Your Business – Your Next Level

Eunicia Peret

Are you an ambitious business owner ready to take your business to the next level? Welcome to "Your Business – Your Next Level," where your host Eunicia Peret delivers the game-changing insights every ambitious business owner seeks. Whether it’s strategies for paying less in taxes, scaling your enterprise, or optimizing your team, this podcast is designed with your success in mind. Tailored for business owners who face challenges in expansion and optimization, here you’ll find the expert guidance needed to unlock new opportunities and grow your business. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your business and your finances. Visit us at www.podcast.excelstra.com to access further insights and resources. Elevate your listening experience by subscribing to "Your Business – Your Next Level" and ensure you rate and review our episodes, so we can continue delivering the content you need to succeed. Join us and be part of a community dedicated to achieving more in business. Refuse to settle for conventional success. "Your Business – Your Next Level" challenges you to push beyond comfort zones and explore new heights in business efficacy. With Eunicia's guidance and a wealth of expert knowledge, your pursuit of exceptional achievement starts here. Let's redefine what success means to you and set new benchmarks in your industry together.

  1. 6D AGO

    Ep122: John Lee Dumas on Breaking Through Entrepreneurial Plateaus

    John Lee Dumas, founder and host of the wildly successful podcast Entrepreneurs on Fire, joins Eunicia Peret for a high-energy conversation about mindset, growth, and what it really takes to break through entrepreneurial plateaus. After more than 5,000 interviews with successful founders and creators, John shares the patterns he sees again and again, particularly how entrepreneurs unconsciously cap their own success. They explore why mastermind groups are powerful catalysts for growth, the difference between scarcity and abundance thinking, and why the biggest breakthroughs always happen outside the comfort zone. From chasing shiny objects to building a business that goes “one inch wide and one mile deep,” John offers clear, practical wisdom for entrepreneurs ready to elevate to the next level. Key Takeaways:Entrepreneurs often plateau at self-imposed limits: Many hit income goals they once dreamed of and subconsciously stop pushing beyond them Masterminds create accountability and expansion: Surrounding yourself with ambitious peers raises expectations and performance Confidence is a universal trait among successful founders: The belief that you will learn from failure is more important than avoiding it Scarcity thinking limits growth: True scaling happens when entrepreneurs adopt an abundance mindset All the magic happens outside the comfort zone: Growth requires intentionally doing things that feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable Focus beats shiny objects: The most successful founders go one inch wide and one mile deep in their industry Solve real problems: Becoming the number one solution to a real problem creates sustainable success Customer insight drives scaling: Asking the right questions reveals exactly how to improve and expand your business Value precedes success: Building something valuable naturally leads to success and influence Partnerships require caution: Collaboration can be powerful, but ownership clarity matters for long-term success Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to John Lee Dumas and Entrepreneurs on Fire [00:01:00] Why entrepreneurs plateau at income ceilings they set for themselves [00:02:00] The power of masterminds and peer accountability [00:03:00] Why confidence is the common trait among successful founders [00:05:00] Scarcity mindset vs. abundance mindset in entrepreneurship [00:07:00] Getting outside the comfort zone to unlock growth [00:09:00] John’s new “50 Days to Something” video experiment [00:10:00] The danger of chasing shiny objects and speculative trends [00:11:00] One inch wide, one mile deep: the focus strategy for success [00:13:00] Finding opportunity within emerging spaces like AI [00:14:00] The four questions every entrepreneur should ask their audience [00:15:00] Lessons learned from partnerships in business [00:16:00] Final message: Become a person of value, not just success Links & Resources:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eofire/

