Your Business – Your Next Level

Patrick Hanegan, talent acquisition leader and founder, joins Eunicia Peret to discuss what recruiting, hiring, and team building really look like in a rapidly evolving world shaped by AI. Having helped scale companies from startup to IPO and built teams across multiple countries, Patrick brings a unique perspective on how businesses can attract, retain, and develop elite talent. The conversation explores the challenges founders face when building high-performance teams, the shifting expectations of employees, and how AI is transforming both recruiting and workplace productivity. Patrick also shares lessons from his own entrepreneurial journey, including the importance of empathy, personal growth, and helping people unlock their full potential. This episode is a practical guide for business owners looking to build stronger teams while preparing for the future of work.

AI is changing recruiting faster than most people realize: Companies and candidates who adapt early will have an advantage

Top talent is still difficult to find: Even the biggest companies compete for the same high performers

Opportunity matters more than compensation: The best candidates evaluate long-term growth potential, not just salary

Employees need tools, not just expectations: Investing in technology and development improves outcomes

Personal growth starts with the individual: Employers can support growth, but employees must want it for themselves

Empathy is a leadership skill: Understanding where people are helps unlock their potential

Working harder isn’t always the answer: Sometimes slowing down creates better results

AI can eliminate unnecessary work: Many repetitive tasks no longer require human effort

Challenges create the biggest learning opportunities: Growth often comes from solving difficult problems

Balance matters: Sustainable success requires periods of both intensity and reflection

[00:00:00] Introduction to Patrick Hanegan and his recruiting background

[00:01:00] Early experiences in talent acquisition and startups

[00:03:00] Startup recruiting vs. large-company recruiting

[00:04:00] Why top talent remains difficult to hire

[00:05:00] Retention challenges and workforce shifts since COVID

[00:06:00] AI’s impact on recruiting and talent acquisition

[00:08:00] How AI changes candidate marketability

[00:10:00] Recruiting trends for 2026 and beyond

[00:11:00] Why AI requires investment and intentional learning

[00:13:00] Human expertise vs. AI-generated information

[00:14:00] Using AI strategically inside organizations

[00:16:00] Industry-specific differences in AI adoption

[00:17:00] Eliminating unnecessary work through automation

[00:18:00] Biggest lesson learned: expectations and leadership

[00:20:00] Personal development and employee growth

[00:22:00] The importance of empathy in leadership

[00:24:00] Balancing high performance with sustainability

[00:26:00] Why slowing down sometimes creates faster growth

[00:27:00] Final thoughts on AI and embracing challenges

Jeff Stevens, leader of one of the nation’s fastest-growing home care organizations, joins Eunicia Peret for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, caregiving, and building a values-driven company at scale. With more than 72 offices across 23 states and thousands of caregivers serving families every day, Jeff shares how compassion, humility, and human connection remain at the center of everything his organization does. Together, they explore the emotional realities of aging, the challenges families face when caring for loved ones, and why asking for help is often one of the strongest decisions a person can make. The discussion also expands into leadership, culture, and how creating a business that truly serves people requires a commitment to empathy, self-awareness, and long-term thinking.

Caregiving impacts entire families: Supporting one person often transforms the lives of everyone around them

Aging with dignity matters: Maintaining independence and comfort improves quality of life

Asking for help is a strength: The right support can relieve stress and preserve important relationships

Culture starts with leadership: Organizations reflect the values and character of their leaders

Differences create strength: Diverse perspectives improve teams, relationships, and decision-making

Compassion scales: Large organizations can maintain heart and humanity when values remain central

Comparison steals joy: Success should be measured against your own values, not someone else’s life

Regret teaches awareness: Looking back can help us become more intentional moving forward

Focus on what you can control: Your reactions and choices shape your experience more than circumstances

The reward is the work itself: Living in alignment with your values is success on its own

