Mark Friedler is the CEO of Gigex Inc., an IT and services company helping companies procure the best technology solutions for their needs, saving time and costs. A serial entrepreneur, he has founded four companies, including Gigex, the first cloud game download service, and GameDaily, which became the largest consumer games site before its acquisition by AOL/Time Warner. Mark’s career spans pioneering roles in blockchain, esports, fintech, and enterprise cloud services, with contributions like launching IBM’s TrustYourSupplier network and co-founding CryptoMondaysSF, a global fintech and blockchain meetup group. He is also an avid cyclist who once rode from New York to Seattle and introduced Sweden to chocolate chip cookie stores.

Technology expenses are skyrocketing, often ranking as the top or second-highest business cost. As companies grapple with these financial burdens, the quest for effective technology cost management becomes crucial. How can businesses make smarter decisions to reduce these costs while still harnessing the power of technology?

Mark Friedler, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares practical strategies for tackling these challenges head-on. He emphasizes conducting a thorough technology audit to identify waste, right-sizing cloud usage, and adopting a hybrid model combining public and private clouds for cost optimization. Mark also highlights how leveraging AI for customer service can help you transform business operations, citing examples like omnichannel communication tools that improve user experience while cutting costs.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Mark Friedler, CEO of Gigex Inc., about technology cost management and identifying untapped business opportunities. The conversation explores Mark's journey from running a chocolate chip cookie business in Sweden to becoming a technology strategy consultant. He shares insights on blockchain, early internet innovations, surviving the dot-com crash, and the life-changing impact of a family crisis.

Ami Kassar is the Founder and CEO of MultiFunding LLC, a financial consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses secure creative funding solutions. With a career spanning the dot-com era to the 2008 financial crisis, he has transformed challenges into opportunities, building a resilient company that thrives in helping others. Ami is the author of The Growth Dilemma, host of the AmiSights Podcast, and an active speaker, contributing to entrepreneurial communities like EO, Vistage, and YPO. His expertise has been sought by organizations like the White House, Federal Reserve Bank, and Treasury Department, and his insights are regularly featured in leading media outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes, and The Wall Street Journal.

Small business owners face daunting challenges, from navigating financial crises to securing funding in a volatile economy. Many struggle with cash flow, rising interest rates, and adapting to rapid market changes, leaving them unsure about their venture’s growth and stability. Amid this uncertainty, finding innovative and sustainable financial solutions is critical for survival and long-term success.

Ami Kassar, a thought leader in business finance, offers practical strategies to address these challenges, prioritizing profit and cash flow over unchecked expansion. Drawing on his experience navigating multiple financial crises, Ami advocates for personalized funding solutions that align with a business's unique needs rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. He also stresses the value of fostering resilience through community support, as demonstrated by his creation of the EO GRIT community, which provides resources and a collaborative space for entrepreneurs facing economic hardships.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Ami Kassar, Founder and CEO of MultiFunding LLC, about tackling financial obstacles. Ami recounts his early experiences with entrepreneurship and the valuable lessons he learned from triumphs and setbacks, including a failed dot-com startup and navigating corporate restructuring during the 2008 financial crisis. His story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation in the face of adversity.

Peter Krzyzek is the Co-founder and CTO at Chykalophia, a digital agency helping Femtech DTC and B2B women-led brands transform their websites into platforms that drive business growth. He is the co-author of the Top 3 Best Sellers book in web design, Made to Sell: Creating Websites that Convert, and has extensive expertise in analytics, automation, and integrations. With a master’s degree in computer science, Peter is renowned for simplifying complex technology concepts, earning him the title of “tech whisperer.” His passion for blending technology, strategy, and communication has made him a trusted advisor for businesses seeking sustainable growth and brand dominance.

Working with your spouse can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance when your business partner is your life partner? Can a marriage survive the pressures of entrepreneurship without compromising personal relationships?

Peter Krzyzek shares his journey of managing a digital consultancy with his wife and how they navigated the pitfalls many face when merging professional and personal lives. He discusses the importance of communication and how he and his wife had to learn and adapt to each other's strengths and weaknesses in business. They discovered that honesty and transparency with each other and their team were crucial in resolving conflicts and maintaining a successful partnership. By accepting that work-life balance is a myth for them and choosing instead to integrate their lives fully, they forged a path that worked for their unique situation. 

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Peter Krzyzek, CTO at Chykalophia, about the challenges of running a business with a spouse. Peter offers insights into how they overcame early struggles, such as defining clear roles and figuring out the right client fit for their combined skills. He also shares the lessons learned from failures like the "Project That Shall Not Be Named" and how they turned these into opportunities for growth.