    18 min
  2. MAR 3

    Ep121: Marc Daniels on Leading KPIs and Why Revenue Is the Wrong Focus

    Marc Daniels returns to Your Business, Your Next Level to continue the conversation on strategy, execution, and why most business owners are tracking the wrong numbers. In this episode, Marc breaks down the critical difference between leading and lagging KPIs, explaining why revenue is just the scoreboard, not the playbook. He shares practical examples across industries, from restaurants to pool companies, to illustrate how tracking the right metrics can double growth without adding chaos. The conversation then shifts into strategic planning for the year ahead, including how to structure quarterly projects around strengths, weaknesses, trends, and obstacles. If you’ve ever thought you “had a plan” but still felt stuck, this episode will challenge how you think about execution and leadership. Key Takeaways:Revenue is a lagging indicator: If you only track revenue, you’re reacting instead of leading Leading KPIs drive real growth: Calls taken, conversion rates, capacity utilization, and proposal wins matter more than end-of-month totals If no one owns a number, the number owns you: Every KPI must have clear accountability Dashboards should be simple: Tracking 10 meaningful metrics beats tracking 40 irrelevant ones AI is a tool, not a trend: Use it strategically to enhance operations, not as a distraction Four projects per quarter create focus: Leverage a strength, eliminate a weakness, ride a trend, and remove an obstacle A forecast is not a strategy: Adding 20% to last year’s revenue is not a growth plan Resource balancing is leadership: You can’t demand more without adjusting workload or capacity Recognition drives performance: Acknowledging wins motivates more than bonuses No plan is a plan to fail: Even an imperfect strategy is better than none Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Marc returns and recap of Part 1 [00:02:00] What most entrepreneurs misunderstand about KPIs [00:04:00] Leading vs. lagging indicators explained [00:07:00] Real-world examples: shipping damage, call conversions, restaurant table turns [00:11:00] Reverse-engineering revenue from operational metrics [00:14:00] Why most dashboards are cluttered and ineffective [00:17:00] Accountability: assigning ownership to every KPI [00:19:00] Why most “plans” are just wishful spreadsheets [00:21:00] The four-project quarterly framework [00:23:00] AI as a tool, not a business strategy [00:25:00] Handling shiny objects and staying focused [00:27:00] Structuring a tight, effective weekly leadership meeting [00:29:00] Milestones, resource balancing, and managing execution [00:33:00] The power of recognition in leadership [00:34:00] Final message: No plan is a plan to fail

    37 min
  3. FEB 24

    Ep120: Esther Goldstein on Trauma, Trust, and Financial Self-Worth

    Esther Goldstein, trauma therapist, educator, author, and group practice owner, joins Eunicia Peret for a powerful conversation about the intersection of trauma, money, leadership, and self-worth. Esther shares how unresolved trauma impacts not only emotional health but financial decision-making, trust, and the ability to take strategic risks. Together, they explore the hidden cost of staying stuck, why investing in the right mentors collapses timelines, and how safety and self-trust are foundational to scaling any business. Esther brings a grounded, heart-centered perspective to entrepreneurship, reminding listeners that abundance isn’t just about money, it’s about building a life that feels aligned, peaceful, and intentional. Key Takeaways:Trauma impacts financial decisions: When trust is broken, people freeze, even when opportunity is in front of them Self-trust must be rebuilt intentionally: Strategic small wins restore autonomy and confidence The cost of inaction is real: Staying “safe” often costs more than taking a calculated leap Pay to play is a growth strategy: Investing in the right mentors and consultants collapses timelines Status quo is expensive: If nothing changes, your future likely won’t either Discernment is leadership: Hiring and investing at your current level is essential for growth Stress compounds silently: Financial uncertainty and misalignment impact health, relationships, and leadership Abundance is a mindset choice: You are worthy of investing in yourself and creating a richer life Boundaries create clarity: Generosity without structure leads to burnout Who you sit in rooms with shapes your trajectory: Proximity influences mental health, wealth, and opportunity Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to Esther Goldstein and her mission [00:02:00] Why trauma and money conversations must overlap [00:04:00] Fight, flight, freeze and how survival responses impact finances [00:06:00] Trusting providers vs. trusting yourself [00:09:00] The difference between traditional therapy and breakthrough trauma strategies [00:12:00] Investing in mentors and collapsing timelines [00:15:00] The hidden cost of missed financial opportunity [00:18:00] Stress, nervous system regulation, and long-term health [00:21:00] Behind-the-curtain conversations and access to higher-level strategy [00:24:00] Fear vs. intuition when making big decisions [00:26:00] Hiring mistakes and learning discernment in business [00:29:00] Abundance mindset vs. scarcity thinking [00:31:00] Final message: You are worthy of investing in yourself