[00:00:00] Introduction to Jeff Stevens and his home care organization

[00:02:00] The realities of aging and in-home caregiving

[00:03:00] Preserving dignity and independence for seniors

[00:04:00] How caregivers become part of the family

[00:05:00] The impact of caregiving on family dynamics

[00:06:00] Why many people prefer aging at home

[00:08:00] Building a values-driven company at scale

[00:09:00] Leadership, culture, and Appalachian values

[00:11:00] How leaders shape organizational behavior

[00:12:00] Accepting different worldviews and perspectives

[00:14:00] Why empathy and inclusion matter in leadership

[00:16:00] Supporting families through difficult transitions

[00:18:00] Asking for help and overcoming resistance

[00:20:00] Reflections on regret and life lessons

[00:22:00] Learning from missed opportunities to connect with others

[00:25:00] Why comparison creates unhappiness

[00:28:00] The importance of focusing inward instead of outward

[00:31:00] Being proud of your own path and choices

[00:34:00] Final thoughts on joy, leadership, and living intentionally

Rae Taggett, transformational business strategist, bestselling author, and co-founder of Evolved Podcasting, joins Eunicia Peret to explore the intersection of AI, storytelling, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Rae shares how a season of personal adversity, including a devastating injury, a forced move, and major business pivots, became the catalyst for embracing AI in a way that created more freedom, alignment, and impact. Together, they discuss why entrepreneurs are often trapped doing work that technology can handle, how AI can create space for more meaningful human connection, and why storytelling remains one of the most powerful business tools available. This episode is a refreshing perspective on using technology not to replace humanity, but to amplify it.

AI should create freedom, not replace people: The goal is more human connection, not less

Most entrepreneurs are efficient at the wrong things: High performers often spend too much time on repetitive tasks

Storytelling builds trust and authority: People connect with authentic experiences, not perfect scripts

Space creates innovation: New ideas emerge when you stop filling every moment with activity

AI is a tool, not a replacement: Human creativity and relationships remain irreplaceable

Adversity often creates opportunity: Some of the biggest breakthroughs come from unexpected challenges

Values should drive business decisions: Technology should support your mission, not define it

Alignment matters: Businesses grow faster when founders operate from their strengths and passions

Start sharing your story before you feel ready: Impact grows through practice and repetition

Capacity creates possibility: When you remove low-value tasks, new opportunities emerge naturally

[00:00:00] Introduction to Rae Taggett and her background

[00:02:00] Building a podcast agency and serving major brands

[00:03:00] Discovering AI and early skepticism

[00:04:00] Family life, entrepreneurship, and adapting to change

[00:05:00] Injury, adversity, and unexpected business pivots

[00:06:00] Going all-in on AI and redesigning life around freedom

[00:08:00] Helping founders reclaim time through AI

[00:09:00] Why storytelling remains essential in the AI era

[00:11:00] Starting small and building confidence through storytelling

[00:13:00] Human connection vs. AI-generated content

[00:15:00] The difference between efficiency and effectiveness

[00:17:00] What founders are doing that AI should be doing

[00:19:00] Creating space for values, family, and creativity

[00:20:00] Unlocking new revenue streams through AI

[00:22:00] The dangers of removing the human element

[00:24:00] AI for good: balancing innovation and connection

[00:25:00] Creating the AI Adventuremind experience

[00:27:00] Entrepreneurship, music, and personal passions

[00:29:00] Biggest lesson: don’t abandon what makes you feel alive

[00:30:00] Final reflections on space, creativity, and growth

Tammy McMahan, founder of Alone at Home Pet Services, joins Eunicia Peret for an eye-opening conversation about the hidden realities of pet boarding, the emotional and physical impact it can have on animals, and why many pet owners unknowingly create stress for both themselves and their pets while traveling. Drawing from decades of experience in veterinary medicine and in-home pet care, Tammy explains how traditional boarding environments often trigger anxiety, illness, and behavioral issues in pets, especially when owners are away for extended periods. Beyond pet care, this episode expands into a broader discussion on trust, due diligence, and the importance of researching the people and businesses you rely on. Whether you’re a pet owner, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to make better decisions in life and business, this conversation offers practical wisdom about observation, research, and building systems of care that truly work.

