Ready Set Exec: The Podcast

Ready Set Exec Inc.

Overview: Welcome to Ready Set Exec, the podcast where executive search meets real leadership stories. Enjoy weekly conversations with Executives sharing insights, best practices and knowledge with John, the co-founder of Ready Set Exec Inc.—executive search in Sales, Marketing, HR, and Operations. What to Expect Each Episode: Conversations with Executives: Hear candid stories from accomplished leaders across Ready Set Exec’s network as they share lessons learned, pivotal career moves, and their outlook on the future of leadership. Industry Insights: Explore the trends shaping leadership in the fields Ready Set Exec knows best—how Sales leaders drive growth, how Marketing executives build brand momentum, how HR shapes culture, and how Operations keeps organizations moving. Talent Strategy Deep Dives: John reveals what he's learned about hiring executives who don’t just fit the role but elevate the business, by using a relationship-driven approach. Actionable Takeaways: Whether you’re a CEO, HR leader, or an executive shaping your next move, you’ll walk away with practical insights on attracting, retaining, and thriving as top talent. Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/ Patrick Shea LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExec Are you a C-level Exec and want to be a guest on the podcast ? email sales@readysetexec.com Check out our firm at Readysetexec.com or call us at 737-249-9572

  1. Allen Martinez: The Man Behind Shark Tank's Largest Exit on why 70% of AI Projects Fail | Ready Set Exec

    2 APR

    Allen Martinez: The Man Behind Shark Tank's Largest Exit on why 70% of AI Projects Fail | Ready Set Exec

    Most companies think they're saving time with AI. They're actually losing $200,000–$400,000 a year - and it doesn't show up on any report. Allen Martinez is the brand strategist behind Shark Tank's largest exit in history: turning Plated from near-bankruptcy into a $300M acquisition in just 18 months. Quentin Tarantino handpicked him to direct for his commercial division, deployed $25B in media for global brands, and has work in MoMA's permanent collection. Today, he's the founder of Noble Digital and creator of the Brand Experience AI Operating System (BX AI OS) - the constitutional governance framework for corporate AI. We cover the hidden cost of bad AI deployment, why 70% of AI projects fail, the 3 critical gaps destroying companies, and exactly what to do about it in the next 30 days. About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, boasting an average time-to-hire of 39 days and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 00:00 Who is Allen Martinez? The $300M Shark Tank exit 01:52 The Reconciliation Tax - the hidden $400K AI cost no one tracks 03:47 Onboard AI like a new employee - or it goes rogue 05:54 The 3 gaps killing every AI deployment 08:07 How to protect your company legally from AI mistakes 13:40 The Chevy Tahoe AI disaster - sold for $1 with zero guardrails 17:12 Why brand voice and performance are now the same code 23:36 Doers vs. architects - who survives the AI era 28:08 10-person companies will compete with Fortune 500s 34:02 30-day action plan for HR and business leaders Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecConnect with Allen Martinez: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/allenmartinezPrimary site: BXAIOS.comPersonal site: AllenMartinez.netAgency: NobleDigital.comSocial: linktr.ee/allenmartinezBook: The Brand Experience AI Operating /Free FIRST CHAPTER: https://bxaios.com/first-chapter-free/

    51 min
  2. Albert Butler: Mastering the CFO Mindset: How Effective CEOs Think About Money | Ready Set Exec

    26 MAR

    Albert Butler: Mastering the CFO Mindset: How Effective CEOs Think About Money | Ready Set Exec

