What makes your business memorable? What sets it apart—not just in the marketplace, but in the minds of customers, employees, investors, and potential buyers?

Laurie Barkman sits down with Paul Furiga, founder and chief storyteller at Word Write Agency and author of Finding Your Capital S Story. Together, they explore how storytelling isn’t just entertainment—it’s a strategic tool that can elevate your brand, increase your company’s value, and create lasting impact.

This special episode marks the 5-year anniversary of Succession Stories - launched in 2020 -  during the height of the pandemic.

Paul shares how stories are hardwired into our brains and how a powerful “Capital S Story” can define why someone would buy from you, work with you, invest in you, or partner with you—especially during times of transition like succession planning or selling your business.

This conversation is essential for founders, entrepreneurs, and business advisors who want to move beyond transactional storytelling and craft a narrative that truly resonates.

💬 Quote of the Episode:

"Stories are not just how we communicate—they're how we think, how we process, and how we decide."

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

• Paul Furiga’s Book : https://www.wordwriteagency.com/find-your-capital-s-story

• Word Write Agency : www.wordwriteagency.com

• Storylines Live Podcast : https://www.wordwriteagency.com/storylineslive

• Connect with Paul Furiga on LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/in/paulfuriga/

📣 Leave a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen!

📢 More Resources:

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

• Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

• Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

• Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

• Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

 

“As one takes the journey, you start to make decisions that when collected become the components that are foundational to being an entrepreneur.” - Charlie Buscarino

Host Laurie Barkman interviews Charlie Buscarino, the Founder and CEO of The Clarient Group. Charlie shares his path from construction to entrepreneurship. They discuss the innovations in smart building technology and the importance of creativity and problem-solving in uncharted territory. Charlie also reflects on his career, emphasizing the significance of networking and maintaining a work-life balance, while sharing insights from his personal life and family experiences.   Takeaways:

• Build a strong network, meet people, and seek diverse viewpoints to broaden your understanding and opportunities.
• Focus on improving client experiences and meeting their business objectives, such as reducing costs or enhancing operational efficiency.
• Prioritize self-discovery and personal growth alongside professional ambitions.
• Explore new interests and activities that contribute to your overall development and well-being.

 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesbuscarino/ 
• Website: https://theclarientgroup.com/ 

 

📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

 

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

 

More Resources: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

 

“Every entrepreneur sees that in trial, there's treasure.” - Dean Minuto

Host Laurie Barkman interviews Dean Minuto, President of YESCALATE. Dean shares his insights on entrepreneurship and the development of crucial skills necessary for success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions to learn in business and Dean elaborates on building muscle in entrepreneurship through learning and community. He also shares personal experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, advocating for transformational relationships in business and life.   Takeaways:

• Frequently ask important questions like "What works?", "Why does it work?", and "How can I apply it to my situation?" to guide your learning and actions.
• Emphasize the importance of being curious and having a test-and-learn mindset. This involves continuously seeking knowledge, adapting, and improving. 
• Treat necessary skills like selling, presenting, or cold-calling as muscles that need regular exercise. Dedicate time to practice and improve these skills consistently.
• Constantly work on self-improvement, whether it’s through reading, attending workshops, or other educational opportunities. Personal growth often translates to business growth.

  Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanminuto/ 
• Website: https://yescalate.com/about/ 
• Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/One-Page-Sales-Coach-New-Revised/dp/1475174349/ref=asc_df_1475174349/

 

📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

 

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

 

More Resources: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

 

“I always knew I wanted to do something where I was the person deciding my own destiny, but it's not for everyone.” - Susan Quinn

Host Laurie Barkman welcomes Susan Quinn, CEO and President of Circle S Studio. The conversation first explores whether entrepreneurial traits are inherited or nurtured. Susan shares her family's history of business ownership, her journey to founding her own consulting firm, and the values that drive her company's culture. The episode also covers the challenges entrepreneurs face today, the future impact of AI on the industry, and personal anecdotes about Susan's origin story and passions outside of work. This engaging discussion provides insights on leadership and maintaining a positive outlook amidst challenges.   Takeaways:

• Hire skilled individuals and trust them with responsibilities. Delegating tasks empowers your team and allows you to focus on strategic aspects of the business.
• Stay curious and continuously seek knowledge. Engage with emerging technologies like AI to boost productivity and innovation.
• View challenges as opportunities for growth. Maintain a positive approach to problem-solving and encourage your team to do the same.
• Explore and integrate AI tools to streamline tasks and enhance efficiency. Use technology to free up time for more strategic and creative work.

