In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Greg Stevens, an executive coach and expert in conflict resolution. They discuss the importance of managing emotions in difficult conversations, the journey to understanding and repairing incomplete relationships, and the skills necessary for effective communication. Greg shares insights from his experiences and his book, 'Build New Bridges: The Art of Restoring Impossible Relationships,' emphasizing the need for self-awareness and accountability in both personal and professional relationships. The conversation also touches on performance reviews and how to approach them constructively, as well as the significance of closure in relationships.

🧠 Key Takeaways 

Greg Stevens emphasizes the importance of practicing what you teach in relationships.
Incomplete relationships can be identified and addressed for personal growth.
Managing emotions is crucial during difficult conversations to avoid escalation.
Timing is key; sometimes it's best to step away and revisit a conversation later.
Self-awareness is foundational for effective communication and conflict resolution.
Performance reviews should focus on inspiration and constructive feedback.
Understanding the difference between impossible and salvageable relationships is vital.
Closure in relationships can lead to personal healing and growth.
Asking questions can help manage emotional responses during conflicts.
Investing in conflict resolution skills can lead to breakthroughs in relationships.

Resources & Links:
Connect with Greg!
Website: alignment-resources.com/
Greg's Podcast: ashotofinspiration.com

Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com

01:05 Introduction to The Friday Habit
02:29 Meet Greg Stevens: The Relationship Coach
05:01 The Journey to Conflict Resolution
07:48 Understanding Incomplete Relationships
09:23 Managing Emotions in Conflict
12:34 The Importance of Timing in Conversations
14:02 Common Communication Challenges
16:04 Building Self-Awareness and Skills
19:15 Learning from Real-Life Experiences
22:41 Empathy in Parenting and Relationships
27:26 Understanding Relationship Dynamics
32:46 Constructive Performance Reviews
37:21 Measuring Communication Progress
40:44 Starting with Yourself in Relationships

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II sits down with Henry Yoshida, CEO and Co-Founder of Rocket Dollar, to unpack what it really takes to build a durable fintech company in a highly regulated industry.

Henry shares his journey from a risk-averse upbringing and a stable career at Merrill Lynch to founding multiple companies—including Rocket Dollar, now part of a platform managing $12B+ in retirement assets. They dive deep into ownership, timing, regret vs. risk, venture capital trade-offs, and why paying attention to “small signals” can unlock massive opportunities.

🧠 Key Takeaways

Regret Is More Dangerous Than Risk – Fear fades, but “what if?” lingers
Stay a Mile Deep, Not a Mile Wide – Specialization creates leverage
Timing Matters More Than Ideas – Many failures are just too early
Venture Capital Is a Clock – Momentum determines survival
Build for the Right Customer Segment – CAC must beat LTV
Balance Fuels Longevity – Burnout kills good businesses
Curiosity Compounds – Small observations connect into big ideas

Resources & Links:
🔗 Learn more about Rocket Dollar: https://bit.ly/4qaDVxU
Connect With Henry! 
Instagram: @fitfinancehenry

📘 Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com

Chapters:
00:42 Meet Henry Yoshida: CEO & Co-Founder of Rocket Dollar
02:05 Growing Up Risk-Averse & Fear of Regret
04:45 Merrill Lynch’s Competitive Culture
07:55 Early Career Lessons That Shaped a Founder
10:40 Leaving Stability to Take the Leap
13:10 Building & Selling the First Business
16:00 Venture Capital, Timing, and Momentum
18:55 Failing Into an Acquisition
21:35 Why Most Startups Pick the Wrong Customer
24:10 The Problem With Traditional IRAs & 401ks
27:10 What Rocket Dollar Actually Does
30:05 Building in a Highly Regulated Industry
32:45 Risk, Regret, and Confidence as a Founder
35:40 Burnout, Balance, and Founder Mistakes
38:05 Henry’s Friday Habit: Stay Curious & Connect the Dots
40:29 Outro

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Chad Prinkey, founder and CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting. They discuss Chad's journey from a successful corporate career to entrepreneurship, the challenges of building a scalable business, and the importance of leadership and culture in driving growth. Chad shares insights on competing on value rather than price, the mindset shifts necessary for long-term success, and key systems that can help construction businesses thrive. The conversation concludes with actionable takeaways for listeners looking to improve their own businesses.

🧠 Takeaways:

Chad Prinkey emphasizes the importance of building a strong company culture.
Growth can expose underlying issues in a business.
Leadership development is crucial for scaling a company.
Competing on value rather than price is essential for profitability.
Business owners should prioritize investing in their own companies.
Mindset shifts are necessary for long-term success.
Creating a three-year organizational chart can guide business growth.
Understanding financial health is critical before strategic planning.
Building a team of leaders at all levels is vital for success.
Continuous improvement and reinvestment in the business are key to sustainability.