    In this episode of Ready Set Exec, Host John Pezoulas sits down with Albert Butler, CPA, MBA (Partner at Banks, Finley, White & Co.). With 25+ years of merging technical excellence and purpose-driven leadership, Albert breaks down the full cycle of money for entrepreneurs: from idea to funding, scaling, and building generational wealth. Key Takeaways: The precise difference between earned and passive income for tax optimization.The 5 Muscles every CEO must develop to survive and scale.Why accounting is the undeniable heartbeat of every business.The destructive danger of executive ego and buying depreciating liabilities.Personal financial habits are the ultimate predictor of corporate success.About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, boasting an average 39-day time-to-hire and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction: Meet Top CPA & Risk Expert Albert Butler 00:01:08 - The Cycle of Money: How Capital Actually Works 00:04:36 - How to Read Financial Statements Like a Private Equity Investor 00:06:16 - The 5 Muscles Every CEO Must Build to Survive 00:12:08 - The "Wearing Too Many Hats" Trap & Why Micromanaging Fails 00:31:33 - Earned vs. Passive Income: The Secret to Tax Optimization 00:35:29 - The "Costco Effect" and the Psychology of Impulse Buying 00:45:38 - The Mega-Lease Disaster: Why Ego Destroys Profit Margins 00:48:20 - Final Thoughts on Checking Your Pride at the Door Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6clqPWbF2yFRlsFUOXY0CO?si=UuOAbZeiQMKpgSjV5Od5_gListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-exec-the-podcast/id1837951413Connect with Albert Butler: LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/butleralbert

    49 min
  3. Laura Patterson: Data that Drives Growth | Ready Set Exec

    20 MAR

    Laura Patterson: Data that Drives Growth | Ready Set Exec

    In this episode of Ready Set Exec, hosts John and Patrick sit down with Laura Patterson (President of VisionEdge Marketing and creator of Accelance®) to break down the exact frameworks required to measure true marketing ROI. Drawing from over two decades of experience, Laura exposes the reality of the modern "data deluge," why million-dollar PowerBI dashboards fail, and the critical difference between a vanity metric and a true KPI. For executives struggling to prove marketing's value to the board or navigating the risks of AI customer service, this data-driven masterclass is mandatory listening. Key Takeaways: How to measure true marketing ROI and build a genuinely customer-centric organization.The modern "data deluge" and why million-dollar PowerBI dashboards are abandoned in 30 days.The critical difference between a vanity measure, a metric, and a true KPI.How to build a B2B marketing attribution model using the "golf scorecard" metaphor.The AI commoditization risk: why relying heavily on chatbots can destroy brand loyalty.About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, boasting an average 39-day time-to-hire and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to Laura Patterson and VisionEdge Marketing 00:20 - The Data Firehose: Why More Information Doesn't Equal Better Decisions 03:37 - Why Million-Dollar PowerBI Dashboards Are Abandoned in 30 Days 04:50 - The Exact Difference Between a Vanity Measure, a Metric, and a KPI 07:44 - How to Build a B2B Marketing Attribution Model 15:10 - Product-Centric vs. Sales-Centric vs. Customer-Centric Organizations 19:04 - The "Circle of Traction" Framework for Unstoppable Business Growth 21:59 - The AI Commoditization Risk: Why Chatbots Are Destroying Brand Loyalty 28:44 - The Cracker Barrel Disaster: Why You Must Talk to Your Customers 33:37 - How to Build a Culture of Accountability Without Being Punitive 40:41 - The Change Management Secret to Making Frameworks Actually Work Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6clqPWbF2yFRlsFUOXY0CO?si=UuOAbZeiQMKpgSjV5Od5_gListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-exec-the-podcast/id1837951413Connect with Laura Patterson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurapattersonvem/

    45 min
  4. Gina Riley: The C-Suite Secret to Building a Unique Value Proposition (UVP) | Ready Set Exec

    13 MAR

    Gina Riley: The C-Suite Secret to Building a Unique Value Proposition (UVP) | Ready Set Exec

