In this episode of The Confidence Curve, Ashley and Rick Bowers open up about their journey from corporate careers to entrepreneurial success and how their complementary strengths have powered both their business and personal partnership for more than 20 years.

From Rick’s early days duplicating assessment diskettes at TTI Success Insights to Ashley’s childhood passion for organization, their story reveals how curiosity, strategy, and stepping into discomfort built the foundation for Apex GTS. They candidly discuss pivotal career moments, including Ashley’s vulnerable reflection on what she once saw as her biggest professional setback, and how that experience reshaped her outlook on growth and resilience.

Whether you’re leading a team, launching a venture, or simply looking for authentic stories about leadership and perseverance, this episode offers practical wisdom and inspiration to help you grow and succeed.

For Sue Rigler, owner of Hundred Mile Brewing Company, transforming passion into purpose is her reality. 

From an ASU microbiology graduate to award-winning brewery owner, Sue’s journey began with a moment of inspiration in 2014 that sparked a vision she pursued despite zero restaurant experience.

In this episode, Sue shares the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, scaling to 45 employees overnight, building systems for accountability, and growing leadership confidence. She compares running a business to “birthing a fifth child,” offering a candid look at the challenges behind the success.

Beyond brewing, Sue highlights the power of community impact, from scholarship fundraisers to water drives and her creative innovations like water taxis to ASU games. 

Tune in for a story of passion, practical wisdom, and turning dreams into reality, preferably with a craft beer in hand.

What does it take to build Phoenix’s largest PR firm? For Jennifer Kaplan, founder and CEO of Evolve PR and Marketing, it started with embracing discomfort and a no-excuses mindset.

From being voted “most talkative” in high school to leading a team built on trust—not micromanagement—Jennifer shares how culture, communication, and strong writing skills have fueled Evolve’s growth. She dives into the difference between brand and reputation, the power of community involvement, and why perception really is reality in PR.

Tune in for insights on scaling a people-first business, the legacy she’s building, and what’s next for Evolve.

What does it take to scale a business to 150+ locations through 28 acquisitions? For Ira, CFO of GO Car Wash and a recent CFO of the Year, it starts with culture. With over 30 years of experience, Ira shares how transparency, structure, and people-first leadership have fueled Go Car Wash’s growth from day one.

In this episode, Ira breaks down why culture matters more than cost savings in acquisitions, how finance teams can become true business partners, and why being "controller-ready" opens new career paths. Plus, you’ll hear how custom sneakers and open board decks help keep teams aligned and engaged.

Tune in to The Confidence Curve for a refreshing take on scaling, culture, and financial leadership—delivered with insight and just a touch of stand-up comedy.

Storytelling isn't just for movies, it’s one of the most powerful tools in business. In this episode, Caleb Marsh, founder of Red Legend Media, shares how great stories can win customers, inspire teams, and drive real results.

From growing up on film sets to leading a top video production company, Caleb reveals his unique formula: every great story has a character, a journey, and, most importantly, a transformation. He explains why starting with the change you want to create makes your message more powerful and clear.

You'll learn the three must-have story types for every business, and how one 58-second video helped a struggling company turn things around in a big way.

If you want to make your message stick, build trust, and spark action—this episode is for you. Hit play and learn how to tell stories that actually make a difference.

After surviving a devastating car accident at 18, Stephanie Waldrop turned personal adversity into a game-changing approach to employee benefits. 

From insurance executive to founder of Employee Benefits International, Stephanie reveals how strategic benefits planning can drive retention, cut costs, and transform workplace culture. She exposes the misaligned incentives in the healthcare system and shares how her high-touch service model gives employers the insights they actually need. 

Packed with leadership lessons, resilience, and the secrets to balancing a thriving business with raising five sons, this conversation will leave you inspired to rethink how benefits can work for you. 

Join us for an insightful conversation with Heather Zorge, CFO of evolvedMD, as she shares her journey from PricewaterhouseCoopers to leading in the fast-paced world of integrated healthcare. Heather’s career isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about aligning personal values with professional impact. She breaks down her experience in integrating behavioral health into primary care and the unique challenges of working in a venture-backed company.

