Your Business – Your Next Level

Eunicia Peret
  • 4.8 (21)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 4D AGO

    Ep132: John Donnelly on Building Culture and Trust That Retains Top Talent

    John Donnelly, mortgage industry leader and sales executive, joins Eunicia Peret to share how culture, trust, and clarity become true competitive advantages, especially in a rapidly changing and margin-compressed market. With nearly three decades of experience, John breaks down what it takes to retain top talent, build a values-driven organization, and adapt when your entire industry shifts overnight. From implementing radical transparency in business models to fostering a culture where employees feel heard and empowered, John offers a practical blueprint for sustainable growth. He also shares powerful personal lessons from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, illustrating how purpose, preparation, and the right team can elevate both business and life. Key Takeaways:Culture and trust drive retention: People stay where they feel heard, valued, and connected Employees leave when they feel unseen: Lack of voice and connection, not compensation, is the main reason people leave Transparency builds loyalty: Open business models create trust during uncertain times Adaptability is survival: Industries change quickly, and leaders must be willing to rethink everything Servant leadership creates buy-in: Supporting your team leads to stronger performance and retention Personal growth fuels leadership: You can’t expect growth from others if you’re not growing yourself Purpose drives discipline: A clear “why” makes hard work and consistency easier You need the right team around you: Success is never achieved alone, alignment matters Action beats overthinking: Speed and execution matter more than perfect planning Your network is your safety net: A strong database and relationships create long-term opportunity Timeline Summary: [00:00:00] Introduction to John Donnelly and his background [00:01:00] Leadership, culture, and retaining talent in today’s market [00:03:00] Why people stay: trust, connection, and being heard [00:04:00] “President for a Day” and empowering employee ideas [00:05:00] Changes in recruiting and the importance of transparency [00:06:00] Adapting business models in a shifting mortgage market [00:07:00] Thinking differently to grow while others contract [00:08:00] Personal growth and leading by example [00:09:00] Coaching others: meeting people where they are [00:10:00] Finding purpose and building momentum through big goals [00:11:00] Lessons from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro [00:13:00] The importance of having the right team and advisors [00:16:00] The “personal board of directors” concept [00:18:00] Why collaboration across advisors matters [00:20:00] Changing your circle and embracing growth [00:22:00] First mountain vs. second mountain: success vs. legacy [00:24:00] Biggest regret: not building a strong database early [00:26:00] Final advice: take action and don’t overthink

    30 min

  2. MAY 12

    Ep131: Brian Lafontaine on Why Perfection Is Killing Your Communication

    Brian LaFontaine, professional actor turned public speaking coach, joins Eunicia Peret to break down why so many high-performing professionals struggle to communicate effectively, and how to fix it. With over 30 years in film and television, Brian brings a unique perspective on storytelling, presence, and connection, showing how the same skills used on screen can transform how leaders show up in real life. This episode dives into the myth of perfection, the fear of being seen, and why the best communicators focus less on sounding smart and more on making people feel something. Through powerful stories, including a humbling failure on stage, Brian reveals that true impact doesn’t come from polished delivery, but from authenticity, vulnerability, and human connection. Key Takeaways:Perfection is the wrong goal: Trying to be perfect disconnects you from your audience It’s not about you, it’s about them: Great communication focuses on serving the audience, not impressing them Fear of being seen holds people back: Public speaking anxiety is often about visibility, not just words You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room: Information is everywhere, authenticity is what stands out Stories create connection: Personal experiences make ideas relatable and memorable Emotion drives engagement: If your message doesn’t make people feel something, it won’t stick Your uniqueness is your advantage: Your perspective is what differentiates you, not your credentials Failure teaches faster than success: Brian’s stage failure reinforced the importance of audience connection Creativity already exists within you: It comes from your life experiences, not external techniques Everyone has a story worth sharing: The responsibility is to be willing to tell it Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to Brian LaFontaine and his acting background [00:02:00] Transitioning from acting to public speaking coaching [00:04:00] The fear of public speaking and being seen [00:05:00] Why perfectionism holds leaders back [00:06:00] Shifting focus from self to audience [00:08:00] Authenticity, vulnerability, and real connection [00:10:00] Using personal stories to engage and teach [00:12:00] Why emotion matters more than information [00:13:00] Example of disengaged speakers and audience disconnect [00:16:00] Bringing creativity into communication [00:18:00] Turning everyday experiences into powerful stories [00:20:00] Leadership lessons through storytelling [00:25:00] Brian’s failure on stage and ego check [00:28:00] Reframing failure and reconnecting with the audience [00:31:00] Why every story has value and an audience [00:33:00] Practical ways to start sharing your story [00:36:00] Final message: don’t keep your story to yourself

