Your Business – Your Next Level

Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases and a leading expert in press release distribution, joins Eunicia Peret to reveal how entrepreneurs can build credibility, attract better clients, and grow their businesses through earned media. After sharing the pivotal moment when he realized he had to "fire himself" from the day-to-day operations of his company, Mickie explains why stepping back allowed his business to scale dramatically. The conversation explores leadership, delegation, public relations, referral marketing, and the long-term value of creating authentic media coverage instead of chasing paid publicity. Whether you're a startup or an established business owner, this episode demonstrates how credibility and trust often become your most valuable marketing assets.

Growth begins with letting go: Businesses scale when leaders stop micromanaging every detail

Earned media creates lasting credibility: Authentic press coverage builds trust that advertising cannot replicate

Consistency beats chasing trends: Long-term commitment to proven marketing strategies delivers better results than constantly switching tactics

Great referral partners deserve recognition: Closing the loop strengthens relationships and generates more referrals

Stories connect better than sales pitches: People remember authentic journeys far more than marketing messages

Trust compounds over time: Credibility increases conversion rates and strengthens customer loyalty

Measure what matters: Small improvements made consistently outperform constant reinvention

Strong systems increase business value: Companies become more scalable when they can operate without the founder

Visibility starts before you're 'big enough': Small businesses often make the most compelling stories for journalists

Focus on your strengths: The greatest business breakthroughs often happen when leaders operate in their zone of genius

[00:00:00] Introduction to Mickie Kennedy and eReleases

[00:02:00] The decision to "fire himself" from daily operations

[00:04:00] Why letting go allowed the business to scale

[00:06:00] Building teams that operate independently

[00:07:00] Common mistakes entrepreneurs make with marketing

[00:09:00] Why consistency outperforms shiny-object syndrome

[00:11:00] Content marketing and measuring long-term success

[00:13:00] Creating referral systems that actually work

[00:17:00] Understanding the value of earned media

[00:20:00] How media coverage improves conversions and customer trust

[00:22:00] Leveraging press coverage across every marketing channel

[00:24:00] Earned media versus paid publicity

[00:28:00] Why journalists love discovering smaller businesses

[00:30:00] Lessons learned from stepping away as founder

[00:32:00] Final advice for entrepreneurs building credibility and visibility

Naomi Kent, founder of Boardroom Company, joins Eunicia Peret to discuss how executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners can build meaningful board careers while preparing for the next chapter of their professional lives. Drawing on years of experience helping companies build stronger boards and placing executives into board positions, Naomi explains why board opportunities are about far more than prestige, they're about purpose, impact, and continuing to contribute long after stepping away from day-to-day operations. The conversation also explores succession planning, business exits, personal branding, coaching, and why preparing for opportunities before they arrive is one of the greatest competitive advantages a leader can have. Whether you're an executive looking to expand your influence or an entrepreneur planning your eventual exit, this episode offers valuable insights into creating a legacy that extends beyond your business.

Preparation creates opportunity: The best board opportunities go to those who are ready before they're needed

Your personal brand matters: Boards select individuals, not just job titles or companies

Start building your board career early: Experience gained today compounds throughout your career

Purpose becomes more important over time: Many leaders find greater fulfillment by giving back after operational leadership

Exiting a business requires a plan: Success after an exit depends on preparing for what's next, not just closing the deal

Identity extends beyond your company: Great leaders separate who they are from the businesses they build

Coaching accelerates transitions: Experienced advisors help leaders navigate unfamiliar stages of growth

Relationships open doors: Strong professional networks often lead to the best board opportunities

Show up as the person you want to become: Confidence and preparation shape how others perceive your leadership

Legacy is built intentionally: Long-term impact comes from making deliberate choices throughout your career

