Business Growth Spotlight

Heidi Schalk
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED DAILY

Welcome to Business Growth Spotlight, the podcast where we shine a light on innovative business leaders, cutting-edge strategies, and the latest trends shaping the world of business growth. Whether you're a corporate leader, entrepreneur, or online educator, this podcast delivers actionable insights and expert conversations to help you scale your business, increase revenue, and stay ahead in a competitive market. Join host Heidi Schalk as we dive deep into the stories and strategies of industry leaders, uncovering the tools and tactics they use to drive success. From navigating corporate challenges to mastering online visibility, this podcast is your go-to resource for scaling your business and reaching your goals. Tune in weekly for inspiring conversations, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep. 157 How Music Based Innovation Is Changing Dementia Care with Rubato-Life

    Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight host Heidi Schalk cofounder of HLH Growth Solutions sits down with Elvan Baker VP of Client Experience and Clinical Strategy at Rubato Life. Elvan shares her journey from hands-on speech therapy into executive leadership within a fast growing health tech startup and offers an honest look at leadership growth, burnout, resilience and innovation in healthcare. The conversation explores how Rubato Life is transforming dementia care through a music based non pharmacological intervention designed to reduce stress agitation and behavioral symptoms in patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s related diagnoses. Elvan explains how evidence based research transparency and clinician trust are central to scaling healthcare innovation successfully. Listeners will gain insight into leadership as a woman immigrant in healthcare, the importance of internal company culture, the realities of startup growth and how clarity, transparency and alignment drive long term success. Elvan also shares deeply personal advice for women navigating career pivots burnout and ambition while balancing life priorities. This episode is a must listen for healthcare leaders, founders clinicians and growth stage executives looking to scale with integrity, innovation and purpose. Bio:   Personal- born in San Jose, CA, fully grew up in Turkey, moved to US for college, stayed for grad school, married to a fellow therapist with a 2 year old daughter, live on an inland lake in Northern Michigan after having lived in CA, MT, CO  Professional- my linkedin bio is super accurate for reference, clinician to corporate management ladder, pivoted out of bedside clinical work, to corporate compliance/clinical roles and now I am a part of the Team 1 management team for a health tech startup  as a VP of Client Experience and Clinical Strategies To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elvan-baker-ms-ccc-slp-cbis-466a3568/ https://www.rubato.life/ Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

    37 min

  2. 4D AGO

    Ep. 156 Why Systems and Emotional Intelligence Matter in Healthcare Leadership

    Show Notes: In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Dr. Carlos Elizondo, founder of Elizondo Medical Group, to explore what it really takes to build and scale a private medical practice while staying deeply rooted in patient care. Dr. Carlos shares his journey from growing up in a family of physicians to expanding a solo practice into three thriving clinic locations serving underserved communities across Texas. He opens up about the realities physicians face when they step into entrepreneurship, including financial pressure, billing complexity, staffing challenges, and the emotional toll of burnout. This conversation goes beyond medicine and into leadership, mindset, and systems. Dr. Carlos explains how acknowledging burnout became a turning point in his life and business, why emotional intelligence is a critical leadership skill for physicians, and how coaching helped him transition from doing everything himself to building scalable systems that support people, not just profits. You will hear why primary care is at the heart of healthcare, how nurse practitioners and physician assistants are shaping the future of medicine, and why consistency, training, and culture are essential for scaling without losing quality. Dr. Carlos also shares what is working for visibility and patient education through video content and podcast guesting, why giving away knowledge creates greater impact, and how his long term vision includes expanding access to care through systemized clinics and well trained teams. This episode is a must listen for physicians, healthcare leaders, and founders navigating growth, burnout, and the challenge of balancing purpose with profitability. Bio Dr. Carlos Rafael Elizondo is a family physician, entrepreneur, and leadership-driven changemaker redefining how primary care is delivered in America. After experiencing burnout early in his career, he transformed his life and practice around a simple principle: true healing begins with balance, purpose, and growth. Today, Dr. Elizondo blends medicine, mindfulness, and business strategy to inspire others to lead from the inside out. His journey, from running a small-town clinic to building a thriving, people-centered healthcare organization, reflects his belief that systems and culture, not just medicine, create lasting wellness. Whether mentoring young leaders, building scalable models of care, or speaking about transformation and leadership, Dr. Elizondo’s mission is to help others grow without losing themselves in the process. Beyond medicine and leadership, Dr. Elizondo is a devoted husband of 25 years, a proud father of three sons—ages 24, 20, and 3—and a joyful grandfather to a 2-year-old granddaughter who reminds him daily of what matters most: family, love, and legacy. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: Facebook:   https://m.facebook.com/carlos.elizondo.353/ Instagram:  @celizondo4488 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarloselizondo?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Website:  elizondomedicalgroup.com Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

