Founder Talk with Alex Sheridan

Alex Sheridan
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Founder Talk with Alex Sheridan

Welcome to Founder Talk! A podcast where we bring on successful Founders to talk to them about their unique expertise in order to help other founders (And aspiring Founders) grow their businesses and live more fulfilling lives. Each guest offers a distinct background and mastered skill set that you'll be able to learn from and apply, immediately! Join us as we dive into their stories, offering practical lessons and a fun experience for you to enjoy and grow from.

  1. How to Get a 100% Response Rate from Prospects with Steve at Gilded Box

    12/09/2024

    How to Get a 100% Response Rate from Prospects with Steve at Gilded Box

    Podcast Description: In this episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Steve from Gilded Box to uncover the art of cutting through the digital noise with unforgettable, personalized gift strategies. Steve shares how their creative, high-quality gifting approach has achieved a 100% response rate from prospects and influencers—without even asking for anything in return. From why custom, thoughtful gifts outperform generic swag to how gifting builds relationships and drives business results, this episode is packed with actionable insights for founders looking to create meaningful connections. We also dive into strategies for account-based marketing (ABM), leveraging creativity in outreach, and the power of giving without expecting. If you’ve ever wondered how to stand out in a crowded market, build genuine relationships, and turn prospects into clients, this conversation will change the way you think about outreach and gifting. Episode Highlights: [00:02:15] How Gilded Box uses custom gifts to create standout experiences. [00:06:45] Why thoughtful personalization beats generic swag every time. [00:12:30] The psychology behind gifting without an ask—and why it works. [00:18:20] Using gifting as a tool for cold prospects, pipeline clients, and referrals. [00:23:00] How creativity and effort open doors to impossible opportunities. [00:29:50] Building a marketing engine: trial, error, and consistency. [00:34:10] Lessons from Liquid Death and Dollar Shave Club—taking risks in branding. [00:40:35] Relationships as a cheat code for business success. [00:45:15] Advice for founders: starting with community and creative strategies. Where to Find Steve and Gilded Box LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegumm/ Website: gildedbox.com Want to say goodbye to marketing agencies forever and start building your own internal content team?! It’s exactly what we’ve done here and it’s what we’ve helped dozens and dozens of our clients do!  Schedule a video chat with me today and let’s talk about what that looks like!  To book a call, check out our pricing/services, learn about how we work with clients, etc.hop on over to our website now!  https://impaxs.com Also, I put together a super valuable playbook for 7-8 figure B2B companies on how to build your OWN high-performing content team that can produce video podcasts like this and help you drive real business results and revenue through content across platforms.  And it’s FREE! 🤗 Here’s what you’ll learn inside: -How to Build an In-House Content Team: Say goodbye to overpriced agencies and take control of your brand. Who to hire, where to find them, how much to pay, and how to develop them.  -How to Craft Your Brand Story: Attract more of your DREAM clients and get them to say YES more often. -Master Organic Social Media: Build a strategy from the ground up that’s measurable. No fluff. No guesswork. Just a simple, actionable plan to create content that drives real business growth. Snatch it up here 👉https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/1

    38 min
  2. How to Scale with Purpose and Hire Elite Level Talent with Spotter Staffing CEO Ryan Cleaveland

    10/22/2024

    How to Scale with Purpose and Hire Elite Level Talent with Spotter Staffing CEO Ryan Cleaveland

