The Inner Circle Podcast

In this special one-on-one episode, OBS co-founders sit down with entrepreneur and co-founder Willy Schmidt to talk about how to close out 2025 the right way and step into 2026 with clarity. They get real about reflection, discipline over motivation, delegation, working on the business instead of in it, and why strong systems (especially financial systems and tracking the right data) are the difference between growth and chaos.

If you’re an entrepreneur or operator who wants a simpler, more focused year—and goals you actually follow through on—this conversation will reset your mindset.

Invest in yourself and let discipline do the heavy lifting!

Join our OBS Inner Circle — where entrepreneurs connect, learn, and get their biggest business questions answered live.

Join Today — don’t just listen, get involved!

www.optimizebusinesssystems.com

In this episode, we explore the five critical habits needed for sales success in 2026, focusing on shifting buyer behaviors and economic challenges. Our featured guest, Cory Brewer, a successful entrepreneur from Vancouver, sheds light on his own journey in entrepreneurship, the importance of sales training, and the strategic use of virtual assistants.

The discussion also covers how to build trust through consistent messaging and effective use of social media, along with insights into the power of community and mentorship in business growth. Join us to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to prepare for the shifting marketplace of 2026.

Want in on the live Q&A?

Join our OBS Inner Circle — where entrepreneurs connect, learn, and get their biggest business questions answered live.

Join Today — don’t just listen, get involved!

www.optimizebusinesssystems.com

00:00 Introduction and Agenda Overview

01:00 Understanding the Shift in Buyer Behavior

03:14 The Importance of Risk Reduction in Sales

06:11 Building Trust Through Transparency

09:37 Sales Calls: Confirmation Over Conversion

12:27 Navigating Price Pressure and Margins

14:32 The Role of Founders and Consistency

16:57 Introduction to Corey Brewer

17:32 Corey Brewer's Entrepreneurial Journey

21:17 The Value of Sales Training and Pricing Strategy

23:55 The Power of Business Communities

27:38 Leveraging Virtual Assistants for Business Growth

28:21 Remote Work Revolution

28:51 Grace's Rapid Rise

29:13 Expanding the Remote Team

30:33 Challenges of Going Remote

31:11 The Importance of Executive Assistants

32:27 Launching a New Business

32:59 Q&A Session

34:54 Mentorship and Sales Training

40:44 Marketing Strategies and Social Media

49:48 The Power of Structure and Systems

In this episode of the Inner Circle Call, we dive deep into the real-world applications of AI to supercharge business productivity. Hear how leading entrepreneurs like Alex Harmon, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Cody Sanchez are leveraging AI to streamline operations, cut administrative tasks, and improve accuracy.

We'll explore practical use cases for AI in creating SOPs and documentation, handling invoicing and administrative paperwork, job costing, and leadership communication. Discover the top tasks every founder should automate with AI starting tomorrow and the specific tools you need to get started. Learn how AI can become your competitive advantage and help your business scale efficiently—no tech background required!

Want in on the live Q&A?

Join our OBS Inner Circle — where entrepreneurs connect, learn, and get their biggest business questions answered live.

Join Today — don’t just listen, get involved!

www.optimizebusinesssystems.com

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:12 Types of Founders and AI Adoption

02:07 Real-World Examples of AI Success

05:13 Practical AI Applications for Businesses

10:38 Top Tasks to Automate with AI

17:10 AI Tools You Should Be Using

20:20 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of cashflow bottlenecks that can break contractors. This is the first part of a four-part series focused on improving cashflow efficiencies and controlling expenses.

We highlight the challenges faced by contractors who pay upfront but get paid last, leading to cashflow starvation. Practical solutions such as front-loading deposits, establishing biweekly billing, using lines of credit, and setting vendor terms are discussed to help contractors avoid financial pitfalls. Stay tuned for more insights all month, including a special segment on AI principles in business towards the end of the series.

Want in on the live Q&A?

Join our OBS Inner Circle — where entrepreneurs connect, learn, and get their biggest business questions answered live.

