Adrienne Barker Speaks: No Prep Needed

Adrienne Barker, MAS
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Welcome to 'No Prep Needed LIVE Show. Let's dive deep into the world of business without any fluff or filler. Join me as we uncover the strategies, insights, and stories from successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders. From startup tips to scaling strategies, we've got you covered. Tune in to 'No Prep Needed' for your weekly dose of business brilliance.

  1. 1D AGO

    From Chaos to Systemized Success

    What if the chaos in your service based business is not a sign of failure but an opportunity for growth? In this episode of Adrienne Barker Speaks No Prep Needed, Adrienne is joined by Eric Svedberg, the owner of European Autowerks and the founder of Fuel Coaching. Eric shares his journey from being a hands on automotive technician to a successful business coach, helping other service based business owners, especially in the automotive industry, transform their operations. This conversation is a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities within the trades, the importance of mentorship, and the power of systemization. For any business owner feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind, this episode offers a roadmap to creating a business that runs itself. → The automotive industry is facing a massive technician shortage, creating a huge opportunity for those willing to enter the trades. → The traditional four year college path is not the only route to a successful and lucrative career. → Systemizing your business is the key to scaling and achieving financial freedom. → True mastery in any field takes around 10,000 hours of dedicated practice. → Don't be afraid to niche down and become an expert in a specific area. → A genuine smile and authentic connection can be your most powerful business tools. If you're ready to take control of your business and build a more profitable and sustainable future, this episode is a must listen. Subscribe to Adrienne Barker Speaks No Prep Needed for more insightful conversations, and don't forget to share this episode with a fellow business owner who needs to hear it. Learn more about Eric Svedberg and his work at Fuel Coaching. Visit his website to discover how he helps service-based business owners build better businesses. You can also connect with him to learn more about his coaching programs and upcoming book. https://www.gofuelcoaching.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  2. FEB 11

    Breaking Free From Overwhelm With Mister Productivity

    Do you ever find yourself scrolling endlessly through social media, justifying it as research, when you know you should be tackling your most important tasks? That feeling of being busy but not productive is a clear sign of overwhelm, a state that can quietly sabotage our professional and personal lives. It’s a struggle many high achievers face, yet few know how to effectively combat. In this insightful conversation, Adrienne Barker sits down with Mark Struczewski, the expert coach known as Mister Productivity. Mark unpacks the complex layers of overwhelm, explaining why our brains default to easy, distracting activities when we feel stressed. He provides a clear, actionable framework for recognizing the symptoms of overwhelm, from physical tension to an inability to focus, and offers a pathway to reclaiming control. This episode is an essential listen for any professional who wants to move from constantly feeling behind to being decisively in control of their time and energy. One of the biggest hurdles to productivity is our tendency to default to the easy option, especially when we feel overwhelmed. Instead of tackling important goals, we get lost in simple, low-impact activities. Over the years, terms like nervous breakdown, burnout, and overwhelm have all been used to describe the same fundamental issue of being overloaded. We simply find new labels for a persistent human challenge. Journaling is a powerful and accessible tool for self-reflection. By writing down why you are procrastinating or avoiding certain tasks, you can begin to confront the underlying issues you might otherwise ignore. A coach provides an essential outside perspective, helping you see problems and patterns that are difficult to recognize when you are caught up in the day to day demands of your life. When selecting a coach, the personal connection is just as important as their expertise. It is vital to find someone you can work with for an extended period, as a personality clash can undermine the entire process. True productivity is built on a clear foundation. It begins with defining your personal why, which shapes your long-term goals; those goals, in turn, determine your daily planning and actions. If you are ready to break the cycle of overwhelm and build a more focused, productive life, this conversation is your starting point. Take a moment to subscribe to Adrienne Barker Speaks for more discussions that challenge and inspire. We encourage you to share this episode with a colleague who may also be looking to regain control. To learn more about how you can work with Mark Struczewski and transform your own productivity, visit his website at misterproductivity.com. There you can take his free three minute productivity scorecard and discover how his coaching can help you reclaim your time and achieve your most ambitious goals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min