Shelby Joy Scarbrough is the Co-founder and CEO of the Global School of Entrepreneurship (GSE), a company dedicated to providing accredited MBA programs and courses designed specifically for entrepreneurs. With a distinguished career serving in the Reagan administration as a White House aide and as a State Department Protocol Officer, Shelby has also authored multiple books, including Civility Rules. She has managed high-profile events for world leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Pope John Paul II and successfully built a chain of Burger King franchises, showcasing her entrepreneurial acumen. Apart from GSE, she is also the Co-founder of nCourage Entrepreneurs, an angel investment group focused on funding entrepreneurial ventures founded and run by women.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, entrepreneurs often struggle to balance professionalism, leadership, and growth while navigating complex challenges. Whether it’s building businesses, managing high-stakes relationships, or maintaining civility in heated environments, achieving long-term success requires a unique blend of vision and discipline. Many leaders search for proven strategies to lead with impact, build trust, and drive meaningful results.

Shelby Scarbrough, a White House veteran and entrepreneur, shares invaluable insights from her diverse career spanning entrepreneurship, diplomacy, and protocol. Drawing from her experiences in the Reagan administration, managing Burger King franchises, and co-founding the Global School of Entrepreneurship, Shelby emphasizes the importance of professionalism, adaptability, and relationship-building. She discusses lessons learned from world leaders, including Nelson Mandela and President Reagan, and explains how civility and preparation can turn challenges into opportunities. Shelby also highlights actionable steps for entrepreneurs, from maintaining focus under pressure to building supportive networks like nCourage Entrepreneurs, an angel investment group dedicated to female founders.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Shelby Scarbrough, Co-founder and CEO of the Global School of Entrepreneurship, about turning leadership experiences into entrepreneurial success. Shelby provides insights on managing international diplomacy, navigating franchise operations, redefining MBA programs for modern entrepreneurs, and the value of building businesses with a pioneering spirit.

Josh Kopel is a Michelin-awarded restaurateur, entrepreneur, and Founder of Flo Hospitality Solutions, a company helping restaurants enhance customer experiences and profitability through innovative marketing strategies. With decades of experience owning and operating successful restaurants and generating millions in sales through viral campaigns, he is a proven leader in the hospitality industry. Josh specializes in crafting brand narratives, launching impactful social media campaigns, and creating strategies that drive revenue, build loyalty, and boost profitability. He is also the host of the Full Comp Podcast, creator of the Restaurant Marketing School, and a former President of the California Restaurant Association.

Running a successful restaurant in today’s highly competitive and fast-paced market comes with unique challenges — from standing out in a crowded space to maintaining profitability and customer loyalty. Many restaurateurs struggle to create effective marketing strategies, build authentic brand narratives, and adapt to changing consumer expectations. Without the right tools and insights, even the most passionate entrepreneurs can face burnout, missed opportunities, and financial losses.

Josh Kopel, Michelin-awarded restaurateur and entrepreneur, shares his proven strategies for overcoming these hurdles. Drawing from decades of experience, Josh emphasizes the importance of crafting compelling brand stories, leveraging viral campaigns, and utilizing social media to boost visibility and profitability. He highlights how consistency, resilience, and customer-focused messaging can turn ideas into results, transform struggling businesses, and create lasting customer relationships. By pairing storytelling with data-driven tactics, Josh demonstrates how restaurant owners can build loyalty, optimize operations, and thrive even in challenging markets.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Josh Kopel, Founder of Flo Hospitality Solutions, about making an impact in the hospitality industry. The conversation takes us from delightful stories of Hollywood nightclubs to the grind behind scaling a fine dining restaurant, culminating in the pivot that led Josh to partner with Yelp and launch a successful podcast. It's an enlightening look at the intersection of grit, social connection, and resilience.

Jessica Aiello is the Chief Strategy Officer of TCS Teams, a company that provides accessibility solutions and promotes inclusion for people with disabilities in the workplace. She has a rich history of leadership, including her prior role as CEO of the same company, and has been featured in Kiplinger, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and Success Magazine. A passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion, Jessica is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and actively mentors and coaches disabled entrepreneurs while serving as a judge for various pitch competitions. With two bachelor's degrees from James Madison University, Jessica also serves as a board member of the EO Washington D.C. Metro Area chapter.

In this episode...

Life often throws challenges that leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Whether it’s navigating a difficult relationship, facing identity struggles, or confronting the weight of societal expectations, these moments can make it hard to find clarity and purpose. Finding tools to break free and reconnect with oneself becomes essential, but the path is rarely straightforward.

Jessica Aiello shares how she overcame some of the toughest periods in her life, including a divorce, a business breakup, and career enmeshment. By turning to unconventional tools like psychedelic medicine, Jessica found ways to confront deep emotions like shame, guilt, and fear, allowing her to reconnect with her true self and redefine her identity beyond work. Her journey highlights the importance of self-reflection, surrendering ego, and balancing ambition with authenticity, offering actionable insights for others seeking transformation in their personal or professional lives.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jessica Aiello, Chief Strategy Officer of TCS Teams, about her transformative journey with psychedelic medicine. Jessica discusses how growing up with deaf parents shaped her passion for accessibility, the emotional challenges of raising a child who regained hearing, how to balance hustle with heart in leadership, and the potential for transformation and healing through psychedelics.

