The Beacon Way

In this episode of the Beacon Way podcast, Adrienne Wilkerson discusses the transformative impact of AI on SEO and the emergence of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). As search behavior shifts towards AI-driven tools, traditional SEO strategies must evolve to remain effective. The conversation emphasizes the importance of structuring content for AI responses, building topical authority, and maintaining a human connection in marketing. The episode concludes with a call to adapt to these changes while focusing on meaningful connections with audiences.

For more information, visit our blog: https://www.beaconmm.com/2025/12/04/the-future-of-seo-and-ai-in-2026-how-to-stay-visible-in-the-age-of-ai-search/

In our 100th episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, we're celebrating a milestone by digging into something that changed everything for our guest: data.

Host Adrienne Wilkerson sits down with founder and clinical director of the Center for Intimacy & Relationships, Camille Espinoza, to talk about how tracking team metrics and understanding what actually drives success helped her improve client outcomes, boost team morale, and make better leadership decisions.

Whether you're running a clinic, leading a creative team, or just trying to make sense of chaos—this episode will show you the power of data-informed leadership (and how to start small).

Thank you for supporting The Beacon Way through 100 episodes! Here's to the next 100. 🎉 

In this heart-wrenching yet inspiring episode of the Beacon Way Podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson is joined by Jeffrey Johnston, a remarkable individual who shares his deeply personal story of loss, addiction, and finding purpose. 

Jeff talks about the devastating loss of his son Seth and wife Prudence and how these tragedies led to the foundation of Brightn, an AI-powered mental wellness app. Jeff's story is a poignant reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of prevention in mental health. This timely discussion is especially relevant during the holiday season, a period that often magnifies our sense of loss and grief. 

Join us for this incredibly moving conversation as Jeff shares his journey and how he's working to create a lasting legacy.

• Check out the app here: https://www.brightn.app/
• Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-a-johnston/
• Subscribe to his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmGZTTnszWNlkG0sIGcp-YQ
• Buy his book 'This One's For You': https://www.amazon.com/This-Ones-You-Inspirational-Addiction/dp/1735680001

In this episode of The Beacon Way podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson is joined by Steve Ramona, a prolific podcaster who started his journey in October 2022 and has already completed 850 shows! 

Steve shares insightful tips on how to succeed in the podcasting world, the importance of a servant's heart in business, and his experiences that highlight the law of reciprocity. From overcoming initial fears to harnessing the power of relationships, Steve elaborates on his journey and offers valuable advice for aspiring podcasters. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with actionable tips and transformative stories. 

Links and resources:

Doing Business with a Servant’s Heart Podcast: https://www.servinginbusinesspodcast.com/

IMDB https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm16106884
YouTube

Sign up for his newsletter:  https://doing-business-with-a-servants-heart.kit.com/628f9d5962


Follow Steve on socials! 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveramona/
Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/oppbroker
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.ramona/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bizopportunitynow/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastmentor

Welcome to another episode of The Beacon Way podcast! In this episode, host Adrienne Wilkerson is joined by Courtney De Ronde, founder and CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting and the creator of the Simple ScaleUp System. 

Courtney shares her journey from founder to CEO, discussing how success
often introduces complexity in business. She talks about her firm's evolution and the decision to split from a traditional CPA firm, focusing on financial, leadership, and management consulting. The conversation dives into the challenges of role alignment, productivity, and leveraging human intelligence within teams. 

Courtney offers practical insights and tools for business owners dealing with similar complexities, emphasizing the importance of understanding and aligning team strengths. 


LINKS
Tools and Assessments Mentioned:
Kolbe Index (conative assessment – how people take action)
🔗 https://www.kolbe.com

CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder)
🔗 https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/home.aspx

Integrative Enneagram (IEQ9)
🔗 https://www.integrative9.com

FREE Simple ScaleUp System Quiz by Forge
🔗 https://assessments.forgeahead.com

(Free tool to assess where complexity is coming from: leadership, finance, productivity, or team)

Learn more about Forge Consulting
🔗 https://forgeahead.com
🔗 https://www.forgeahead.com/simple-scaleup-system/

Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn! 
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyderonde/

In this short and heartfelt episode of The Beacon Way Podcast, CEO Adrienne Wilkerson shares a message of gratitude as the team reflects on
a year of massive change, AI disruption, and renewed purpose.

From marketing shifts to internal transformation, Adrienne offers her thoughts on where we’ve been, what we’re navigating now, and why—despite the uncertainty—there’s so much to be thankful for.

If you're a leader managing disruption or just looking to pause and reflect this holiday season, this episode is for you.

Wishing you a restful, meaningful Thanksgiving from all of us at Beacon Media + Marketing.

Join host Adrienne Wilkerson in this solo episode of the Beacon Way Podcast as she talks about the importance and impact of AI voice search on mental health practices. 

Discover why voice search is crucial for your practice, the evolution of AI search behaviors, and comprehensive strategies for optimizing your content for voice AI. Learn about the four primary pillars of modern search behavior, local voice optimization, visual content discoverability, and the shift towards generative engine optimization (GEO). 

Adrienne also discusses actionable steps to enhance your digital presence, including understanding your audience, developing quality content, and leveraging analytics. Don't miss this insightful episode that aims to help your practice thrive in the evolving digital landscape. 

In this episode of the Beacon Way podcast, host Adrienne Wilkerson welcomes a special guest, Steve Koscik, who has been the fractional CFO at Beacon for the past three years. Steve shares his extensive background, having previously served as a CFO for a Toyota-based material handling company. 

He discusses the substantial benefits of fractional CFO services, including financial clarity, KPI setup, cash flow optimization, and strategic decision
support. Steve explains the differences between fractional and full-time CFO roles, emphasizing mentorship and efficient financial systems. Additionally, the conversation covers how AI and tools like Giraffe are revolutionizing financial management. The episode concludes with insights on preparing effective business budgets and tips for financial planning. 

Don't miss out on understanding the significance of a fractional CFO and how it can transform your business!

Links mentioned in today's episode:
Think CFO: https://www.thinkcfo.net/ 
Connect with Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-koscik-cpa-mba/
Email Steve at: [email protected]

Most organizations focus on ROI—but what about VOI?

In this episode, CRO Ken Okonek breaks down the concept of VOI (Value on Investment) and why it’s essential for behavioral health organizations and mission-driven businesses to understand it.

While ROI tracks dollars in vs. dollars out, VOI looks at the real-world impact of your marketing: community trust, patient engagement, reputation, and long-term outcomes. If your marketing efforts are about more than just revenue, this episode is for you.

To learn more about measuring your VOI, check out our blog: https://www.beaconmm.com/2025/09/09/measuring-voi-in-behavioral-health-marketing-a-guide/

Join Ken Okonek, CRO of Beacon Media + Marketing, on this episode of the Beacon Way Podcast as he delves into the crucial subject of calculating a true ROI in digital marketing.

Ken discusses common misconceptions, important metrics, and practical
strategies for understanding and maximizing ROI beyond simple revenue calculations.

Learn about the significance of baseline business metrics, the complexity of multi-touch attribution, and the impact of factors like customer lifetime value and brand lift. Don't miss insights on how to navigate operational inefficiencies, leverage AI tools, and connect ROI to broader business goals for sustained growth.

For more information, visit our blog: https://www.beaconmm.com/2025/10/08/how-we-calculate-true-roi-for-our-clients/