The Covert Code

This week on The Covert Code Podcast, the topic is:

The Momentum Advantage: Why Some Businesses Keep Growing While Others Stall

My special guest is Chip Higgins, founder of Bizzics, business coach, speaker, and author of The Bizzics Way: Powering Your Small Business to Maximum Momentum.

Chip is returning to The Covert Code for a second conversation, and this time we are examining what separates businesses that maintain momentum from those that reach a plateau and quietly begin to decline.

Since his first appearance, Chip has launched Bizzics on Demand, an AI-powered business companion that gives entrepreneurs ongoing access to the strategies, tools, and coaching principles behind his book.

In this episode, Chip and I discuss how entrepreneurs can use AI without losing the human insight that drives strong businesses. We examine why hiring and managing people remain major concerns for business owners, why companies must remain agile as technology evolves, and how leaders can recognize when a comfortable plateau is becoming the beginning of a decline.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why some businesses maintain momentum while others stall

• How to recognize the warning signs of a business plateau

• Why flat revenue may be an early indicator of decline

• How Bizzics on Demand gives entrepreneurs access to AI-supported coaching

• Why business owners are increasingly concerned about hiring and managing people

• How to ask better questions and receive more useful answers from AI

• Why agility matters more than making one dramatic pivot

• How entrepreneurs can test new opportunities without risking the entire company

• Why vision, values, and mission should guide major business decisions

• How customer conversations can uncover your next growth opportunity

• Why five-star reviews are not a substitute for meaningful customer feedback

• How shrinking margins can trap a company in a downward cycle

• Why businesses should invest in employees instead of treating people as expendable

• How AI and human talent can work together

• Why storytelling can help a business regain energy and momentum

CONNECT WITH CHIP HIGGINS

Chip Higgins:

https://chiphiggins.com/

Bizzics:

https://www.bizzics.com/

Bizzics on Demand:

https://www.bizzics.com/bizzics-on-demand/

The Bizzics Way:

https://chiphiggins.com/the-book/

Forbes Books Author Page:

https://books.forbes.com/authors/chip-higgins/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chip-higgins-072a754/

Contact Chip:

https://chiphiggins.com/connect-with-chip/

GET THE BOOK: THE BIZZICS WAY

Learn more and purchase:

https://chiphiggins.com/the-book/

GET THE BOOK: THE COVERT CODE

The Covert Code: Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon:

https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble:

https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target:

https://rb.gy/jhpxri

LISTEN TO THE COVERT CODE

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeartRadio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music:

https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE

Website:

https://thecovertcode.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

ABOUT ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code: Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster.

Why Pricing Is Your Most Powerful Growth Strategy

My special guest is Per Sjöfors, founder of Sjöfors & Partners, internationally recognized pricing expert, business strategist, and author of The Price Whisperer: A Holistic Approach to Pricing Power.

Most businesses spend enormous amounts of time trying to generate more leads, improve marketing, or reduce expenses.

But according to Per, many companies are overlooking the single fastest way to increase profitability: pricing.

Drawing on decades of experience helping companies optimize pricing strategies around the world, Per explains why pricing is far more than choosing a number. It's a powerful business strategy rooted in customer psychology, value perception, behavioral economics, and market positioning.

In this episode, Anna and Per discuss pricing power, business growth, customer behavior, profitability, AI, behavioral economics, differentiation, and why the businesses that understand pricing often outperform their competition without selling more.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why pricing is one of the fastest ways to improve profitability

• Warren Buffett's definition of pricing power

• Why lowering prices often hurts long-term growth

• The psychology behind customer buying decisions

• How behavioral economics influences purchasing behavior

• The biggest pricing mistakes companies make

• Why competing on price is rarely a winning strategy

• How AI may transform pricing strategies

• The importance of differentiation in today's marketplace

• Practical ways businesses can increase profits without increasing sales volume

CONNECT WITH PER SJÖFORS

Website:

https://sjofors.com/

Company:

https://sjofors.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/persjofors/

Book:

The Price Whisperer: A Holistic Approach to Pricing Power

https://sjofors.com/book/

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon:

https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble:

https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target:

https://rb.gy/jhpxri

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music:

https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website:

https://thecovertcode.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with Microsoft, Apple, IBM, and hundreds of businesses across multiple industries. As founder of Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital marketing agency, Anna helps organizations leverage technology, marketing, AI, and business strategy to accelerate growth.

Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna interviews entrepreneurs, CEOs, bestselling authors, innovators, and industry experts to uncover practical strategies that help leaders grow their businesses and stay ahead in an ever-changing world.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code:

https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert:

https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication:

https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium:

https://reactium.io/

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links included may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This week on The Covert Code Podcast, the topic is:

The Pilgrim Spirit: What Happens When You Say Yes to the Journey

My special guest is Gideon Enok, global traveler, author, modern-day pilgrim, speaker, and creator of The Pilgrim Spirit.

After experiencing a difficult period during the global pandemic, Gideon made an extraordinary decision. Instead of remaining stuck, he packed a backpack and began walking more than 7,000 kilometers across Europe toward Santiago de Compostela.

What began as a physical journey quickly became something much deeper.

Along the way, Gideon discovered powerful lessons about resilience, surrender, mindfulness, faith, self-respect, and the importance of slowing down long enough to truly hear ourselves.

In this episode, Anna and Gideon discuss the Camino de Santiago, meditation, walking as a spiritual practice, entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and why sometimes the greatest transformation begins with simply taking the next step.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why slowing down can accelerate personal growth

• The three phases of the Camino de Santiago

• How walking helps release emotional and mental burdens

• Why surrender is different from giving up

• The importance of self-respect and healthy boundaries

• How meditation changes the way we approach life

• Why faith often grows through uncertainty

• How nature reconnects us with ourselves

• Practical ways to adopt the pilgrim mindset in everyday life

• Why one courageous decision can completely change your future

CONNECT WITH GIDEON ENOK

Website:

https://thepilgrimspirit.com/

Free Chapter:

https://thepilgrimspirit.com/free-chapter/

Book:

https://thepilgrimspirit.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gideon-nielsen-85810b33/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thepilgrimspirit/

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@thepilgrimspirit

Linktree:

https://linktr.ee/thepilgrimspirit

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon:

https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble:

https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target:

https://rb.gy/jhpxri

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music:

https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website:

https://thecovertcode.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT:

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies including Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, and is the founder of Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital marketing agency.

Through The Covert Code Podcast, Anna brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, executives, authors, and industry leaders to share practical strategies for business growth, leadership, marketing, technology, and personal development.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code:

https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert:

https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication:

https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium:

https://reactium.io/

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links included may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This week on The Covert Code Podcast, the topic is:

Why Qualified Isn't Enough: How to Stand Out and Land Executive Opportunities

My special guest is Gina Riley, executive career strategist, LinkedIn Top Voice, keynote speaker, and author of Qualified Isn't Enough.

Today's job market looks dramatically different than it did just a few years ago. Artificial intelligence is reshaping recruiting, LinkedIn has become one of the most powerful career tools available, and employers are looking beyond resumes to evaluate leadership, visibility, and personal brand.

Gina has spent years helping executives navigate career transitions, negotiate stronger opportunities, and build professional brands that attract recruiters instead of chasing them.

