Social 333 Podcast

How Pressure Changes Leadership Behavior Inside an Organization | Beth Jones #social333podcast #183

In this episode of the Social 333 Podcast, host Chris D. Bentley sits down with Beth Jones, a leadership performance transformationist and healing mentor with 30 years of experience as a forensic accountant. Beth shares how her background in investigating fraud and observing workplace behavior helped her understand the impact of pressure, stress, and survival patterns on leadership effectiveness. The conversation explores why some leaders struggle under pressure, how their reactions affect team performance, and why effective leadership requires more than strong communication and management skills.

Chris and Beth also discuss how past experiences and unresolved survival patterns can influence decision-making, workplace relationships, and leadership behavior. Beth explains why traditional leadership training and coaching may not create lasting improvements without addressing the deeper causes of ineffective behavior. They explore the importance of emotional regulation, self-awareness, and identifying patterns that contribute to poor performance or employee turnover. Beth also shares insights on developing future leaders, the challenges of promoting high-performing employees into management roles, and how addressing underlying behavioral patterns can support sustainable leadership success.

✅ Beth’s 30-year background in forensic accounting and leadership observation

✅ How pressure and stress influence leadership behavior

✅ Why a leader’s emotional reactions can affect team performance

✅ The difference between reacting and responding under pressure

✅ How survival patterns develop and influence workplace behavior

✅ Why traditional leadership training may not create lasting change

✅ The importance of identifying the root causes of ineffective leadership

✅ How past experiences can shape communication and decision-making

✅ Why high-performing employees are not always effective managers

✅ The importance of developing leadership skills before promoting employees

✅ How leadership behavior can contribute to employee turnover

✅ Why self-awareness and emotional regulation matter in leadership

✅ How rewiring survival patterns can support long-term leadership growth

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

00:06 – Meet Beth Jones

00:59 How Pressure Changes Leadership Behavior

05:01 How Leaders Influence Team Stress

07:20 Understanding Survival Patterns in Leadership

12:04 Why High Achievers Seek Validation

13:35 Leadership Styles and Team Dynamics

16:41 The Importance of Leadership Communication

17:38 How Companies Can Develop Better Leaders

19:57 Rewiring Survival Patterns and Healing Trauma

23:15 Where to Find Beth Jones

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Illiquid Alternative Investments in 401(k)'s Will Doom Us | Barry James Dyke #social333podcast #182

In this episode of the Social 333 Podcast, host Chris D. Bentley sits down with Barry James Dyke, financial advisor, retirement planning specialist, and author of Black Eyes for BlackRock, to discuss the risks of alternative investments, private equity, retirement planning, and the future of 401(k) plans.

Barry shares insights from more than 30 years in financial services and explains his concerns about introducing illiquid investments, private credit, and cryptocurrency into retirement accounts. He discusses the potential risks of complex financial products, the lack of transparency in certain investment structures, and why everyday investors need to understand where their retirement money is going.

The conversation also explores private equity failures, financial industry practices, lessons from the 2008 financial crisis, and the importance of disciplined investing. Chris and Barry discuss retirement income strategies, saving consistently, life insurance, and why building long-term wealth requires patience, financial education, and a clear plan.

✅ Barry’s 30+ years of experience in financial services

✅ The story behind his book Black Eyes for BlackRock

✅ The potential risks of alternative investments in 401(k) plans

✅ Why private equity and private credit raise concerns

✅ Understanding liquidity and transparency in retirement investing

✅ Lessons from past financial crises and investment failures

✅ Why investors should be cautious about chasing high returns

✅ The importance of savings and long-term financial discipline

✅ Building reliable retirement income strategies

✅ How life insurance can fit into financial planning

✅ Why financial education matters for everyday investors

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

00:06 – Meet Barry James Dyke

01:02 – The Story Behind Black Eyes for BlackRock

03:30 – Alternative Investments in 401(k) Plans

07:13 – The Risks of Private Credit & Debt

09:00 – Private Equity Failures & Hidden Fees

11:25 – Private Equity & Insurance Company Investments

15:20 – Financial Leverage & Market Collapse Risks

19:00 – Unrealistic Investment Returns & Expectations

21:23 – Building Wealth Through Discipline & Action

26:46 – Life Insurance & Long-Term Wealth Building

30:31 – Using Cash Value Insurance for Investments

33:25 – Where to Find Barry James Dyke & His Book

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What Buying a Franchise Really Involves | Jason Ronnel #social333podcast #181