    41 min

  3. MAY 5

    Ep130: Mike Milligan on The Tax Strategies That Could Get You in Trouble

    Mike Milligan, author, adjunct professor, and financial services veteran, joins Eunicia Peret for a candid and eye-opening conversation about the tax strategies being marketed to high-income earners, and the real risks behind them. Drawing from his personal story of growing up in a financially constrained environment to becoming deeply immersed in tax code and financial strategy, Mike shares his mission to protect individuals from costly mistakes. Together, they break down several widely promoted “too good to be true” strategies, from Roth conversion loopholes to real estate tax plays and software depreciation schemes, and explain why many of them leave clients exposed. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the difference between tax planning and tax selling, and how to protect both your wealth and your future. Key Takeaways:Not all tax strategies are created equal: Just because something is marketed heavily doesn’t mean it’s compliant or sustainable If you can’t explain it, don’t do it: Complexity without clarity is often a red flag Roth conversion “loopholes” can be dangerous: Many strategies lack IRS backing and may be challenged later Sales-driven advice creates exposure: Advisors selling products often highlight benefits while ignoring risks Real estate isn’t always a tax solution: Poorly structured deals can create ongoing losses despite promised tax benefits Cost segregation and depreciation have limits: They don’t apply universally and can be misused Software and AI investment schemes require scrutiny: Real money is at risk, often for minimal real return Tax planning must happen proactively: Waiting until tax season is too late to create meaningful change Your network determines your outcomes: Having the right professionals protects you from costly mistakes Taxes are your biggest expense: Strategic planning can legally reduce and optimize what you pay Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to Mike Milligan and his background [00:02:00] Early exposure to entrepreneurship and financial literacy [00:05:00] Why Mike focuses on protecting individuals from bad strategies [00:07:00] The problem with “fiduciary” messaging in financial services [00:09:00] Roth conversion strategies and hidden risks [00:12:00] Why lack of IRS backing should raise concerns [00:14:00] “Tax-free” Roth conversion claims explained [00:17:00] The reality behind annuity-based tax strategies [00:19:00] Real estate tax strategies and where they fail [00:22:00] Cost segregation misconceptions and financial losses [00:23:00] Software depreciation and AI investment schemes [00:26:00] The risks of blockchain and node-based investments [00:28:00] What real tax strategies look like when done correctly [00:30:00] The importance of having the right advisory team [00:31:00] Tax planning vs. tax preparation [00:33:00] Final thoughts on protecting wealth and making informed decisions