Alongside our hosts, Ashley and Rick, Heather dives into the lessons learned from career pivots, leadership challenges, and the importance of choosing a company that aligns with your values. Ashley also reflects on her time as CFO at Western Window Systems, sharing a pivotal moment that reinforced the balance between innovation and operational integrity.

This episode gets real about leadership, trust, and work-life balance—how to build strong teams, communicate effectively during rapid growth, and set boundaries that protect both professional success and personal well-being. With candid stories and actionable insights, this conversation is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to grow in their career while staying true to themselves.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sean from New Frontier Immigration, a former fighter pilot turned founder of one of America’s fastest-growing law firms.

Sean shares how his strategic mindset and business coaching helped him and his wife build a team of 120 employees and grow their business from the ground up, all while navigating challenges without local connections. He also explores the cyclical nature of business growth, how their firm expanded into real estate, and the importance of a strong team in scaling a company.

In addition to his business insights, Sean sheds light on the pressing need for immigration law reform and the vital work his pro bono foundation is doing in Arizona.

This episode is about more than business—it’s about the personal stories and growth that drive change and make a lasting impact on communities. Sean’s journey shows how smart decisions can transform both businesses and society.

What if you could confidently navigate the complexities of healthcare consulting?

Join us on the Confidence Curve podcast as we welcome Stefan Van Der Heyden, a visionary entrepreneur from Arizona, who transforms the landscape of healthcare consulting and virtual assistant solutions. Discover how Stefan's journey from medical administration to founding Health Operation Solutions & VirtueStaff reveals untapped potential in medical consulting and recruitment. This episode promises insights into the art of aligning healthcare professionals with the right organizational cultures, addressing burnout, and the strategic trends shaping the future of the industry.

We explore the intricacies of making impactful matches between clients and virtual assistants, drawing on Stefan's experiences in overcoming recruitment challenges. With a focus on building success metrics for Virtue Staff, we discuss the importance of strategic planning, the role of quality assurance in reducing turnover, and the satisfaction gained from improving operational relationships. Stefan's candid insights into intentional spending, system adaptability, and client feedback illuminate the entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the grit and confidence required to scale a business effectively.

Finally, we touch on the evolution from a business idea to a thriving company, emphasizing the critical phases of onboarding and strategic development. Stefan shares personal anecdotes about taking calculated risks and recognizing the value of one’s product, offering aspiring entrepreneurs valuable advice on fostering growth and confidence. This episode is rich with actionable strategies for personal and professional development, encouraging listeners to embrace the challenges of entrepreneurship with open eyes and resolute determination.

Unlock the secrets to empowering incarcerated women and transforming their lives through employment in our latest episode with the remarkable Michelle Cirocco from the Televerde Foundation.

Discover how this nonprofit is turning the tide against staggering unemployment rates for the 70 million Americans with criminal records by providing essential training and support. Michelle shares inspiring personal stories that shatter stereotypes and highlight the resilience and determination of these women. The foundation's initiatives, including their popular annual golf tournament, are expanding their mission far beyond Arizona, reaching states like Indiana and Florida.

We shine a light on the critical importance of developing emotional intelligence and workplace skills for professional success. Learn how nearly a thousand women have been empowered since 2020, with impressive employment outcomes and retention rates. Emotional intelligence isn't just a buzzword—it's a tangible skill that can enhance decision-making, engagement, and loyalty in the workplace. Michelle emphasizes the role of these skills in transforming workforce dynamics and improving retention, offering a fresh perspective on reintegration into society.

Explore the strategic side of non-profits with us as Michelle discusses balancing social impact with business growth. Uncover the power of strategic partnerships and how aligning with industry needs can create a win-win situation for everyone involved. Treating social challenges as business opportunities, Michelle reveals the innovative approaches that have helped the foundation succeed while expanding its reach. We invite businesses to break stigmas and connect with the foundation to support individuals transitioning from incarceration to meaningful careers, highlighting the transformative potential of relationship-building and workforce development initiatives.