Amit Kothari is the CEO and Executive Growth Mentor at Kothari Leadership Enterprises, where he helps CEOs and leadership teams unlock growth through emotional intelligence and strategic execution. With decades of experience as a former COO and CFO, he drives business transformation and sustainable results for organizations from startups to large enterprises. Known as the CEO Whisperer, Amit is a best-selling author of The Kothari Method, which outlines his EQ + Execution™ approach to leadership and performance. He combines practical business insight with a focus on human development to guide leaders toward lasting impact and success.

Entrepreneurs and business leaders often focus heavily on strategy and numbers. But when leaders prioritize emotional intelligence alongside their strategy, does that affect success? Can understanding emotions be just as crucial for business achievement as a well-crafted plan?

For Amit Kothari, the answer is a resounding yes. Drawing from his extensive experience as a leadership coach and strategist, he emphasizes that emotional intelligence (EQ) is foundational to scaling a business. According to Amit, while traditional strategy is necessary for growth, it's the ability to manage emotions — both in oneself and within teams — that drives sustainable success. He explains that EQ helps entrepreneurs build stronger relationships, foster better team dynamics, and make more empathetic yet decisive decisions. By integrating emotional intelligence into leadership, leaders not only empower their teams but also create a culture of trust and resilience.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Amit Kothari, CEO and Executive Growth Mentor at Kothari Leadership Enterprises, to discuss how emotional intelligence impacts entrepreneurial success. They delve into balancing emotional intelligence with traditional business strategies to scale a company, Amit's approach to coaching high-growth entrepreneurs, and the significance of vulnerability in leadership. Amit also explores the challenges of building a diverse and effective leadership team.

Jeff Starin is a Professional EOS Implementer and executive coach who helps entrepreneurial leaders build stronger, scalable businesses. A lifelong entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience spanning manufacturing, coaching, and game theory, he has founded and scaled three companies, achieved two exits, and grown a manufacturing business to eight figures while leading hundreds of employees. Jeff is also a former professional pool and poker player, a nationally recognized yoga teacher, and an active contributor to industry boards and advocacy groups.

Many entrepreneurs hit a point where their business stalls despite hard work, long hours, and strong intentions. Growth flattens, teams feel misaligned, and the founder becomes buried in day-to-day tasks that drain energy rather than create momentum. How do leaders break through this ceiling and transform both the business and their quality of life?

Jeff Starin brings significant expertise in helping entrepreneurs improve structure, gain clarity, and take accountability to unlock notable growth. The practical steps Jeff shares include adopting a proven operating framework, delegating responsibilities that weigh leaders down, and shifting from tactical problem-solving to coaching and leading. He also highlights the value of understanding personal tendencies, using game theory to make better decisions, and embracing community support to find alignment and traction.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Jeff Starin, Professional EOS Implementer and executive coach, about the power of systemizing a business for long-term success. Jeff discusses overcoming stagnation, finding the right role as a leader, and building teams that execute with consistency. He also explores personal growth, lessons from entrepreneurship, and the mindset shifts that create freedom.

Russell Benaroya is the COO and Managing Director of Private Capital at Timberlane Partners, a private multifamily real estate investment and development firm based in Seattle. With over two decades in investment banking, private equity, and entrepreneurship, he has led the firm's acquisition and development of more than $1 billion in assets across key West Coast and Mountain West markets. His leadership has earned him notable recognition, including selection to the Puget Sound Business Journal's 40 Under 40. He is the author of One Life to Lead: Business Success Through Better Life Design, which explores how personal alignment fuels professional fulfillment. A passionate ultra-endurance athlete and advocate for intentional living, Russell has completed the grueling 150-mile Marathon des Sables in Morocco.

Entrepreneurs often chase success so relentlessly that they lose sight of what truly matters. Between managing teams, scaling operations, and balancing personal lives, it's easy to shift away from purpose and fulfillment. How can business leaders design lives that align personal meaning with professional achievement?

Russell Benaroya, an experienced entrepreneur, author, and real estate executive, shares how intentional life design can transform both business and personal success. Drawing from his own journey — including endurance running and founding and leading startups — Russell emphasizes defining your purpose, practicing self-awareness, and creating structure to support sustainable growth. His approach highlights how aligning daily actions with core values enables leaders to avoid burnout, improve relationships, and lead with clarity.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Russell Benaroya, COO and Managing Director of Private Capital at Timberlane Partners, about building purpose-driven success in business and in life. Russell discusses the mental endurance of entrepreneurship, lessons from ultra-distance running, and the importance of designing a life that fuels your best work. He also delves into redefining wealth, embracing self-worth, and turning purpose into measurable impact.

Peter Madlem is the Chief Investment Officer at Avalan Wealth Management, a comprehensive wealth management firm specializing in personalized financial, business, and investment planning. With over 35 years of experience in high-net-worth and institutional investment management, Peter has held senior leadership roles at Northern Trust and Montecito Bank & Trust, where he rebuilt investment research capabilities and managed a billion-dollar bond portfolio. Peter is also an accomplished author of five investment books and a former studio musician and composer with credits on major labels.