Pets experience stress long before boarding begins: Animals recognize travel patterns and can develop anxiety before leaving home

Boarding environments often create hidden health issues: Stress can weaken immune systems and lead to illness after returning home

Not all care environments are the same: Every pet has unique emotional and behavioral needs

Human connection matters in animal care: Pets thrive with familiarity, routine, and individualized attention

Do your own research: Don’t rely solely on online reviews or advertising when choosing care providers

Background checks and referrals matter: Trusted recommendations from veterinarians and professionals are invaluable

Marketing doesn’t always reflect reality: Great advertising can hide operational problems

Checks and balances apply everywhere: Whether finances, healthcare, or pet care, systems matter

Business owners often underestimate lifestyle impact: Entrepreneurship changes family time, holidays, and personal priorities

Observe how people behave: Body language, eye contact, and attentiveness reveal more than words

[00:00:00] Introduction to Tammy McMahan and her background

[00:01:00] Why traditional pet boarding often creates stress

[00:02:00] How pets recognize travel and separation anxiety

[00:03:00] Behavioral and emotional impacts of boarding environments

[00:04:00] Stress-induced health problems in pets

[00:05:00] The hidden veterinary costs after boarding

[00:06:00] Why individualized care matters for pets

[00:07:00] How to find trustworthy pet care providers

[00:08:00] The importance of veterinarian referrals and background checks

[00:09:00] Why not all “good reviews” tell the full story

[00:10:00] Marketing, perception, and asking the right questions

[00:12:00] Comparing pet care trust to financial trust

[00:14:00] Checks and balances in life and business

[00:15:00] Biggest regret: not fully researching the business lifestyle

[00:16:00] Entrepreneurship, family sacrifices, and personal balance

[00:17:00] Employee management and learning through experience

[00:18:00] The importance of asking difficult questions

[00:19:00] Why eye contact and observation matter when choosing providers

[00:20:00] Final advice: research thoroughly and trust your instincts

Gordon G.G. Gebert, founder and commissioner of the National Pickleball League, joins Eunicia Peret for a lively and deeply insightful conversation about entrepreneurship, branding, resilience, and the explosive rise of pickleball. A former touring rock musician who played alongside legendary artists including Ace Frehley of KISS, Gordon shares how he transitioned from the music world into building one of the fastest-growing competitive pickleball leagues in the country. Along the way, he reveals the realities behind sports investments, sponsorships, legal battles, and the importance of doing your homework before jumping into any opportunity. More than anything, this episode is about relationships, authenticity, and building businesses with integrity while staying true to yourself.

Pickleball exploded because it’s accessible: The game is easy to learn, social, and immediately enjoyable

Not every trending business is a smart investment: Many pickleball court businesses may struggle long-term due to oversaturation and overhead

Do your homework before investing: Excitement and hype should never replace proper due diligence

Relationships matter more than quick wins: Building trust over time creates stronger long-term partnerships

Sponsorships should benefit both sides: Gordon focuses on growing alongside sponsors instead of demanding upfront money

Persistence beats intimidation: He fought through a four-year legal battle to protect the NPL brand

Grassroots growth creates stronger foundations: Organic word-of-mouth growth helped validate the league model

Business principles apply across industries: Lessons from the music industry translated directly into sports entrepreneurship

Observe how people treat others: Character is revealed in everyday interactions, especially with service workers

Life experiences shape perspective: Even setbacks and difficult moments contribute to personal growth and wisdom

[00:00:00] Introduction to Gordon G.G. Gebert and the National Pickleball League

[00:02:00] Transitioning from rock music into pickleball

[00:03:00] Discovering pickleball and becoming obsessed with the game

[00:05:00] Why pickleball became America’s fastest-growing sport

[00:06:00] Pickleball as a social and business networking activity

[00:07:00] Investing in pickleball clubs and the realities of the business

[00:09:00] Seasonal economics and keeping clubs profitable

[00:10:00] Business opportunities surrounding pickleball

[00:11:00] Inventing the Slam Master Pro training paddle

[00:12:00] Shark Tank interest and entrepreneurial momentum

[00:14:00] Investment discernment and avoiding hype-driven decisions

[00:15:00] Building the National Pickleball League from scratch

[00:17:00] Sponsorship philosophy and win-win partnerships

[00:19:00] Four-year trademark lawsuit and protecting the NPL brand

[00:21:00] Grassroots growth and word-of-mouth expansion

[00:22:00] Crazy Eddie, entrepreneurship, and lessons from business scandals

[00:24:00] Thoughts on investing, Bitcoin, and financial caution

[00:27:00] Reflecting on regrets, gratitude, and a “charmed life”