    Podcast Description: In this episode of Founder Talk, we dive deep with Ryan Cleaveland, Co-Founder of Spotter Staffing, a specialized staffing firm focusing on school-based therapy positions in Illinois and Texas. Ryan shares the fascinating story of how he transitioned from traditional staffing into the niche world of therapy staffing for schools, and why this purpose-driven pivot has allowed his company to thrive in a highly focused space. Ryan’s insights into leadership, scaling, and maintaining a purpose-driven business offer valuable lessons for any founder looking to grow sustainably. Highlight Stamps: 00:00 – Introduction to the episode and Ryan’s background. 01:30 – Ryan explains why he chose the niche of school-based therapy staffing after his time in traditional staffing. 06:00 – Ryan talks about the power of purpose and what led him to this unique space. 10:00 – The importance of working with people who are making a genuine impact in education and therapy. 12:30 – Discussing the challenges and rewards of niching down in a competitive market. 16:45 – How Spotter Staffing differentiates itself with exceptional service and a strong focus on values. 22:15 – Introducing Leo the Llama: How a company mascot became part of Spotter Staffing’s brand identity and culture. 28:00 – The importance of staying true to your niche and the benefits of focusing on a specific market. 36:00 – The journey to being listed on the Inc. 5000 list and achieving 504% growth. 41:20 – Ryan shares his top three strategies for scaling a company: hard work, continuous learning, and surrounding yourself with great people. 46:45 – Discussing work-life balance, the importance of being present, and taking time to recharge. 53:00 – Ryan opens up about the challenges of letting go of control and trusting others in leadership roles. 58:20 – What's next for Spotter Staffing and their plans for future growth. 1:02:00 – Closing thoughts and where to find Ryan Cochrane online. Where to Find Ryan Cochrane: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-cleaveland-2aa5a87/ Website: https://www.spotterstaffing.com/ Tune in to hear how Ryan’s dedication to purpose, focus, and growth can inspire founders to carve out their own niche and scale with intention!

    56 min
  3. The Future of Work: Navigating the Office vs. Work-From-Home Dilemma with John Wallace

    10/08/2024

    The Future of Work: Navigating the Office vs. Work-From-Home Dilemma with John Wallace

    In this episode of Founder Talk, I sit down with John, founder of Workbox, a rapidly growing flex office space company that’s redefining the commercial real estate industry. We dive deep into his journey of creating a business model that thrives in today's hybrid work environment, emphasizing asset-light strategies and long-term flexibility for businesses of all sizes. From navigating capital-intensive projects to leveraging differentiation and brand-building in a competitive market, John shares candid insights on the challenges and rewards of scaling a business from scratch. You'll also hear about how Workbox is not just another workspace provider but a hub for small businesses, offering a venture fund, accelerator programs, and a community-driven approach to help entrepreneurs thrive. Whether you’re curious about commercial real estate, intrigued by the future of work, or looking for inspiration on how to scale a business while minimizing risk, this conversation will provide invaluable insights for any founder. [00:45] - The Genesis of Workbox: John shares how he started Workbox and his insights on building a unique flex office space that feels like home but meets the evolving needs of businesses. [03:20] - Managing Capital-Intensive Projects: Learn how John handles the complexities of a capital-heavy business, managing overhead while maintaining a sustainable, asset-light model. [06:10] - The WeWork Differentiator: Hear how Workbox differs from WeWork, focusing on small businesses, community building, and integrating an in-house venture fund and accelerator. [12:50] - COVID-19’s Unexpected Impact: John reflects on how the pandemic accelerated flexible work trends and shaped Workbox’s growth, pushing them to innovate with remote services and virtual programming. [21:30] - Hybrid Work Models and Performance: We discuss the pros and cons of hybrid work environments versus 100% remote or in-office setups, and how different models affect team performance and company culture. [35:00] - Scaling Smart: Balancing Growth and Infrastructure: John reveals the strategies behind Workbox’s expansion, focusing on sustainable infrastructure, strategic locations, and long-term vision. [42:00] - Why Relationships, Fulfillment, and Growth Matter: We wrap up by discussing the personal motivations behind building a business, the importance of staying challenged, and what truly matters for a founder’s happiness and purpose. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-wallace-23114a5/ Website: www.workboxcompany.com WANT TO WORK WITH US?  We help 7-8 figure B2B companies win clients and build industry leading brands with in-house social media and video content. No need to outsource your content ever again!  Head over to our website now and check out our services, pricing, how we work with clients, and book a call! https://impaxs.com Join 1,500+ Founders and get my BEST content delivered weekly to your inbox! Every week I share exclusive, high value content that you can’t find anywhere else (Not even on my social pages)! It’s the type of content that I charge clients money to implement for them. All geared towards helping 7-8 figure B2B companies drive revenue and build brand through video content and social media. BONUS FOR SIGNING UP TODAY! Once you sign up, I'll send you an email (And video) where I show you how to create 3 videos guaranteed to help you drive more sales...instantly. And all you need to create them is a smartphone and wireless mic :) https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/1