Resources & Links:
Connect with Chad!
Website: www.wellbuiltconsulting.com
Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com

00:37 Welcome To The Friday Habit
01:24 Meet Chad Prinkey
03:03 Delicious Crabs
06:28 Chad's Background
08:13 Company Growth 
09:59 Leaving Something Good For Something Better
14:46 The Difficulties Of Leaving Something Good 
16:13 How Chad Helped A Company Grow From 300 to 3,000 Employees
18:31 Building Leaders That Scale 
24:49 Advice For Leaders Playing The Long Game
29:47 When Should You Bring New Leaders?
32:46 Chad's Book WellBuilt
40:06 Take Action
42:13 Outro

In this episode of The Friday Habit, host Mark Labriola II interviews Emma Tessler, founder and CEO of NinentyFiveMedia, a digital marketing agency. Emma shares her journey from a side hustle in interior design to leading a successful remote team specializing in social media strategy and brand storytelling. The conversation covers the importance of building a strong company culture, the challenges of scaling a business, and the evolving landscape of video content in the age of AI. Emma emphasizes the significance of authenticity in marketing and offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow their brands.

🧠 Takeaways:

Emma Tessler transitioned from a side hustle to CEO of 95 Media.
The importance of community engagement in social media marketing.
Building authority online is crucial for trust and sales.
Consistency in content creation leads to better results.
Hiring for will over skill can enhance team dynamics.
Video content should reflect authenticity to stand out.
Niche down in services, but not in target audience.
A remote team can provide flexibility and access to diverse talent.
Scaling requires effective delegation and teamwork.
Building a strong company culture is essential for remote teams.

Resources & Links:
Connect with Emma and NinetyFivemedia!
Website: Ninetyfivemedia.co
Instagram: @Ninenty.Five.Media
Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com

00:35 Introduction to The Friday Habit
01:47 Meet Emma Tessler
04:15 Emma's background
06:08 Building 95 Media: From Side Hustle to Success
07:13 Humble Beginnings
11:28 Building NinentyFiveMedia
21:59 Creating Company Culture
23:19 Navigating Remote Work
34:34 Advice for Hesitant Business Owners
26:01 Staff Structure
29:04 Video Content Strategy
32:45 Building Authority Online
34:31 Working On, Not In Your Business 
35:47 Is there Riches in the Niches?
39:52 Planning For The Future
41:02 Actionable Steps to Scale Your Brand 
41:41 Outro 

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark Labriola II interviews John Gallagher, a seasoned leadership coach, who shares insights on the journey of leadership, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the mindset shifts necessary for entrepreneurs. Gallagher emphasizes the need for practical frameworks, the signs that indicate a business owner may need a coach, and the significance of legacy in leadership. He also discusses the challenges of consistency, the impact of distractions, and the importance of prioritization and delegation. The conversation concludes with Gallagher's advice on making small changes for personal growth.

🧠 Takeaways:

Leadership is a continuous journey of growth and learning.
Entrepreneurs must shift their mindset from operator to team leader.
Delegation is crucial for scaling a business effectively.
Understanding the 'so what, now what, so that' framework helps clarify purpose.
Regular reflection is key to developing emotional intelligence.
Distractions can hinder leadership effectiveness and must be managed.
Prioritization is essential for effective time management.
Legacy is built through intentional relationships and impact on others.
Consistency in habits is more important than initial motivation.
Coaching can provide accountability and support for personal and professional growth.

Resources & Links:
Connect with John: https://coachjohngallagher.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachjohngallagher

Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com

00:00 Introduction to The Friday Habit
02:13 Meet John Gallagher
03:22 John Gallagher's Leadership Journey
09:30 Mindset Shifts for Entrepreneurs
13:40 Practical Leadership Frameworks
16:17 Recognizing the Need for Coaching
18:50 The Impact of Leadership on Legacy 
20:43 Developing Emotional Intelligence
26:11 Consistency in Leadership Development
29:58 Faith and Entrepreneurship: Balancing Control and Trust
32:07 Overcoming Distractions: The Entrepreneur's Challenge
34:14 Prioritization and Delegation: Keys to Effective Leadership
35:30 The Importance of Accountability and Continuous Learning
36:19 Small Changes for Big Impact: Stop Eating French Fries
36:58 Outro  

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Kasim Aslam—entrepreneur, author, and founder of the world’s top-ranked Google Ads agency—to unpack the truth about scaling, hiring, and building a business that actually works.

From growing up on welfare in Albuquerque to selling an 8-figure agency, Kasim’s story is one of grit, truth, and transformation. He shares how brutal honesty became his superpower, why “scale” isn’t always the goal, and how paying more for the right people can change everything.

If you’ve ever struggled to hire great talent, wondered how to scale without losing your sanity, or questioned how AI will change your business—this conversation is full of real talk and practical wisdom.

🧠 Takeaways:

• Why telling the truth is the ultimate business strategy
• The “Hourglass of Niching” framework for finding your sweet spot
• How to hire top global talent (and avoid bad hires)
• Why paying more can lead to better results
• How AI is reshaping entrepreneurship and marketing
• Why doing what doesn’t scale is the real secret to growth

Resources & Links:
Connect with Kasim: https://kasim.me

Download the free Friday Habit Guide: https://thefridayhabit.com

👉 Learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Neil Twa—e-commerce growth expert, founder of Voltage Digital Marketing, and one of the top minds behind building and scaling private-label brands on Amazon.