[00:31:00] Treating people well and recognizing character

[00:34:00] Final reflections on relationships, observation, and purpose

Cost savings can move the bottom line faster than chasing more sales. William McKissock joins host Eunicia Peret to break down how leaders can become more intentional about operational efficiency by studying the profit and loss, understanding vendor models, and building visibility into money that quietly leaks out of the business. They discuss where savings often hide, including telecom, shipping, and waste, why vendor negotiations are hard without benchmarking, and how internal gatekeeping can block meaningful improvements. William also shares a personal lesson from building a service business and why not hiring soon enough can cap growth, then closes with a reminder to try, fail, and keep moving.

Key Takeaways

A business can obsess over revenue and still underperform if it ignores the money going out the door.

William frames cost reduction as a growth lever, and shares a benchmark that a 5% cost reduction can equal 30% increased sales.

Vendor management improves when leaders understand how vendors make money, what is changing in their industries, and what peers are paying.

Telecom has many moving parts, which makes it one of the easiest places for costs to drift and hardest for teams to control without deep expertise.

Shipping and waste can be major cost centers, and waste in particular can show large percentage savings when contracts and service levels are right-sized.

Internal resistance often comes from fear of what an outside review will reveal, and owners do better when they focus on the bigger picture.

A common entrepreneurial regret is waiting too long to hire, which keeps the owner trapped in delivery and slows the path to scale.

Timeline

Early

00:00:00 Show intro and the podcast promise for business owners

00:01:00 William’s background, Scotland to Tampa Bay, and a decade focused on cost reduction

00:02:00 Moving to the US in 2011 and trying multiple businesses before finding his current lane

00:04:00 Eunicia frames cost reduction as legacy preservation and intentional growth

Middle

00:05:00 “Look at your profit and loss,” and why outgoing cash matters as much as incoming sales

00:06:00 The Gartner benchmark, 5% cost reduction compared to 30% increased sales

00:08:00 Where costs hide and why vendor negotiation is hard without knowing what others pay

00:09:00 Studying vendors, technology shifts, and how knowledge improves negotiation outcomes

00:12:00 Big opportunity areas named, telecom, shipping, and waste, plus payroll tax mentions

Late

00:16:00 Mindset and objections, why some teams resist external reviews even when savings are possible

00:19:00 How to reduce fear with owners, focusing on missing knowledge rather than blame

00:24:00 William’s regret from early entrepreneurship, not hiring at the right time

00:28:00 Closing advice, do not be afraid to fail, and take the step to try

Rising homeowners premiums are reshaping what builders can sell and what buyers can afford. Treacy Duerfeldt joins host Eunicia Peret to translate insurance into plain language, from why climate-driven losses are pushing rates up to how new construction built to modern code can be priced more fairly. They also explore captive insurance as a way for builders to self-insure strategically, discuss resilience upgrades that can make legacy homes more insurable, and close with hard-earned lessons on partnerships and the principle “trust but verify”, including what to watch for when insurers look strong on paper.

Key Takeaways

Insurance and construction often talk past each other, so simplifying the jargon and asking better questions can change outcomes.

Captive insurance can turn “money set aside in the bank” into a structured approach to risk, with governance and proper oversight.

As premiums rise, affordability becomes the bottleneck, and insurance costs can price out buyers even when the home itself is in range.

Resiliency improvements for legacy homes, such as ember-resistant vents, fire-resistant roofing, and safer landscaping, can reduce risk and support insurability.

A carrier’s financial rating does not tell the whole story, because claims behavior and conduct matter as much as balance sheet strength.

Strategic partners and “one point of contact” setups add control risk, so keeping roles separate and avoiding commingled control protects the client.