In this episode of the Social 333 Podcast, host Chris D. Bentley sits down with Jason Ronnel, founder of Ronnel Enterprises, a franchise consulting company that helps investors explore business ownership opportunities across the United States and Canada. Jason shares his experience helping individuals find franchises that align with their financial goals, lifestyle, and professional background. The conversation explores what buying a franchise really involves, how franchising differs from starting an independent business, and why choosing the right opportunity requires more than simply having money to invest.

Chris and Jason also discuss franchise profitability, misleading income claims, and the importance of conducting thorough research before making an investment. Jason explains how Franchise Disclosure Documents help investors understand fees, financial performance, and potential risks. They explore the difference between active and semi-absentee ownership, why franchise businesses are not always passive investments, and how financing options such as SBA loans can help qualified investors get started. Jason also shares practical advice for aspiring franchise owners, emphasizing the importance of understanding operating costs, evaluating established business models, and choosing opportunities that fit long-term goals.

✅ How Jason built Ronnel Enterprises as a franchise consulting company

✅ What investors should know before buying a franchise

✅ The difference between franchising and starting an independent business

✅ How franchise consultants help investors find suitable opportunities

✅ Why researching franchise profitability is important

✅ Understanding Franchise Disclosure Documents and financial risks

✅ Why misleading income claims can influence investment decisions

✅ The difference between revenue and actual profitability

✅ Why franchise ownership is not always a passive investment

✅ How SBA loans can help finance franchise purchases

✅ The importance of choosing a franchise that fits your lifestyle

✅ Why established franchise systems can offer valuable support

✅ Practical advice for first-time franchise investors

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

00:06 – Meet Jason Ronnel

00:30 – Business Ownership vs. Franchising

08:55 – Unrealistic Investment Expectations

13:35 How to Evaluate Franchise Opportunities

16:35 Franchise Investment Myths and Realities

21:15 Franchise Revenue vs. Actual Profit

24:46 Finding the Right Franchise for You

26:16 Where to Find Jason Ronnel

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Why Voice Over Jobs Aren't Just a Side Hustle | Tish Hicks #social333podcast #180

In this episode of the Social 333 Podcast, host Chris D. Bentley sits down with Tish Hicks, a professional voice-over artist with more than 30 years of experience and the creator of the VO Dojo, a voice-over training company based in Burbank, California. Tish shares how voice-over can grow from a side hustle into a serious career and explains why successful voice actors need to treat it as more than simply having a good voice. From commercials and video games to animation, audiobooks, and other forms of media, voice-over is a much broader industry than many people realize.

The conversation explores how aspiring voice actors can get started, develop their skills, understand the different areas of the industry, and build sustainable income. Tish also explains how the voice-over industry has changed with the internet, allowing people to work from almost anywhere while also creating a greater need for community, training, and mentorship. Chris and Tish also discuss the importance of mindset, learning how to use your voice effectively, staying consistent through the “messy middle,” and building a career that supports both creativity and financial stability.

✅ How Tish built a 30+ year voice-over career

✅ Why voice-over can become more than a side hustle

✅ The different opportunities available in voice-over

✅ How actors can diversify their income through voice work

✅ Why training is important for aspiring voice actors

✅ How the internet has changed the voice-over industry

✅ Why community and mentorship matter in a remote industry

✅ How beginners can find their place in voice-over

✅ Understanding the business side of voice acting

✅ How to stay focused through the “messy middle”