    36 min

  4. APR 28

    Ep129: Ryan Riegler on Scaling a Family Business Across Generations

    Ryan Riegler, third-generation leader and Vice President of Riegler Blacktop, joins Eunicia Peret to share what it really takes to scale a family business into a multi-million dollar operation. With over three decades in construction, Ryan breaks down the realities of working within a family-run company, navigating generational transitions, and building systems that allow for long-term growth. From implementing financial discipline and reinvestment strategies to hiring outside talent and structuring leadership roles, Ryan offers a behind-the-scenes look at how their company grew from 30 employees to nearly 200. He also opens up about personal lessons, including failure in his first marriage, the importance of balance, and why relentless consistency is the foundation of success. This episode is a raw and practical guide for anyone building a business that’s meant to last. Key Takeaways:Family businesses require structure: Clear roles, compensation, and communication prevent conflict Reinvestment fuels growth: A disciplined financial model creates long-term stability and expansion Hiring outside expertise is critical: You can’t scale if you only rely on family knowledge Transparency builds trust: Open books and regular communication strengthen partnerships You must let go to grow: Delegation is necessary for scaling beyond a certain point Consistency creates success: Showing up every day and doing the work compounds over time Failure teaches perspective: Personal setbacks often reshape priorities and leadership Planning ahead protects the business: Succession, insurance, and tax strategy are essential Purpose drives performance: Leaders who operate with intention create stronger teams Balance matters: Success in business means nothing if it costs you everything personally Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to Ryan and the Riegler family business [00:02:00] The history of the company and generational transition [00:04:00] Growing from 30 to 200 employees [00:05:00] Managing family dynamics in business [00:07:00] The importance of business planning and tax strategy [00:09:00] Hiring the right accountant, lawyer, and leadership team [00:11:00] Bringing in non-family executives to scale [00:13:00] Structuring compensation and ownership in family businesses [00:14:00] The 40/40/20 financial model for growth [00:16:00] Risk management, insurance, and buy-sell agreements [00:18:00] Expanding services and vertical integration [00:20:00] The role of SWOT analysis in business growth [00:22:00] Work-life balance and making time for what matters [00:23:00] Personal failure and lessons from divorce [00:25:00] Coaching, leadership, and giving back [00:26:00] Final message: relentless consistency

    31 min

  5. APR 21

    Ep128: Christina Collins on Raising Leaders Through Movement and Mindset

    Christina Collins, founder and franchisor of Never Stop Moving 365, joins Eunicia Peret to share how she turned a passion for youth fitness into a rapidly growing, mission-driven business. With a background in education and physical literacy, Christina explains how movement in childhood builds far more than physical health, it develops confidence, resilience, and leadership skills that carry into adulthood. The conversation dives into modern parenting challenges, from overscheduled kids to screen-heavy lifestyles, and introduces a new model that brings movement directly into the home. Christina also shares her journey as a bootstrapped female founder, the grit required to scale without outside capital, and how she continues to innovate by constantly challenging her own business. This episode is a powerful reminder that building strong children and strong businesses both start with intentional action. Key Takeaways:Movement builds future leaders: Physical activity teaches resilience, confidence, and leadership early in life Failure is feedback: Learning to fail safely as a child creates stronger, more adaptable adults Modern childhood is out of balance: Kids are often stuck between overscheduling and excessive screen time Convenience drives adoption: Bringing services into the home removes barriers for busy families You don’t need external funding to scale: Grit, vision, and persistence can build a successful business Limiting beliefs must be managed daily: Entrepreneurs need systems to quiet doubt and stay focused Compete with yourself: Constant self-competition creates innovation and long-term advantage Access matters: Removing financial and logistical barriers expands impact to more communities Role modeling is powerful: Children adopt habits by watching what adults consistently do You are limitless: Growth comes from pushing beyond perceived boundaries Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to Christina Collins and Never Stop Moving 365 [00:02:00] How movement shapes leadership and lifelong skills [00:04:00] The problem with overscheduled and screen-heavy childhoods [00:05:00] Building a business around convenience and in-home services [00:07:00] Balancing competition, confidence, and child development [00:08:00] Bootstrapping a business as a female founder [00:10:00] Learning from failure and applying feedback [00:12:00] Entrepreneurial mindset and managing limiting beliefs [00:13:00] Competing with your own business to stay ahead [00:15:00] The “tip jar” concept and lessons for entrepreneurs [00:17:00] Expanding services and responding to client needs [00:19:00] Success stories and real-life impact on families [00:21:00] Learning from others’ failures through podcasts and mentorship [00:23:00] Building access through philanthropy and community programs [00:25:00] Practical tips for parents to encourage movement at home [00:27:00] Final message: You are limitless