    In this episode of Ready Set Exec: Host John Pezoulas sits down with elite executive search consultant and career strategist Gina Riley (author of Qualified Isn't Enough). Gina dismantles the dangerous myth that a polished resume is enough to secure top-tier executive roles in today's market. Discover how to bypass transactional online applications, access the highly lucrative hidden job market, and build an undeniable Unique Value Proposition (UVP). For professionals at any level aiming to scale their career momentum and project unshakeable executive presence, this masterclass is mandatory listening. Key Takeaways: Why being merely qualified isn't enough and how to access the hidden C-Suite job market.The exact frameworks of the Career Velocity™ system and the RARE Candidate™ matrix.How to build an undeniable Unique Value Proposition (UVP) using CliftonStrengths.The strategic imperative of building a high-leverage professional network before you need one.Mastering high-stakes storytelling and the dreaded "Tell Me About Yourself" interview question.About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, with an average 39-day time-to-hire and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Gina Riley and Executive Career Strategy 00:02:15 - The Resume Trap: Why Being Qualified Isn't Enough Anymore 00:06:40 - How the "Hidden Job Market" Actually Works for C-Suite Roles 00:11:22 - Deconstructing the Career Velocity System for Senior Leaders 00:21:30 - How to Build Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) Scorecard 00:27:45 - Leveraging CliftonStrengths and UMAP to Define Your Brand 00:32:10 - The RARE Candidate Matrix: Becoming the Undeniable Choice 00:36:55 - Strategic Networking: How to Connect Without Asking for a Job 00:41:20 - Mastering the "Tell Me About Yourself" Interview Question 00:46:50 - Cultivating Executive Presence and High-Stakes Storytelling Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6clqPWbF2yFRlsFUOXY0CO?si=UuOAbZeiQMKpgSjV5Od5_gListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-exec-the-podcast/id1837951413Connect with Gina Riley: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/

    46 min
  5. Hernan Rein: The Hidden Cost of M&A and How to Build Global Corporate Cultures | Ready Set Exec

    6 MAR

    Hernan Rein: The Hidden Cost of M&A and How to Build Global Corporate Cultures | Ready Set Exec

    In this episode of Ready Set Exec: Host John Pezoulas sits down with Hernán Rein (CHRO at Fortifi Food Processing Solutions and former global CHRO of PerkinElmer). Drawing from 30+ years of experience and 15+ global acquisitions, Hernán breaks down the exact frameworks required to scale a multinational workforce and execute flawless post-merger integrations. Discover the stark differences between US and European HR models, the critical 6-to-18-month timeline for M&A cultural integration, and why traditional Time to Hire metrics are dangerously flawed. For leaders navigating international expansion or complex legacy integrations, this human capital masterclass is mandatory listening. Key Takeaways: Frameworks for scaling a multinational workforce and executing post-merger integrations.The stark differences between US compliance-driven HR models and European union relations.The critical 6-to-18-month timeline is required to stabilize M&A cultural integrations.Why traditional Time to Hire is a flawed metric and the shift to measuring Time to Performance.How advanced organizations utilize HRIS platforms like Workday to map Talent Density.About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, with an average 39-day time-to-hire and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Hernan Rein and Global HR Leadership 00:04:01 - US Labour Compliance vs. European Union Relations 00:08:46 - How to Build Trust Instantly in Foreign Corporate Cultures 00:14:23 - Why First-Generation Professionals Make the Best Global Executives 00:18:01 - The Decline of the Expensive Expat and Modern Global Mobility 00:22:12 - Mergers & Acquisitions: Why Cultural Integrations Fail 00:24:58 - The 6 to 18-Month Rule for M&A Stabilization 00:28:34 - The Truth About HRIS and Workday Implementations 00:32:28 - Stop Measuring Time to Hire - Focus on Time to Performance 00:35:08 - How to Build a Talent Density Map for Your Organization 00:39:09 - The True ROI of Corporate Learning & Development (L&D) Programs Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Connect with Hernán Rein: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hernanrein/

    43 min
  6. Scott Leese: The Brutal Truth About AI, Startups, & The Future of Sales | Ready Set Exec

    27 FEB

    Scott Leese: The Brutal Truth About AI, Startups, & The Future of Sales | Ready Set Exec

