind performance, often the hidden “drama problems” that do not always show up in the numbers.

Connect with Richard Train:

• Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz 
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 

Jim Bob Howard is a speaker, author, connector, and collaboration expert specializing in SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365. He helps teams and organizations communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and connect ideas to solve real business challenges.

Connect with Jim Bob Howard:

• Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com 
• X: https://x.com/jbhoward 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward 
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward 

"Love conquers fear. When we lead from a place of love, we inspire others to bring their best and their whole selves to everything they do."

In this episode of the “Nice Business!” PodcastTM, Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Brett Hurt, serial entrepreneur, thought leader, and host of the Love Conquers Fear podcast. Brett shares his journey from discovering a passion for programming at age seven to founding and leading multiple successful ventures, including Core Metrics, Bizarre Voice, and data.world.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Episode Snippet

01:22 – Introducing Today’s Guest, Brett Hurt

03:35 – Brett’s early purpose and tech beginnings

05:24 – Technology, abundance, and the call for better leaders

0734 – A leadership rooted in love

11:14 – The ripple effect of positive leadership

13:59 – How leaders stay out of the fear trap

31:40 – Great cultures are built on risk-taking and love

36:31 – The Illusion of “No Time”

45:28 – A belief in a loving universe

47:27 – Connect with Brett Hurt

48:05 – Fear-based leadership is unsustainable

About Our Guest:

Brett Hurt is a serial entrepreneur and the former CEO and co-founder of data.world, the AI-ready data catalog platform helps companies discover, govern, and use their data to create actionable insights and AI-powered experiences. He also co-founded Bazaarvoice and Coremetrics, building both into global leaders in their fields. He is a devoted husband to Debra and a proud father of two, grounding his work in family, service, and the belief that companies and leaders reach their fullest potential when they lead with love.

Connect with Brett Hurt:

• Web: https://www.loveconquersfear.org/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/bretthurt/
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/@LoveConquersFear2025
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretthurt/
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wngdSw7FmdibLC9mu300q

About Your Hosts: 

Richard Train is a Vistage Chair, leadership coach, culture consultant, and the creator of the “Nice Business” PodcastTM. He has spent more than 30 years helping leaders uncover the real issues behind performance, often the hidden “drama problems” that do not always show up in the numbers.

Connect with Richard Train:

• Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz 
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 

Jim Bob Howard is a speaker, author, connector, and collaboration expert specializing in SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365. He helps teams and organizations communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and connect ideas to solve real business challenges.

Connect with Jim Bob Howard:

• Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com 
• X: https://x.com/jbhoward 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward 
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward 

In this episode of the Nice Business Podcast, Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Jacob Johnson, CEO of Calyan Wax Co., a home fragrance company on a mission to combat human trafficking, for an insightful conversation on mission-driven entrepreneurship, purposeful leadership, and building a business that makes a difference.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Episode Snippet

01:14 – Welcoming our guest, Jacob Johnson

04:40 – The mission came first

11:56 – Math problems vs. drama problems in business

12:56 – Mojo: Right people in the right roles for flow

15:05 – The power of asking open-ended questions

16:50 – Understanding competency gaps vs. training needs

18:51 – Letting leaders operate in their zone of genius

19:48 – Aligning team, culture, and enjoyment in work

21:42 – Vision for the future of Calyan Wax Co.

26:49 – Connect with Jacob Johnson and visit Calyan Wax Co.

About Our Guest:

Jacob Johnson is the CEO and Founder of Calyan Wax Co., inspired by a personal connection to someone affected by human trafficking. Studying Criminal Justice and Entrepreneurship, he initially planned a career in law enforcement to bring traffickers to justice. But he quickly realized the problem was much bigger, with law enforcement stretched thin and nonprofits struggling for resources. Through Calyan Wax Co., Jacob works to raise awareness and support efforts to fight human trafficking, combining purpose with entrepreneurship.

Connect with Jacob Johnson:

• Email: [email protected]
• Web: https://www.calyanwaxco.com/
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/calyanwaxco/
• YT: www.youtube.com/@calyanwaxco
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calyanwaxco
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/calyanwaxco/
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/calyanwaxco/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobjohnsoncalyan/

About Your Hosts: 

Richard Train is a Vistage Chair, leadership coach, culture consultant, and the creator of the “Nice Business” PodcastTM. He has spent more than 30 years helping leaders uncover the real issues behind performance, often the hidden “drama problems” that do not always show up in the numbers.

Connect with Richard Train:

• Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz 
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 

Jim Bob Howard is a speaker, author, connector, and collaboration expert specializing in SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365. He helps teams and organizations communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and connect ideas to solve real business challenges.