    40 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Ep. 155 Building a Care Driven Business Model That Actually Scales

    Show Notes: In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Daniel Story, founder of HomeJoy of Kalamazoo, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a care based business without sacrificing quality, trust, or humanity. Daniel shares how his 30 year career as a registered nurse shaped the way he built Homejoy and why caring has always come before systems, safety checklists, or scale. From starting the business with fifty dollars and a PO box to leading more than one hundred employees across multiple locations, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the operational realities of home care and service based businesses. You will hear how Daniel navigated economic downturns, near business failure, and capacity challenges by leaning into mentorship, systems, and core values. He explains why communication breakdowns are the most expensive mistakes businesses make, how technology and automation support growth, and why culture is the only way to scale people-led organizations. Daniel also shares what has not worked, including referral middlemen and misaligned marketing spend, and why deep community relationships continue to be Homejoy’s strongest growth driver. The conversation closes with a look at what is next for Homejoy, including the expansion into professional housekeeping services and Daniel’s upcoming book on compassion, conflict, and leadership in healthcare. This episode is a must listen for founders, operators, and service based business owners who are growing fast and want to do it the right way. Bio:  Daniel Story has been the CEO of HomeJoy of Kalamazoo for over 20 years. HomeJoy has bought out two competitors, received Best of Care awards for employment and for client care, it has been on the Inc 5000 list, a Michigan 50 company to watch list, and has had other local awards. Outside of running HomeJoy Daniel has been the owner of a Property Management company and has established and later sold an assisted living and a non-profit organization serving the needs of persons with dementia. He is currently writing a book which is aimed at helping the healthcare industry deal with difficult behaviors which our patients often demonstrate during their engagement with our services. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-story-362a921a/ Website:  HomeJoy.care Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

    45 min

  4. JAN 23

    Ep. 154 Why Biotech Startups Fail at Execution and How 3Helix Does It Differently

    Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Toby from 3Helix to explore how biotech startups move from breakthrough science to real world commercialization. Toby shares his journey as an MD MBA leader navigating venture capital, startup strategy, and regulatory complexity while helping 3Helix pioneer extracellular matrix based therapies that target disease by changing the cellular environment. This conversation dives deep into startup strategy, physician leadership, go to market execution, and why credibility matters more than trying to do everything at once. It is a masterclass in how innovation, discipline, and strategic focus drive sustainable growth in highly regulated industries. Bio: Toby is a Physician, Investor, and Entrepreneur specializing in healthcare who works closely with early-stage teams leveraging broad networks and experience to help them minimize risk and maximize value. Toby brings a perspective drawn from his experience as a provider but also from his work with payers, investors, and Innovators. He was a member of Centene’s international division where he researched and implemented value based care initiatives in the Middle East, South America, the UK, and Southeast Asia, served in roles like Vice President of Business Development, Chief, Medical Officer, and Chief Operations Officer at start-ups across digital health, biotech, med device, gene therapy, and health tech, and has investing experience across angel, Venture, and private equity. He currently sits on the physician advisory boards of several Venture funds in the Chicago area in addition to being a founding partner at Syndicate Health Healthcare Operations Consulting. Toby holds an MD from Washington University in St. Louis and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg school of management. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/toby-barrack-md-mba-5a1478104 Website:  3Helix.com Email:  barrackt@wustl.edu Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

