RadEO

What happens when your business is $600K in debt, your bank is ready to take your house, and your kid stops talking to you?

For most people, that’s the end. For Todd Palmer, it was the beginning of something bigger.

Todd realised the biggest problem in his company wasn’t the market, the customers, or the economy. It was him.

In this episode, Todd shares how hitting rock bottom forced him to rebuild; not just his business, but himself. He opens up about confronting ego, fear, and the toxic narratives that keep entrepreneurs stuck.

This conversation is about more than business; it’s about leadership, identity, and the uncomfortable truths that make or break us. Discover how Todd’s radical shift in thinking not only transformed his company but also helped him rebuild his relationship with his son.

Key Takeaways: 

1. The biggest barrier to business success is often your own mindset.

2. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt don’t go away. The goal is to just get better at managing them.

3. Leadership is about aligning your business success with personal fulfillment, not sacrificing one for the other.

If you’re a founder navigating chaos (or just feeling stuck in your own head), this one’s for you.

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast. Enjoy.

More About Todd Palmer

Todd Palmer is an executive coach, keynote speaker, and six-time Inc. 5000 CEO who knows exactly what it feels like to fail.

At one point, his business was 30 days away from shutting down. Instead of giving up, he rebuilt it from the inside out, turning it into one of America’s fastest-growing companies.

Todd will be the first to tell you business success doesn’t mean sh*t if your life is falling apart. He now helps CEOs and founders break free from imposter syndrome, self-sabotage, and toxic leadership habits so they can scale without wrecking their health, families, or sanity.

His book, From Suck to Success, is an Amazon bestseller that shows entrepreneurs how to stop being their own worst enemy and start leading with clarity and confidence.

Todd’s mission? Helping leaders stop playing small, get unstuck, and build businesses that don’t just make money but actually make life worth living.

In this episode, Ross Drakes sits down with Nir Zavaro—author, entrepreneur, and master storyteller. From teaching celebrities to rollerblade to scaling a 7-figure marketing agency and becoming a global speaker, Nir’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the transformative power of storytelling. This conversation unpacks the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned along the way.

Takeaways:

• "Storytelling isn’t just marketing, it’s how you build real connections that last."

• "Failure is just a step in the process. Learn from it, grow, and keep moving."

• "Big change starts with small, intentional steps, don’t underestimate them."

• "Playing it safe is risky. Growth requires boldness."

This episode goes beyond Nir’s story, we talk about embracing authenticity, turning setbacks into stepping stones, and using storytelling as a superpower for growth. If you’re ready to transform your approach to life and business, this episode is a must-listen.

Subscribe oniTunes,Spotify orOvercast. Enjoy.

More About Nir Zavaro

Nir Zavaro is a storyteller, adventurer, and entrepreneur who lives for the thrill of doing things differently. He’s built a 7-figure marketing agency, sold a SaaS platform, and has been teaching the art of storytelling at universities and colleges since 2014.

As the author ofF*ck the Slides—a best-selling book that’s helped founders pitch better, sell more, and leave boring presentations behind, Nir knows how to turn stories into impact. He’s also penned two novels and is currently working on his next book,The Business Catcher: Why We’re All Building Brands the Wrong Way and How to Fix It (a work in progress, with a title that’s just a little too long, he admits).

Since 2022, Nir has been traveling the world, sharing his wisdom on storytelling in over 40 cities, from Brazil to Australia. This year, his adventure continues through Southeast Asia, Amsterdam, Portugal, South Africa, possibly even Uganda or Mexico. Wherever he goes, Nir’s mission is simple: to help people connect through stories and inspire them to think bigger about their brands and businesses.

When he’s not teaching or writing, Nir is chasing adventures, meeting new people, and soaking in the stories the world has to offer. If you’re lucky enough to catch him in your city, don’t miss the chance to hear him speak—you’ll leave inspired, energized, and ready to tell your story like never before.

In this episode, Ross Drakes sits down with Franziska Iseli, founder of Basic Bananas, Ocean Lovers, and Moments of Humanity. From breaking free of Swiss traditions to building brands that merge profit with purpose, Franziska shares the wild rides and lessons she learned that shaped her journey. Find out what happens when you combine rebellion, adventure, and the drive to create impact. 

Key Takeaways:

Original Key Takeaways:

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast. Enjoy.

This episode goes beyond Franziska’s story—it’s a masterclass in tackling challenges, aligning your work with what truly matters, and shaking up the status quo. If you’re ready to make your brand stand out and find the sweet spot between purpose and profit, this conversation is a must-listen.

More About Franziska Iseli

Franziska Iseli is an entrepreneur, adventurer, and author who thrives on doing things differently. As the founder of Basic Bananas, a global marketing school, Ocean Lovers, a purpose-driven brand supporting ocean conservation, and Moments of Humanity, a project celebrating acts of kindness, Franziska blends innovation with impact. Recognized as a Young Entrepreneur of the Year, she’s also a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on building meaningful businesses and living boldly. When she’s not shaping brands, she’s riding motorcycles across continents, surfing, or inspiring change-makers. 

Links:

In this episode, Ross Drakes sits down with Joaquin ‘Quini’ Cordero, a powerhouse entrepreneur, storyteller, and CEO of Lumen. Cordero shares his story from starting as a young, ambitious salesman to becoming a leader within advertising across Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras.

Key Takeaways:

Quini’s journey offers insights for entrepreneurs, creative leaders, and anyone aiming to build a business that lasts. Join us for an episode that challenges the balance between ambition, well-being, and community.

Enjoy. 

Tune in every week for the insights

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast.

More about Joaquin:

Joaquin ‘Quini’ Cordero is the CEO of Lumen, and has established over eleven startups, some evolving to become internationally reaching companies. With over 22 years of experience, Joaquin leads operations across Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, working with global brands like VW, Danone, and Mitsubishi.

Beyond advertising, Joaquin co-founded Kinimovil, a leading content monetization platform, and the 6 Amigos Investment Fund, supporting ventures in virtual reality and real estate. A global board director for EO and a sought-after speaker, Joaquin is dedicated to sharing his insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and living with intention.

In this episode, we had an inspiring conversation about the value of thinking big, setting BHAGS (can’t wait for you to hear this one),  and the importance of scaling. Our guest - Bill Gallagher is a highly-rated business coach who has led four companies from startup to more than $550 million in annual revenue

Be ready to be inspired by Bill’s unbelievable journey and how his goal of helping 5 million leaders worldwide drives his work.

My Key Takeaways:

Bill’s journey is truly incredible. From radio stations to tech startups, to coaching CEOs led him to realise that success comes from the impacts you leave. His 30 year BHAG of helping 5 million business leaders is the definition thinking big which drives his way of life. This episode is incredibly fascinating and great for anyone looking to take their business or personal growth to the next level.

Tune in every week for the insights

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast

More about Bill

Bill Gallagher is a highly rated business coach whose passion is helping CEOs and entrepreneurs manage growth better; restore time, order and sanity to their lives—and get growing again or growing faster. With more than 38 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience and 19 years coaching and training leaders who want to improve their leadership and performance, he now works with leaders and teams in over 28 cities and 13 countries. He has led four companies as CEO/owner and was a partner/executive in two others as they grew from startup to more than $550 million in annual revenue.

A former DJ and radio executive, Bill hosts the Scaling Up Podcast. In his free time, he is an avid surfer, sailor, skateboarder, pilot, scuba enthusiast and recovering triathlete. Happily married for 30 years, he and his wife Lori live in the Oakland Hills and are parents to two young adult entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we chat to Trent Clark, the CEO of Leadershipity - a growth coaching company that is dedicated to doubling organizations in half the time. He is also a three-time Major League Baseball World Series coach, who has fantastic leadership abilities - both on and off the field - with a unique blend of athletic discipline and entrepreneurial insight to his work. 

My key takeaways: 

Trent explains how crucial a purpose-driven culture is to the success of an organization. He references Peter Drucker’s famous quote, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast,” when highlighting how the best strategies can fail without the right team culture. 

Trent draws parallels between coaching professional athletes and entrepreneurs and highlights the significance of having a coach in both instances; as top athletes have coaches that keep them aligned with their goals and entrepreneurs should have coaches to help them stay on track. 