    32 min
  4. FEB 17

    Ep119: Doug Seibold on Publishing, AI, and the Power of Validation

    Doug Seibold, founder of Agate Publishing, joins host Eunicia Peret for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the rapidly evolving world of publishing. What began in 2002 in Doug’s basement with a laptop and a vision has grown into a diversified publishing and educational enterprise. In this episode, Doug shares how feeling “ill-suited” for traditional employment pushed him to build something of his own, how the publishing industry has weathered massive disruption, from the internet to eBooks to AI, and what today’s entrepreneurs need to understand about validation, intellectual property, and adaptability. If you’ve ever considered writing a book, launching something new, or pivoting in a changing industry, this conversation offers clarity and perspective. Key Takeaways:Entrepreneurship often starts with discomfort: Feeling out of place in traditional roles can spark innovation Publishing is easier to access, but harder to monetize: The internet removed barriers but created discovery challenges Validation matters in traditional publishing: Gatekeeping isn’t just restriction, it’s investment and endorsement Copyright is typically licensed, not surrendered: Authors usually retain ownership while publishers license rights AI has created massive legal and ethical uncertainty: Intellectual property battles are reshaping the industry Reading builds cognitive capacity: Consistent exposure to books strengthens thinking, communication, and creativity Consistency beats intensity in parenting and leadership: Small, repeated habits shape long-term outcomes Resilience requires forward vision: Business owners must always ask, “What’s next?” Failure builds endurance: Early setbacks often create the foundation for long-term success Adaptability is survival: Especially in turbulent industries, reinvention isn’t optional Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to Doug and the origin of Agate Publishing [00:02:00] Feeling misaligned in traditional work environments [00:04:00] The evolution of media and publishing in the 21st century [00:06:00] AI, copyright battles, and legal uncertainty [00:09:00] The risks of relying blindly on AI-generated information [00:10:00] Parenting in a digital world: building reading habits [00:13:00] Modeling behavior and creating family consistency [00:16:00] Why reading strengthens cognitive and professional skills [00:18:00] The realities of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing [00:21:00] Gatekeeping vs. validation: understanding the difference [00:24:00] Licensing, copyright, and what authors should watch for [00:27:00] Early entrepreneurial failures and lessons learned [00:30:00] The importance of constantly thinking about “what’s next” [00:32:00] Final reflections on resilience and adaptability

    35 min
  5. FEB 10

    Ep118: Janice Carte on The Real ROI of Peace, Time, and Simplicity

    Janice Carte, founder of Tiny Spoon Cheff, returns to the show for a deeper conversation with host Eunicia Peret on what it really means to invest in your peace of mind. In this episode, they explore how services that might seem “non-essential” at first, like a personal chef or a financial strategist, actually deliver massive returns in the form of time, energy, and mental clarity. Janice shares how her clients are reframing the cost of convenience, and why the habit of overthinking every purchase often delays growth. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts needed to stop justifying support and start embracing the value of simplicity. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I can just do it myself,” this episode might change your mind. Key Takeaways:Value doesn’t always look like a dollar sign: Peace, time, and energy are part of your ROI Most people undervalue simplicity: Complexity feels productive, but often creates burnout The question isn’t what it costs: The question is what it’s costing you not to have it You don’t need to justify ease: Support doesn’t require permission, it requires alignment DIY isn’t always cheaper: When your time is stretched, outsourcing is an investment Gut decisions are valid: If it feels like a “yes,” trust that, especially in business The biggest results are often invisible: Like eating better without effort, or thinking more clearly without clutter You’re not weak for needing help: You’re smart for knowing when it’s time Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Janice shares what’s shifted since her last appearance [00:02:00] Why people hesitate to invest in “soft” services like a personal chef [00:05:00] Reframing cost through the lens of time and bandwidth [00:08:00] Why DIY is sometimes the most expensive option [00:10:00] Real client stories: the emotional and mental return of letting go [00:13:00] Making peace with hiring help. even when others don’t get it [00:16:00] Gut instincts vs. logic: knowing which one to trust [00:19:00] The “freedom ROI” that most people never calculate [00:22:00] How financial and lifestyle support go hand in hand [00:25:00] Final thoughts on alignment, permission, and receiving