    31 min

  5. JAN 21

    Ep. 153 The Hidden Leadership Blind Spots That Limit Growth

    Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Dr. John Oberg, founder of John Oberg Advisory, to explore what truly drives sustainable organizational growth. With decades of experience as a CEO, advisor, and healthcare innovator, Dr. Oberg shares powerful insights on the intersection of people, performance, and leadership. The conversation dives deep into why responsibility and accountability are only the starting point for healthy professional relationships and how radical acceptance, trust, vulnerability, and empathy create the foundation for high performing teams. Dr. Oberg also challenges common misconceptions around authenticity and transparency in leadership, explaining why context and emotional maturity matter more than oversharing. Listeners will gain practical guidance on first line management, uncover common executive blind spots, and learn how to apply the right tools for coaching, accountability, and growth. The episode also explores scaling strategies, referral driven growth, and how leaders should think about AI as a lever for personalization rather than a shortcut. Dr. Oberg closes by sharing his vision for the future of advisory work, healthcare innovation, and why empathy may be the most undervalued leadership skill in business today. Bio: John Oberg is a Founder, CEO, Board Director, Advisor, Professor, and Investor trusted by organizations to navigate growth, conflict, and change. He founded Precina Health with Dr. Dustyn Williams and have developed the key to solving Type 2 Diabetes.  Previously, John founded another Austin-based healthcare innovator, Sedera, a community-based medical cost-sharing organization (#193 on Inc 500). John serves on the board of directors of OnlineMedEd (which writes curricula for Medical and Physician’s Assistant schools globally) and Health Admins (Healthcare Business Process Outsourcing). Through John Oberg Advisory, John advises large institutions, healthcare industry leaders, professional services firms, and nonprofits. John received his doctorate from the University of Southern California (Social Work) and his MBA from the University of New Mexico (Policy & Planning and Management of Technology). He is currently an adjunct professor at USC. He has authored patents, started companies, and managed teams larger than 1,000 people. Over the last three decades, he has studied the behavior of individuals, communities, and systems.  John was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He currently lives with his family in Austin, where he engages in many outdoor activities. When traveling, he also enjoys SCUBA diving and golf and has recently taken to hunting and fishing. He holds a second-degree black belt in orthodox karate. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnoberg/ Website:  http://johnoberg.com/ Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

    22 min

  6. JAN 19

    Ep. 152 Why Strategy Fails: How Leaders Can Bridge the Gap Between Planning and Execution

    Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk, Co-Founder of HLH Growth Solutions, welcomes Alex Brueckmann, Founder of Brueckmann Strategy Consultants, for a deep conversation on what strategy truly is and why so many organizations struggle to turn it into results. Alex draws from his experience building multiple international consulting firms to explain why strategy is often misunderstood and confused with planning or budgeting, and how that confusion creates execution breakdowns at the leadership level. Throughout the conversation, Alex introduces his Nine Elements of Organizational Identity framework and explains how strategy must be anchored in a company’s identity to be effective. He shares why culture, strategy, and execution cannot be treated as separate initiatives, and how leadership clarity directly impacts an organization’s ability to make decisions, align teams, and follow through. The discussion also addresses common leadership gaps that derail strategy implementation, including a lack of shared language, unclear priorities, and misaligned incentives. The episode also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in business. Alex explains why AI is not a strategy in itself and cautions leaders against chasing technology trends without a clear strategic purpose. Instead, he outlines how AI can be used responsibly as a tool to support and accelerate strategy execution without replacing human judgment or decision-making. In addition to strategy and leadership, Alex shares how he has grown his consulting business by focusing on education-driven marketing through podcast guesting and LinkedIn thought leadership rather than relying on ads or outbound outreach. He reflects on how clarity, consistency, and long-term thinking have shaped his growth, along with the personal values that guide his decisions as a founder and parent. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding that strategy is fundamentally about making choices, not assembling project lists, and that culture is the result of leadership behavior rather than a standalone initiative. The episode reinforces that execution breaks down when strategy is unclear or poorly communicated, and that sustainable growth requires focus, alignment, and sufficient runway to experiment and evolve. Bio: Alex Brueckmann is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Strategy Legacy, which introduces the Nine Elements of Organizational Identity (9EOI), and creator of the 9EOI strategy certification for leaders. Brueckmann is a strategy master facilitator, executive coach for leadership teams, and keynote speaker.  He has impacted thousands of business leaders across the world, from multinationals to start-ups. He holds degrees and certificates in management, leadership, and strategy from EBS European Business School (Germany), INSEAD (France), and Harvard Business School (USA).  To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderbrueckmann/ Website:  https://brueckmann.ca/ https://9eoi.com Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