    In this episode of Ready Set Exec, host John Pezoulas sits down with 6x sales leader and 4x founder Scott Leese to break down the exact operational frameworks required to scale a startup's Go-to-Market strategy from $0 to $25M ARR. Discover why traditional cold outbound is failing, how current AI SDRs are actively destroying buyer trust, and the urgent need to adopt a Go-to-Network sales motion. For founders scaling their startups and sales professionals navigating the B2B Purge, this revenue operations masterclass is mandatory listening. Key Takeaways: The exact operational frameworks to scale from $0 to $25M ARR.Why traditional cold outbound and current AI SDRs are failing to convert.The urgent necessity of adopting a Go-to-Network sales motion.Why doing unscalable human things is the ultimate competitive advantage.The Enterprise Hire Fallacy: why high-pedigree big tech executives often fail at early-stage startups.About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, with an average 39-day time-to-hire and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Scott Leese and Global B2B Sales Scaling 00:07:33 - Omnichannel Strategy: Surviving the LinkedIn Algorithm Collapse 00:14:42 - Advice for New SDRs: Mastering the Basics in a Chaotic Market 00:16:34 - Why Cold Calling is Dying and the Pivot to a Go-to-Network Strategy 00:20:50 - The Paradox of Automation: Why You Must Do Unscalable Human Things 00:24:22 - The Uncanny Valley: Why AI SDRs Are Currently Failing to Convert 00:27:13 - The Most Common Go-to-Market Dysfunctions in Early-Stage Startups 00:38:15 - The Fundamental Pipeline Math Every Startup Must Know to Survive 00:40:57 - The Enterprise Hire Fallacy: Why Big Tech Executives Fail at Startups 00:44:05 - The Hunter vs. Farmer DNA in Sales Execution 00:44:56 - The Psychology of Self-Awareness in Career Trajectories Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6clqPWbF2yFRlsFUOXY0CO?si=UuOAbZeiQMKpgSjV5Od5_gListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-exec-the-podcast/id1837951413Connect with Scott Leese: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottleese/

    49 min
  7. Praveen Kamsetti: The 4 Habits That Will Make or Break Your Leadership in 2026 | Ready Set Exec

    20 FEB

    Praveen Kamsetti: The 4 Habits That Will Make or Break Your Leadership in 2026 | Ready Set Exec

    In this episode of Ready Set Exec: Hosts John and Patrick sit down with Praveen Kamsetti (VP of Digital Transformation at Jupiter Capital Management). Drawing on 20+ years of IT and M&A experience, Praveen reveals his "4L Leadership Framework" for guiding organizations through constant disruption. Discover why 80% of M&A integrations fail, how to balance empathy with ruthless accountability during layoffs, and why the generic "productivity" argument for AI is dead. For leaders navigating digital transformation and complex acquisitions, this masterclass is mandatory listening. Key Takeaways: The "4L Leadership Framework" for balancing empathy and business performance.Why up to 80% of M&A integrations fail and the hidden costs of legacy tech debt.The critical need for early cybersecurity and ISO 27001 assessments in acquisitions.Why the 2026 AI "productivity" argument is dead and how CIOs must pivot to true innovation.About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, with an average 39-day time-to-hire and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Praveen Kamsetti and the Era of Disruption 00:01:56 - The Shift from Corporate Stability to Constant Technological Disruption 00:03:54 - The 4L Leadership Framework: Balancing Humanity and Performance 00:06:58 - The Empathy Paradox: How to Handle Massive Corporate Layoffs 00:10:18 - Why Most Post-Merger Cultural Integrations Fail 00:16:26 - The Hidden Cost of M&A: Why CIOs Must Assess Legacy Systems Early 00:21:14 - Navigating Cybersecurity Risks and ISO 27001 During an Acquisition 00:25:31 - How to Build a Culture of Continuous IT Improvement 00:35:54 - The Truth About AI ROI: Why the Push for Pure Productivity is Dead 00:43:03 - The 2026 AI Transformation and Legacy System Bottlenecks 00:44:20 - The Year-Long Journey of Writing the 4L Framework Book Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6clqPWbF2yFRlsFUOXY0CO?si=UuOAbZeiQMKpgSjV5Od5_gListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-exec-the-podcast/id1837951413Connect with Praveen Kamsetti: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/praveen-kamsetti-1772653/