 

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanquinn01/ 
• Website: https://circlesstudio.com/ 
• Susan’s Podcast: https://circlesstudio.com/insights/podcast/ 

 

📣 Write a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

 

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

 

More Resources: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

What does it take to build stronger teams and more effective leaders? For Ken Bogard and Grace Gavin, it begins with a commitment to honesty.

Laurie Barkman sits down with Ken and Grace—co-founders of Know Honesty and authors of the new book by the same name—for a compelling conversation about the role of open communication in business success.

Dedicated to enhancing professional lives and simplifying leadership, Ken and Grace are leading a transformative movement that empowers individuals and organizations to close communication gaps, foster collaboration, and achieve meaningful goals.

🔗 Learn more: KnowHonesty.com 👤 Connect with Ken: Ken Bogard on LinkedIn 👤 Connect with Grace: Grace Gavin on LinkedIn

 

📣 Leave a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

 

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

 

More Resources: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

 

“You don't want to be in the role of telling people what to do, but it's encouraging people to do what you think is right, but also being open to learn from them.” - Bill Spohn

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, host Laurie Barkman welcomes Bill Spohn, President and CEO of Tru Tech Tools, to discuss the characteristics of the entrepreneurial mindset, the intersection of engineering and entrepreneurship, and his career journey. Bill shares his family's legacy of risk-taking, talks about the challenges he faces as a business owner, and provides advice for other entrepreneurs. He also discusses his passion for sustainability through the construction of his eco-friendly home and his involvement in the HVAC industry.    Takeaways:

• Leaders should frequently communicate their vision and goals. Repeating key messages helps ensure everyone understands and aligns with the mission. Reinforce core values and objectives regularly in meetings and newsletters.
• Connect with other CEOs and entrepreneurs to share experiences and solutions. Maintain a network of peers for regular discussions and support, as it's essential to normalize and tackle common challenges.
• Highlighting and rewarding team members' adherence to core values can foster a positive and cohesive company culture. Use real-life examples to illustrate these values in action to make them more relatable and tangible.
• Stay engaged with the latest trends and educate your customers and team on new techniques and processes. For example, using podcasting and presentations to disseminate knowledge and build authority in your industry.

  Links:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/254934411710666/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billspohn/ 
• Website: https://trutechtools.com/ 
• Podcast: https://www.buildinghvacscience.com/ 

 

📣 Leave a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

 

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

 

More Resources: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

 

Do you have the conviction to pursue your big idea? In this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, host Laurie Barkman interviews Pallavi Golla, a serial entrepreneur and professional EOS implementer at EOS Worldwide. They discuss the concept of the entrepreneurial gene, the importance of nurturing entrepreneurial skills, and overcoming challenges in business. Pallavi shares her journey of building and selling two businesses and provides advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. The conversation also touches on the marshmallow test, balancing work and family, and the evolving landscape of the consulting industry.   Takeaways:

• Foster essential skills such as delayed gratification, perseverance, grit, and the ability to handle failure. These are crucial for navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
• Build an environment that encourages ideas and input from your team. Make sure that team members feel their opinions are valued and considered in decision-making processes. 
• Leverage the experiences and lessons from both successes and failures. Use these insights to guide future decisions and strategies.
• Strive to separate work stress from family life to maintain a healthy dynamic at home and avoid burnout.