Kara Smith Brown is the Founder and CEO of LeadCoverage, a premier consulting group dedicated to driving revenue growth for supply chain and logistics companies. A trailblazer in her field, she was one of the first employees at Echo Global Logistics, contributing to its rapid growth and playing a pivotal role in its IPO. Kara is also a Co-founder of Close(Her), a community that empowers women in sales and has been a champion of Atlanta’s female economy since moving to the city in 2016. Her new book, The Revenue Engine, showcases her expertise through a nine-step framework for building high-performing B2B pipelines enriched with compelling personal anecdotes and actionable insights.

In this episode…

B2B marketing can feel overwhelming, especially in industries like freight and logistics, where traditional approaches dominate and innovative tools are often underutilized. Companies struggle to generate leads, manage pipelines effectively, and measure impactful results. This challenge is magnified when businesses fail to understand the specific needs of their market, leading to wasted time, effort, and resources.

Kara Smith Brown offers a clear path forward by breaking the complexities of B2B marketing into a manageable nine-step framework, as outlined in her book, The Revenue Engine. She emphasizes segmenting the sales funnel into three distinct stages — prospect, nurture, and customer — and measuring success through volume, velocity, and value metrics. Kara also shares practical anecdotes, such as leveraging intent data and creating engaging strategies tailored to the freight industry, which she calls a perfect match for big personalities and aggressive innovation.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Kara Smith Brown, CEO of LeadCoverage, about crafting high-octane revenue pipelines for B2B companies. Kara shares her journey from musical theater to supply chain leadership, insights on breaking barriers as a woman entrepreneur, actionable strategies from her book, and challenges of fitting into pre-established corporate cultures.

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo.

John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service.

Launching a podcast, navigating a complex industry, or managing personal growth can feel overwhelming, especially with the pressure to stand out or address a dense workload. For many, the quest for uniqueness delays action, while balancing creativity with clarity remains a persistent challenge. In an era of limitless tools and information, finding strategies to streamline efforts while fostering authentic connections is more vital than ever.

John Corcoran shares invaluable insights on overcoming these challenges, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and purpose. He reveals how custom GPTs can transform dense documents into efficient, searchable resources, offering a practical solution for saving time and effort. Drawing from his own podcasting experience, John advises aspiring hosts to focus on authenticity, asserting that the uniqueness of a podcast lies in the host-guest dynamic, not a perfect concept. Additionally, he credits mentor Rob Castaneda with inspiring him to pause his drinking, demonstrating how personal growth can enhance professional focus and clarity.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen interviews John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, about harnessing past experiences for personal and professional growth. They discuss how John’s involvement in The West Wing inspired storytelling, the transformative potential of custom GPT tools, and how a pause on drinking improved his productivity. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for those seeking to enhance their podcasting journey and personal growth.

Christine Westbury is the CEO and Founder of Blackjet Social, a marketing agency specializing in AI-driven marketing and automation for B2B companies. With over 18 years of marketing and business ownership experience, she has a proven track record of entrepreneurial success, having launched and scaled ventures such as a clean food manufacturing business and an innovative dance school. Christine is dedicated to enhancing the online presence of professional services firms through high-quality content and strategic social media campaigns, focusing on solving audience problems rather than merely promoting services. In addition to leading Blackjet Social, she is the Director of The Space Wellington, a flexible workspace in a prime central location for individuals and businesses.

The fast-paced marketing world presents unique challenges for businesses striving to connect with their target audience. Professionals often grapple with maintaining a consistent online presence, navigating the complexities of lead generation, and standing out in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. Adding to this pressure, the rapid rise of AI technologies has introduced both opportunities and uncertainties, leaving many wondering how to harness these tools effectively.

Christine Westbury shares her expertise in addressing these challenges through strategic social media management and AI-driven solutions. She emphasizes the importance of solving real audience problems rather than simply promoting services, focusing on crafting high-quality content that builds trust and authority. Christine reveals how she created Blackjet Autopilot, a lead generation system with a bold promise of guaranteed ROI, blending innovative AI tools with proven marketing methodologies to help businesses streamline operations and achieve measurable success. Her journey showcases resilience, adaptability, and the creative use of technology to overcome business hurdles.

Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Christine Westbury, Founder and CEO of Blackjet Social, about revolutionizing B2B marketing with AI-driven strategies. Christine discusses the significance of strategic thinking, the real-world implications of a guaranteed ROI promise, how AI avatars may soon handle aspects of client interaction, and how to craft compelling offers in a crowded marketplace.