Trent emphasizes the responsibility and challenges that come with achieving significant success in leadership roles. The Weight of the Ring is a metaphor for the burden of maintaining momentum, managing increased expectations and guiding others to look up to you. Achieving great success isn't just about reaching the goal; it's about enduring the added pressures and growing to meet the demands that follow, turning challenges into opportunities for further growth.

During economic downturns, Trent notes that successful entrepreneurs are often “hyper learners” who have the ability to adapt to changes quickly and emerge from challenges much stronger. The ability to adapt and strive to continuously learn new skills are the key to thriving in difficult times. 

Trent Clark discusses the importance of strong team culture, the value of coaching, and the responsibilities that come with leadership and success in both sports and business. What really captured me was his  “weight of the ring” metaphor and the message that true success involves embracing the challenges and the growth that comes from them. 

Enjoy.

Tune in every week for the insights

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify or Overcast

More about Trent:

Trent Clark is a three-time Major League Baseball World Series coach who has made significant contributions both on and off the field. With over 12 years in MLB, he played pivotal roles in leading teams to success, including the Cleveland Indians in the World Series in 1995 and 1997. Trent's expertise in strength and conditioning helped shape many athletes' careers during his tenure.

Beyond his baseball achievements, Trent is a successful entrepreneur and leadership coach. He is the CEO of Leadershipity, a consulting firm dedicated to developing exceptional leaders and sustainable organizational systems. His passion for empowering others has earned him the nickname "Dream Maker," reflecting his commitment to helping people achieve their goals and reach peak performance in both sports and business.

In this episode, we chat to Will Scott, a technology enthusiast, proud culture czar and hobbyist clubhouse builder, about overcoming setbacks and transforming challenges into opportunities, the power of belief and its impact on achieving personal goals and his strategy for maintaining motivation and turning adversity into triumphs. 

My key takeaways: 

Will’s ability to harness challenges as catalysts for growth left an indelible impression. What really captured me was his ability to distill complex experiences into actionable insights, making this episode a practical guide for navigating your teams challenges with courage and determination. 

Enjoy.

Tune in every week for the insights

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Overcast

More about Will:

Author of The Culture Fix and founder of The Culture Fix Academy, Will has helped hundreds of businesses fulfill their corporate culture dreams. He leads workshops and speaks regularly using his Alive, Thrive & Drive methodology and is host of The Culture Fix podcast. His 25-year span as an entrepreneur includes five start-ups, 2 exits and several Inc. 5000 appearances before focusing on Culture Fulfillment™ using his proprietary 9 deeds in 90 days. In 15 years as a member of EO Will has held several board positions and is ex-President of EO Wisconsin. He is a yoga devotee, avid traveller and loves everything outdoors.

In this episode, we explore the origins story of Dominque Laverdeu. Dominque is a multi-talented businesswoman President Rouge marketing and communication, aspirant politician and serial entrepreneur.  Get ready for candid conversations, impactful stories, and valuable insights from her journey as an entrepreneur.

My key Takeaways:

I was inspired by how she balances humility and ambition. And ultimately has driven to achieving sustainability in the business. Full disclosure she part of My Global Leadership Academy class so I am biased.

Enjoy.

Tune in every week for the insights

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Overcast

More about Dominique:

With over 25 years of marketing and communications experience, Dominique Laverdure is a seasoned strategist known for her work with top brands in Quebec. In 2004, she founded Rouge marketing in Mont-Tremblant, gaining recognition in Quebec and France. Dominique excels in integrated communications, public relations, and business development.

A visionary leader, Dominique inspires teams and supports entrepreneurs in their growth. She is a member of EO Montreal, serving as President and Member Experience Director on the Board of EO Canada. Dominique is also VP of Marketing at Origine Nature and a board member of various organizations, including Domaine Saint-Bernard and Chefs à la rescousse.

In November 2021, Dominique became a councillor and deputy mayor for the City of Mont-Tremblant. Known for her bold and daring style, she is a born leader who embraces innovation and success.

