Episode 292 takes you inside a powerful conversation with LinkedIn strategist Sam Swirsky, where Kelly uncovers what truly drives explosive growth on the world’s leading business platform in 2026. Sam shares his journey from blue collar beginnings to becoming one of LinkedIn’s most respected creators and strategists, breaking down the mindset and methods that helped him build massive influence. He reveals why clarity, consistency, instructional content, and authentic video now outperform everything else and explains how creators can stand out in a feed flooded with AI and noise.

Together, Kelly and Sam dig into what most people misunderstand about LinkedIn, why comments are quickly becoming the new content, and how to transform your profile into a powerful engine for opportunity. Sam opens the curtain on the frameworks he uses with top creators, including the systems that generate millions of impressions and create deeply engaged communities. For anyone ready to grow their presence, their business, or their personal brand, Episode 292 delivers a masterclass in building real visibility, real influence, and real momentum in 2026.

If you’d like to book an introduction with Sam Swirsky, you can connect with him here: https://zcal.co/samswirsky/30min

Key Takeaways:

1. LinkedIn growth in 2026 comes from clarity, not volume, and creators who simplify their message win.

2. Comments are becoming the new content and strategic engagement outperforms blindly posting every day.

3. Instructional posts build the fastest trust because they prove you actually know what you're talking about.

4. Authentic video is the strongest differentiator in a feed flooded with AI-generated content.

5. You don’t need more posts, you need better ones that solve real problems for your audience.

6. Long-term consistency beats virality and Sam’s 10-year mindset is the real blueprint behind sustained growth.

7. Your profile must clearly state what you do and how people can work with you or you’ll lose opportunities.

8. The algorithm rewards creators who mix content types and show up in multiple ways, not just text-only posting.

9. Community building is the hidden multiplier because people follow people who make them feel seen.

10. LinkedIn success is a skill set, not luck, and anyone can grow if they commit to learning the fundamentals.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

Episode 291 is a raw, honest, and deeply human exploration of what it means to trust the journey when life throws you curveballs. Kelly opens up about one of the wildest days of his entrepreneurial year — a morning that began with a gut-punch message from a major client and immediately shifted into two of the biggest interviews of 2025 with Jake Gold and Douglas Conant. Instead of spiraling, he leaned into faith, asked for guidance, and watched the entire day unfold in ways that reminded him that the universe, God, fate — whatever you believe — often steps in right when you need it most. This episode blends storytelling, vulnerability, and spiritual grounding in a way that only Kelly can deliver.

From unexpected opportunities to the quiet clarity that followed, Kelly uses his experience to reflect on how life’s toughest moments often reveal the most important truths. He walks listeners through ten powerful lessons that anchor resilience, belief, and the ability to keep moving forward even when the road feels uncertain. Episode 291 is a reminder that doors close to redirect you, that your path is unfolding exactly as it should, and that no matter how chaotic things feel, you are going to be OK. If you need perspective, reassurance, or a spark of hope heading into the new year, this is an episode you’ll want to save and revisit.

Key Takeaways:

1. You’re going to be OK even when things look their worst because nothing stays bad forever.

2. Your biggest personal growth comes from your hardest moments because pressure creates strength.

3. The universe has your back and the right opportunities show up when you need them most.

4. You are enough and even the challenges that feel impossible are within your ability to overcome.

5. You have a purpose and you’re allowed to change direction whenever your path shifts.

6. You are unique and your gifts are yours alone which is your real competitive advantage.

7. There is no such thing as failure, only choices, lessons, and redirection.

8. Your community matters because the people around you will either lift you up or pull you down.

9. Authenticity wins and being your true self is the most powerful advantage you have.

10. Don’t lose your humanity because in a world filled with AI and noise, being human is your superpower.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

What would you do if you sold your company and had every opportunity to step back, but instead chose to build a vision aimed at changing the future of how communities thrive? In Episode 290, Kelly sits down with returning guest Jim Gale to explore his mission to transform the way families, schools, neighborhoods, and even nations think about food and long-term resilience. Jim shares how he turned barren land into a fully off-grid, self-sustaining ecosystem and why regenerative design is becoming essential as the cost of living climbs and global systems show increasing strain. His perspective blends entrepreneurship, sustainability, and practical action in a way that challenges traditional thinking.

Jim also dives into the rapid global expansion of Food Forest Abundance, now active in more than 50 countries, and outlines how simple, scalable systems are helping households reduce dependency and create real security. From community-supported agriculture to working with local leaders, churches, and schools, he breaks down how abundance can be built anywhere with the right mindset and the right structures. This episode offers a grounded, forward-looking conversation on resilience, leadership, and the future of sustainable living.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jim chose purpose over comfort, redirecting his life into a mission that supports long-term human resilience.