    44 min
  4. Should You Grow Your Current Business or Start a New One? Plus, Marketing Insights From a 4x Founder with John Tsourakis

    09/24/2024

    Should You Grow Your Current Business or Start a New One? Plus, Marketing Insights From a 4x Founder with John Tsourakis

    In this episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with John Tsourakis, a multi-business founder, to explore the delicate balance between staying focused on your current business and knowing when it’s time to jump into new ventures. With three businesses under his belt and more on the way, John offers invaluable insights for founders trying to navigate growth, partnerships, and scaling. From knowing when to niche down and maximize profit margins to understanding the power of healthy partnerships, John breaks down the lessons he's learned from both success and failure. We dive deep into what makes a business sellable, why niching down can save you years of trial and error, and the importance of building a solid outbound strategy. If you're a founder or entrepreneur looking for practical, no-nonsense advice on scaling, this episode is for you. Key Moments:  When to Stay Focused vs. When to Expand: John explains how knowing your personality and business stage can determine whether you should focus on your current venture or pursue new opportunities. The Importance of Experience Before Expanding: John reflects on why it took him nearly a decade before starting his next business, and how seasoned experience plays a key role in managing multiple ventures. Learning to Delegate What You Hate: John shares how partnering with others for tasks he dislikes, like hiring and payroll, allowed him to focus on what truly interests him—connecting customers with value. The Gamble of Entrepreneurship: The fun of taking risks and why failures are just as important as successes in business growth. Partnerships and Profit Margins: John breaks down why knowing your partners well and understanding profit margins are critical for scaling. Niching Down for Success: John talks about the value of niching down and how it can make your business more sellable, with examples of how focusing on one industry can create massive success. Founders’ Biggest Mistake: John dives into how founder-led sales and poor account management can prevent a business from scaling and what founders need to do to make their companies more sellable. The Power of Community and Perspective: How having a network of fellow entrepreneurs can provide clarity during slow seasons and help you stay motivated. Why LinkedIn is On Fire Right Now: John and Alex discuss LinkedIn’s massive organic reach with video content and why founders should jump on this opportunity now. Internal Content Teams vs. Outsourcing: John weighs in on why content created internally can outperform outsourced content in speed, authenticity, and effectiveness—plus the risks if companies don’t properly build out these internal teams. What’s It All For?: John reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, what keeps him driven, and how fun, fulfillment, and legacy fuel his pursuit of new ventures. Where to Find John Tsourakis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jontsourakis/Website: OYOVA.com WANT TO WORK WITH US?  We help 7-8 figure B2B companies win clients and build industry leading brands with in-house social media and video content. No need to outsource your content ever again!  Head over to our website now and check out our services, pricing, how we work with clients, and book a call! https://impaxs.com GET MY BEST CONTENT HERE! If you thought this content was good, I wanna let you there’s a place where I share EXCLUSIVE, high value content that you can’t find anywhere else (Not even on social)!  It’s the type of content that I charge clients money to implement for them.  All geared towards helping 7-8 figure B2B companies drive revenue and build brand through video content.  And it’s all in my weekly newsletter.  Sign up now and you’ll start by getting a free video and guide on the “3 types of videos that instantly drive more sales”!   https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/1

    41 min
  5. Why Traditional Marketing Strategies Are Failing & How Founders Can Break Through in 2024