[00:00:00] Introduction to Naomi Kent and Boardroom Company

[00:02:00] Why board careers should begin earlier than most people think

[00:03:00] The leadership benefits of serving on boards

[00:04:00] Redefining retirement through purpose and contribution

[00:06:00] How boards support companies through different growth stages

[00:07:00] Common fears entrepreneurs face when exiting a business

[00:09:00] Building a personal brand beyond your company

[00:11:00] Planning successful business exits from the seller's perspective

[00:15:00] Creating a meaningful life after full-time leadership

[00:17:00] Why coaches and mentors accelerate executive growth

[00:20:00] Building the right support team around business owners

[00:22:00] Trust, relationships, and choosing the right advisors

[00:26:00] Lessons learned from executives who missed board opportunities

[00:29:00] What it takes to become board-ready

[00:33:00] Final advice for building a purposeful board career

[00:35:00] Closing reflections on preparation and opportunity

Grace Redman, award-winning entrepreneur and executive success coach, joins Eunicia Peret for a powerful conversation about the mindset shifts that separate successful entrepreneurs from truly fulfilled ones. Drawing from decades of experience building businesses and coaching executives, Grace explains how unconscious beliefs, self-worth, and fear often become the invisible barriers that prevent leaders from reaching their next level. Together, they explore manifestation, investing in personal growth, building the right support system, and why success is about more than financial achievement. This episode is a reminder that lasting growth begins on the inside and that the greatest breakthroughs happen when we become willing to challenge the stories we've been telling ourselves.

Your beliefs shape your success: The stories you tell yourself determine the results you create

Self-worth drives decision-making: Many business challenges begin with limiting beliefs, not lack of strategy

You don't have to build success alone: Great leaders surround themselves with trusted advisors and mentors

Mindset comes before systems: The best strategies only work when your beliefs support them

Being present creates opportunity: Focusing on the present moment opens the door to greater possibilities

Investing in yourself changes everything: Personal growth creates returns that extend far beyond business

Fear and intuition are not the same: Learning to distinguish between them leads to better decisions

Success includes fulfillment: Financial achievement means little without peace, purpose, and strong relationships

Growth requires new thinking: The mindset that got you here won't take you to your next level

Impact creates lasting success: Businesses thrive when they create value for clients, teams, and communities alike

[00:00:00] Introduction to Grace Redman and her coaching journey

[00:02:00] Why executives struggle despite outward success

[00:04:00] Understanding self-worth and limiting beliefs

[00:06:00] Staying open to growth and new possibilities

[00:08:00] Building businesses through trust and alignment

[00:10:00] Manifestation, vision, and intentional growth

[00:12:00] Why asking "Who?" changes everything

[00:14:00] The importance of coaches, mentors, and accountability

[00:16:00] Outgrowing old beliefs and old strategies

[00:18:00] Breaking through fear around investing in yourself

[00:20:00] Closing the gap between present and future success

[00:22:00] Why mindset comes before systems and processes

[00:24:00] Shifting from stress to possibility

[00:26:00] Lessons learned from balancing family and entrepreneurship

[00:28:00] Presence, fulfillment, and creating an elevated life

[00:31:00] Final reflections on investing in yourself and taking action

Darren Reeves, founder of a boutique medical device regulatory consulting firm with nearly four decades of industry experience, joins Eunicia Peret to share the lessons he's learned from building a successful consulting business in one of the world's most highly regulated industries. Their conversation goes far beyond regulatory compliance, exploring entrepreneurship, networking, pricing based on value instead of hours, building long-term client relationships, and why investing in expertise is often the fastest path to growth. Darren also discusses major changes in FDA regulations, the importance of proactive planning, and how business owners can avoid costly mistakes by surrounding themselves with the right advisors. Whether you're a consultant, entrepreneur, or business owner, this episode offers practical insights on scaling a business while creating lasting value for clients.