✅ Why developing your own voice and confidence matters

✅ The mission behind the VO Dojo

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

00:06 – Meet Tish Hicks

00:37 – Why Voice-Over Is a Great Career

02:00 – Famous Actors in Voice-Over

04:59 – Building a Voice-Over Career

08:01 – Treating Voice-Over Like a Business

09:10 – Pushing Through the Messy Middle

11:19 – Getting Started in Voice-Over

14:24 – Building a Career in Voice Acting

16:50 – Growing Your Voice-Over Business

18:35 – Growing Beyond Entry-Level Opportunities

19:31 – Where to Find Tish Hicks & Voice-Over Dojo

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Wealth Management Secrets From a 17-Year Veteran | Andrew Leneve #social333podcast #179

In this episode of the Social 333 Podcast, host Chris D. Bentley sits down with Andrew Leneve, a wealth management professional with nearly two decades of experience, to discuss investing, financial advising, client relationships, and building a successful career in wealth management. Andrew shares his journey through the wealth management industry and explains the approach behind Accelerated Wealth Partners, including its focus on helping registered investment advisory firms grow through resources, capital, and organic growth.

The conversation also explores investor behavior, why people often chase higher returns or the latest investment opportunities, and the importance of understanding risk and staying disciplined. Chris and Andrew discuss the role of AI in investing, why tools like ChatGPT can be useful for research but cannot replace human financial guidance, and how good advisors help clients ask better questions and stay focused on their long-term goals.

Andrew also shares advice for people entering the financial advisory industry, including the value of gaining experience, understanding your target clients, developing a clear point of differentiation, and learning how to communicate with people effectively. The episode closes with lessons from Andrew’s career, the importance of focusing on process over results, and how the people you surround yourself with can influence your long-term growth.

✅ Andrew’s 17+ year journey in wealth management

✅ How Accelerated Wealth Partners supports RIA firms

✅ Why investors often chase higher returns

✅ The importance of understanding risk and staying disciplined

✅ Why relationships and education still matter in financial advising

✅ The limitations of using AI for investment decisions

✅ How AI can support research without replacing an advisor

✅ Advice for people starting a career as an RIA

✅ Why knowing your target client is important

✅ How to differentiate yourself in wealth management

✅ Why asking the right questions matters in sales

✅ The importance of process over short-term results

✅How your environment and relationships can influence success

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

00:06 – Meet Andrew Leneve

00:24 – Andrew’s Journey in Wealth Management

01:11 – Building Accelerated Wealth Partners

04:00 – The Search for Higher Returns

06:36 – Investor Behavior & Market Opportunities

08:27 – Advisor Rankings & Investment Performance

10:54 – The Human Side of Financial Advising

12:32 – Becoming a Registered Investment Advisor

19:30 – Understanding Client Risk Tolerance

21:10 – Lessons From a Wealth Management Career

22:11 – Why Process Matters More Than Results

26:43 – Building the Right Support System

29:00 – Where to Find Andrew & Accelerated Wealth Partners

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High Powered Affiliate Marketing: The Truth They Don't Tell You | Peter Kazan #social333podcast #178

In this episode of the Social 333 Podcast, host Chris D. Bentley sits down with Peter Kazan, founder of Atlantic Tech, a data intelligence and high-powered marketing agency, to discuss digital marketing, affiliate marketing, audience targeting, AI, and building a scalable business. Peter explains how Atlantic Tech uses customer data and behavioral insights to create targeted marketing campaigns for medium and large businesses, particularly in e-commerce, entertainment, blockchain, and real estate. The conversation explores how programmatic advertising, retargeting, Meta ads, and niche ad networks can help businesses reach highly specific audiences.

Chris and Peter also discuss the changing influencer industry, the importance of promoting quality products, and why marketers need to be careful about the brands and products they represent. They dive into how AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude are changing marketing, research, coding, and everyday problem-solving, as well as the lessons Peter has learned while growing a global team of independent contractors. The episode also highlights the importance of staying adaptable in business, making intentional decisions as a company grows, and being willing to change direction as new opportunities emerge.

