The Business Spotlight Series

The Business Spotlight Series

One of the world's largest local business education series! Bringing local leaders into the spotlight since 2021! This series is all about sharing the journeys of successful business owners like yourself and the challenges faced along the way. This is a perfect opportunity to learn from others and be inspired to start your own business! www.businessspotlightseries.com

  1. Mar 25

    DIFFERENTIATING IN A NOISY AI MARKET | Zheqing (Bill) Zhu | The Business Spotlight

    Bill Zhu, founder of Pokee AI, joins host Kay Cote on the Business Spotlight Podcast to break down how AI agents and reinforcement learning are transforming long, manual enterprise workflows—cutting projects that once took weeks or months down to 30 minutes while reducing costs by up to 97%. Bill shares his journey from leading applied reinforcement learning at Meta (driving $500M+ in annual revenue impact) to launching Pokee AI in October 2024 and raising a $12M seed round, plus insights on building AI-native companies, differentiating in a noisy AI market, leveraging partnerships with major tech ecosystems, and growing an open-source community. If you’re interested in enterprise automation, AI workflow tools, B2B SaaS growth, and the future of on-device/on-prem AI, this episode delivers practical lessons and a bold vision for where business is headed. Connect with Bill Zhu here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zheqingzhubill/ 🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website:https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #thebusinessspotlight #success  This channel covers everything from business management and mindset for business to ideas for a business and starting a new business. Learn how to start promoting business, understand any business, and explore marketing strategies for business. Discover the importance of marketing features, networking for business, and investing in your own business. Gain valuable knowledge for business and practical insights to help you succeed.

    26 min
  2. Mar 25

    INTENTIONAL LEADERSHIP FUELS CONSISTENT LONG-TERM GROWTH | Sandra (Sandy) Moll | The Business Spotlight

    In this episode of the Business Spotlight Podcast, host Kay Cote sits down with Sandy Moll, President and Founder of Advanced Business Solutions (ABS), to share an inspiring, faith-driven journey from corporate job loss to building a multi-million-dollar, fully remote business operating in 29 states. Sandy breaks down how losing a six-figure W-2 career became the catalyst for entrepreneurship, why she built ABS with no employees and a nationwide contractor model, and how intentional leadership, silence, and values-based decision-making fueled consistent long-term growth—including 45% growth in 2024. This episode is packed with insights on scalable business models, serving banks and small to mid-sized businesses, navigating challenges, and discerning the right path amid constant noise—making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders seeking sustainable growth with purpose.  Connect with Sandra here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandymoll/ 🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website:https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #thebusinessspotlight #success  This channel covers everything from business management and mindset for business to ideas for a business and starting a new business. Learn how to start promoting business, understand any business, and explore marketing strategies for business. Discover the importance of marketing features, networking for business, and investing in your own business. Gain valuable knowledge for business and practical insights to help you succeed.

    27 min
  3. Feb 10

    SAYING NO TO THE WRONG OPPORTUNITIES CREATES SPACE FOR THE RIGHT ONES | Jennifer Birn and Kay Cote | The Business Spotlight Podcast

    In this episode of the Business Spotlight Podcast, host Kay Cote sits down with Jen Birn, founder and owner of Birn Communications, to explore her 13+ year journey from longtime journalist to successful boutique PR and marketing consultant. Jen shares how she built a referral-only business without traditional scaling, why relationships and reputation matter more than algorithms, and how she navigates today’s ever-changing media landscape shaped by influencer marketing, affiliate models, and pay-to-play coverage. The conversation dives into solopreneur bandwidth, imposter syndrome, client selection rooted in values, and why saying no to the wrong opportunities creates space for the right ones. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, consultants, and creative business owners looking to build a sustainable, relationship-driven business while staying true to their passion and principles.  🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website:https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #thebusinessspotlight #success  This channel covers everything from business management and mindset for business to ideas for a business and starting a new business. Learn how to start promoting business, understand any business, and explore marketing strategies for business. Discover the importance of marketing features, networking for business, and investing in your own business. Gain valuable knowledge for business and practical insights to help you succeed.

    21 min
  4. 03/07/2025

    YOU HAVE TO LET GO TO GET TO THE NEXT LEVEL | With Carola Broaddus | The Business Spotlight

    In this episode, our host sits down with Carola, the owner of the Wellness Institute, to explore her inspiring journey as an entrepreneur. They discuss her passion for health and wellness, her company’s mission to provide safer, natural products, and the importance of holistic living. Carola also shares her incredible personal story of resilience after surviving a life-altering tragedy and how it shaped her business mindset. Tune in for valuable insights on business growth, overcoming challenges, and achieving longevity in both life and entrepreneurship!   You can get in touch with Wellness Institute here on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wellnessinstitutetx/ 🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website:https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #thebusinessspotlight #success  This channel covers everything from business management and mindset for business to ideas for a business and starting a new business. Learn how to start promoting business, understand any business, and explore marketing strategies for business. Discover the importance of marketing features, networking for business, and investing in your own business. Gain valuable knowledge for business and practical insights to help you succeed.