Relationships drive long-term success: People invest in those who make their lives easier, not just technical expertise

Invest in yourself early: Learning from experienced mentors accelerates growth and avoids costly mistakes

Value beats hourly billing: Pricing based on outcomes creates better results for both clients and consultants

Focus on your highest-value work: Delegate lower-value tasks so you can spend more time serving clients

Proactive planning saves money: Waiting until problems arise almost always costs more than preparing ahead

Collaboration creates better outcomes: The best advisors work together rather than operating in silos

Perfection can become the enemy of progress: Delivering great work on time is often more valuable than chasing perfection

Networking compounds over time: Strong professional relationships create opportunities that money can't buy

Regulatory change rewards preparation: Businesses that adapt early gain a significant competitive advantage

Serve first, profits follow: Sustainable businesses are built by consistently delivering meaningful value to clients

[00:00:00] Introduction to Darren Reeves and his career in medical devices

[00:02:00] Leaving corporate leadership to build a consulting business

[00:04:00] Finding mentors and investing in personal growth

[00:06:00] Transitioning from solopreneur to entrepreneur

[00:08:00] Why client relationships matter more than technical expertise

[00:10:00] Moving beyond hourly billing to value-based consulting

[00:12:00] Building recurring revenue through retainer relationships

[00:14:00] Investing in experts instead of doing everything yourself

[00:16:00] The importance of proactive tax and business planning

[00:20:00] Why coordinated advisors create better business outcomes

[00:25:00] Major regulatory changes affecting medical device companies

[00:28:00] Helping companies right-size compliance systems

[00:30:00] Lessons learned from chasing perfection

[00:32:00] The power of networking and long-term relationships

[00:34:00] AI, human expertise, and the future of professional services

[00:36:00] Final thoughts on collaboration and continuous growth

Tony Snow, founder and CEO of Parrot MD, joins Eunicia Peret to discuss how technology is reshaping physician staffing while giving doctors greater flexibility, transparency, and control over their careers. Frustrated by outdated locum tenens models filled with recruiters, hidden markups, and inefficient processes, Tony built Parrot MD to connect hospitals directly with physicians through a transparent marketplace. The conversation explores physician burnout, staffing shortages, entrepreneurial leadership, and why giving physicians more autonomy benefits not only doctors but hospitals and patients alike. Tony also shares lessons from building a startup, the importance of staying focused on solving one problem exceptionally well, and why execution, not just ideas, is what ultimately creates meaningful change.

Transparency builds trust: Removing middlemen creates better outcomes for both physicians and hospitals

Physicians deserve more control: Flexible staffing models allow doctors to design careers that fit their lives

Burnout often stems from lack of autonomy: More choice creates healthier, longer-lasting careers

Technology should simplify, not complicate: Smart platforms eliminate unnecessary friction and inefficiency

Startups succeed by solving one problem well: Focus creates momentum before expansion

Execution matters more than ideas: Great businesses are built through disciplined implementation

Don't be afraid to pivot: Listening to customers often reveals bigger opportunities than the original vision

Word-of-mouth is the strongest validation: Exceptional experiences naturally create growth

Stay focused before scaling: Master one niche before expanding into others

Purpose drives long-term success: Building something meaningful creates stronger companies than chasing money alone