    45 min
  6. FEB 3

    Ep117: Karen Laos on How to Speak Up Without Apologizing

    Karen Laos joins host Eunicia Peret for a powerful conversation about finding your voice, asking for what you want, and learning to command a room, whether in a board meeting or a high-stakes conversation. Karen shares the personal moment that launched her mission to help millions of women silence self-doubt and speak with clarity and confidence. Together, they explore why even successful professionals get tongue-tied, how assumptions derail relationships, and why knowing your audience might matter more than knowing all the answers. From vocal presence to mindset shifts, this episode is filled with real-life strategies to help you speak up, stand tall, and trust yourself, at work and in life. Key Takeaways:Confidence isn’t just a feeling: It’s built through preparation, body language, and intentional pauses Assumptions can cost us deeply: Never underestimate the power of asking the hard question Warmth builds trust faster than competence: People want to feel safe before they’ll listen Pausing is a power move: It gives your words weight and your audience time to absorb them Control is often an illusion: Letting go of the need to know everything opens the door to real connection Recording yourself is a growth hack: You can’t fix what you don’t realize you’re doing Clarity wins over perfection: Know your bottom line and lead with it Speak to serve, not to impress: Flip the focus from yourself to your audience Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Meet Karen and her mission to impact 10 million women [00:02:00] The moment she froze in a boardroom, and what it taught her [00:05:00] What confidence really looks like (it’s not what you think) [00:07:00] How to build trust quickly using body language and warmth [00:10:00] Why filler words happen, and how to stop them [00:13:00] Getting over the fear of saying “I don’t know” [00:16:00] The three things humans want most: to be right, look good, and feel in control [00:20:00] The trap of trying to be right, and what it really costs you [00:24:00] How to think on your feet under pressure [00:28:00] Speaking from alignment instead of performance [00:30:00] Karen’s biggest regret, and the lesson she teaches because of it [00:33:00] The “BLUF” method for clear communication [00:35:00] Final thoughts on clarity, confidence, and credibility

    36 min
  7. JAN 27

    Ep116: Stacy Pellettieri on How Trauma Blocks Business Growth

    Stacy Pellettieri, licensed therapist and founder of five mental health businesses, joins host Eunicia Peret to discuss the hidden emotional patterns that silently block business growth. With nearly three decades of experience, Stacy unpacks how unresolved trauma, especially the “little t” kind, can sabotage leadership, strain decision-making, and keep high-achievers stuck. They dive into the psychology of control, the nervous system’s response to pressure, and how kids today are losing their ability to emotionally regulate in a world flooded with screens and overstimulation. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating personal growth, this episode offers deep insight into what might be keeping you from the next level, and how to finally move past it. Key Takeaways: Unprocessed trauma doesn’t disappear: It hides in control issues, avoidance, and burnout “Little t” trauma can be just as impactful as “big T” trauma: The body keeps score even when the mind forgets High achievers often resist healing: Many entrepreneurs ignore emotional work until their success feels empty Your nervous system affects how you lead: If you’re dysregulated, your team and business will reflect that Parents must model emotional regulation: Kids can’t learn it through screens, and many are struggling as a result True growth requires safety: You need to feel grounded before you can lead others well No business strategy can outpace emotional blocks: What you avoid internally will surface externally Being strong isn’t the same as being healed: Letting go doesn’t make you weak, it makes you free Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Meet Stacy and her 28-year journey in mental health and private practice [00:03:00] What unresolved trauma looks like in successful people [00:05:00] How “little t” trauma plays out in day-to-day leadership [00:08:00] Signs your nervous system is dysregulated (and how it affects business) [00:11:00] The danger of pushing through when your body is signaling shutdown [00:14:00] Kids, screens, and the crisis of emotional regulation [00:17:00] The balance between healing, parenting, and entrepreneurship [00:20:00] Why strong people avoid help, and how to know if that’s you [00:23:00] The myth of perfection and the power of emotional honesty [00:25:00] Final thoughts on wholeness, safety, and scaling from a healed place

