Soul of Business with Blaine Bartlett

Blaine Bartlett

Capitalism as it is practiced today is designed to destroy the two resources it needs to function – the planet and the people. Compassionate Capitalism may sound like an oxymoron AND it is the most powerful model we have for ensuring sustainable success - for ourselves, our businesses and our planet. Every organization has a “soul” or spirit that is its founding source. It is a non-replicable creative advantage that connects to literally everything. This connection is fueled by compassion and knowing how to access and leverage this unique “soul” is a crucial key to sustainable success for all life on the planet!

  1. 4D AGO

    Ben Muxlow, Founder and CEO of 4 Her Fitness

    Join me and my guest Ben Muxlow, Founder and CEO of 4 Her Fitness (4herfitness.com). Ben is a faith-driven entrepreneur, pursuing impact on a national scale. As CEO of 4 Her Fitness, he leads a team of fitness coaches from across the country. While attending Northwood University Ben also co-founded the non-profit MAD Marketing Agency which gives scholarships to students in need. In this episode we explore the importance of efficiency, managing drift, and the necessity of building a team to scale a business effectively. Our conversation emphasizes the significance of impact, retention, and personal motivation in achieving success. Summary In this conversation, Ben Muxlow and Blaine discuss the challenges and insights of entrepreneurship, particularly in the fitness coaching industry. They explore the importance of efficiency, managing drift, and the necessity of building a team to scale a business effectively. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of impact, retention, and personal motivation in achieving success. Muxlow shares his journey from burnout to building a team of coaches, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive environment for both clients and employees. The conversation concludes with reflections on future aspirations and the importance of pivoting in the face of challenges.   Takeaways Efficiency is crucial when managing multiple roles in entrepreneurship. Burnout can be a significant challenge for entrepreneurs. Building a team is essential for scaling a business effectively. Client retention is linked to their sense of importance in the process. Impact is defined by the positive change in others' lives. Money is not the primary motivator; inspiration drives action. Creating a supportive environment fosters growth for both clients and coaches. The purpose of goals should focus on personal growth rather than just outcomes. Drift can hinder progress; staying connected to one's purpose is vital. Hiring the right people and developing them is key to long-term success. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
  2. FEB 9

    Christian "Boo" Boucousis, CEO of Afterburner Inc.

    Join me and my guest Christian “Boo” Boucousis, CEO of Afterburner Inc. (afterburner.com). He is a former fighter pilot turned business founder, author, and inspirational speaker. Leaders today face unprecedented challenges, often lacking clear role models. Boo delves deep into the art of flawless leadership, dissecting the three pivotal leadership scenarios we all encounter…the intricacies of leading in the moment, guiding outcomes, and effectively leading people. We explore the world of flawless execution, an agile methodology perfected by fighter pilots over six decades to elevate performance to unprecedented levels by highlighting its simplicity and profound impact on strategy implementation. SHOW NOTES  SPONSORED BY: Power of You! https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you  Summary This conversation explores the evolving landscape of decision making in business, emphasizing the shift from human driven processes to machine-driven ones. It highlights the forecast that a significant percentage of business decisions will soon be made by machines, necessitating a reevaluation of how resources are aligned to achieve optimal outcomes.   Takeaways The current model relies heavily on human input. Future business decisions will increasingly be made by machines. 70% of decisions projected to be machine-made in five years. Faultless execution involves aligning technology and human resources. The mission and objectives must guide resource alignment. Technology will play a central role in future business models. Understanding the role of machines is crucial for businesses. Aligning resources effectively is key to achieving goals. The shift in decision making requires adaptation from businesses. The future landscape of business will be technology-driven. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  3. FEB 2

    Dr. Jamie Knopman

    Join me and my guest Jamie Knopman, MD, a board certified reproductive endocrinologist and Director of Fertility Preservation for CCRM Fertility of New York. She is also Assistant Clinical Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mount Sinai Hospital. We explore the intersection of fertility, career-building, and personal agency and why equitable access to egg freezing is essential to gender equality in the workplace and beyond. Jamie brings not only deep clinical expertise, but also a culturally sharp, unapologetically feminist perspective on why women shouldn’t have to choose between thriving professionally and preserving their future ability to have children. Nearly 70% of her patients today are freezing eggs before they face infertility. And companies such as Meta, Disney, and Amazon often cover the cost. She also highlights new pathways like egg-sharing programs that allow women to preserve their fertility at no cost, if they choose to donate a portion of their eggs. These trends reflect a cultural shift, and one she believes we urgently need to accelerate. SHOW NOTES  SPONSORED BY: Power of You! https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this conversation, Blaine and Dr. Jamie Knopman discusses the evolving landscape of fertility, particularly focusing on egg freezing and embryo preservation. She highlights the importance of education and empowerment for women in making informed choices about their reproductive health. The discussion also touches on the emotional dynamics surrounding fertility, the role of companies in supporting women's choices, and future innovations in fertility medicine. Dr. Knopman emphasizes the need for a supportive work environment that recognizes the unique challenges women face in balancing career and family planning.   Takeaways The shift from infertility to fertility preservation is significant. Egg freezing allows women to maintain reproductive autonomy. Companies are increasingly offering fertility benefits to attract talent. Emotional dynamics play a crucial role in fertility decisions. Work-life balance requires planning and support systems. Education about fertility is essential for informed choices. Women are empowered to take charge of their reproductive health. Future innovations in fertility medicine are promising. The journey of life is fluid and not linear. Supportive work environments enhance women's contributions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    30 min
  4. JAN 26