    31 min

  6. APR 14

    Ep127: Wendy Wright on How Your Emotions Are Driving Your Money Decisions

    Wendy Wright, financial therapist and money mentor, joins Eunicia Peret to explore the powerful intersection between money and emotions, and why most financial decisions have little to do with logic. Drawing from her background as a licensed therapist and business professional, Wendy explains how deeply rooted money stories shape behavior, relationships, and long-term financial outcomes. Together, they unpack why even highly successful individuals struggle with money anxiety, how unconscious beliefs drive decisions, and what it takes to shift from avoidance or fear into clarity and confidence. This episode offers a fresh perspective on financial wellbeing, showing that true success isn’t just about strategy, it’s about healing your relationship with money. Key Takeaways:Money decisions are mostly emotional: Up to 80–90% of financial behavior is driven by feelings, not logic Everyone has a money story: Even if you think you weren’t taught about money, you learned it through experience Awareness is the first step: You can’t change behavior until you understand the emotions behind it Language shapes your financial reality: Words like “expensive” carry emotional weight and influence decisions Unresolved money stories create patterns: These patterns often show up as avoidance, anxiety, or overcontrol Financial success doesn’t eliminate money stress: Even high earners can have unhealthy relationships with money You don’t need perfection, just progress: Moving toward clarity and alignment is more important than getting everything “right” The right support matters: Not all financial professionals understand the emotional side of money Your nervous system is part of your financial life: Calm decisions lead to better long-term outcomes You can have peace with money: Anxiety around money is not something you have to live with Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to Wendy Wright and financial therapy [00:02:00] What financial therapy is and why it matters [00:03:00] The emotional drivers behind financial decisions [00:05:00] The risks of working with misaligned financial professionals [00:07:00] How to identify a qualified financial therapist [00:09:00] Language, behavior, and emotional triggers around money [00:11:00] Why people avoid financial conversations [00:13:00] Reframing money language and reducing emotional charge [00:15:00] The role of money stories in decision-making [00:17:00] How subconscious beliefs drive financial behavior [00:20:00] Real-world example: shifting perspective creates opportunity [00:22:00] Awareness, pausing, and observing financial habits [00:24:00] Writing down thoughts and emotions around spending [00:26:00] Invisible money markers and hidden expectations [00:28:00] Breaking free from preconceived financial norms [00:30:00] Recognizing misaligned financial relationships [00:32:00] Role-playing difficult financial conversations [00:34:00] Wendy’s personal lesson from financial loss and debt cycles [00:36:00] Final message: money anxiety is not inevitable