With markets hitting all-time highs despite global uncertainty, investors are asking: How long can the momentum last? From AI breakthroughs to shifting global trade dynamics, the financial landscape is evolving faster than ever. What lessons can we take from past market bubbles to navigate the next wave of innovation and volatility?

Peter Madlem, an investment expert and market strategist, explores these challenges by comparing past bubbles with today's AI-driven optimism. He shares how investors can navigate today's complex market by focusing on fundamentals rather than fear. Peter explains why recessions, not high valuations, typically cause bear markets and emphasizes the power of staying invested through volatility. He discusses his company's approach to using AI for research efficiency, the importance of intrinsic value analysis over short-term indicators, and how diversification and thematic investing can capture long-term compounding returns over time.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Peter Madlem, Chief Investment Officer at Avalan Wealth Management, about the current market outlook and the future of investing. Peter discusses how AI is transforming investment research, why diversification is key in volatile markets, and where long-term growth opportunities lie for investors.

Derek Kneeland is a veteran NASCAR Spotter and the Owner of Kneeland Klean, a pressure and soft washing company serving homes and businesses. Derek grew up in Windham, Maine, racing go-karts from the age of eight and later transitioned into Late Model and Super Late Model racing. As a spotter, he works for top teams, including Richard Childress Racing in the Cup Series with Kyle Busch, and also spots in the Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA Series. Beyond spotting, Derek owns and races his own Super Late Model car in select major short-track events.

Many driven professionals wrestle with the challenge of pursuing their passion while securing financial stability. How can you build a life around your dream career while still creating a backup plan for the future? Is it possible to balance the thrill of high-pressure work with the steady growth of a personal business?

Derek Kneeland, a veteran NASCAR Spotter and small business owner, shares how he turned his love for racing into a thriving career while launching a pressure washing venture to diversify his income. Derek advises starting small — testing the waters with a limited financial investment — before scaling up with better equipment and systems. He stresses the importance of time management, balancing work and family life, and leaning on mentors and supportive relationships to sustain momentum in both motorsports and entrepreneurship.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Derek Kneeland, Owner of Kneeland Klean, about blending a NASCAR career with growing a local service business. Derek discusses building a pressure washing company from scratch, the costs and logistics of running his own race team, and the lessons he learned from mentors and family support.

Austin Lampson is the Branch Manager and Licensed Mortgage Professional at OriginPoint, a company that helps clients achieve homeownership through innovative mortgage solutions. With over two decades of experience, she is known for guiding individuals through the loan process with clarity and care. An eight-time Best of Santa Barbara winner, Austin is recognized as a national top producer, earning accolades such as Mortgage Executive Magazine's Top 1% Mortgage Originators in America and Scotsman Guide's Top Originators and Top Women Originators.

Navigating the mortgage process can feel overwhelming, especially for entrepreneurs balancing countless responsibilities. How do you turn financial challenges into opportunities for growth while still protecting your future and peace of mind?

According to Austin Lampson, a nationally recognized mortgage professional, the answer lies in blending math with emotion to create clarity and confidence. She highlights how every obstacle can become a stepping stone when approached with care, creativity, and resilience. This mindset not only simplifies a complex system but also empowers individuals to achieve stability and long-term goals. By sharing personal stories of perseverance, she demonstrates that lending is more than numbers — it's about building trust and guiding people toward their dreams.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette sits down with Austin Lampson, Branch Manager and Licensed Mortgage Professional at OriginPoint, to discuss turning obstacles into opportunities in the mortgage journey. They explore how trust and clarity transform the lending process, why entrepreneurs need tailored financial solutions, and the role of compassion in client relationships. Austin also shares lessons on resilience and the importance of community support.

Robert C. Kulle, Jr. is the Founder and CEO of Heritage Capital Strategies, Inc., a boutique firm offering life insurance and wealth-transfer solutions for businesses and high-net-worth families. He leverages his analytical acumen and partnership with M Financial Group to oversee more than $1.5 billion in death benefit coverage, delivering customized, tax-efficient insurance strategies. Based in Westlake Village, California, Robert is also registered with M Holdings Securities and holds securities licenses such as Series 63 and Series 66. In 2025, Forbes named him one of Southern California's Top Best-in-State Financial Security Professionals.

Many entrepreneurs underestimate the role of life insurance in their overall financial strategy, often seeing it as just another box to check. Misconceptions, confusing products, and a lack of reviews can leave business owners vulnerable to risks that threaten their families, businesses, and legacies. How can entrepreneurs cut through complexity and ensure their coverage actually protects what matters most?

Robert Kulle, a financial security professional specializing in life insurance planning, emphasizes the importance of education, transparency, and periodic reviews. Robert highlights how entrepreneurs should align their insurance with their broader financial goals, approach coverage with the same discipline they use in investing, and choose advisors with the right licenses to access all available products. He stresses flexibility, client-first planning, and the need to avoid one-size-fits-all solutions that often lead to costly mistakes.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Robert C. Kulle, Jr., Founder and CEO of Heritage Capital Strategies, about misconceptions in life insurance and smarter strategies for entrepreneurs. Robert shares the importance of regular policy reviews and aligning coverage with financial goals. He also discusses lessons he learned from entrepreneurship, the impact of stress on business owners, and how proper planning safeguards generational wealth.