In this episode, Anna and Gina discuss executive job searching, LinkedIn strategy, personal branding, AI, networking, leadership, and how professionals can differentiate themselves in today's competitive marketplace.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why being qualified isn't enough anymore

• How LinkedIn has changed executive recruiting

• The biggest mistakes professionals make during a job search

• Why personal branding matters for executives

• How AI is changing hiring and recruiting

• Building executive visibility online

• The importance of networking before you need it

• How to overcome imposter syndrome

• Creating opportunities instead of waiting for them

• Practical strategies for long-term career growth

CONNECT WITH GINA RILEY

Website:

https://ginarileyconsulting.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/ginarileyconsulting/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/GinaRileyConsulting

Book:

Qualified Isn't Enough

https://www.amazon.com/

GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon:

https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble:

https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target:

https://rb.gy/jhpxri

LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music:

https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website:

https://thecovertcode.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code:

https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert:

https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication:

https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium:

https://reactium.io/

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links included may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This week on The Covert Code Podcast, the topic is:

Selling Your Business in Style: How to Maximize Value Before You Exit

My special guest is Marty Fahncke, Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor, growth strategist, business investor, and Managing Partner of Westbound Road.

With more than three decades of experience helping companies grow, acquire competitors, and successfully exit, Marty has worked with businesses that have generated over $1 billion in revenue and has personally been involved in more than $500 million in mergers and acquisitions.

He's also the Amazon bestselling author of Boomers Sell the Business, where he shares practical strategies every business owner should know long before they ever think about selling.

In this episode, Anna and Marty discuss exit planning, mergers and acquisitions, valuation, AI, succession planning, and the steps every entrepreneur should take to build a business that's both more profitable and more valuable.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why every business owner should prepare for an exit—even if they never plan to sell

• The four stages of owner exit

• How to increase the value of your business before selling

• Why clean financials matter more than most entrepreneurs realize

• The biggest mistakes owners make before an acquisition

• Why maximizing profit can be worth more than minimizing taxes

• How strategic acquisitions accelerate growth

• Different ways to transition ownership beyond simply selling

• The role AI may play in business valuations

• Why staying "sale ready" creates a better business

CONNECT WITH MARTY FAHNCKE

Website:

https://www.westboundroad.com/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/martyfahncke/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/martygrowsyourbusiness/

Book:

Boomers Sell the Business

https://www.amazon.com/

GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon:

https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble:

https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target:

https://rb.gy/jhpxri

LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music:

https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio:

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music:

https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website:

https://thecovertcode.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code:

https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert:

https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication:

https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium:

https://reactium.io/

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links included may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This week on The Covert Code Podcast, the topic is:

The Future of Healthcare: How AI and Regenerative Medicine Are Changing Medicine Forever

My special guest is Dr. Annu Navani, founder and Chief Medical Officer of Le Reve Wellness, Chief Medical Officer at Boomerang Healthcare, Stanford adjunct faculty member, and author of the upcoming Forbes Books title Health Recoded: A Physician's Guide to Intelligent Healthcare.

As artificial intelligence, regenerative medicine, and longevity science continue transforming the healthcare industry, many people are asking what the future of healing, prevention, and patient care will look like.

Dr. Navani believes the answer is rooted in intelligent, personalized, and proactive healthcare.

From AI-powered predictive health plans to stem cell therapy, biomarker testing, pain management, and regenerative medicine, Dr. Navani is helping shape a future where patients are more informed, treatments are more personalized, and healthcare becomes less reactive and more preventative.

In this episode, Anna and Dr. Navani discuss AI in medicine, regenerative healthcare, longevity, stem cells, personalized treatment, pain management, and why the future of medicine may already be here.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• How AI is transforming healthcare

• Why medicine is shifting from reactive to preventative care

• The role of regenerative medicine in healing

• How stem cell therapies are being used today

• Why personalized medicine matters

• How biomarker testing can help detect risk earlier

• What longevity medicine means for patients

• Whether humans can realistically live to 120

• Why pain management must be multidisciplinary

• How intelligent healthcare systems may improve outcomes and lower costs

CONNECT WITH DR. ANNU NAVANI

Dr. Annu Navani Website: https://annunavani.com/

Le Reve Wellness: https://www.lerevewellness.com/

Boomerang Healthcare: https://boomeranghc.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annunavani/

GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links included may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This week on The Covert Code Podcast, the topic is: Why Human Experiences Will Thrive in an AI World

My special guest is Charlene Rose, entrepreneur, actor, hand model, choreographer, Airbnb host, and founder of Living Room to Ballroom and Old Hollywood Lodge.