[00:00:00] Introduction to Tony Snow and Parrot MD

[00:02:00] How the original idea behind Parrot MD evolved

[00:03:00] The hidden problems with traditional physician staffing

[00:05:00] How recruiter-driven locum models create inefficiencies

[00:07:00] Building transparency through technology

[00:09:00] Giving physicians more flexibility and control

[00:11:00] Expanding the platform beyond emergency medicine

[00:13:00] Building physician pods and local staffing networks

[00:15:00] Overcoming resistance to innovation in healthcare

[00:17:00] Helping reduce physician burnout through flexibility

[00:20:00] Supporting physicians beyond clinical work

[00:22:00] Lessons learned from scaling a healthcare startup

[00:24:00] Why startups must stay focused before expanding

[00:26:00] Biggest entrepreneurial lesson: execution over ideas

[00:29:00] Building a mission-driven company with long-term purpose

[00:31:00] Final reflections on changing healthcare staffing for the better

Dr. Ioana Pasca, anesthesiologist, neurointensivist, researcher, and medical educator, joins Eunicia Peret to discuss one of the most overlooked drivers of long-term success: mentorship and sponsorship. Reflecting on her own journey from first-generation immigrant to physician and educator, Ioana shares how one conversation with a medical resident shaped her future and why the right mentors can completely change the trajectory of a career. The conversation explores the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, how physicians and professionals can intentionally build meaningful networks, and why investing in yourself, through coaching, community, and personal growth, is often the missing piece to avoiding burnout and reaching your full potential. This episode is a powerful reminder that no one succeeds alone, and that the right people can open doors you never knew existed.

One mentor can change your life: A single conversation can completely alter your career trajectory

Mentors and sponsors serve different roles: Mentors guide you, while sponsors actively create opportunities for you

Community accelerates growth: Relationships built through committees, organizations, and service create lifelong opportunities

You must invest in yourself: Coaching, education, and personal development are essential, not optional, for long-term success

Burnout often comes from constant overdrive: High achievers must intentionally create space to rest and reflect

Not every outcome is within your control: Learning to separate effort from outcome creates peace and resilience

Great mentors challenge you: The best mentors encourage growth rather than keeping you comfortable

Service creates opportunity: Giving your time and expertise often leads to unexpected doors opening

Support networks matter: Success is rarely achieved alone, it grows through trusted relationships

Slowing down is productive: Rest, reflection, and intentional living often lead to better long-term performance

[00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Ioana Pasca and her background

[00:02:00] The childhood moment that inspired a medical career

[00:03:00] Why mentorship matters for first-generation professionals

[00:05:00] Mentorship vs. sponsorship: understanding the difference

[00:07:00] Finding mentors through professional societies and committees

[00:09:00] Building networks through service and collaboration

[00:11:00] Why relationships create future opportunities

[00:13:00] Investing in coaching and personal development

[00:15:00] Physician burnout and the challenge of slowing down

[00:17:00] The importance of supportive communities

[00:19:00] Lessons from the Blue Zones and intentional living

[00:21:00] Creating healthier physician cultures and support systems

[00:23:00] Biggest lesson: not every outcome is under your control

[00:25:00] Letting go of self-blame and embracing growth

[00:27:00] Why mentorship builds future generations of leaders

[00:30:00] Final reflections on community, joy, and lifelong learning

Dr. Jeff Kwok returns for Part 2 of his conversation with Eunicia Peret to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing physicians and other high-performing professionals: creating a sustainable career without sacrificing personal wellbeing. Together, they explore how medicine can evolve to support greater flexibility, healthier work environments, and more intentional career paths while maintaining exceptional patient care. The discussion also dives into leadership, organizational culture, professional fulfillment, and why embracing change requires trust, communication, and collaboration. Through personal stories and practical examples, Jeff shares how stepping outside of traditional career expectations helped him discover new opportunities for growth, leadership, and impact. Whether you're a physician, entrepreneur, or executive, this episode offers valuable lessons on building a career that serves both your purpose and your life.

Sustainability matters as much as performance: Long-term careers require balance, not constant sacrifice

Flexibility creates stronger organizations: Giving professionals more autonomy improves satisfaction and retention

Medicine can evolve without sacrificing quality: Innovation and patient care can coexist

Great leadership requires trust: Lasting change begins with relationships, not authority

Different perspectives strengthen organizations: Progress comes from combining traditional wisdom with new ideas

Growth often follows disappointment: Career setbacks frequently lead to better long-term opportunities

You don't have to fit one career mold: Your strengths may lead you beyond your original path

Understanding other disciplines makes you a better leader: Business knowledge strengthened Jeff's medical leadership

Community creates resilience: Collaboration reduces isolation and supports professional fulfillment

Invest in yourself before burnout forces you to: Personal development is part of professional excellence