    26 min
  5. 03/07/2025

    FROM VIRAL VINES TO GLOBAL SUCCESS | With Tyler Lynch | The Business Spotlight

    In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Lynch, founder of The Only Timeline (TOTL), a global production company specializing in video, photography, and graphic design. Tyler shares his journey from studying mass communications to building a successful creative business, starting with viral Vine videos and landing major brand collaborations. He reflects on the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of trust and passion in creative work, and his vision for expanding TOTL worldwide. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on chasing dreams, building a team, and turning creativity into a thriving business! 🔗 Follow Tyler & TOTL: @wearetotl👍 Like, Comment & Subscribe for more! You can get in touch with Tyler here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-lynch-b55509a1/ 🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website:https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #thebusinessspotlight #success #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #CreativeBusiness #TOTL #Filmmaking #Photography This channel covers everything from business management and mindset for business to ideas for a business and starting a new business. Learn how to start promoting business, understand any business, and explore marketing strategies for business. Discover the importance of marketing features, networking for business, and investing in your own business. Gain valuable knowledge for business and practical insights to help you succeed.

    30 min
  6. 03/07/2025

    LEARN WHICH RISKS TO TAKE AND WHEN TO CUT YOUR LOSSES | With Jay Young | The Business Spotlight

    In this episode, we sit down with Jay Young, a fourth-generation oil and gas entrepreneur and the founder of King Operating Corporation. Jay shares insights into his company’s mission—raising capital to invest in oil and gas projects, including drilling and frack sand ventures. He discusses his journey in the industry, the challenges of fundraising, and the lessons learned from past financial struggles. Jay also reflects on the importance of strategic investments, the complexities of hiring, and what he would have done differently if he started over. Tune in for valuable takeaways on entrepreneurship, risk management, and building a successful investment strategy in the energy sector.  For more information, visit King Operating: https://kingoperating.com/And check out Jay’s book The Upside of Oil and Gas Investing.  You can get in touch with Jay Young here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayr-young/ 🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website:https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #thebusinessspotlight #success  This channel covers everything from business management and mindset for business to ideas for a business and starting a new business. Learn how to start promoting business, understand any business, and explore marketing strategies for business. Discover the importance of marketing features, networking for business, and investing in your own business. Gain valuable knowledge for business and practical insights to help you succeed.

    29 min
  7. 03/07/2025

    GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE | With Toni Memedi | The Business Spotlight

    In this episode, we sit down with the founder of 8T8 Partners, an investment firm focused on acquiring and optimizing trucking companies. He shares his bold strategy for transforming an industry plagued by inefficiencies, his past experience in cybersecurity roll-ups, and the hard lessons he learned from betrayal in business. From losing a company to building a new empire in trucking, he reveals insights on resilience, hiring talent over credentials, and why trusting your instincts is key to success. If you're interested in M&A, business growth, or real-world entrepreneurship, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!  You can get in touch with 8T8 here on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/8t8-partners/?viewAsMember=true 🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website:https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #thebusinessspotlight #success  This channel covers everything from business management and mindset for business to ideas for a business and starting a new business. Learn how to start promoting business, understand any business, and explore marketing strategies for business. Discover the importance of marketing features, networking for business, and investing in your own business. Gain valuable knowledge for business and practical insights to help you succeed.

    28 min
  8. 02/27/2025

    BUILDING A BUSINESS WITH THE EXCITEMENT OF REALISING IDEAS | Cormac Carville | Business Spotlight

    In this episode of Business Spotlight, we feature Cormac Carville, a Chartered Civil Engineer and the co-founder and Managing Director of YardBox. Born out of frustration during the pandemic, YardBox began as a solution to the lack of dedicated home working spaces, with Cormac designing the concept and his family helping bring it to life. The business quickly pivoted post-COVID, evolving into home gyms, alternative living spaces and now even golf simulators! Cormac credits the company’s success to its adaptability, team and a strong focus on building lasting customer relationships, all of which have been instrumental in driving YardBox’s impressive growth. With plans to expand internationally, he envisions YardBox becoming a recognised leader in innovative space solutions. For Cormac, the journey of building a business is fuelled by his love for learning, creativity and the excitement of turning ideas into reality- make sure to tune in! You can get in touch with Cormac Carville here on LinkedIn:   / cormac-carville-91704b56  🔔 Want your business to be featured as our next Business Spotlight? Book in your FREE podcast slot today via our website:https://www.businessspotlightseries.com #business #advice #podcast #businessowner #businesstips #growth #businessgrowth #businesslesson #businessessentials #howtostartabusiness #businessstrategy #businesspodcast #motivation #thebusinessspotlight #success  This channel explores everything from UK business strategies to starting your own business in the UK. Gain exclusive insights for UK-based entrepreneurs and learn how to manage your own business, understand any business, and promote your business effectively. Discover tips on how to market your service business, start a restaurant business in the UK, and even how to start your own business with no money. Follow along for valuable advice on building, managing, and growing your business.

    29 min

About

One of the world's largest local business education series! Bringing local leaders into the spotlight since 2021! This series is all about sharing the journeys of successful business owners like yourself and the challenges faced along the way. This is a perfect opportunity to learn from others and be inspired to start your own business! www.businessspotlightseries.com