2. Even barren land can become a thriving ecosystem with the right regenerative design principles.

3. Rising costs and system strain are pushing more people to explore self-sufficiency and local abundance.

4. Simple food systems can dramatically reduce household pressure and create real security.

5. Schools, churches, and community groups are powerful entry points for widespread change.

6. Food Forest Abundance is now active in more than 50 countries, proving the model works at scale.

7. Creating even a small amount of your own food increases stability and reduces dependency.

8. Community-supported agriculture models offer education, daily nutrition, and long-term resilience.

9. Awareness and visibility are essential, as many people have never considered growing their own food.

10. Abundance works best when shared; real resilience comes from communities growing and supporting each other.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

In this powerful Remembrance Day episode, Kelly Kennedy reflects on the legacy of his grandfather, a man shaped by courage, humility, and service, and explores the timeless truths that still define human connection today. Through the lens of personal history and Dale Carnegie’s century-old wisdom, Kelly reminds us that while our tools have evolved from typewriters to smartphones, from face-to-face meetings to AI, the fundamentals of who we are have not. Our desire for understanding, empathy, belonging, and trust remains unchanged, and those who remember how to connect on a deeply human level will always lead the way.

This episode bridges the past and present, showing that in business and life, success is never about the newest technology, it’s about mastering the oldest skill in the world: authentic human connection. Drawing from history, psychology, and lived experience, Kelly offers timeless lessons that prove our humanity isn’t a weakness in the digital age, it’s our greatest advantage.

Key Takeaways:

1. The tools we use will always evolve, but the fundamentals of human connection never change.

2. Technology can enhance communication, but it can’t replace genuine empathy or trust.

3. Authentic relationships are built on listening, understanding, and caring — not automation.

4. Success in business still comes down to people choosing people they like and believe in.

5. The wisdom of the past remains relevant because human nature hasn’t changed.

6. Dale Carnegie’s teachings on kindness, respect, and curiosity are more powerful now than ever.

7. Human connection is the greatest differentiator in a world filled with noise and competition.

8. To move forward, we must remember and honor the lessons that brought us here.

9. Leadership is not about control or efficiency, it’s about humanity and connection.

10. In every era — past, present, or future — our greatest advantage will always be being human.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

Episode 288 of The Business Development Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Nathan Plumb, Managing Director of Fabled Solutions, an award-winning technology company transforming how businesses approach software development. Nathan shares his incredible journey from teaching across Europe and Asia to leading a fast-growing tech firm in Edmonton. His background in education built the foundation for strong leadership, adaptability, and global perspective—skills that have fueled his success in tech and entrepreneurship. Together, Kelly and Nathan explore how servant leadership, creative problem-solving, and an openness to opportunity can redefine what it means to build and scale in the modern business world.

The discussion dives deep into the evolution of Fabled Solutions, from humble beginnings to becoming a trusted technology partner for companies seeking smarter, more efficient systems. Nathan breaks down the hidden value in custom software, the power of integration over complexity, and why authenticity and trust remain non-negotiable in business today. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and embracing the unexpected—proof that with vision, adaptability, and a learner’s mindset, you can truly turn any path into a platform for success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Adaptability can change everything; the ability to pivot opens opportunities you never saw coming.

2. Teaching builds exceptional leadership skills through communication, patience, and planning.

3. Servant leadership drives stronger teams by putting people first and leading from within.

4. The best opportunities appear when you’re ready to say yes; success favors those who stay open.

5. Failure is a teacher, not an ending; every setback brings lessons that prepare you for the next success.

6. Authenticity builds trust; in business, relationships will always outlast transactions.

7. Integration is the future; connecting powerful tools creates better results than any single solution.

8. Investing in technology early helps small businesses compete with giants and scale efficiently.

9. Continuous learning is essential; what worked yesterday won’t guarantee success tomorrow.

10. Build long-term relationships, not quick wins; the best partnerships are built on trust and shared growth.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

Bring your company into the 21st century with Fabled Solutions: https://fabledsolutions.com/

This episode of The Business Development Podcast dives deep into the power of focus and intentional action through Kelly Kennedy’s proven weekly framework, Move the Needle. Kelly reveals how most people spend their weeks reacting to chaos instead of directing their energy toward what truly matters. Drawing from the Pareto Principle and Dr. Gail Matthews’ goal-setting research, he shows how writing down just five to ten high-impact priorities each Monday can double your effectiveness and eliminate wasted effort. Through personal stories and practical tools, Kelly explains how consistent focus on the right 20 percent of tasks creates exponential results — not by working harder, but by working smarter.

In this inspiring and grounded episode, Kelly reminds listeners that Move the Needle isn’t just for business — it’s for life. He challenges you to include goals that strengthen your family, health, and relationships, emphasizing that everything is interconnected: when one area struggles, the rest follows. With passion and clarity, he calls for progress over perfection, consistency over intensity, and impact over busyness. The episode closes with an invitation to join a community of leaders inside The Catalyst Club, where accountability, connection, and growth come together to help you keep moving the needle every single week.