[00:00:00] Supporting physicians through trust and emotional resilience

[00:02:00] Why part-time career models create healthier organizations

[00:04:00] Challenging traditional assumptions in medicine

[00:06:00] Creating space for work-life integration

[00:08:00] Thinking inside the box—and outside of it

[00:10:00] Bridging generational differences in healthcare

[00:12:00] Collaboration between medicine and business

[00:14:00] Looking beyond salary when evaluating career opportunities

[00:16:00] Organizational culture and long-term fulfillment

[00:18:00] Why sustainable careers require intentional design

[00:20:00] Career disappointment that led to unexpected growth

[00:22:00] Choosing business school after missing a fellowship opportunity

[00:24:00] Learning leadership through business education

[00:26:00] Finding purpose beyond a single career path

[00:27:00] Final reflections on investing in yourself and creating lasting impact

Dr. Jeff Kwok, practicing anesthesiologist and physician leader, joins Eunicia Peret for a thoughtful conversation about the hidden challenges facing physicians and high-performing professionals beyond the operating room. Drawing from his leadership within the California Society of Anesthesiologists, Jeff explains why clinical excellence alone is no longer enough and why financial literacy, mentorship, career sustainability, and personal well-being must become part of every physician's education. Together, they explore how burnout develops, why many physicians delay investing in themselves, and how creating the right support systems can lead to healthier careers and more fulfilling lives. While the conversation is rooted in medicine, the lessons apply equally to entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone striving for long-term success without sacrificing themselves along the way.

Clinical excellence isn't enough: Long-term success also requires financial literacy, leadership, and personal development

Burnout begins long before people recognize it: Constant overachievement often masks deeper challenges

Financial education creates freedom: Understanding money expands career and life choices

Mentorship accelerates growth: Learning from experienced professionals shortens the path to success

You don't need to become the expert in everything: Surround yourself with trusted specialists instead of trying to master every field yourself

Professional societies create opportunity: Networking and service open doors that technical skills alone cannot

Culture matters: Organizations should invest in the whole person, not just professional performance

Small improvements compound over time: Early financial and personal decisions have lifelong effects

Trust is essential: The right advisors help professionals focus on their zone of genius

Sustainable success requires balance: Career fulfillment comes from investing in both your profession and yourself

[00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Jeff Kwok and his background

[00:01:00] Discovering purpose through teaching and medicine

[00:03:00] Leadership within the California Society of Anesthesiologists

[00:04:00] Why physician education must extend beyond medicine

[00:06:00] Financial literacy and the time value of money

[00:08:00] Supporting trainees with non-clinical education

[00:10:00] Burnout, work-life balance, and physician wellbeing

[00:12:00] Building sustainable careers through intentional choices

[00:14:00] Why physicians often neglect their own financial health

[00:16:00] Understanding opportunity cost throughout a medical career

[00:18:00] Learning from business and applying it to medicine

[00:20:00] Creating healthier organizational cultures

[00:22:00] Connecting physicians with trusted experts and resources

[00:24:00] Supporting mental health without stigma

[00:25:00] Helping physicians thrive personally and professionally

[00:26:00] Final reflections on mentorship, trust, and lifelong growth

Brian Kannard, USA Today and Los Angeles Times bestselling ghostwriter and co-owner of Taylor Street Art and Books, joins Eunicia Peret to explore the true value of storytelling in business and life. Drawing from decades of experience in business, publishing, and ghostwriting, Brian shares why books are more than marketing tools, they're trust builders, legacy builders, and business accelerators. Together, they discuss the realities of self-publishing, ghostwriting, defining success on your own terms, and why entrepreneurs often hold themselves back by trying to do everything themselves. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about knowing your strengths, investing in the right experts, and understanding that every entrepreneur has a story worth telling.