    09/10/2024

    Why Traditional Marketing Strategies Are Failing & How Founders Can Break Through in 2024

    In this episode of Founder Talk, we sit down with Amy Schuster, Founder and CEO of Bandwidth Strategy, to discuss the most pressing marketing challenges facing founders and CEOs today. Amy, with her decades of marketing experience as a VP, CMO, and business founder, shares her perspective on what’s broken in traditional marketing and what needs to change to succeed in today’s landscape. We explore topics such as the decline of email marketing as a volume game, why building a strong personal brand on LinkedIn is crucial, and how to develop a meaningful email list that actually converts. Amy also dives into why SEO is still a key marketing pillar, despite the rise of social media, and how founders can create educational content that drives long-term results. Whether you're a founder struggling to align sales and marketing or trying to figure out how to make your email marketing strategy more impactful, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will help you grow your business and stay ahead of the curve in 2024. @2:00 – What’s Broken in Marketing Today:Amy explains how marketing has shifted from the early 2000s and why email marketing is no longer the volume game it once was. @6:50 – How to Build a Valuable Email List:For founders struggling with email list-building, Amy breaks down key strategies to create a list that provides real value, not just vanity metrics. @10:40 – Personal Branding on LinkedIn:Alex and Amy discuss the importance of LinkedIn for founders and how building a personal brand can amplify your business. @15:20 – Why You Should Ditch Buying Email Lists:Amy shares why buying email lists is one of the biggest wastes of time and money, and what to do instead. @18:30 – Does Email Marketing Still Matter?:In the age of social media, is email marketing still relevant? Amy gives her take on why it’s still a valuable channel if done right. @22:15 – The Secrets to Writing a Good Email:What makes people open, read, and take action on your emails? Amy and Alex discuss key elements for crafting high-converting emails. @30:40 – How SEO Has Evolved in 2024:Amy dives into the latest trends in SEO, including how AI is changing the game and why content needs to be educational and user-focused. @37:15 – Using Video for SEO and Brand Building:Alex talks about how video content ranks on Google and why founders should be leveraging video for SEO. @45:00 – The Importance of Sales and Marketing Alignment:How can founders create better sales and marketing synergy? Amy outlines the pitfalls of misalignment and the power of communication between teams. @55:20 – Why Founders Should Be the Face of Their Brand:Amy explains why the most successful founders put themselves out there and become the voice of their company through content creation. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimeehschuster/ Website: https://bandwidthstrategy.com/ Say goodbye to marketing agencies forever and start building your own internal content team! It’s exactly what we’ve done here and it’s what we’ve helped dozens and dozens of our clients do!  Schedule a video chat with me today and let’s talk about what that looks like!  To book a call, check out our pricing/services, learn about how we work with clients, etc.hop on over to our website now!  https://impaxs.com I also want to let you know there’s a place where I share EXCLUSIVE, high value content that you can’t find anywhere else (Not even on social)!  It’s the type of content that I charge clients money to implement for them.  All geared towards helping 7-8 figure B2B companies drive revenue and build brand through video content.  And it’s all in my weekly newsletter.  Sign up now and you’ll start by getting a free video and guide on the “3 types of videos that instantly drive more sales”!   https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/1

    48 min
  6. Why Being Different Beats Being Better: A Branding Masterclass with Jason Vana