Key Takeaways:

1. Focusing on the right 20% of actions creates 80% of your results — the Pareto Principle in motion.

2. Writing your goals down doubles your chance of achieving them; it’s science-backed focus at work.

3. Mondays are for direction, not reaction — take 10 minutes to plan what truly matters.

4. Your Move the Needle list isn’t a to-do list; it’s an *impact list* designed to build momentum.

5. Accountability turns intentions into commitments; share your list and let it be seen.

6. Progress beats perfection — even one or two meaningful wins a week compound over time.

7. Consistency is the secret weapon; the system only works if you keep showing up every week.

8. Writing goals by hand programs your brain to prioritize and recognize opportunity.

9. Work, home, and health are connected — when one slips, the others follow.

10. Move the Needle is about living intentionally — making every week, and every action, truly count.

This Week’s Challenge:

Write down your own Move the Needle list — five to ten actions that would make this week a win. Post it somewhere visible, share it with a peer, and review it next Monday.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

In Episode 286 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with transformational coach and finance expert Jenn Bieri, founder of The Practice Space, to explore what it truly means to redefine success without losing yourself. Jenn shares her powerful journey from scaling a global tech startup from 40 to 400 employees and leading $20 million in capital raises, to realizing that achievement without alignment comes at a cost. Her story is one of courage, clarity, and transformation—showing what happens when you trade burnout for balance and ambition for authenticity.

Together, Kelly and Jenn unpack the real challenges leaders face behind closed doors: the exhaustion, the guilt, and the endless pursuit of “more.” They discuss how mindfulness, emotional awareness, and intentional boundaries can shift the way we lead and live. This episode is a reminder that success isn’t about how far you can push—it’s about how true you can stay to yourself while you rise.

Key Takeaways:

1. Success without alignment eventually leads to burnout, no matter how high you climb.

2. Leaders often forget that they need emotional and physical care just as much as their teams do.

3. Slowing down and creating space often produces more clarity and creativity than constant action.

4. True balance requires intentional boundaries—your time and energy deserve structure.

5. Ambition can be healthy, but only when paired with mindfulness and self-awareness.

6. Fulfillment comes from aligning your career and lifestyle with your values, not external validation.

7. Redefining success means unlearning the belief that worth is tied to productivity.

8. Fear is natural when stepping away from comfort, but courage creates transformation.

9. Sustainable leadership starts with nervous system regulation—rest is a strategy, not a luxury.

10. The ultimate freedom comes when you choose to thrive, not just survive, in your work and life.

The Practice Space is where high-performing leaders learn to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and build success that feels balanced, intentional, and deeply human.

Learn More: https://thepracticespace.co/

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

In this Halloween Special of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with the legendary Jim Harold — the original paranormal podcaster and host of Jim Harold’s Campfire. With over 20 years in the business and millions of listeners worldwide, Jim shares how a lifelong fascination with the unexplained became one of the most successful independent podcasting careers in history. Together, they explore what it means to believe, the power of storytelling, and why people from every corner of the world are still drawn to share their mysterious, unexplainable experiences.

From ghosts and cryptids to UFOs and the mysteries of consciousness itself, this conversation goes far beyond the paranormal. Jim opens up about the lessons learned from two decades behind the mic, the evolving podcasting industry, and his belief that “the universe is not only stranger than we understand — it’s stranger than we can understand.” A powerful, reflective, and fittingly eerie episode that reminds us curiosity is what keeps the human spirit alive.

Key Takeaways:

1. Belief doesn’t require proof, and you can respect skepticism while still leaving room for mystery and wonder.

2. The power of storytelling connects us across generations, cultures, and beliefs more deeply than facts ever could.

3. Authenticity builds longevity; being real and consistent is what sustains a creative career.

4. Curiosity fuels creativity and keeps your content fresh and engaging.

5. Respect your guests’ truth; empathy creates more meaningful conversations than confrontation.

6. Persistence beats perfection, and consistency over time creates lasting success.

7. Follow your fascination because what genuinely interests you often becomes your greatest work.

8. Podcasting is about community, not celebrity; shared stories build loyalty and impact.

9. The unknown keeps us humble and open to growth by reminding us how little we truly know.

10. Legacy is built through consistency, showing up again and again until your work speaks for itself.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

Additional Resources and Links:

If you loved this episode, explore more from the legendary Jim Harold, the original voice of paranormal podcasting. 👻

Check out his incredible shows:

🎙️ Jim Harold’s Campfire – Real stories from real people about the unexplainable: https://jimharold.com/campfire/

🛸 The Paranormal Podcast – Interviews with experts, authors, and experiencers from all corners of the unknown: https://jimharold.com/paranormalpodcast/