Connect with Jim Bob Howard:

• Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com 
• X: https://x.com/jbhoward 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward 
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward 

In this episode of the Nice Business Podcast, Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Laurie Guzman, CEO and Founder of The Inside Story, for an insightful conversation on the power of pivoting, purposeful leadership, and the people side of business.

Together, they discuss the vital role of trust, transparency, and communication in building a strong, supportive team while maintaining leadership effectiveness. Laurie shares her experience navigating business challenges, offering practical insights on recognizing when to pivot and how to embrace change intentionally. She highlights how listening deeply and fostering openness can create a thriving company culture where both people and business flourish.

Topics Covered:

00:00 – Episode Snippet

03:57 – When leaders lose sight of people under pressure

10:20 – Decision-making fatigue: How much is enough for you

13:12 – How to best communicate regardless of who you're talking to

18:00 – How thoughtful questions help teams think, grow, and move toward shared purpose

20:17 – Trusting people’s genius

23:23 – The burnout cycle of micromanagers

25:22 – Understanding the power of pivoting

29:12 – Building your support system

34:22 – Seeing competitors as collaborators instead of threats

37:07 – Pivoting during crises

42:42 – The power of asking “why”

45:51 – Listening as a leadership skill

48:06 – Adapting communication across generations

52:31 – Closing reflections on connection

About Our Guest:

Laurie Guzman is an Opportunity Broker and Powerhouse Connector, leading business development initiatives as the CEO of The Inside Story. She and her talented virtual team help entrepreneurs uncover opportunities, grow their businesses, and maximize ROI while maintaining strong company culture and confidentiality. 

Connect with Laurie Guzman:

• Web: https://www.insidestorytellers.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurie-guzman 
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG7vWSyLqaagFkAutTr51HA 

About Your Hosts: 

Richard Train is a Vistage Chair, leadership coach, culture consultant, and the creator of the “Nice Business” Podcast. He has spent more than 30 years helping leaders uncover the real issues behind performance, often the hidden “drama problems” that do not always show up in the numbers.

Connect with Richard Train:

• Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz 
• FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 

Jim Bob Howard is a speaker, author, connector, and collaboration expert specializing in SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365. He helps teams and organizations communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and connect ideas to solve real business challenges. 

Connect with Jim Bob Howard:

• Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com 
• X: https://x.com/jbhoward 
• IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward 
• YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward 

When a long anticipated federal funding stream stalled, Compudopt CEO Megan Steckly had to steer a hyper scaling nonprofit through a near reduction in force without breaking culture or momentum. 

In this candid conversation with host Richard Train, Megan walks through the communications playbook her C suite used to realign strategy, reduce 41 roles in one day to avoid lingering fear, and rebuild trust with radical transparency.

Along the way, you will hear how Compudopt grew from a $2M Houston nonprofit to a $62M national organization serving 300,000 people in 66 cities across 28 states, why they budgeted conservatively for only $28M of potential federal funds, how a prior $35M catalytic gift changed their operating model, and the rituals from written talking points to an in person Chicago leadership summit that helped their team process change. The payoff: Compudopt is now stabilizing, rolling out new paid service lines, and celebrating its first 1,000,000 people impacted.

You will learn

• How to announce and execute a workforce reduction with compassion and clarity
• A step by step comms sequence VP brief, all hands, written follow ups, anonymous feedback
• Why consolidating layoffs into one day can reduce organizational anxiety
• How to budget during uncertain grant cycles and avoid growth cliffs
• The role of a CEO personal board of directors in tough seasons
• Expectations reset why your team is 2 to 3 months behind you emotionally and how to lead them

Why are your best people leaving? In this live “Nice Business” session, hosts Jim Bob Howard and Richard Train break down the three drivers behind costly turnover: ineffective management, unclear direction, and shallow recognition. 

Then they give you a simple plan to reverse it.

You will learn how to run two “opportunity analysis” meetings that surface smart, specific fixes from managers and staff, how to make your mission real so everyone can connect daily work to the why, and how to tailor recognition so it actually matters. We also share a favorite example from MALK Organics, where a “Dreams Wins” ritual helped unlock loyalty through a turbulent season.

When Jason Bronstad stepped in as CEO of MALK Organics, the company had a 45-day shelf life, a thousand stores to serve, and a shrinking team of employees. 

The easy path would have been cutting corners with materials and employees. Instead, Jason doubled down on clean ingredients, transparency with his team, and a culture built on personal dreams.

We ask Jason how he turned chaos into clarity: personally driving payroll checks across Texas, co-manufacturing for national scale, bringing in the right experts at the right time, and creating a “Dreams Wins” culture channel that fueled loyalty through turbulence. Along the way, MALK grew from three SKUs to fourteen and 9X’d revenue… all without compromising its identity.