    08/27/2024

    Why Being Different Beats Being Better: A Branding Masterclass with Jason Vana

    In this episode of "Founder Talk," we're joined by branding expert Jason Vana for a deep dive into why businesses should focus on being different rather than simply being better. Jason shares powerful insights on how to position your brand to stand out in a crowded market, revealing the three key areas that determine true differentiation. We discuss why most companies get stuck in a "better" mindset, and how shifting to "different" can make all the difference. From understanding your unique value proposition to leveraging content that positions you as an expert, Jason offers actionable advice that every founder should hear. We also explore the psychology behind branding, the importance of being bold, and how to avoid common pitfalls in corporate versus personal branding. Whether you’re an established business or just starting out, this episode will equip you with the strategies you need to stand out and succeed. Highlight Stamps: 0:30 – The difference between "better" and "different" in branding. 3:15 – Why being different is essential for business success. 7:45 – The three key areas to identify your unique value. 10:30 – Corporate brand vs. business brand: Understanding the difference. 14:00 – The importance of being bold and taking risks in your branding. 19:45 – Live branding exercise: Evaluating Impaxs Marketing's unique value. 28:20 – Why teaching is the fastest way to be seen as an expert. 34:10 – How content creation ties into expert positioning and brand differentiation. 40:50 – Corporate brand vs. personal brand: Breaking down the confusion. 50:00 – The future of LinkedIn: Video content trends and predictions. Where to Find Jason Vana: LinkedIn: Jason Vana Website: https://shft.agency This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice, making it a must-listen for any founder looking to elevate their brand and business. Tune in and discover how to differentiate your brand in a way that truly resonates with your audience! Say goodbye to marketing agencies forever and start building your own internal content team! It’s exactly what we’ve done here and it’s what we’ve helped dozens and dozens of our clients do!  Schedule a video chat with me today and let’s talk about what that looks like!  To book a call, check out our pricing/services, learn about how we work with clients, etc.hop on over to our website now!  https://impaxs.com I also want to let you know there’s a place where I share EXCLUSIVE, high value content that you can’t find anywhere else (Not even on social)!  It’s the type of content that I charge clients money to implement for them.  All geared towards helping 7-8 figure B2B companies drive revenue and build brand through video content.  And it’s all in my weekly newsletter.  Sign up now and you’ll start by getting a free video and guide on the “3 types of videos that instantly drive more sales”!   https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/1

    51 min
  7. The CEO Whisperer: How to “Wake up" to the unconscious patterns keeping you from achieving what you want in business and in life, with Clay Stelzer

    08/13/2024

    The CEO Whisperer: How to “Wake up" to the unconscious patterns keeping you from achieving what you want in business and in life, with Clay Stelzer

    In this episode of Founder Talk, we're joined by Clay Stelzer, an exceptional CEO coach who shares his profound insights on leadership, business growth, and personal development. This conversation is packed with valuable takeaways that can transform the way you approach your role as a founder. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode is a must-listen! Highlights: [00:02:15] - Introduction to Clay Stelzer and his work at 1560, helping business leaders and their teams wake up to patterns keeping them from achieving their goals. Explanation of "sleep working." [00:04:30] - The importance of conscious leadership and how business culture reflects a leader's perspective. [00:06:20] - Understanding above the line vs. below the line thinking and its impact on leadership and decision-making. [00:10:10] - Common problems CEOs face, such as feeling stuck in a cycle and blaming others. The importance of taking 100% responsibility for outcomes. [00:15:45] - Examples of below the line behaviors and the three reasons we go below the line: security, approval, and control. [00:20:50] - Strategies to recognize and address below the line thinking, including normalizing these patterns and self-awareness. [00:25:30] - Personal stories of overcoming below the line thinking and how past survival strategies may hinder current success. [00:30:45] - Building self-worth beyond performance and success. The importance of self-love and self-acceptance in personal and professional growth. [00:35:50] - Handling insecurities and fears by addressing them openly, creating connection and reducing their power. [00:40:15] - The role of vulnerability in leadership and the strength it brings to relationships and teams. [00:45:00] - Practical steps to embed conscious leadership principles into daily life, including accountability partners and regular reflection. [00:50:30] - The significance of a co-creative relationship in marriage and avoiding codependency by supporting each other's growth and taking responsibility for personal triggers. [00:55:00] - The thoughtful threes: Insights on misguiding professional advice, overcoming fears in business, and unconventional strategies for success. [01:00:45] - Where to find Clay Stelzer and the types of coaching and consulting services he offers. Where to Find Clay Stelzer: LinkedIn: Clay Stelzer Website: 1560 Want to start using video and social media content to drive revenue, build brand, and grow your business?  Schedule a video chat with me today and let’s talk about what that looks like!  To book a call, check out our pricing/services, learn about how we work with clients, etc.hop on over to our website now!  https://impaxs.com I also want to let you know there’s a place where I share EXCLUSIVE, high value content that you can’t find anywhere else (Not even on social)!  It’s the type of content that I charge clients money to implement for them.  All geared towards helping 7-8 figure B2B companies drive revenue and build brand through video content.  And it’s all in my weekly newsletter.  Sign up now and you’ll start by getting a free video and guide on the “3 types of videos that instantly drive more sales”!   https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/1