    47 min
  8. Lauren Lefkowitz: The Hidden Cost of Burnout & Why Small Business HR is Broken | Ready Set Exec

    13 FEB

    Lauren Lefkowitz: The Hidden Cost of Burnout & Why Small Business HR is Broken | Ready Set Exec

    In this episode of Ready Set Exec: Host John Pezoulas sits down with Fractional CHRO Lauren Lefkowitz to tackle the realities of systemic corporate burnout. Drawing from two decades of 100-hour workweeks, Lauren reveals how to build unbreakable boundaries, navigate toxic HR politics, and solve the compliance blind spots that destroy small businesses. If you're a founder scaling up or an executive desperate to escape the grind, this HR masterclass is for you. Key Takeaways: Surviving burnout and escaping the "fine is a trap" mentality.The critical HR and compliance blind spots that destroy scaling businesses.Building unbreakable boundaries to protect your time and energy.Applying Agile and Six Sigma methodologies to modernize HR workflows.About Ready Set Exec: Founded by Managing Partners Patrick Shea and John Pezoulas, Ready Set Exec is a premier North American executive leadership recruitment firm specializing in Sales, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations. We replace hiring chaos with a repeatable process, with an average 39-day time-to-hire and a 100% placement success rate. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction to Lauren Lefkowitz and Fractional HR Leadership 00:02:15 - The 100-Hour Workweek: Surviving Corporate Burnout 00:05:40 - Why "Fine is a Trap" for High-Achieving Executives 00:10:22 - The Small Business Compliance Chasm: What You Don't Know 00:19:30 - How to Implement Boundary Setting to Prevent Executive Burnout 00:24:15 - The True Cost of a Toxic Candidate and Employee Experience 00:29:05 - The Rise of the Fractional CHRO in Modern Business 00:34:20 - Navigating Toxic HR Politics and the SHRM vs HRCI Controversy 00:40:10 - Applying Agile and Six Sigma Methodologies to HR Workflows 00:51:15 - Final Thoughts: Breaking the Work, Sleep, Repeat Cycle Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/Patrick Shea LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExecListen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6clqPWbF2yFRlsFUOXY0CO?si=UuOAbZeiQMKpgSjV5Od5_gListen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ready-set-exec-the-podcast/id1837951413Connect with Lauren Lefkowitz: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenlefkowitz/

    46 min

About

Overview: Welcome to Ready Set Exec, the podcast where executive search meets real leadership stories. Enjoy weekly conversations with Executives sharing insights, best practices and knowledge with John, the co-founder of Ready Set Exec Inc.—executive search in Sales, Marketing, HR, and Operations. What to Expect Each Episode: Conversations with Executives: Hear candid stories from accomplished leaders across Ready Set Exec’s network as they share lessons learned, pivotal career moves, and their outlook on the future of leadership. Industry Insights: Explore the trends shaping leadership in the fields Ready Set Exec knows best—how Sales leaders drive growth, how Marketing executives build brand momentum, how HR shapes culture, and how Operations keeps organizations moving. Talent Strategy Deep Dives: John reveals what he's learned about hiring executives who don’t just fit the role but elevate the business, by using a relationship-driven approach. Actionable Takeaways: Whether you’re a CEO, HR leader, or an executive shaping your next move, you’ll walk away with practical insights on attracting, retaining, and thriving as top talent. Connect with Ready Set Exec: John Pezoulas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpezoulas/ Patrick Shea LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-jm-shea/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReadySetExec Are you a C-level Exec and want to be a guest on the podcast ? email sales@readysetexec.com Check out our firm at Readysetexec.com or call us at 737-249-9572