Timeline

Early

00:00:00 Show intro and what “next level” means for business owners

00:01:00 Treacy’s background in insurance and construction, and “get the hay down where the goats can eat it”

00:03:00 What captive insurance is and how builders can insure risks they cannot place traditionally

Middle

00:06:00 The homeowners insurance affordability crisis across multiple states and what is driving premium spikes

00:09:00 New construction vs legacy homes, code resilience, and why pricing often does not reflect the risk difference

00:10:00 The role of government as a reinsurance backstop, and why primary insurance should stay private-sector

00:12:00 What legacy homeowners can do to improve resiliency and reduce exposure

Late

00:14:00 Surplus lines in California and how solutions can emerge outside standard market constraints

00:15:00 How reinsurance supports catastrophic capacity and why regulators review solvency arrangements

00:19:00 Why ratings can mislead, and how to combine financial strength with claims conduct signals

00:21:00 The “insurance company car” analogy, who drives decisions, and where claims fits

00:23:00 Treacy’s partnership regret, controlling the money, and letting go to refocus on success

00:28:00 Closing advice for entrepreneurs, “trust but verify”, and listening for silence in the answers

Gary Nicholson, co-founder of Marina Trace and seasoned operator of service-based businesses, joins Eunicia Peret to reveal how overlooked inefficiencies can unlock massive profitability. From his journey growing up on a ranch to serving in the Navy, working in corporate advertising, and ultimately buying and scaling businesses, Gary shares how he built a system for identifying hidden value in “boring” industries. This episode dives into how outdated processes, especially paper-heavy systems, silently drain time, money, and growth potential, and how simple technology and AI solutions can transform operations. If you’re a business owner looking to increase efficiency, scale smarter, and uncover hidden revenue, this conversation offers a practical and actionable playbook.

“Boring” businesses hold massive opportunity: Service-based industries often hide untapped profit potential

Inefficiencies are everywhere: Paper processes, outdated systems, and manual workflows slow growth

Technology is a force multiplier: Simple tools like CRMs and cloud systems can dramatically improve operations

AI can streamline sales processes: Automation can reduce time spent on estimates and repetitive tasks

Compounding is the real growth strategy: Small, consistent improvements lead to significant long-term results

You don’t need to reinvent everything: Incremental optimization often delivers the biggest wins

Buying the right business starts with people: Strong existing teams are key to maintaining continuity

Private equity can create inefficiencies: Over-optimization and cost-cutting can hurt customer experience

Corporate environments reward compliance, not efficiency: Entrepreneurs must think differently to scale

Execution beats intention: You either take action or you don’t, there is no “try”

[00:00:00] Introduction to Gary Nicholson and his background

[00:01:00] From ranch life to Navy to corporate advertising

[00:02:00] Transitioning into entrepreneurship and business ownership

[00:03:00] Identifying inefficiencies in service-based businesses

[00:04:00] Eliminating paper processes and moving to the cloud

[00:05:00] Using SaaS tools to streamline operations

[00:06:00] Applying AI to improve sales and estimation processes

[00:07:00] Expanding AI into professional services

[00:09:00] The power of compounding effort in business growth

[00:10:00] Taking risks and transitioning out of corporate

[00:12:00] Why “hope” and “try” are not strategies

[00:14:00] Learning businesses before acquiring them

[00:16:00] Pitfalls in buying and selling businesses

[00:18:00] Private equity and industry inefficiencies

[00:20:00] Customer experience breakdowns after acquisitions

[00:21:00] Corporate misalignment and inefficiency lessons

[00:23:00] Consulting approach: optimizing processes and systems

[00:25:00] Aligning teams through better collaboration tools

[00:26:00] Final advice: structure your time and focus on compounding

Henning Schwinum, founder of Vendux and leader in fractional sales leadership, joins Eunicia Peret to break down one of the most misunderstood growth levers in business: building the right sales leadership structure. With over 25 years of experience scaling sales teams globally, Henning shares how his own frustration as a fractional executive led him to create a company that now connects businesses with elite, part-time sales leaders. This episode dives into why most founder-led sales efforts eventually stall, the costly mistakes companies make when hiring or promoting sales leaders, and how fractional executives can solve specific growth problems without the overhead of full-time hires. If you’re a business owner looking to scale revenue without wasting time, money, or talent, this conversation provides a clear roadmap.