Join Today — don’t just listen, get involved!

www.optimizebusinesssystems.com

00:00 Introduction to Cashflow Bottlenecks

00:37 Understanding the Cashflow Trap

01:36 The Construction Cashflow Dilemma

05:12 Strategies to Improve Cashflow

08:17 Essential Tools for Cashflow Management

11:53 Common Pricing and Cost Mistakes

16:08 Building a Sustainable Business Model

18:52 Conclusion and Next Steps

In this episode of the Inner Circle Call, we explore how entrepreneurs can build resilient businesses that thrive under pressure. Learn strategies to create systems that focus on operations, people, communication, and cash flow to withstand unexpected challenges. Hear insightful examples from different industries, including construction, dental clinics, and restaurants, to understand how to decentralize responsibilities and implement effective stress tests.

Improve your business's resilience by adopting consistent communication standards, planning for crises, and fostering emotional resilience among your leadership. Don't let unexpected chaos derail your progress—turn it into clarity and growth.

Want in on the live Q&A?

Join our OBS Inner Circle — where entrepreneurs connect, learn, and get their biggest business questions answered live.

Join Today — don’t just listen, get involved!

www.optimizebusinesssystems.com

00:00 Introduction to Resilience Systems

01:41 Understanding Business Vulnerabilities

02:18 Case Study: Construction Company

03:52 Stress Testing Your Operations

08:46 Cash Flow Management

10:25 People and Process Redundancy

13:43 Crisis Communication Standards

16:22 Emotional Resilience in Leadership

19:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Inner Circle, we dive into the second part of our Second Line Leader series, tackling the biggest challenges faced by business owners and unit leaders.

We focus on recruiting, developing, and retaining a team of leaders who actually lead. Learn about critical concepts from Patrick Lencioni's 'The Ideal Team Player' book, emphasizing the three virtues: hungry, humble, and smart. Practical tools, stories, and a brand new leadership ladder will help you develop your people starting tomorrow.

Achieve true scaling and positive culture transformation in your organization by identifying and nurturing true leaders. Don't miss the cheat codes on hiring and the core framework for transforming workers into second line leaders. This episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies essential for any industry.

Want in on the live Q&A?

Join our OBS Inner Circle — where entrepreneurs connect, learn, and get their biggest business questions answered live.

Join Today — don’t just listen, get involved!

www.optimizebusinesssystems.com

00:00 Introduction to the Inner Circle

00:04 The Importance of Second Line Leadership

01:18 Understanding Hungry, Humble, and Smart

05:14 Identifying and Developing Hungry Leaders

06:21 Identifying and Developing Humble Leaders

07:20 Identifying and Developing Smart Leaders

08:44 Combining the Three Virtues

09:59 Practical Hiring Funnels

16:23 Retention Strategies for Leaders

19:36 Transforming Workers into Leaders

25:25 The Impact of C Players

26:52 Conclusion and Q&A

In this episode of 'The Inner Circle,' we dive deep into the crucial role of second line leaders – the supervisors, foremen, coordinators, and managers who sit between top leadership and the frontline. We discuss common symptoms of weak leadership at this level and their impact on organizational success, offering practical insights for business owners and senior leaders on how to strengthen these leaders.

Learn about the six key principles of real leadership – vision, integrity, actions, empathy, communication, and accountability – and discover actionable steps to transform your managers from task-oriented followers to empowered decision-makers capable of driving your business forward.

Want in on the live Q&A?

Join our OBS Inner Circle — where entrepreneurs connect, learn, and get their biggest business questions answered live.

Join Today — don’t just listen, get involved!

www.optimizebusinesssystems.com

00:00 Introduction to Second Line Leadership

02:16 Common Symptoms of Weak Second Line Leadership

04:06 Leadership Standards and Behaviors

06:11 Six Principles of Real Leadership

14:35 Levels of Leadership

18:44 Building Trust and Setting Expectations

19:06 Aligning Priorities and Addressing Challenges

20:43 Empowering Decision-Making

22:06 Delegating Outcomes Effectively

24:35 Encouraging Autonomy and Initiative

25:55 The Power of Repetition in Leadership

27:01 Leadership Beyond Job Titles

28:02 The Multiplier Effect of Second Line Leaders

31:15 Challenges and Solutions in Developing Leaders

In this episode, the discussion highlights the critical importance of strategic focus for business leaders across all industries. Key insights include avoiding the pitfalls of too many projects, changing priorities, and delegation without metrics. Real-life examples from a landscape company, Willy's Trucking, and major figures like Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffet illustrate how strategic focus on fewer, bigger targets leads to higher profitability and success.