As artificial intelligence continues transforming industries around the world, many people are asking what kinds of businesses, careers, and income streams will still thrive.

Charlene believes the answer is rooted in human connection.

From helping women gain confidence through dance to creating a memorable Old Hollywood-inspired Airbnb experience, Charlene has built businesses around creativity, passion, performance, and real-world connection — the kinds of things technology cannot easily replace.

In this episode, Anna and Charlene discuss entrepreneurship, dance, Airbnb hosting, creativity, AI, passion-led business, and why authentic human experiences may become more valuable than ever.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why human connection matters more in the age of AI

• How to identify business opportunities tied to your passion

• Why experiences often outperform generic products

• How Charlene built Living Room to Ballroom

• The story behind Old Hollywood Lodge

• Why AI may increase demand for real-world experiences

• How to build a loyal niche audience

• The role intuition plays in entrepreneurship

• Why commitment still matters in a world of instant content

• How to create income streams AI cannot easily replace

CONNECT WITH CHARLENE ROSE

Charlene Rose Website: https://charlenerose.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charleneroseofficial/

Living Room to Ballroom Website: https://livingroomtoballroom.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingroomtoballroom/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livingroomtoballroom/

Old Hollywood Lodge Website: https://oldhollywoodlodge.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oldhollywoodlodge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oldhollywoodlodge/

GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links included may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

This week on The Covert Code Podcast, the topic is:

Founder-Led Selling: Why Faceless Brands Are Losing

My special guest is Dave Gulas, entrepreneur, podcast host, and co-founder of EZDC 3PL.

With over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing leadership, Dave believes that today's founders can no longer hide behind their company name. Customers want to know who they're buying from, what they stand for, and why they do what they do.

In this episode, we discuss personal branding, content creation, podcasting, AI, authenticity, founder visibility, and why building authority around yourself may be one of the most important investments you make in your business.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Why founder-led selling is becoming essential

• Why customers buy from people, not logos

• The biggest misconceptions about personal branding

• How podcasting can accelerate authority and trust

• Why authenticity beats perfection every time

• How AI can help founders become better communicators

• Why consistency matters more than viral content

• How to build visibility without feeling salesy

• Practical first steps to establish your personal brand

• Why faceless companies are losing trust in the AI era

CONNECT WITH DAVE GULAS

Website: https://davegulas.com

EZDC 3PL: https://ezdc3pl.com

Beyond Fulfillment Podcast: https://davegulas.com/podcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-gulas/

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

ANNA'S WEBSITES

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links included may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

🎙️ This week on The Covert Code Podcast, the topic is: Why Small Businesses Hit Growth Ceilings and How to Break Through Them

My special guest is Rob Aquino, CEO of JBS Corp and Entrepreneur Books, author of The Small Business Money Game: Hidden Strategies That Turn Survival into Scale.

Rob comes from a deep background in finance, entrepreneurship, wealth management, and business strategy. Having worked with thousands of entrepreneurs, Rob has developed what he calls the Breakpoint Framework, a system designed to help business owners understand why growth stalls, how to identify bottlenecks, and how to scale intentionally.

In this episode, Anna and Rob discuss entrepreneurship, money psychology, AI, banking, Monopoly, scaling challenges, leadership evolution, and the mindset shifts required to build a sustainable business.

🔍 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why most small businesses hit growth ceilings

• The entrepreneurial paradox of needing resources to get resources

• The 7 Breakpoints businesses encounter on the road to $25M

• Why many founders struggle with hiring and delegation

• How your relationship with money impacts your success

• Why Monopoly may secretly teach business strategy

• How AI is reshaping entrepreneurship and small business growth

• Why community banks often understand entrepreneurs better

• Lessons Rob learned helping businesses survive COVID

• The importance of understanding financial language

📖 READY TO ELEVATE YOUR AUTHORITY?

