In this episode of The Sharpen Podcast, Steve Van Diest sits down with Drew Lints, founder of Revflow Growth Partners, to talk about systems, AI, and how to scale a business without losing the human element.

They break down common misconceptions about automation, where businesses waste time on manual work, and how to identify the right opportunities for AI. Drew shares his approach to building custom solutions, why one size fits all systems fall short, and how leaders can use process to create more capacity for people, not less.

If you are trying to grow your business while staying focused on what matters most, this conversation will help you think more clearly about where to start.

Connect with Drew:
https://revflowpartners.io

Learn more about Acumen:
https://acumenimpact.com

In this episode of the Sharpen Podcast, Dan Cooper (CEO, Acumen) and Brian Lunt (St. Louis Growth Catalyst, Acumen) discuss relational capital—what it is, how it’s built, and why it still matters in business.

As technology continues to increase speed and efficiency, relationships can become secondary. This conversation brings it back to the fundamentals: trust, consistency, and understanding people.

They break down what builds trust, what damages it, and the simple habits that keep relationships active over time. The discussion also touches on how leaders shift from building their own success to helping others grow and how that impacts the strength of their network.

If you lead a business or a team, this episode offers a practical look at how relationships still influence outcomes, even in a more automated world.

In this episode of the Sharpen Podcast, Steve Van Diest sits down with Blaine Cheshire, Founder & CEO of Level 10 CFO, to talk about money, growth, and the financial decisions that can make or break a business.

They unpack the common lies leaders believe about revenue, introduce the idea of the “Revenue Fairy,” and explain why CFOs aren’t risk-averse—they’re risk-conscious. Blaine also shares hard-earned lessons from walking through a personal health storm while leading a growing company, and why building a business that runs without you isn’t optional.

If you're a CEO in the growth stage wondering whether your financial leadership matches your ambition, this episode delivers clarity, wisdom, and practical perspective.

Tune in to hear from iHeartMedia veteran Jack Gelley on how brands connect with customers through storytelling, listening to real pain points, and building long-term trust with audio and consistent campaigns.

He covers practical advice for business owners — SEO and website basics, campaign timing and measurement, the role of AI, and sales follow-up — to help you grow without losing your why.

In this episode Steve Van Diest interviews Ross Chapman, CEO of the Denver Institute for Faith & Work, about how faith and business intersect. They explore Jesus’ example of ordinary work, reframing ministry to include everyday jobs, and how companies can promote human flourishing through good jobs, competence, and long-term vision.

Practical takeaways include treating daily work as ministry, designing workplaces that serve employees and communities, and resources for leaders who want to integrate faith and work, including local programs, podcasts, and fellowship opportunities.

Preston Poore joins Dan Cooper to explain his leadership thesis: how you lead matters more than what you achieve. Drawing on 30 years in consumer brands like Coca‑Cola and Hershey, Preston shares stories of failure, transformation, and practical steps—360 feedback, coaching, and self-awareness—to build healthier workplaces.

He also discusses integrating faith and humility into daily leadership, why results are table stakes, and how focusing on the "how" creates stronger teams, engagement, and lasting impact.

Mike Walrod explains how a fractional integrator implements EOS to free visionary CEOs, build trust, and turn ideas into execution. He covers the integrator role, running effective Level 10 meetings (IDS), the power of clarity breaks, and how disciplined systems create speed and alignment.

Practical takeaways include using weekly L10s to solve root problems, scheduling regular clarity breaks, and bringing in an integrator (fractional or full-time) to remove bottlenecks and scale the business.

Meet Frank Anello, co-founder and executive director of Project Worthmore, as he shares about founding and scaling a mission-driven organization serving refugees and immigrants on the Colorado Front Range.

The conversation covers the organization’s programs (dental clinic, farm, English classes and planned medical/legal services), leadership of a multicultural team, diversified revenue strategies, challenges from political and funding shifts, and ways businesses and communities can get involved.

In this episode, we dive deep into themes of collaboration, competition, and calling as we explore the unique journey of Bob Shank, a seasoned entrepreneur turned ministry leader. Join us as Bob shares his insights on transitioning from a thriving career in the construction industry to passionately engaging in ministry work, mentoring leaders, and co-founding The Barnabas Group.

Bob discusses the pivotal moments that guided him from marketplace success to significant spiritual impact, emphasizing the importance of finding one's calling and walking the talk. Through compelling stories, we learn how business leaders can use their skills and expertise to catalyze change within ministries and communities.

Discover how to evaluate the eternal ROI of your professional efforts and learn actionable steps to align your career and calling for a life of purpose and passion.

In this episode of the Sharpen Podcast, Steve Van Diest engages in an insightful conversation with Dan Glasser, a commercial litigator. Dan shares his journey of founding his own firm in 2009 and the invaluable people lessons he's learned along the way. As they delve into the highs and lows of business leadership, Dan reflects on the challenges of losing employees, the importance of investing in people's growth, and the rewarding experience of seeing former colleagues thrive.

Dan discusses the intersection of his deep-rooted faith and professional life, revealing how his spiritual journey has influenced his company's values and culture. Emphasizing the need for humility and genuine care in both personal and professional relationships, he describes the transformative impact of living authentically in one's beliefs while leading a business.

Tune in to explore the themes of trust-building, personal transformation, and the enduring power of fostering abundance in the business world.