✅ How data intelligence can improve digital marketing campaigns

✅ Using customer behavior to build more targeted audiences

✅ How programmatic advertising and retargeting work

✅ What is working in digital marketing and affiliate marketing

✅ The role of Meta ads and audience testing

✅ Why product quality matters in affiliate marketing

✅ How the influencer industry is changing

✅ How AI is transforming marketing and business operations

✅ Using ChatGPT and Claude for everyday business tasks

✅ Lessons from scaling a global team

✅ Why businesses need to stay flexible and adaptable

✅ The importance of making intentional decisions as a company grows

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

00:06 – Meet Peter Kazan

00:30 – Atlantic Tech & Its Target Audience

01:05 – Building Marketing Campaigns

02:05 – Using Data to Target Audiences

03:43 – How Blockchain Ads Work

05:54 – What’s Working in Digital Marketing

10:42 – Building Atlantic Tech

11:40 – AI, YouTube & Influencer Marketing

14:16 – AI Tools & Everyday Business

15:39 – Lessons From Building a Business

17:20 – Finding Your Business Purpose

18:25 – Entrepreneurship, Failure & Resilience

21:14 – Where to Find Peter & Atlantic Tech

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The Rapid Expansion of the Poolwerx Franchise | Marla Mock #social333podcast #177

In this episode of the Social 333 Podcast, host Chris D. Bentley sits down with Marla Mock, Chief Operating Officer of Poolwerx USA, to discuss franchising, leadership, business systems, and what it takes to build a successful service-based franchise.

Marla explains how service franchises differ from traditional brick-and-mortar businesses and why strong systems, training, coaching, and support are essential for franchise owners. She also shares her perspective on finding the right franchisee, building a collaborative culture, and helping business owners grow without having to figure everything out on their own.

The conversation also explores leadership, innovation, learning from failure, and why consistency across a franchise brand can create a better customer experience. Marla shares lessons from her career and advice for anyone considering franchise ownership.

✅ How service-based franchises differ from traditional businesses

✅ Why systems and processes are critical to franchise success

✅ The importance of training, coaching, and ongoing support

✅ How to determine whether franchising is the right fit

✅ Why collaboration between franchise owners matters

✅ Building consistency across a growing franchise brand

✅ How technology and innovation are changing service businesses

✅ Why failure can become an opportunity to learn

✅ What makes a strong franchisee and business owner

✅ Lessons from Marla’s leadership experience

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

00:06 – Meet Marla Mock

00:30 – How Service Franchises Work

01:13 – Building & Managing a Franchise

05:05 – Choosing the Right Franchise Model

07:00 – What Makes a Great Franchisee

10:58 – Collaboration & Innovation in Franchising

15:02 – Leadership Across a Franchise Network

22:29 – Learning From Business Failures

24:42 – Advice for Future Franchise Owners

26:50 – Where to Find Marla & Poolwerx

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The Surprising Rise of ESOPs: What You Need to Know | Mark Rickmeier #social333podcast #176

In this episode of the Social 333 Podcast, host Chris D. Bentley sits down with Mark Rickmeier, CEO of a Chicago-based technology firm, to discuss networking, employee ownership, leadership, AI, and building a strong company culture.

Mark shares how reaching out to competitors and building genuine professional relationships can create valuable opportunities and knowledge. He also explains why he chose to transition his company to an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) and how giving employees ownership can change the way they think about their work, performance, and the future of the company.

The conversation also explores how AI is being used in business, the impact of AI on company culture and employees, and Mark’s unique leadership hiking “walk shops,” where executives can step away from the office, learn, and build stronger relationships.