  3. FEB 3

    The Patient Ambition of a $100M Journey

    What if the secret to massive entrepreneurial success wasn’t just about ambition, but about the patience to see it through? In this episode, we sit down with John St Pierre, an entrepreneur who has seen both the dizzying heights of a $100M business and the crushing lows of losing it all. His story is a powerful lesson in resilience, strategy, and the quiet power of playing the long game. This conversation is a deep dive into the realities of scaling a business. John shares the seven core principles that guided him from a devastating failure to building a nine-figure company the right way. We explore the importance of protecting your equity, generating your own cash flow for growth, and building a culture of intrapreneurs within your organization. This episode is for any business owner ready to move beyond the messy middle and build a truly sustainable, profitable enterprise. Protect and grow your equity at all costs. You don’t need partners to start a business; you can own 100% and use your own revenue to grow. Build your own cash flow for growth rather than relying on investors. A good product or service and the revenue it generates are your best fuel. Reinvest smartly in your business. Avoid chasing shiny objects and focus on your core offering. Build a culture of entrepreneurship in your business. Train and develop your leaders to run the company as if it were their own. Protect the house. Regularly conduct vulnerability assessments on your business to manage risk effectively. Move from CEO to chairperson. Work on your business, not just in it, to become a more strategic owner. This conversation with John St Pierre is packed with hard-won wisdom and practical advice for any entrepreneur looking to build something that lasts. Listen to the full episode to learn how to combine patient ambition with smart strategy to achieve your own version of a $100M journey. Subscribe and share this episode with a fellow entrepreneur who needs to hear it. To learn more from John St Pierre, visit his website at 100MJourney.com. You can order his book, The $100M Journey, and receive a free gift from the author. John is a trusted investor, speaker, and mentor, and you can connect with him on LinkedIn to continue the conversation. Quotes "In my biggest moment of failure, when that happened to me, and I look back at 15 years, and the people I love and the business I loved and losing it all. The one thing that really helped me was perspective." "I wanted to grow so fast that I was chasing shiny objects. I didn’t just focus on our core business. Our core business was working really, really good. But then I was like chasing other verticals and other businesses along the way that were creating a lot of need for cash." "Equity in a business is where you create wealth. And so principle number one is protect and grow your equity at all costs." "I talk a lot today about just having patient ambition. Know exactly what you wanna do over the next decade and have a really good plan to go do that, but be patient." Thank you to our live audience on Chatter Social! Download the app today at chattersocial.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min

  4. JAN 28

    Million Dollar Business Myth: Gwen Bortner on Real Profit, Real Success, Real Alignment

    What if the “right” business advice is actually the thing burning you out, and the real win is building a business that fits your life? Adrienne Barker goes off the cuff with Gwen Bortner, an operational strategist and business advisor with four decades of experience across 47 industries. Gwen breaks down why most founders chase someone else’s definition of success, how to think about accountability without cookie cutter frameworks, and what it really takes to vet a business consultant before you waste money and months of momentum. They also dig into family business dynamics, the difference between a practice and a sellable business, and why revenue goals mean nothing unless you understand what that number is supposed to do for you. 6 Key takeaways → Your context matters: two businesses that look identical can require totally different solutions based on people, pressures, and priorities. → Profit is the point: selling a million dollars is not the goal, selling a million dollars at a profit is the goal. → Family business issues are often family issues: the real problem is frequently a relationship dynamic, not a process problem. → Vet consultants with three filters: expert vs teacher, generalist vs specialist, and system they force vs approach they adapt to your environment. → Define success beyond a number: the goal is not revenue, it is what you believe revenue gives you, freedom, time, stability, impact, sanity. → Practice vs business matters: if the value leaves when you leave, it is a practice, and you plan retirement differently because you are not selling it later. Best quotable lines from Gwen → “The number doesn’t actually mean anything. It’s what you think that number gets you.” → “Your context matters.” → “We work for as long as it works.” → “If you’re not happy with the results, you stop paying me.” Guest spotlight Gwen Bortner is an operational strategist and business advisor who helps founders succeed without sacrificing happiness. With experience spanning more than 47 industries, she is known for quickly identifying root causes, simplifying systems, and creating the most direct path to solutions. Gwen works at a high strategic level as a thought partner and accountability partner, helping leaders align decisions with their real definition of success. How to connect with Gwen Website: https://everydayeffectiveness.com/ Follow Adrienne Barker Speaks: No Prep Needed for more off the cuff conversations with brave, bold, brilliant guests. Want to connect, collaborate, or be a guest? Find Adrienne on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriennebarkermas/ Disclaimer This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min
  5. Pete vs Anxiety: When Triggers Take Over (with Pete)

    JAN 17

    Pete vs Anxiety: When Triggers Take Over (with Pete)

    In this episode, Pete opens up about the physical and emotional toll of severe anxiety and PTSD. He explains how certain triggers—like court dates, holidays, or unexpected reminders—can cause days of nausea, exhaustion, and shutdown. Drawing from lived experience, Pete shares how counseling, grounding techniques, trusted support people, and knowing when to seek emergency care helped him survive moments that felt unsafe. The conversation also addresses how misunderstood anxiety is, why people who haven’t experienced it often minimize it, and how grounding tools like the 5-4-3-2-1 method help bring the nervous system back to the present. The episode highlights the real impact of crisis resources like the 988 Lifeline and reinforces one core message: you are not weak for needing help—you are human. What happens when anxiety doesn’t just live in your head—but takes over your body? In this raw conversation, Pete shares what it’s like to live with PTSD-driven anxiety, how triggers can shut everything down, and why having a plan can save your life. Anxiety can be physically debilitating, not just mental PTSD triggers may appear suddenly and drain the body for days Having a crisis plan and trusted contacts is critical Grounding techniques like 5-4-3-2-1 can interrupt panic cycles Knowing when to seek emergency help is a form of strength Support is about listening and presence, not fixing Crisis resources like 988 have proven, life-saving impact Sharing stories helps others feel less alone “I knew I wasn’t in a safe place anymore—and I had to reach out.” Connect with Peter: https://www.instagram.com/pete_vs_annxietypodcast?igsh=MTA1bjczZTFodDY2cg== Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 10m
  6. Marcy Axelrod: Showing Up Changes the World