Every business has a story: Your story builds trust far more effectively than facts alone

Define your own measure of success: Success should be based on your values, not someone else's expectations

Books establish credibility: Publishing a book positions you as an authority in your industry

Not every entrepreneur should write alone: Ghostwriters and publishing professionals help bring ideas to life

Investing in experts saves time: Paying professionals often creates far greater returns than doing everything yourself

Boundaries create better work: Protecting your time allows you to deliver your highest-quality results

Hubris limits growth: Staying teachable creates more opportunities than believing you already know everything

Your story is valuable: Someone else can benefit from experiences you've already lived through

Business grows through trust: Authenticity and transparency create stronger client relationships

Learning never stops: Even experts should remain students of their craft

[00:00:00] Introduction to Brian Kannard and his background

[00:01:00] From business management to publishing and ghostwriting

[00:03:00] Learning publishing through self-publishing mistakes

[00:04:00] Becoming a bestselling ghostwriter

[00:05:00] Opening Taylor Street Art and Books in Nashville

[00:06:00] Why entrepreneurs should consider writing a book

[00:07:00] Defining your personal measure of success

[00:09:00] Storytelling as a business advantage

[00:11:00] Building trust through books and authentic stories

[00:13:00] Why hiring experts is an investment, not an expense

[00:15:00] Setting healthy boundaries with clients

[00:17:00] Codependency in business relationships

[00:19:00] Why "not a good fit" can be the right answer

[00:21:00] Long-term trust versus transactional business

[00:23:00] Entrepreneurship, confidence, and continual learning

[00:25:00] Biggest lesson: overcoming hubris and staying teachable

[00:30:00] Why everyone has a story worth sharing

[00:32:00] Final reflections on legacy, courage, and authenticity

Rjon Robins, entrepreneur, author, and business strategist, joins Eunicia Peret for a candid conversation about one of the biggest hidden profit leaks affecting successful business owners: the lack of true tax strategy. Drawing from decades of experience helping professional service firms build more profitable businesses, Rjon explains why most entrepreneurs unknowingly confuse tax preparation with tax planning, and how that mistake can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. Together, they explore the differences between financial accountants, management accountants, tax strategists, and financial advisors, while challenging the assumptions many business owners make about the professionals they trust. This episode is a powerful reminder that building wealth requires more than earning income, it requires assembling the right team and approaching financial strategy with humility, curiosity, and intention.

Tax preparation is not tax strategy: Filing taxes correctly is very different from proactively reducing taxes

Different professionals serve different purposes: CPAs, tax strategists, CFOs, and financial advisors each play distinct roles

You don't know what you don't know: The biggest financial losses often come from blind spots, not bad intentions

Successful people still need specialists: Expertise in one field doesn't translate into expertise in another

Waiting until tax season is too late: Effective tax strategy happens throughout the year, not during tax filing

The right team creates exponential value: Collaboration between experts protects and grows wealth

Being wrong feels exactly like being right: Awareness is often the first step toward meaningful change

As your wealth grows, your strategies must evolve: Higher income unlocks more sophisticated planning opportunities

Humility creates opportunity: The best entrepreneurs remain lifelong learners

Profit leaks hide in plain sight: Small strategic improvements can create massive long-term wealth

[00:00:00] Why poor tax strategy can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars

[00:01:00] Introduction to Rjon Robins and today's discussion

[00:03:00] Entrepreneurs vs. technical professionals: thinking like a business owner

[00:05:00] The difference between financial accountants and management accountants

[00:06:00] Why most successful people don't realize they have a tax problem

[00:08:00] Understanding the role of a true tax strategist

[00:10:00] Why your CPA may not be the right person for tax planning

[00:12:00] How blind spots quietly drain wealth

[00:14:00] Recognizing when you've outgrown your advisory team

[00:16:00] Why annual tax strategy meetings matter

[00:18:00] Common misconceptions about deductions and tax planning

[00:20:00] Strategic planning throughout the year vs. tax season preparation

[00:23:00] Building the right team of advisors around your business

[00:26:00] Treating wealth like a business, not an afterthought

[00:28:00] Why sophisticated strategies evolve with higher income

[00:31:00] Adopting the mindset of a lifelong learner

[00:33:00] Final advice: stop letting ego prevent financial growth