    49 min

  8. 08/06/2024

    Husband and Wife Founders That Scaled a Business Their Way, With Two Boston Owners Adreanne and Andy

    In this special episode of Founder Talk, I sit down with the dynamic husband-and-wife duo behind Two Bostons, a beloved pet store chain in the Chicagoland area. We delve into the unique challenges and triumphs of running a business together, from their accidental start in the pet retail industry to their expansion to seven stores! This conversation is packed with valuable insights for any entrepreneur, especially those considering a brick-and-mortar business or working alongside a spouse. Highlights: [00:01:00] Introduction and Context: We kick off with the unique aspects of this episode – a husband and wife team and their brick-and-mortar business. [00:02:30] What is Two Bostons?: The founders explain their mission to provide fun and educational pet products, their support for rescue groups, and what sets them apart from big-box stores. [00:05:00] Starting Out: Learn how they transitioned from their original careers to retail, driven by a love for their Boston Terriers and the problems they encountered as pet owners. [00:09:45] Opening the First Store: From finding their first location to the whirlwind of opening without prior retail experience. [00:15:30] First Day Challenges: Their early struggles, like not knowing how to open a cash drawer and the importance of taking action despite uncertainty. [00:20:00] Balancing Work and Family: Juggling full-time jobs and a new business while starting a family. [00:24:30] Expansion to Second Store: The decision-making process behind opening a second store and the challenges of scaling. [00:29:00] Overcoming Operational Challenges: The importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and hiring a retail coach. [00:35:00] Maintaining High Standards: How their uncompromising standards and clear expectations contribute to their success. [00:40:00] Hiring and Retention: Strategies for attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market. [00:45:00] Core Values in Hiring: The importance of core values in their hiring process and ensuring team alignment. [00:50:00] Marketing and Customer Experience: How they use surveys to understand customer expectations and the impact of organic social media. [00:55:00] Future Plans: Discussing their plans for opening new stores and the factors influencing their decisions. [01:00:00] Personal Reflections: Balancing business with family life, their dedication to core values, and what's next for Two Bostons. Where to Find the Founders: Website: https://twobostons.com Want to start using video and social media content to drive revenue, build brand, and grow your business?  Schedule a video chat with me today and let’s talk about what that looks like!  To book a call, check out our pricing/services, learn about how we work with clients, etc.hop on over to our website now!  https://impaxs.com I also want to let you know that there’s a place where I share EXCLUSIVE, high value content that you can’t find anywhere else (Not even on social)!  It’s the type of content that I charge clients money to implement for them.  All geared towards helping 7-8 figure B2B companies drive revenue and build brand through video content.  And it’s all in my weekly newsletter.  Sign up now and you’ll start by getting a free video and guide on the “3 types of videos that instantly drive more sales”!   https://impaxs79863.activehosted.com/f/1

    53 min
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About

Welcome to Founder Talk! A podcast where we bring on successful Founders to talk to them about their unique expertise in order to help other founders (And aspiring Founders) grow their businesses and live more fulfilling lives. Each guest offers a distinct background and mastered skill set that you'll be able to learn from and apply, immediately! Join us as we dive into their stories, offering practical lessons and a fun experience for you to enjoy and grow from.

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