    JAN 9

    Marcy Axelrod: Showing Up Changes the World

    In this profound episode of Adrienne Barker Speaks, author, researcher, and artist Marcy Axelrod explores the concept of “showing up” as a conscious, moment-to-moment choice that impacts ourselves, others, and the world. Drawing from over 30 years of global research, Marcy explains why we are not “human doings,” but human beings—flow systems deeply interconnected with one another. Marcy introduces her three core roles of showing up—self, situation member, and societal member—and walks listeners through the continuum from barely there to truly showing up. She shares her personal story of losing her ability to speak as a child, how that shaped her lifelong mission, and how her bestselling book How We Choose to Show Up became a blueprint for living with presence, compassion, and choice. The conversation also weaves through art, neuroscience, mindfulness, parenting, leadership, and authenticity—culminating in a reminder that every interaction, no matter how small, is shaping the world we live in. What if the way you show up—moment by moment—literally shapes the world around you? In this deeply moving conversation, Marcy Axelrod shares decades of research, lived experience, and art to redefine what it truly means to show up as a human being. You are always showing up — whether consciously or unconsciously, every moment carries impact. We are flow systems, not labels — identities like “job titles” or roles limit the fullness of who we are. There are levels of showing up — barely there, just showing up, and truly showing up. Presence creates opportunity — when you truly show up, people feel it, and doors open naturally. The universe is self-reflective — how you show up to the world is how it shows up to you.“You are showing up at every moment—and you are changing the world. So choose how you show up.” — Marcy Axelrod Alternate quote options: “We are not human doings. We are human beings.” “Showing up isn’t what we do—it’s who we are.” “The universe isn’t kind or cruel; it’s self-reflective.” Connect with Marcy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcy/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 13m
  7. Dylan Bost and the Art of Alignment

    JAN 7

    Dylan Bost and the Art of Alignment

    In this powerful roundtable episode of Adrienne Barker Speaks, information architect and leadership coach Dylan Bost shares his journey through business success, personal collapse, addiction, healing, and profound self-awareness. Dylan explains why we are not our stories — but the ones telling them — and how true transformation begins with awareness, not force. Joined by a live panel of coaches, healers, and community leaders, the conversation dives into living from the scar rather than the wound, subconscious conditioning, nervous system regulation, emotional integration, leadership alignment, and Dylan’s upcoming book The Seven Mirrors: A Guide to Remembering Yourself. The discussion becomes a rare, honest exploration of healing, identity, and what it means to lead — and live — consciously. What happens when success no longer feels aligned? In this deeply reflective live conversation, Dylan Bost explores identity, awareness, healing, and what it truly means to live — and lead — from presence instead of performance. You are not your story — you are the one telling it, and you can choose to tell a new one. Awareness is the medicine — healing begins when unconscious patterns are seen, even before they’re “fixed.” Live from the scar, not the wound — healed experiences inform wisdom without emotional captivity. Alignment matters more than performance — success without alignment leads to collapse, not fulfillment. True leadership is human — integrating personal and professional life creates healthier businesses and lives.“I’m not my story — I’m the one telling it.” — Dylan BostAlt quote options: “Awareness, to me, is the greatest medicine there is.” “We’re not here to become a higher version of ourselves — we’re here to remember who we already are.” “Every trigger is a mirror showing us something that wants to be healed.” Connect with Dylan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanbost/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m
  8. Khrystyna Baca on Action, Purpose, and Innovation

    JAN 4

    Khrystyna Baca on Action, Purpose, and Innovation

    In this conversation, Khrystyna Baca shares her journey as a young founder building mission-driven solutions across healthcare and finance. Drawing from personal experience, Khrystyna explains how long-term thinking, logical decision-making, and consistent action shape sustainable success. She challenges listeners to stop waiting for the “right time,” confront fear head-on, and build with purpose rather than pressure. This episode is a powerful reminder that progress comes from doing—not just talking. What happens when lived experience meets long-term thinking and decisive action? Khrystyna shares how purpose, logic, and resilience can turn challenges into real-world solutions—and why action matters more than intention. Think long-term: Real decisions should be guided by where you want to be in 5, 10, or 20 years—not just today. Action beats intention: Time passes quickly; growth only happens when ideas turn into action. Fear can be a teacher: Growth begins when fear is faced, not avoided. Logic matters: Clear, thoughtful decision-making creates stronger outcomes than emotion alone. Your experience has value: Personal challenges can become the foundation for meaningful impact. Build with purpose: Sustainable success comes from alignment, not shortcuts. “Growth really does start once you let the fear go.” connect with Khrystyna Baca https://www.linkedin.com/in/khrystyna-baca-baa470260/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 24m
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Welcome to 'No Prep Needed LIVE Show. Let's dive deep into the world of business without any fluff or filler. Join me as we uncover the strategies, insights, and stories from successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders. From startup tips to scaling strategies, we've got you covered. Tune in to 'No Prep Needed' for your weekly dose of business brilliance.

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