From going bankrupt to building multiple seven-figure exits, Neil shares the real story behind creating businesses designed to sell. He explains why profit isn’t enough, why most entrepreneurs fall into the “hopium” trap, and how putting purpose before profit transformed his life.

If you’ve ever thought about starting an Amazon business—or if you’re simply curious about what makes a company truly valuable—this episode is packed with insights you can apply today.

🧠 Takeaways:

-Don’t marry products—marry the brand and data.
-Amazon is just one channel: leverage it, then expand beyond it.
-The biggest myth: e-commerce success requires a brand-new invention.
-Sales fix everything—but only if profit margins are real.
-Avoid the “hopium” mindset of chasing overnight success.
-Purpose and values create sustainable growth (profit follows).
-The Five F’s for entrepreneurs: Faith, Family, Friends, Finances, and Freedom.

Resources & Links:
Learn more about Neil: https://VoltageDM.com

Check out Voltage Digital Marketing: https://VoltageDM.com

👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com
to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Ozzy Garner—founder of Advertis, angel investor, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping business owners reclaim their time and scale smarter.

From cleaning bathrooms at White Castle to doubling revenue in his first sales job, Ozzy’s path to building a seven-figure agency is anything but typical. He shares candid insights into the grind of entrepreneurship, the lessons learned from angel investing, and how building a business rooted in core values (and powered by faith) has transformed his life.

If you’ve ever struggled with focus, wondered when to quit versus push through, or dreamed of creating a company that runs without you—this conversation is packed with perspective.

🧠 Takeaways:

• Why focus—not chasing every shiny object—is the key to sustainable growth
• The power of perseverance and “outlasting” to find traction
• How taking a vacation exposes the cracks in your business
• Scaling by firing yourself from roles and empowering your team
• Building with intention: serving clients, your team, and your family
• Why faith and entrepreneurship don’t have to be in conflict

Resources & Links:
Connect with Ozzy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ozzygarner

Explore Advertis: https://advertis.com

👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com
to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark sits down with Bernie Youngblood—a rule-breaking marketer, connector, and strategist who’s spent his career reshaping industries and helping businesses, nonprofits, and artists thrive.

From a start in finance to building sales and marketing ventures, Bernie has seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t) in business. He shares lessons from his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of innovation, and why authenticity—not advertising—is the new currency for brands.

This conversation dives deep into big-picture topics: capitalism, faith, diversity, human trafficking, innovation, and the rise of AI. Bernie also offers practical wisdom for entrepreneurs about branding, building impact, and why moving slower may actually help you accomplish more.

🧠 Takeaways:

-Being good at something doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy it—follow what energizes you.
-Diversity, creativity, and authenticity create stronger businesses than profit-driven spreadsheets.
-Our culture often resists innovation—entrepreneurs must persist despite resistance.
-AI will disrupt every industry, but it also levels the playing field for entrepreneurs.
-Brands today aren’t built—they’re revealed. Authenticity is the new currency.
-Long-term planning and intentional focus allow you to move slower but do more.
-Success isn’t about accumulating marbles—it’s about creating meaningful impact.

Resources & Links:
Connect with Bernie on LinkedIn (search “Bernie Youngblood”)
Learn more about Hot Logic at https://hotlogic.com
Follow Bernie on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube

👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.

In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark welcomes leadership expert and coach Jennifer DiMotta, founder of Uprisers. Jennifer has spent over two decades in corporate leadership, eventually serving as Chief Marketing and Digital Officer of a $22 billion company before creating her own coaching practice.

Through her structured and results-driven approach, Jennifer has transformed the often “soft” concept of leadership into an actionable framework that helps middle managers and emerging leaders rise to the next level. She shares her personal journey—navigating single parenthood, climbing the corporate ladder, and ultimately launching her business—and introduces her six-step system for becoming your own leadership coach.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in your leadership journey or wondered how to break through to the next level in your career, this conversation is packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and actionable steps you can take right now.

🧠 Takeaways:

-Leadership isn’t reserved for a certain personality type—anyone can develop into a strong leader.
-Self-awareness is the #1 trait of great leaders; start with honest self-assessment.
-Long-term vision paired with 90-day goals gives you a 95% better chance of success.
-Accountability partners and reward systems help sustain motivation.
-Coaching should be measurable and structured, not just “soft” conversations.
-Financial acumen and company-level thinking are key for advancing in corporate leadership.
-Sharing your learnings with others reinforces growth and builds stronger teams.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Jennifer at https://Uprisers.com
Reach out directly: [email protected]
Take the StrengthsFinder Assessment
Follow Jennifer on LinkedIn

👉 Don’t forget—you can download the free Friday Habit system at https://thefridayhabit.com to learn how to dedicate one full day each week to working on your business instead of in your business.