✅ How to build an intentional professional network

✅ Why competitors can become valuable sources of insight

✅ The story behind Mark’s transition to an ESOP

✅ How employee ownership can influence company culture

✅ Why ESOPs can create a stronger sense of ownership

✅ How AI is changing jobs and business operations

✅ Using AI to improve efficiency and speed to value

✅ Balancing AI with human relationships and company culture

✅ The value of leadership retreats and learning in nature

✅ Building meaningful relationships through shared experiences

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

00:06 – Meet Mark Rickmeier

00:58 – Networking With Competitors

08:30 – Why Mark Chose an ESOP

12:12 – Building Company Culture

14:37 – ESOP vs. Traditional Retirement Plans

15:54 – AI & The Future of Work

19:20 – AI in Business & Real Estate

21:47 – Leadership Hiking Walk Shops

25:21 – Where to Find Mark & His Companies

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Your Mind Is More Powerful Than You Think | Dawna Campbell #social333podcast #175

In this episode of the Social 333 Podcast, host Chris D. Bentley sits down with Dawna Campbell, known as the “Mind Whisperer,” to explore spirituality, manifestation, consciousness, abundance, and the power of the subconscious mind.

Dawna discusses her inspirational documentary Pillars of Power and the five areas it focuses on: money, relationships, mental wellness, spirituality, and health. Chris and Dawna dive into how limiting beliefs can influence the way we see ourselves, why manifestation should be combined with action, and how becoming more aware of your thoughts can help change the direction of your life.

The conversation also explores spiritual awakening, defining true abundance, producing a documentary, and recognizing the beliefs that may be holding you back from reaching your potential.

✅ Understanding the connection between manifestation and action

✅ How the subconscious mind influences your thoughts and decisions

✅ Why limiting beliefs can hold you back from your potential

✅ What true abundance means beyond financial success

✅ The five pillars explored in Pillars of Power

✅ How self-worth can influence what you believe you deserve

✅ The importance of becoming more aware of your thoughts and beliefs

✅ Dawna’s journey creating Pillars of Power

✅ Lessons from spirituality, personal growth, and healing

✅ How changing your beliefs can change the direction of your life

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

00:06 – Meet Dawna Campbell

00:42 – Spiritual Awakening & The Movie

02:10 – Manifestation & Consciousness

05:50 – The Power of the Subconscious Mind

08:48 – Making a Spiritual Documentary

12:29 – Understanding Abundance

15:44 – New Projects & The Movie Journey

16:47 – Spirituality & Authentic Awakening

23:40 – Breaking Limiting Beliefs

28:50 – Self-Worth & Your Potential

32:43 – Changing the Beliefs That Hold You Back

34:55 – Where to Find Dawna & Pillars of Power

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This One Question Separates Good Leaders From Great Ones | Kristin Kaufman #social333podcast #174

In this episode of the Social 333 Podcast, host Chris D. Bentley sits down with Kristin Kaufman, CEO and founder of Alignment Inc., to talk about leadership, personal growth, finding purpose, and what it means to become truly aligned with the life and career you want.

Kristin shares her journey from nearly 30 years as a corporate executive in the technology industry to becoming an entrepreneur, author, and leadership advisor. She explains how her own experiences, global travels, and encounters with people shaped her philosophy around alignment and inspired her Is a Seat Taken? book series.

The conversation explores how leaders can recognize when they are out of alignment, why self-awareness and reflection matter, and how asking the right questions can change the way you approach leadership, relationships, and major life decisions.

✅ Kristin’s journey from corporate executive to entrepreneur

✅ The meaning of personal and professional alignment

✅ How everyday encounters can teach powerful life lessons

✅ Why self-awareness is essential for effective leadership

✅ The importance of asking better questions

✅ How leaders can understand how others perceive them

✅ Lessons from Kristen’s Is a Seat Taken? Books

✅ Finding purpose when success no longer feels fulfilling

✅ How reflection can help leaders make better decisions

✅ Building stronger relationships through awareness and connection

📌 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Intro

00:06 – Meet Kristin Kaufman

01:09 – Kristin’s Books & Inspiration

02:40 – Lessons From Unexpected People

03:20 – Building Connections While Traveling

04:20 – Genuine Connections & Helping Others

07:45 – Staying Aligned as a Leader

12:46 – The Question Great Leaders Ask

16:08 – The Danger of Leadership Ego

18:24 – Leadership Expectations & Authenticity

23:40 – Leadership Buzzwords & Key Lessons

25:53 – Leadership Lessons From Bloomberg

27:07 – Where to Find Kristin & Her Books

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