Dive deeper with Jim’s books — a collection of fascinating and eerie true tales that continue the storytelling legacy that made him a legend: https://jimharold.com/books/

Want even more? Join Jim Harold’s Plus Club for ad-free episodes, exclusive content, and access to a vast archive of paranormal stories: https://jimharold.com/plus/

And if you’re a podcaster looking to elevate your audio quality, try Auphonic, Jim’s recommended tool for professional-grade leveling and mastering: https://auphonic.com/engine/

Explore more of Jim’s work and resources at https://jimharold.com/ 🌌

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• The Paranormal Podcast
• Jim Harold's Campfire
• Capital Business Development
• Liquid IV
• Audible
• CBS Radio
• Odyssey
• Spotify

In Episode 284 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy sits down with Adam Kimmel, an engineer with 12 global patents who made the leap from technical leadership to business development strategist. Together, they explore why so many technical professionals struggle to thrive in business development—and how to turn analytical precision into authentic human connection. Adam shares his journey from engineering to entrepreneurship, unpacking the mindset shifts that allow technical experts to succeed in client-facing roles while maintaining integrity, clarity, and depth in their communication.

The conversation dives into the intersection of engineering, marketing, and trust-building in an AI-saturated world. From using content and video as tools of authenticity to mastering the art of simplifying complex ideas, Adam reveals how to create real impact in a space often dominated by noise. This episode is a masterclass for engineers, consultants, and technical leaders who want to connect their expertise to opportunity and grow beyond the technical into true business development mastery.

Key Takeaways:

1. Technical expertise alone doesn’t translate to business success; connection and clarity are what bridge the gap.

2. Authentic communication builds trust faster than polished marketing ever can.

3. AI is a great thought partner but can’t replace human insight, depth, or emotional nuance.

4. Engineers and technical experts already have the analytical skills needed for BD; they just need to learn emotional context.

5. Storytelling is the most effective way to translate complex technical ideas into client understanding.

6. Video is the new frontier for authenticity; people want to see and hear the real person behind the expertise.

7. Repetition, feedback, and iteration are the keys to getting comfortable with video and public communication.

8. Content should start from one strong cornerstone piece like a white paper or interview and be repurposed into multiple formats.

9. Brand trust comes before conversion; no one buys until they believe you understand their problem.

10. The best business development professionals don’t sell; they educate, simplify, and connect.

If you listen to The Business Development Podcast, you belong in The Catalyst Club.🔥

Join a private community of entrepreneurs, founders, and business development leaders committed to growth, accountability, and bold action.

👉 Step in at www.kellykennedyofficial.com/thecatalystclub

In Episode 283 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly Kennedy breaks down one of the toughest truths in business: why free almost always fails. Drawing on lessons from early mentor Kevin Pydde and his own entrepreneurial journey, Kelly explores how undercharging and giving too much away can quietly destroy your business. He shares the mindset and pricing framework that helped him build Capital Business Development and The Business Development Podcast from the ground up, teaching that consistent, predictable revenue, not commissions or goodwill, sustains long-term success.

Kelly also exposes the hidden cost of free, showing why clients who don’t pay rarely commit or transform. From coaching to community building, he reveals that every time you remove the price tag, you remove the value. This episode is a wake-up call for entrepreneurs and creators alike: if you want your work to matter, you have to charge for it. Because in the end, free isn’t generosity, it’s a loss for everyone.

Key Takeaways:

1. You have to look after your family first, your business second, and yourself third because everything is interconnected.

2. Consistent, predictable revenue keeps a business alive while commissions are just pennies from heaven.

3. Know your real costs because your time is only a fraction of what it truly takes to run your business.

4. Price for value, not hours, since clients pay for results and outcomes, not time spent.

5. Confidence in your pricing is essential because the first sale you make is always to yourself.

6. Free almost always fails because when people do not pay, they do not show up or commit.

7. A token price beats no price since even a small investment creates ownership and engagement.

8. Free is not generosity because it devalues your work and trains others to undervalue it too.

9. Discount strategically, not emotionally, by rewarding loyalty or early adoption, never desperation.

10. Charging fairly is not selfish because it builds the foundation that allows you to create real impact.

Building a business can be lonely, especially when it feels like no one around you truly understands the pressure, the grind, or the dreams that drive you. That’s why I created The Catalyst Club — a private community where entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals connect with peers who actually get it.

Inside The Catalyst Club, you’ll find genuine support from people walking the same path. We share wins, tackle challenges, and grow together through weekly live events like Coffee with Rockstars, Catalyst Sessions, and Workshops. It’s real conversation, accountability, and encouragement from people who know what it takes to build something meaningful.

If you’re ready to stop doing it alone and start growing alongside others who understand the journey, join us today at KellyKennedyOfficial.com/thecatalystclub. Because success feels lighter when you’re surrounded by people who carry the same fire.