Click below for your FREE digital copy of The Authority Advantage, available exclusively for Covert Code listeners:

https://books.forbes.com/free-resources/the-authority-advantage/?rpaname=annacovert

📘 PRE-ORDER ROB'S BOOK

The Small Business Money Game: Hidden Strategies That Turn Survival into Scale

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Small-Business-Money-Game/Robinson-Aquino/9798897010660

✨ CONNECT WITH ROB AQUINO

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinson-aquino-b5a47593/

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT:

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: Some links included may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

🎙️ This week on The Covert Code Podcast, the topic is: Why Small Businesses Hit Growth Ceilings and How to Break Through Them

My special guest is Rob Aquino, CEO of JBS Corp and Entrepreneur Books, author of The Small Business Money Game: Hidden Strategies That Turn Survival into Scale.

Rob comes from a deep background in finance, entrepreneurship, wealth management, and business strategy. Having worked with thousands of entrepreneurs, Rob has developed what he calls the Breakpoint Framework, a system designed to help business owners understand why growth stalls, how to identify bottlenecks, and how to scale intentionally.

In this episode, Anna and Rob discuss entrepreneurship, money psychology, AI, banking, Monopoly, scaling challenges, leadership evolution, and the mindset shifts required to build a sustainable business.

🔍 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why most small businesses hit growth ceilings

• The entrepreneurial paradox of needing resources to get resources

• The 7 Breakpoints businesses encounter on the road to $25M

• Why many founders struggle with hiring and delegation

• How your relationship with money impacts your success

• Why Monopoly may secretly teach business strategy

• How AI is reshaping entrepreneurship and small business growth

• Why community banks often understand entrepreneurs better

• Lessons Rob learned helping businesses survive COVID

• The importance of understanding financial language

📖 READY TO ELEVATE YOUR AUTHORITY?

Click below for your FREE digital copy of The Authority Advantage, available exclusively for Covert Code listeners:

https://books.forbes.com/free-resources/the-authority-advantage/?rpaname=annacovert

📘 PRE-ORDER ROB'S BOOK

The Small Business Money Game: Hidden Strategies That Turn Survival into Scale

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Small-Business-Money-Game/Robinson-Aquino/9798897010660

✨ CONNECT WITH ROB AQUINO

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinson-aquino-b5a47593/

📖 GET THE BOOK: The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing

Amazon: https://rb.gy/wrht8

Barnes & Noble: https://rb.gy/vwev0a

Target: https://rb.gy/jhpxri

🎧 LISTEN ON ALL PLATFORMS:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0UcnL4g4J2DckqMpZg4DdB?si=NKAFJcRMSdOJlP5iebBxoA&nd=1&dlsi=50d6d5c5753a499b

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-covert-code/id1733326615

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d15bb709-a4df-43bb-9284-9e479c8574a7/the-covert-code

iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-covert-code-269144900/

YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCSU2Anqu1_yzb_D6IFd7i_Q

🌐 FOLLOW THE COVERT CODE:

Website: https://thecovertcode.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/covertcodeofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecovertcode

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/covert-code-official/

📚 ABOUT HOST ANNA COVERT:

Anna Covert is the host of The Covert Code Podcast and author of The Covert Code – Mastering the Art of Digital Marketing and The Solar Coaster. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and business strategy, Anna has worked with top-tier companies like Microsoft, Apple, and IBM and leads Covert Communication, Hawaii's largest digital agency.

ANNA'S WEBSITES:

The Covert Code: https://thecovertcode.com/

Anna Covert: https://annacovert.com/

Covert Communication: https://covertcommunication.com/

Reactium: https://reactium.io/

⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: Some links included may be affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.