    41 min

  7. APR 7

    Ep126: Dr. Alison Curfman on Turning Clinical Experience into Scalable Impact

    Dr. Alison Curfman, pediatric emergency physician and co-founder of Imagine Pediatrics, joins Eunicia Peret to share how she transformed frontline clinical frustration into a multi nine-figure healthcare company in under two years. After witnessing firsthand the gaps in patient care, including a tragic case that highlighted the lack of access and communication in rural healthcare. Alison set out to build better systems using telehealth and innovative care models. In this episode, she breaks down how physicians can leverage their existing expertise to create impact far beyond the exam room, why traditional career paths aren’t the only option, and how curiosity and strategic networking can open entirely new doors. This conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t need another degree to create change, you need perspective, courage, and the willingness to step outside the system. Key Takeaways:Your expertise is more valuable than you think: Physicians already have the knowledge needed to influence and build solutions You don’t need another degree to pivot: Real-world experience often outweighs formal credentials like an MBA Curiosity is the starting point: Exploring new ideas and asking better questions opens new career paths Strategic networking creates opportunity: Conversations and connections lead to advisory roles and business ventures You don’t have to take massive risks upfront: Small steps like advising or consulting can lead to bigger transitions The system won’t fix itself: Innovation often requires stepping outside traditional structures Your environment shapes your thinking: Exposure to different industries expands what you believe is possible Be cautious with financial decisions: Don’t invest heavily without a clear plan or trusted guidance Your voice is needed in innovation: Healthcare solutions require real clinical insight to succeed Impact scales beyond one-to-one care: Building systems allows you to help thousands instead of individuals Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Alison Curfman and her background [00:02:00] The patient case that sparked her journey into innovation [00:04:00] Early work in telehealth and virtual care models [00:05:00] Reducing hospitalizations through better support systems [00:06:00] Transitioning from clinical practice to the startup world [00:07:00] Building Imagine Pediatrics and scaling rapidly [00:08:00] Why physicians don’t need an MBA to pivot [00:10:00] Leveraging existing expertise in new ways [00:12:00] The importance of curiosity and continuous learning [00:13:00] Strategic networking: LinkedIn, conferences, and outreach [00:15:00] Breaking out of the “bubble” of traditional systems [00:18:00] Moving the needle instead of solving everything [00:22:00] Taking small, low-risk steps toward new opportunities [00:24:00] Financial awareness and avoiding costly mistakes [00:27:00] Building safely: MVPs and smart capital strategy [00:30:00] The importance of trusted advisors and legal guidance [00:32:00] Final message: You are needed, your expertise matters

    38 min

  8. MAR 31

    Ep125: Alexander Hollis on Solving the Nursing Shortage Through Education

    Alexander Hollis, founder of NurseHub, joins Eunicia Peret to share how he built a mission-driven edtech company tackling one of the biggest challenges in healthcare, the nursing shortage. With a background in education, not nursing, Alex explains how he identified a critical gap in access to nursing education and built a platform that now supports thousands of aspiring nurses. The conversation dives into building trust in an industry you didn’t come from, hiring the right people to scale, and balancing empathy with leadership. They also explore the realities of bootstrapping, making education accessible, and why solving the nursing shortage requires both innovation and systemic change. This episode is a powerful look at purpose-driven entrepreneurship and building something bigger than yourself. Key Takeaways:You don’t need to be the expert to build in an industry: Start within your strengths and bring in experts where needed Hiring the right people changes everything: Great hires elevate culture, performance, and long-term scalability You shouldn’t be the smartest person in the room: Strong teams outperform solo-driven leadership Mission-driven companies attract aligned talent: Purpose naturally draws in empathetic and high-performing individuals Accessibility can be a growth strategy: Providing free value builds trust, reach, and long-term success Bootstrapping creates discipline: Operating lean forces smarter decisions and sustainable growth Empathy improves product development: Understanding your users deeply leads to better solutions Feedback is leadership, not confrontation: Avoiding hard conversations creates bigger problems over time Free content can be powerful marketing: Giving value upfront builds credibility and conversion Big problems require systemic solutions: Ending the nursing shortage goes beyond business, it requires national change Timeline Summary:[00:00:00] Introduction to Alexander Hollis and NurseHub [00:01:00] From teaching physics to solving the nursing shortage [00:03:00] The origin story of NurseHub and early challenges [00:04:00] Building trust without being a nurse [00:06:00] Leveraging expertise and hiring the right people [00:08:00] Lessons learned from scaling a bootstrapped company [00:10:00] Why hiring well improves both culture and results [00:13:00] Making education accessible through pricing and free content [00:15:00] The impact of giving away value for free [00:17:00] Leading with empathy without burning out [00:19:00] Building products by understanding student struggles [00:20:00] Staying agile through strategic hiring and lean operations [00:22:00] Bootstrapping vs. raising capital [00:24:00] The realities behind the nursing shortage [00:26:00] National-level solutions needed for healthcare [00:29:00] Leadership lessons: empathy and difficult conversations [00:31:00] Final thoughts on hiring, culture, and feedback

    31 min
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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.

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