    44 min

  7. JAN 16

    Ep. 151 How AI Is Transforming ICU Patient Safety and Hospital Operations

    Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Dr. Darren Klugman, physician leader and executive at CalmWave, to explore how AI is transforming patient safety and hospital operations in the ICU. Drawing from nearly two decades in pediatric cardiac critical care, Darren shares firsthand insight into one of healthcare’s most persistent and dangerous challenges: alarm fatigue. The conversation dives deep into why ICU noise is not just an annoyance, but a serious patient safety risk, how imprecise monitoring erodes clinician trust in alarms, and how CalmWave’s AI-driven platform is reducing non-actionable alarms by up to 58 percent. Darren also explains why physician leadership is critical in health tech startups, what non-clinical founders often miss, and how real innovation in healthcare must be results-driven, not hype-driven. This episode is a must-listen for healthcare leaders, health tech founders, hospital executives, and anyone interested in how AI can meaningfully improve patient outcomes while reducing clinician burnout. Bio: Darren Klugman, MD has two decades of clinical and hospital leadership and is driven by passion for elevating patient outcomes through strategic thinking, data analytics, and a team-first approach. His background in pediatric cardiac intensive care has shown that real progress happens when teams rally around a common goal, and he believes in building a culture where people, processes, and data blend together to develop solutions and deliver unparalleled results. Darren is currently the Chief Clinical Officer at CalmWave, a unique AI platform fusing siloed hospital data to improve patient safety and operations in the ICU.  He is also a sought out advisor and consultant to a number of early phase start ups and drug development companies. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/darrenklugmanmd Website:  https://calmwave.ai/ Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

    34 min

  8. JAN 14

    Ep. 150 Becoming Limitless: Leadership, Resilience, and Scaling With Intention

    Show Notes: In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, host Heidi Schalk sits down with Valeria Torres for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation on leadership, resilience, branding, and the psychology behind sustainable business growth. Valeria shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. at a young age to building a career in the legal industry and ultimately pioneering a niche at the intersection of executive leadership and industrial organizational psychology. As a Director of Operations at 8 Figure Firm Consulting, Valeria helps law firms scale into true businesses, while her personal brand, ValeriaTorres.io, supports executives navigating burnout, identity, and high-performance leadership. This conversation goes far beyond tactics. Together, Heidi and Valeria unpack what it really means to build a business that aligns with your strengths, why perfection is the enemy of growth, and how personal branding has become a critical driver of trust and differentiation in both B2B and B2C markets. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on why multitasking is a myth, how to reframe failure as fuel for growth, and why defining success on your own terms is essential for long-term impact. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/valeria-torres-/ Website:  https://valeriatorres.io/ Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/

    49 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Business Growth Spotlight, the podcast where we shine a light on innovative business leaders, cutting-edge strategies, and the latest trends shaping the world of business growth. Whether you're a corporate leader, entrepreneur, or online educator, this podcast delivers actionable insights and expert conversations to help you scale your business, increase revenue, and stay ahead in a competitive market. Join host Heidi Schalk as we dive deep into the stories and strategies of industry leaders, uncovering the tools and tactics they use to drive success. From navigating corporate challenges to mastering online visibility, this podcast is your go-to resource for scaling your business and reaching your goals. Tune in weekly for inspiring conversations, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    Heidi Schalk
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    158
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Business Growth Spotlight
  • Show Website
    Business Growth Spotlight