    42 min
  8. JAN 20

    Ep115: Dr. Sera Lavelle on Emotional Eating, Hypnosis, and Building Scalable Mental Health Solutions

    Dr. Sera Lavelle, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of two thriving therapy practices, joins host Eunicia Peret for a powerful conversation on how psychology, neuroscience, and technology are coming together to transform mental health, especially around emotional eating. With specialties in hypnotherapy, EMDR, and integrative approaches to healing, Dr. Lavelle shares her journey from traditional training to building out-of-the-box solutions that actually help people. They unpack why insurance models fail most patients, how AI is expanding access to care, and the connection between emotional triggers, food habits, and entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever felt like traditional systems aren’t serving you, or your clients, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways:Traditional models are broken: Insurance-based care often denies people help unless they’re “sick enough” to qualify Emotional eating is the real issue, not just calories: People don’t overeat because they misunderstand nutrition, but because of psychological patterns Therapy should be proactive, not reactive: Most systems treat disordered eating only after it becomes severe, missing early intervention opportunities AI can increase access: Well-designed digital tools can provide therapeutic support to the 60%+ of people who struggle with stress eating Entrepreneurs need support too: Building scalable mental health businesses requires coaching, operations help, and real structure You can build impact without losing integrity: Sera’s practices integrate traditional therapy with new modalities like psychedelics and digital platforms Financial systems reflect the same gaps: Just like in healthcare, most people are turned away from strategic wealth solutions because they don’t “qualify” Believing in your mission makes the risk worth it: Building something new is scary, but alignment gives you courage Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Sera Lavelle and her background in psychology and hypnosis [00:02:00] From waiting tables in NYC to building a therapy empire [00:04:00] How hypnosis opened a door into emotional eating and full-time practice [00:06:00] The failure of the medical model to treat patients before they’re “sick enough” [00:08:00] Building practices outside the insurance system [00:10:00] Doctors turning to AI and integrative labs for better patient care [00:13:00] Legal risk vs. ethical care: the tension for clinicians and therapists [00:15:00] Parallel gaps in medicine, law, and finance, and how they hurt clients [00:18:00] Sera’s take on how artificial criteria exclude people from getting help [00:21:00] The limitations of calorie-tracking apps and the mental toll of food rules [00:23:00] Comparison to budgeting tools: restriction doesn’t equal results [00:25:00] How intuitive awareness is more powerful than external tracking [00:27:00] Biggest business mistake: incentive structures that collapsed with scale [00:29:00] How Sera rebuilt her systems with help from fractional experts [00:30:00] The power of outside guidance and true support [00:31:00] Final reflections: When you believe in what you’re doing, the fear gets quieter

    33 min
4.8
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Are you an ambitious business owner ready to take your business to the next level? Welcome to "Your Business – Your Next Level," where your host Eunicia Peret delivers the game-changing insights every ambitious business owner seeks. Whether it’s strategies for paying less in taxes, scaling your enterprise, or optimizing your team, this podcast is designed with your success in mind. Tailored for business owners who face challenges in expansion and optimization, here you’ll find the expert guidance needed to unlock new opportunities and grow your business. Don't miss out on the opportunity to transform your business and your finances. Visit us at www.podcast.excelstra.com to access further insights and resources. Elevate your listening experience by subscribing to "Your Business – Your Next Level" and ensure you rate and review our episodes, so we can continue delivering the content you need to succeed. Join us and be part of a community dedicated to achieving more in business. Refuse to settle for conventional success. "Your Business – Your Next Level" challenges you to push beyond comfort zones and explore new heights in business efficacy. With Eunicia's guidance and a wealth of expert knowledge, your pursuit of exceptional achievement starts here. Let's redefine what success means to you and set new benchmarks in your industry together.