    Andrew Grinbaum, Founder of Spirituality in Business Institute

    Join me and my guest Andrew Grinbaum, founder of Spirituality in Business Institute (SpiritualBiz.org). Andrew is a 5x entrepreneur, 4x author, MBA professor, and ICF-certified coach who fuses rigorous business strategy with mindfulness, meditation, and soul-aligned leadership. He has scaled multiple multimillion dollar companies and coached more than 4,000 leaders, from Fortune 500 executives to 7- and 8-figure small business CEOs. Andrew brings more than two decades of hands-on experience as a business consultant and he specializes in helping leaders design strategies that actually let them work less while increasing profits, all anchored in mindfulness and soul-centered leadership. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this conversation, Blaine and Andrew Grinbaum explore the integration of spirituality into business practices. They discuss the importance of mindfulness, customer experience, and the practical application of spiritual principles to enhance productivity and business success. Andrew shares resources from his nonprofit aimed at helping entrepreneurs incorporate spirituality into their work, emphasizing the need for a balance between profit and purpose. The discussion also highlights the significance of personal growth, the impact of nature on well-being, and the necessity of letting go of certain tasks to foster business growth.   Takeaways Spirituality in business is about practical application, not religion. Mindfulness can significantly enhance productivity and sales. Five-star service can double customer referrals and sales. Companies should focus on delivering higher service to increase profits. Taking breaks in nature can improve mental clarity and productivity. Letting go of low-value tasks is essential for business growth. Spiritual principles can unify diverse business practices. Personal growth is linked to business success. A business should be viewed as an asset to be nurtured. Short-term sacrifices can lead to long-term benefits in business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min
  5. JAN 23

    Jamie Goff, Ph.D.

    Join me and my guest Jamie Goff, PhD (drjaimegoff.com), founder of The Empathic Leader, LLC. In a world obsessed with productivity and job performance, Jaime brings a refreshing take: Leadership isn’t just about what you do -- it’s about who you are. She is the author of a new book, The Secure Leader, that sits at the intersection of emotional intelligence and leadership, offering tools to lead from a more grounded, secure place without hustling harder. Dr. Goff’s thought leadership has been featured in journals such as the Journal of Feminist Family Therapy and Early Childhood Development and Care, as well as in TD Magazine, the leading publication for talent development professionals. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this conversation, Blaine and Jaime Goff explore the intersection of emotional intelligence and leadership, particularly in the healthcare sector. They discuss the challenges leaders face, the importance of self-awareness, and how attachment theory influences leadership styles. Jaime shares her personal journey into leadership development and the insights gained from her experiences, emphasizing the need for leaders to cultivate emotional intelligence to foster engagement and retention within their teams. The discussion also touches on cultural lessons from popular media, illustrating how these narratives can inform leadership practices.   Takeaways Emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders often face challenges related to span of control. Retention and engagement are key issues in healthcare. Cultural narratives can provide valuable leadership lessons. Attachment theory influences how leaders manage conflict. Self-awareness is essential for personal and professional growth. Leaders can earn security in their relationships with others. Controlling behavior can hinder team flourishing. Emotional intelligence enhances a leader's influence. Everything in nature serves a purpose, including leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min
  6. JAN 6

    Barnet Bain, Author, Producer and Oscar and Emmy Winner

    “Every Story Is A Love Story” Join me and my good friend and guest Barnet Bain (BarnetBain.com), a Canadian filmmaker, author, and educator. His film credits include “Milton’s Secret” (director, writer), Academy Award winner “What Dreams May Come” (producer), Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding TV Movie “Homeless to Harvard” (executive producer), “The Celestine Prophecy” (writer, producer), and “Jesus,” translated into more than 2,245 languages and often cited as the most widely seen film in history by The New York Times. We discuss his newest book How to Be a Friend (in an Unfriendly World), a heartfelt guide to practicing friendship in all its forms. SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Barnet Bain explore the profound themes of friendship, connection, and personal growth. Barnet shares the inspiration behind his book How to Be a Friend (in an Unfriendly World) and delves into the complexities of unconditional love, the nature of true friendship, and the purpose of these relationships in our lives. The discussion emphasizes the importance of nurturing deep connections and the transformative power of friendship as a means of awakening and personal development. Takeaways Friendship requires active nurturing and commitment. Unconditional love can be challenged by personal judgments. True friendship is non-transactional and prioritizes connection. Friendship serves as a lab for personal awakening. Compassion and understanding grow from shared experiences. The essence of friendship is rooted in love and connection. Friendship can transcend differences in beliefs and opinions. Awakening often occurs through relationships with others. The purpose of friendship is to help us discover who we are. Every story in life is fundamentally a love story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  7. 12/29/2025

    “Command and Control” or “Connect and Adapt”

    “Command and Control” or “Connect and Adapt” Join me and my guest Maria Brinck (mariabrinck.com), founder of Zynergy International and author of The Leadership We Need Now. Drawing from over a decade of leadership expertise and research, Maria calls out the dominant, masculine monopoly on leadership that has shaped society for millennia—and how it’s failing us in today’s poly-crisis reality. Noting that masculine monoculture in leadership is costing $8.8 trillion in workplace disengagement, she argues that the hard way is, in fact, the right way: where we collaborate instead of compete, engage people instead of control them, and live alongside nature rather than dominate it. In her book she offers a bold, visionary blueprint for the kind of leadership our world urgently needs—one rooted in collaboration, compassion, and courage. She makes the case for the assertion that“the leaders of today should not be the leaders of tomorrow." SHOW NOTES SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this conversation, Maria Brinck and Blaine explore the evolving landscape of leadership, emphasizing the need for a new mindset that prioritizes connection, compassion, and adaptation. They discuss the detrimental effects of traditional command-and-control leadership styles and highlight the importance of learning from nature. Maria shares her personal journey and insights, advocating for a leadership approach that fosters collaboration and a sense of community, ultimately aiming for a brighter future for all. Takeaways Leadership requires a new mindset for a brighter future. Connection is the soul of a business. Adaptation is essential in a fast-paced environment. Toxic masculinity in leadership can harm relationships. Nature provides valuable lessonsvcfor leadership. A leader's mindset influences their actions and emotions. The importance of widening circles of connection. Inner work is necessary for balanced leadership. Compassionate capitalism can lead to a better world. Self-made leaders are crucial for future progress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min
  8. 12/22/2025

    Step Out of the Labels That Divide Us and Into the Humanity That Unites Us with Merry Carole Powers

    Join me and my guest Merry Carole Powers, founder of Unicorn Kreative (unicornkreative.com), and author of The Great Human Rebrand: How to Step Out of the Labels That Divide Us and Into the Humanity That Unites Us. Merry Carole is a recognized expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as a creative leader with over two decades of experience shaping global brands and corporate cultures. As Creative Director for Sustainability, Purpose, and DEI at Deloitte, she led initiatives that embed human-centered values and inclusive practices into the core of business strategy. Her professional journey includes senior creative and content strategy roles at leading organizations such as Deloitte, Vanguard, and Leo / Publicis Worldwide, where she has driven brand awareness and innovative campaigns while championing individuality and purposeful impact. Powers is deeply passionate about empowering people to transcend societal labels and embrace their unique strengths. Her book challenges conventional thinking about identity and advocates for a more authentic, inclusive approach to personal and professional development. The book challenges our traditional approach to careers and life and offers a fresh perspective on how to navigate the complex landscape of modern business while maintaining a focus on humanity and unity. SHOW NOTES  SPONSORED BY: Power of You! Find out more at https://leader.blainebartlett.com/power-of-you Summary In this engaging conversation, Blaine and Merry Carole Powers explore the profound themes of individuality, connection, and the essence of business. They discuss the importance of ideas, the impact of labels, and the necessity of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Merry Carole shares insights from her book, The Great Human Rebrand, emphasizing the need for leaders to recognize and nurture the unique potential of individuals within organizations. The dialogue also touches on the challenges of navigating change, the role of self-expression, and the future of business in an AI-driven world.  Takeaways Everything begins as an idea before it takes physical form. Labels can be useful but also problematic in human connection. Diversity and inclusion are essential for a thriving workplace. Leadership should focus on individuality and personal growth. Self-expression is crucial for fulfillment in work and life. Understanding one's value is key to success in business. Empathy and compassion are vital in connecting with customers. A unified culture enhances collaboration and growth. Scaling a business requires developing its people, not just increasing demands. Labels can help identify roles but should not limit individual potential. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min
5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Capitalism as it is practiced today is designed to destroy the two resources it needs to function – the planet and the people. Compassionate Capitalism may sound like an oxymoron AND it is the most powerful model we have for ensuring sustainable success - for ourselves, our businesses and our planet. Every organization has a “soul” or spirit that is its founding source. It is a non-replicable creative advantage that connects to literally everything. This connection is fueled by compassion and knowing how to access and leverage this unique “soul” is a crucial key to sustainable success for all life on the planet!