The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to define their North Star, create strategic quarterly goals, and systemize their business for long-term growth. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging business owners to define their goals for 2026 and build a scorecard for accountability.

Want in on the live Q&A?

Join our OBS Inner Circle — where entrepreneurs connect, learn, and get their biggest business questions answered live.

Join Today — don’t just listen, get involved!

www.optimizebusinesssystems.com

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Strategic Focus

00:52 Understanding Strategic Focus

02:44 Examples of Strategic Focus in Action

07:20 Big Names and Their Strategic Focus

09:06 Creating Your North Star and Goals

16:37 Common Leadership Mistakes

21:26 Framework for Strategic Alignment

25:01 Willy's Trucking Case Study

34:05 Vision and Self-Development

38:23 Q&A and Group Discussion

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the crucial topic of cash flow management, a universal challenge for many businesses. Learn why managing cash flow is often more critical than profit for survival and growth. Drawing from experiences with industry giants like PepsiCo and Amazon, and best practices from elite entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos, discover the strategies successful companies employ to prevent cash flow crises.

From understanding seasonality to implementing daily invoicing and leveraging payment terms, this episode offers practical advice for business owners, especially those in early or growth phases. Hear real-world stories, best practices, and valuable tools, including a 13-week cash flow forecast system, to help you manage and protect your business's cash flow effectively. Join the discussion and gain insights from business leaders as they share their experiences and strategies to ensure long-term business success.

00:00 Introduction to Operational Excellence

00:24 The Importance of Cash Flow Management

01:44 Common Cash Flow Pitfalls

02:38 Strategies for Managing Cash Flow

06:22 Seasonality and Cash Flow

10:07 Case Studies and Examples

13:52 Implementing Cash Flow Tools

27:23 Scaling and Cash Flow Challenges

34:43 Choosing the Right Package for Your Needs

35:02 Opening the Floor for Questions

35:31 Tyler's Insights on Cash Flow Management

36:55 Mike's Approach to Billing and Cash Flow

43:27 Peter's Brief Comment

43:46 James Discusses Daily Invoicing

50:39 Addressing Current Pain Points

51:02 Tyler's Communication Challenge

56:04 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Courses

Find out more at www.optimizebusinesssystems.com

Welcome to the Inner Circle! In today's episode, we dive deep into the unsexy but essential topic of operational efficiency. While most business owners focus on sales and revenue growth, the true profit killers are often hidden inefficiencies in their operations.

Discover how to identify and address these inefficiencies and transform them into profit-driving processes. We explore real-world examples from industry giants like Amazon and Toyota, as well as small businesses, to illustrate the importance of operational excellence. Learn practical steps to streamline your processes, enhance team alignment, and drive consistent improvement. Plus, hear from other business leaders about their pain points and solutions.

Don't miss this actionable guide to making efficiency your business strategy and unlocking true profitability!

00:00 Welcome to the Inner Circle

00:57 The Hidden Cost of Inefficiencies

03:44 People Over Processes

05:12 The Lean Principles

07:10 Operational Excellence in Action

17:45 Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

20:58 Leadership and Efficiency

24:35 Interactive Q&A and Pain Points

29:16 Deployment Lifecycle Challenges

29:26 Systemizing Development Steps

30:09 Cutting the Fat in Processes

30:35 Repetition and Review Sheets

32:12 New Ventures and Implementation

33:19 Importance of KPIs and Consistency

35:13 Healthy EBITDA and Broken Pieces

36:27 People Engagement and Promotions

38:43 Piece Work Strategy for Efficiency

42:48 Pain Point: Communication Challenges

44:04 Strategies for Effective Communication

49:39 Conclusion and Farewell

Learn more at www.optimizebusinesssystems.com