Founder-led sales eventually break down: What works early doesn’t scale without structure and process

Great salespeople don’t always make great leaders: Leadership requires a completely different skillset

Fractional executives solve specific problems: They are not placeholders, they are brought in for outcomes

Hiring without structure creates chaos: Sales teams need systems, playbooks, and consistency to scale

Do nothing is the worst strategy: Inaction keeps businesses stuck more than wrong action

You don’t need full-time leadership early on: Fractional roles allow access to high-level talent without full cost

“Rockstar” hires are a myth: Real success comes from experience in your exact scenario

Sales is a system, not a personality: Repeatable processes outperform individual talent over time

Communication determines success: Lack of alignment between founder and executive leads to failure

The right expertise accelerates growth: Bringing in someone who has solved your exact problem changes everything

[00:00:00] Introduction to Henning Schwinum and Vendux

[00:02:00] Transition from executor to entrepreneur

[00:03:00] The gap in fractional sales leadership

[00:04:00] What fractional executives actually do

[00:05:00] Why small companies benefit most from fractional roles

[00:06:00] Common mistakes in sales leadership hiring

[00:08:00] Why top salespeople don’t make great leaders

[00:09:00] Founder-led sales and its limitations

[00:10:00] Real-world sales challenges and use cases

[00:12:00] Building structure, process, and consistency in sales

[00:14:00] When to hire leadership vs. sales reps

[00:15:00] The right way to build a sales organization

[00:17:00] How to make fractional executives successful

[00:19:00] Why experience in your exact scenario matters

[00:20:00] The importance of communication and transparency

[00:22:00] Book: Right Sized, Right Skilled

[00:24:00] Building the Fractional Leadership Alliance

[00:27:00] Lessons from failed marketing and growth strategies

[00:31:00] Why doing nothing is the biggest risk

[00:33:00] Final advice: get the right help and take action

Brooke Erickson, functional nutritionist and creator of the Quantum Nourishment Framework, joins Eunicia Peret to explore why true health goes far beyond diet and supplements. Brooke shares her journey from personal loss and burnout to building a holistic approach that integrates nutrition, circadian rhythm, nervous system regulation, and energetic alignment. Together, they break down why so many high performers stay stuck in cycles of fatigue, stress, and chronic health issues, despite “doing everything right.” This episode challenges the obsession with quick fixes and instead highlights the power of foundational habits, self-awareness, and alignment. If you’re a driven professional looking to optimize your energy, health, and performance without burning out, this conversation offers a powerful new lens.

Shiny objects won’t fix foundational issues: Trends, supplements, and biohacks can’t replace core health habits

Circadian rhythm is the foundation of everything: Your body needs proper light exposure to regulate sleep, hormones, and energy

Nervous system health drives overall wellbeing: Chronic stress disrupts nearly every function in the body

Most people are dehydrated at a cellular level: Water without proper minerals doesn’t truly hydrate the body

Alignment matters more than effort: Taking action without alignment can create more stress and imbalance

Your environment shapes your health: Light exposure, routines, and daily habits directly impact your biology

You are your own best health advocate: Don’t blindly follow advice, stay curious and ask why

Burnout is often a misalignment problem: It’s not just workload, it’s how and why you’re operating

Small habits create massive change: Simple shifts like watching the sunrise can have profound effects

Health impacts every area of life: Energy, clarity, and alignment influence business, relationships, and success

[00:00:00] Introduction to Brooke Erickson and her background

[00:02:00] Personal journey into functional nutrition and health

[00:03:00] Burnout, recovery, and discovering deeper root causes

[00:04:00] Moving beyond physical health into mind-body connection

[00:05:00] The problem with chasing “shiny object” solutions

[00:06:00] Foundations of health: circadian rhythm, sleep, hydration

[00:07:00] Where to start: nervous system and circadian alignment

[00:08:00] Understanding the body’s internal “clock” system

[00:09:00] Advocating for yourself in your health journey

[00:11:00] Simple habit: watching the sunrise and its impact

[00:13:00] Nutrition, blood sugar, and hydration fundamentals

[00:14:00] Mineral balance and why water alone isn’t enough

[00:15:00] Energetic alignment and burnout patterns

[00:16:00] How misalignment affects health and decision-making

[00:17:00] Translating alignment into business and life

[00:19:00] Authenticity, growth, and stepping outside the “box”

[00:22:00] Real client transformation through simple habits

[00:24:00] Consistency and building resilience over time

[00:26:00] Lessons learned in business and structure

[00:27:00] Human design and understanding personal energy

[00:28:00] Final advice: take control of your health and start small