Chase Fiscus is the Founder and CEO of Fiscus Commercial Insurance Services (FCIS), which specializes in tailored risk management solutions for businesses. At just 19 years old, Chase started FCIS and has since grown the company to a team of 16 across two offices, earning industry recognition for his expertise and client-focused approach. FCIS has evolved into a specialized agency with a strong focus on commercial lines, especially workers' compensation, which now makes up nearly half of its overall portfolio. In his role as CEO, Chase continues to lead the firm, helping clients navigate a volatile insurance market by uncovering savings across multiple lines of coverage.

For many entrepreneurs, insurance feels like a confusing checkbox on the to-do list rather than a crucial part of protecting their business. Too often, owners discover too late that they're underinsured, paying for the wrong coverage, or ignoring hidden risks that could cost them everything. As a business leader, how do you move beyond the bare minimum and create an insurance strategy that truly supports growth?

Chase Fiscus, an insurance expert who built his career from the ground up, starting when he was a teenager, shares how business owners can turn insurance into a proactive tool instead of a reactive expense. Chase emphasizes the importance of becoming an expert in your risk profile, seeking second opinions, and asking the right questions before signing on the dotted line. He also highlights the value of listening to your gut when choosing clients, hiring with culture in mind, and focusing on long-term relationships instead of quick wins. By approaching coverage with care and curiosity, entrepreneurs can uncover blind spots, build trust, and strengthen their operations.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Chase Fiscus, Founder and CEO of Fiscus Commercial Insurance Services (FCIS), about smarter risk management for entrepreneurs. Chase discusses how caring for clients uncovers blind spots, the lessons he learned from starting a business at 19, and why culture fit matters when building a team. He also uncovers strategies for client retention, navigating growing pains, and when to say no.

Dustin Soulliere is the Owner and CEO of Elite Robotics, an automation services company specializing in robot programming, system layout, simulation, and controls for industries from automotive to powertrain applications. Since founding the business in 2017, he has grown it to around 100 employees with consistent 50% annual growth. Drawing on diverse entrepreneurial experience, Dustin drives the company's strategic expansion and commitment to seamless virtual-to-physical automation solutions.

Many founders hit a ceiling when they try to scale from a capable solo operator to a company that wins larger contracts while balancing personal commitments. The stakes rise as growth exposes gaps in systems, talent, and credibility with customers. How do you position yourself for bigger opportunities while steering clear of common pitfalls like unfocused side ventures and getting bogged down in the details?

Dustin Soulliere, an expert in automation systems and robotics, shares lessons from building a fast-growing business from the ground up. Dustin emphasizes the value of taking calculated risks, such as investing in infrastructure to attract larger clients, and focusing on people's strengths rather than their weaknesses. He warns against underestimating the time and attention side ventures require, advises applying the same rigor to all business endeavors, and underscores the importance of mentorship by both seeking it for oneself and offering it to others.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Dustin Soulliere, Owner and CEO of Elite Robotics, about scaling an automation business through strategy and leadership. Dustin discusses taking bold risks, hiring based on strengths, and applying consistent standards across ventures. He also provides insights on managing friendships in business, learning from missteps, and moments of pride like securing major clients.

Eric Castelblanco is the Founder and Managing Attorney of Castelblanco Law Group, APLC, an LA-based firm exclusively representing tenants in housing habitability cases. Since founding the firm, he has represented over 10,000 tenants and secured more than $300 million in verdicts and settlements against negligent landlords in California. Originally from Bogotá, Eric is widely recognized for his tenant‑rights advocacy, including honors from Inquilinos Unidos (United Tenants) and a leadership award from the Loyola Marymount Latino Alumni Association. Beyond his legal work, Eric co-owns a successful shredding company in Arizona and serves on the Harvard Law School Leadership Council.

Many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to transform early setbacks and limited resources into long-term success. Financial strain, lack of mentorship, and the temptation to chase get-rich-quick opportunities often derail even the most determined business owners. How can someone navigate these challenges to build meaningful businesses and leave a lasting legacy?

Eric Castelblanco, a housing rights lawyer and entrepreneur, shares how growing up as an immigrant shaped his sense of responsibility, independence, and drive. Eric describes how personal values and lived experiences — particularly watching his father's work ethic — formed the foundation for his client-first approach to business. He suggests embracing slow, intentional growth over get-rich-quick schemes, doubling down on mission-driven business models, and surrounding yourself with mentors and partners who align with your core values. Eric also emphasizes the power of perseverance, especially when serving underserved communities, and shares how setbacks, like being conned early in his career, led to partnerships that fueled his future success.

In this episode of The Road Already Traveled, Rich Schuette interviews Eric Castelblanco, Founder and Managing Attorney at Castelblanco Law Group, APLC, about how to build a purpose-driven business that serves the community. Eric reflects on his immigrant upbringing, why he transitioned from corporate law to tenant advocacy, and how he grew a multimillion-dollar firm. He also discusses key lessons from failed ventures, the importance of trust-based mentorship, and building lasting businesses that do good.