Quote of the Show:

• “Be okay with failure. The ability to hear no many, many, many times and still have the conviction to pursue an idea that you have is important.” - Pallavi Golla

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallavip19/ 
• Website: https://www.eosworldwide.com/ 

 

📣 Leave a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

 

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

 

More Resources: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

 

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Gene, host Laurie Barkman sits down with Nick Hutchison, CEO and Founder of BookThinkers. They discuss Nick's entrepreneurial journey, how books changed his life, and his rebellious nature that drove him to create successful businesses. Nick shares key decisions and challenges in scaling BookThinkers, emphasizing the importance of systems and strategic growth. The conversation also touches upon personal anecdotes, Nick's passion for endurance sports, and his excitement about becoming a father. Listeners gain insights into leveraging books for personal growth and the importance of creating structured business systems.   Takeaways:

• Delve into books that other successful entrepreneurs recommend to gain knowledge and different perspectives. Consider books like "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Robert Kiyosaki, "The E-Myth Revisited" by Michael Gerber, and "Traction" by Gino Wickman.
• Focus on making small, incremental improvements over time. Break your long-term goals into manageable quarters or small steps progress steadily.
• Invest in systematizing your business processes. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) and centralized systems can help scale operations efficiently.
• Consider hiring consultants or coaches who can provide expertise in specific areas, such as backend infrastructure, to streamline your business operations.
• Ensure your team is aligned with the new systems and processes. Change management is critical, and getting buy-in from your team is essential.
• Networking is powerful. Engage with people, attend events, and build relationships that can support your business growth.

  Quote of the Show:

• “I genuinely believe at my core and in my bones that the right book at the right time can permanently change somebody's life.” - Nick Hutchison

Links:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bookthinkers/ 
• Website: https://bookthinkers.com/ 

 

📣 Leave a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

 

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

 

More Resources: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

 

Is your “Fourth Quarter” of life filled with purpose—or just pressure? Executive coach Scott Couchenour helps leaders over 50 design a future they won’t regret. In this episode of Succession Stories, host Laurie Barkman talks with Scott about his journey from burnout to breakthrough, and how he now guides others through mid-life reinvention with intention and clarity.

Perfect for business owners and executives navigating succession or personal transition, this conversation will inspire you to turn uncertainty into opportunity.

🔗 Connect with Scott: Website: www.servingstrong.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/scottcouchenour

 

📣 Leave a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

 

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

 

More Resources: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa

 

Welcome to our new sub-show on Succession Stories...The Entrepreneur Gene! In this 1st episode, Host Laurie Barkman interviews David Newman, entrepreneur, author, and sales and marketing expert. David shares his insight into the idea of an entrepreneurial gene, discussing key traits such as being a maverick and a risk-taker. He reflects on his journey from a struggling entrepreneur to a successful mentor, emphasizing the importance of alignment and avoiding distractions in business. David also explores the impact of AI on consulting and shares personal insights and advice for future entrepreneurs. The episode ends with discussing David's passion for retro video games and resources listeners can access for further learning!   Takeaways:

• Understanding that entrepreneurship often stems from an inherent drive to be mavericks, mavens, and rebels, leaders should recognize and nurture these qualities within themselves.
• Entrepreneurs often struggle with distractions from multiple ventures. Focusing on how to align efforts under one coherent strategy or "roof" can prevent spreading oneself too thin.
• Instead of starting entirely new ventures, which David calls hot dog stands, focus on improving and innovating within the current business structure to scale and grow.
• Embrace technological advancements like AI to improve efficiency but ensure the added value is applied in a human-centric manner.
• Find mentors, join masterminds, and accept help from peers and successful entrepreneurs early in the journey to accelerate learning and avoid common pitfalls.
• Before investing heavily in new business ideas (like building logos or websites), sell the concept first to ensure there is market demand.
• Being part of a community or network can provide support, opportunities for learning, and potential collaborations.

Quote of the Show:

• “The mavericks, the mavens, the rebels, those kinds of people, if that's in their DNA, then they're truly cut out for entrepreneurial success.” - David Newman

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjnewman/
• Website: https://doitmarketing.com/

 

📣 Leave a Review: https://ratethispodcast.com/successionstories

 

This Show Is Sponsored by The Business Transition Sherpa®

Get your business unstuck so you can grow, scale, and exit while enjoying the journey.

✨📖 Get your FREE digital copy of The Business Transition Handbook here: https://btsherpa.com/book

 

More Resources: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriebarkman/

Website: https://thebusinesstransitionsherpa.com/

Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

Course: https://btsherpa.com/course

Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBusinessTransitionSherpa