Shocking Profit Podcast

Private Equity Specialists Tim Van Mieghem

Find new ways to create and claim value in your company with The Shocking Profit Podcast. This show provides business owners and leaders with a practical and endlessly fascinating study of how to effectively run a company, build a good life for employees, serve customers well, and build wealth. All while having a good time. Host Tim Van Mieghem is a grizzled veteran with 30-plus years of experience guiding entrepreneurs to claim and create value in private equity. He's seen it all and is here to share his wealth of knowledge. Tim will tell you what you need to hear, which may not be what you want to hear, to help you find the shocking profit within your own company.

  1. FEB 9

    Rethinking Sales Strategy with Emily Shaw

    In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem welcomes Emily Shaw, a seasoned sales coach at Lushin, for a candid discussion on transforming the sales process for lasting, predictable growth. Emily shares her personal journey from being a lifelong salesperson and Lushin client to finding her passion at the crossroads of psychology and consultative selling. Tim and Emily unpack the critical elements that create consistent sales results, highlighting why great plans and processes mean little without disciplined, daily action. Their conversation explores the nuances of controlling the sales process, empowering sales professionals to embrace the role of trusted advisor rather than mere order-taker, and why accurate forecasting and a lean pipeline are hallmarks of a truly effective team. Listeners will learn practical strategies for qualifying opportunities, setting boundaries, and shifting from “just selling” to genuinely helping clients buy what they need. Emily offers a glimpse into Lushin’s approach to diagnosing sales challenges, building custom solutions, and keeping the focus on personal growth and client impact. This episode is a must for business leaders and sales teams seeking more than just sporadic wins by delivering a practical blueprint for achieving sustainable, customer-centered sales growth without losing sight of human connection and professional fulfillment. Connect with Emily Shaw Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, including the reading recommendations mentioned, visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a question at elwood@shockingprofit.com

    31 min
  2. JAN 26

    Why Curiosity Beats Judgement with Gary Fretwell

    In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem sits down with Gary Fretwell, a seasoned consultant who has worked with nearly a thousand colleges and universities across the country, to explore what business owners can gain from understanding the hidden drivers of organizational success in the academic world. Gary unpacks what shocking profit really means for universities and businesses alike, emphasizing how practices like active listening, empathy, and contextual understanding can unlock powerful improvements in customer engagement and retention. Tim and Gary take listeners inside the complexity of higher education, revealing why true transformation starts with connecting to the real needs and challenges of every stakeholder within a business. Gary shares insights from decades of on-the-ground consulting, including the profound impact of academic advising on student outcomes and how this can be applied to your relationships with employees and customers. The discussion goes beyond education and into universal principles of business excellence, including how segmenting data, asking the right questions, and fostering genuine relationships drive sustainable results. Gary’s stories shed light on what organizations can learn from universities about attracting and keeping customers, whether those customers are students, clients, or community members. Packed with actionable strategies, this episode is essential listening for leaders in any field who want to deepen engagement, turn challenges into opportunities, and build enduring impact by putting people first. Tim and Gary deliver a masterclass on serving with purpose and driving lasting change. Connect with Gary Fretwell Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, including the reading recommendations mentioned, visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a question at elwood@shockingprofit.com

    38 min
  3. 12/15/2025

    How Playbooks Create Leverage, Not Bureaucracy with Daniel Nannenga

    In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem welcomes Daniel Nannenga, CFO and COO of CS Capital Management, to break down how to unlock value and scale with intention. Drawing on his background in both finance and operations as well as his experience negotiating athlete contracts and leading M&A deals, Daniel offers an inside look at the playbooks top performers use to drive business success. Tim and Daniel break down what it really means to be “exit ready,” unpacking why preparing your business for sale isn’t just about the transaction. It’s about building a company that creates options, fosters resilience, and thrives through the unexpected. They explore the true power of process and culture, from defining your ideal customer profile to crafting high-performing teams that sustain growth long-term. Listeners gain actionable takeaways on structuring go-to-market strategies, creating clarity and accountability within teams, and embracing humble leadership without becoming a bottleneck. With honest stories of missteps and wins from the field, Daniel shares how standardized systems can bring more leverage, not more bureaucracy, and why asking for help is a mark of strength, not weakness. If you’re a founder or leader aiming to amplify your impact without losing sight of your people and purpose, this episode will equip you with real frameworks to level up your business and your leadership for the long run. Connect with Daniel Nannenga Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, including the reading recommendations mentioned, visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a question at elwood@shockingprofit.com

    44 min
  4. 12/01/2025

    How to Unstick Your Sales Pipeline and Leverage the Power of AI with Lee Brumbaugh

    In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem welcomes Lee Brumbaugh, CEO of Sales Xceleration, for a dynamic discussion on why sales growth stalls and what leaders can do to reignite momentum. Lee draws from his experience guiding small and mid-sized businesses to sustained growth, sharing actionable strategies to identify bottlenecks, getting the right people in the right seats, and building a sales process that scales. Tim and Lee unpack the most common mistakes business owners make when trying to expand their sales. Lee breaks down essential sales roles like hunters, farmers, and SDRs, and explains how a laser-focused ideal customer profile can transform a scattered approach into targeted, profitable growth. Together, they dig into the importance of meaningful metrics, sales playbooks, and the role of founders in building scalable systems. The episode also explores how AI is revolutionizing both sales and operations, offering concrete examples of how these tools can aid in decision-making, improve efficiency, and enhance customer value without losing the human touch. If you're a CEO, founder, or sales leader seeking to cultivate a thriving sales pipeline, this conversation offers practical insights and fresh perspectives for driving growth in today’s competitive market. Tune in for advice you can put to work. Learn more about Sales Xceleration Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, including the reading recommendations mentioned, visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a question at elwood@shockingprofit.com

    37 min
  5. 11/17/2025

    Private Equity with a Conscience with Reagan Hogarty

    In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem sits down with Reagan Hogarty, Managing Partner at HH Industries, for an insightful conversation about growing companies with integrity in the world of private equity. Reagan pulls back the curtain on why real investment goes far beyond dollars. It’s about building trust, fostering alignment, and protecting the culture and people that power a business’s success. Together, Tim and Reagan dive into the art of leadership transitions, revealing how shared values and transparency can transform what’s often seen as a cold transaction into a true partnership. Listeners learn how when done right, private equity empowers owners, nurtures teams, and honors legacies, rather than just chasing short-term financial wins. Reagan shares lessons from his decades of deal-making, including the importance of rolling up his sleeves alongside founders, adapting through tough times, and never losing sight of the human side of growth. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for business owners contemplating the next chapter, from preparing leadership teams for change to investing in people and profits. If you’re looking for a better way to scale your company without sacrificing values for results, this conversation offers a principled approach to sustainable growth and enduring impact. Learn more about H&H Industries Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, including the reading recommendations mentioned, visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a question at elwood@shockingprofit.com

    42 min
  6. 11/03/2025

    Exit Planning and Value Acceleration with Ennis Legacy Partners

    In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem connects with Pat Ennis and Corby Megarden of Ennis Legacy Partners for a revealing discussion on exit planning and accelerating business value, a subject many owners don’t consider until the stakes are high. With decades of expertise helping entrepreneurs navigate succession, finances, and the personal journey of stepping away, Pat and Corby unpack what it really means to ensure your company thrives beyond your tenure. Tim draws out key lessons on boosting profitability through deliberate delegation, the crucial role clarity and timing play in any transition, and how to sidestep the roadblocks that can undermine even the most successful businesses. Together, they cut through the noise and shine light on preparing not just your numbers, but your vision for life after ownership and your team’s future. Listeners will hear firsthand why every business has an exit, planned or not, and how smart strategies can unlock hidden value while setting you up for a future without regrets. Packed with actionable insights, honest perspectives, and a roadmap toward a smoother transition, this episode is essential for business owners serious about safeguarding their legacy and maximizing their company’s impact long after they move on. Learn more about Ennis Legacy Partners Listen to the Exit Readiness Podcast Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, including the reading recommendations mentioned, visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a question at elwood@shockingprofit.com

    41 min
  7. 10/06/2025

    From Chaos to Clarity: the Power of the Entrepreneurial Operating System with John Gross

    In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem welcomes John Gross—Air Force veteran, change management expert, and certified EOS implementer—for a deep dive into what it really takes to transform chaos into clarity in business leadership. Tim and John unpack John’s passion for driving change, from fixing broken systems in high-pressure environments to building cultures where core values aren’t just words on a wall. Listeners will get an inside look at the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): why it was created, how it distills big-company best practices for small businesses, and what makes it both simple and powerful. John shares candid stories from the field, revealing the tough but rewarding process of building a leadership team that can thrive without constant firefighting and micromanagement. The episode offers practical, actionable advice on creating a problem-solving culture, the importance of hiring for real—not aspirational—core values, and developing processes for smooth operations. Tim and John discuss the reality of respectful conflict, why transparency is EOS’s “secret sauce,” and how business owners can finally break free from the grind to focus on what really matters—whether that's growth, innovation, or simply making it to a soccer game without guilt. Brimming with hard-earned wisdom, real-life transformation stories, and a touch of humor, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to reclaim control of their business and build a company—and a life—that runs with clarity and purpose. Whether you’re feeling run by your business or just want to take your leadership to the next level, you’ll come away with tools and motivation to shock your profit and lead with intention. Reach John Gross at Entrepreneurial Operating Systems Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode, including the reading recommendations mentioned, visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a question at elwood@shockingprofit.com

    37 min
  8. 08/04/2025

    Five Steps to Leadership Performance Development with Dr. Robyn Lynette

    In this episode of the Shocking Profit Podcast, host Tim Van Mieghem is joined by Dr. Robyn Lynette, founder of Champion Performance Development and acclaimed author and speaker. Known for guiding high-performing founders, celebrities, and executives through chaos toward true success, Dr. Robyn shares her proven paradigm for turning challenge into opportunity, including the five core pillars that help leaders claim the hidden value already within their companies. From breaking free of self-sabotage and “head trash,” to building tactical strategies and nurturing the right support system, this conversation delivers practical, actionable steps for anyone looking to maximize their performance and profits. Dr. Robyn also opens up about her incredible personal journey—from escaping a cult and overcoming adversity, to building a meaningful life and business. Whether you’re searching for new ways to fuel growth or simply hoping to break past old limitations, this episode provides real-life lessons, relatable stories, and expert advice to help you create lasting change. Tune in as Tim and Dr. Robyn dive deep into navigating chaos, the importance of mindset, and the power of vulnerability and support in business and beyond. Let's shock your profit! Reach Dr. Robyn Lynette at MentalMacGyver.com Thanks for joining us! For more information on this episode visit the show notes at shockingprofit.com Connect with your host Send us a life hack, business hack, or challenge us with a question at elwood@shockingprofit.com

    37 min
5
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Find new ways to create and claim value in your company with The Shocking Profit Podcast. This show provides business owners and leaders with a practical and endlessly fascinating study of how to effectively run a company, build a good life for employees, serve customers well, and build wealth. All while having a good time. Host Tim Van Mieghem is a grizzled veteran with 30-plus years of experience guiding entrepreneurs to claim and create value in private equity. He's seen it all and is here to share his wealth of knowledge. Tim will tell you what you need to hear, which may not be what you want to hear, to help you find the shocking profit within your own company.