In this episode, we explore the inspiring story of Cindy Norcott. Cindy is a multi-talented businesswoman who wears many hats, including motivational speaker, author, recruitment agency owner, and founder of the Robin Hood Foundation.

Cindy shares her journey and how the pandemic has caused her to refocus her priorities and realize the benefits of the virtual world, allowing her to expand internationally. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right people and trusting them to delegate effectively. She also stresses the need for coaching and mentoring, cultivating a culture of trust and communication, and hiring based on past behaviour and values.

Cindy also discusses the challenges of delegating tasks and responsibilities to team members when travelling. She shares that fully disconnecting and trusting the team is critical to avoid issues and emphasizes that trust takes time to build but is crucial in order to delegate effectively.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cindy's business started a soup kitchen to help the community, which grew into a bigger movement with community involvement and donations.

Overall, Cindy Norcott's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and impact. Her experiences offer valuable insights into leadership, delegation, and community engagement. Tune in to this episode to hear more about Cindy's journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Tune in every week for the insights

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Overcast

More about Cindy:

Cindy Norcott is a motivational speaker, winning recruitment agencies, Pro

Appointments and Pro Talent. Cindy is also the founder and chairperson of the well-known

charity, the Robin Hood Foundation.

Cindy is the author of the best-selling business book, “How to be Unstoppable”. Cindy has won many awards for her entrepreneurial abilities and has won the BWA Regional Achiever of the Year and the Sanlam 3 Talk Business Person of the Year Award.

In 2013, Cindy was awarded the Most Influential Women in Business and Government award for services businesses by CEO Communications. Cosmopolitan magazine also hailed her as one of the 29 Awesome Women of the Year. Cindy was voted the Lead SA KZN Local Hero of the year in 2015 for her community involvement. Cindy’s presentation style combines practical advice, wisdom and humour that leaves her audiences inspired.

In this episode of RadEO, we talk to Jamie Pujara - an entrepreneur in catering and property

He shares his entrepreneurial journey, which involved a family restaurant business, a catering company, a property platform, and a development project, as well as his struggles with balancing work and personal life, managing his ego, and overcoming challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the difficulties he faced during the pandemic, Jamie and his team were able to pivot their business model and focus on new product lines, such as corporate catering, which helped them survive and continue to operate. Jamie also spoke about his struggle to balance work and personal life, particularly being a present father and husband. He acknowledged that his ego has influenced his decision-making and caused him to make many mistakes. However, he also recognised that his ego has driven him to take bold steps that he might not have taken otherwise. Jamie emphasised the importance of finding a balance and keeping his ego in check to avoid making bad decisions that could hurt those around him.

During our chat, Jamie discussed the impact of COVID-19 on his family business and the lack of government support during the crisis. He talked about the panic he felt initially and his concern for the welfare of his staff who depended on the business for their livelihood. He also reflected on the resilience and determination that he developed during the pandemic, which enabled him to fulfil his obligations to those who were owed money. Additionally, Jamie discussed the value he sees in continuing and expanding his current property business, as well as applying the skills he has learned to future projects.

Overall, Jamie's entrepreneurial journey is characterized by adaptability, resilience, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. He has faced numerous challenges, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his businesses and personal life, but has remained focused on his goals and continued to pursue his passions. His story serves as an inspiration to other entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of flexibility, self-reflection, and a willingness to take risks.

Tune in every week for the insights

Subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts or Overcast

More about Jamie:

Jamie is an entrepreneur, born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. He is fascinated by innovation, technology and emerging markets and is the Founder of Kenya's number one real estate portal buyrentkenya.com. He is also the property developer of Aspire Heights a 65 unit apartment building in Riruta. His other passion is food and his other businesses include restaurant and catering companies in Nairobi Kenya.

Jamie is a member of the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and serves as a Director on their Global Board (2022-2025). Prior to that he served as the Regional Chair for the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa Region (2019 & 2020). He has been nominated as one of Kenya's Top 40 under 40 businessmen (2015) and was included on the Forbes list of "30 Most Promising Young Entrepreneurs in Africa" (2016 & 2017)

Through his experiences across various industries and countries, he has acquired a diverse skillset that includes, leadership, business development, brand building, customer service, and strategy planning.