Business Growth Spotlight

Heidi Schalk
  • 5.0 (4)
  • 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. 22h ago

    Ep. 226 AI and Marketing: Why Relationships Matter More Than Ever with Jared Harman

    Show Notes: As AI transforms marketing at an incredible pace, many businesses are asking the same question. How do you embrace automation without losing the human connection that customers actually value? In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Jared Harman, Founder of One Group Agency, to explore how successful brands balance technology with authentic relationships. From branding and content creation to AI adoption and business growth, Jared shares practical lessons learned while growing his agency through referrals, customer service, and a willingness to adapt. This conversation is a refreshing reminder that while tools will continue to evolve, trust remains one of the most valuable assets a business can build. Bio: Jared Harman is the CEO & Co-Founder of The One Group Agency, a full-service marketing agency based in British Columbia. Since launching in 2018, he has led the company’s growth from a startup into a multi-faceted agency through strategic expansion and acquisitions. Jared is known for his hands-on leadership style, focus on team performance, and ability to deliver measurable marketing outcomes for brands across North America. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jaredharman/  Website:  www.onegroupagency.ca  Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ 🎁Spotlight to Scale Blueprint:  https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint  🎁Join us for a free 60 Minute Executive Briefing all about Visibility and AEO:  https://becomeairecommended.com/future-of-visibility

    28 min

  2. 2d ago

    Ep. 225 Protect Your Family Business Legacy: The Fire Drill Every Business Owner Should Run with the Beringer Group

    Show Notes: Great Businesses Plan for Success Before They Need To Featuring Ted Beringer, Chris Beringer, and Eric Beringer of The Beringer Group One of the most rewarding parts of hosting Business Growth Spotlight is watching businesses evolve. That's why this episode is especially meaningful. Ted Beringer was one of our earliest guests, and now he returns with the next generation of leadership, Chris and Eric Beringer, for a conversation about what it really takes to build a business that lasts. The discussion goes far beyond succession planning. It explores family dynamics, governance, AI, leadership transitions, business valuation, and why many successful companies unknowingly carry risks that could threaten everything they've built. Whether you're planning to sell your company, pass it to the next generation, or simply want to protect what you've created, this episode offers practical insights every business owner should hear. Bio: Ted Beringer, Founder Ted founded The Mid-Atlantic Companies, Ltd. in 1979 with the mission of serving the financial needs of private and closely held business owners and their families. Mid-Atlantic grew to become a national firm with more than 100 employees and offices throughout the United States. In 1998 Mid-Atlantic's operations were acquired by First Union Corporation (now Wells Fargo.)  In early 2000, Ted, his family, and a few select partners established The Beringer Group, a company providing business owners with transition, corporate development, and liquidity options. He specializes in the “keep/sell” discussion and its impact on the family business. Ted is a graduate of the University of Buffalo and holds a Master's Degree from the University of Oklahoma. Chris Beringer, President Chris has extensive experience advising high net worth families establishing family offices and/or family investment companies, in regard to feasibility, design, staffing, transitioning and IT operations. Eric Beringer, Client Relations Consultant  Eric excels in nurturing and maintaining strong relationships with clients. With more than twenty years of experience in this field, Eric ensures that clients receive exceptional service and support. Eric graduated from the University of Colorado. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theberingergroup/  YouTube:  youtube.com/@TheBeringerGroup?feature=shared  Website:  www.theberingergroup.com  Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ 🎁Spotlight to Scale Blueprint:  https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint  🎁Join us for a free 60 Minute Executive Briefing all about Visibility and AEO:  https://becomeairecommended.com/future-of-visibility

    39 min

  3. 4d ago

    Ep. 224 The Future of AI Search and What Every Business Needs to Know about AEO with Kim Reynolds

    Show Notes: AI Is Changing More Than Search. It's Changing How Customers Buy. Featuring Kim Reynolds, Co-Founder of AI Advantage Agency AI isn't just helping people search faster. It's beginning to make purchasing decisions on their behalf. In this eye opening conversation, Heidi sits down with Kim Reynolds, Co Founder of AI Advantage Agency, to discuss what many businesses are still overlooking about AI visibility, answer engine optimization, agentic commerce, paid advertising, and the future of customer acquisition. Kim shares practical strategies businesses can implement today while explaining why waiting another year could make it much harder to compete. If you've been wondering how ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google's AI experiences will impact your business, this episode is your roadmap. Bio: Kimberly Reynolds is a seasoned digital strategist and the co-founder of AI Advantage Agency. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she specializes in transitioning brands from traditional search models to Agentic Commerce and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyannreynolds/, Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/ai-advantage-agency/ X:   x.com/kimreynolds, x.com/aiadvantage  Website:  https://aiadvantageagency.com/  Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ 🎁Spotlight to Scale Blueprint:  https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint  🎁Join us for a free 60 Minute Executive Briefing all about Visibility and AEO with Heidi Schalk and Kim Reynolds:  https://becomeairecommended.com/future-of-visibility

    39 min

  4. Jul 3

    Ep. 223 Why Great Strategies Fail Without Strong Management with Tara Landes

    Show Notes: Having a great business strategy is only the beginning. The real challenge is making sure it gets implemented. In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Tara Landes, Founder of Bellrock, to discuss why so many businesses struggle with execution, how leadership and management differ, and why investing in managers is one of the highest ROI decisions a growing company can make. Drawing from nearly two decades of helping organizations scale, Tara shares practical advice on creating clarity, building systems that support growth, developing future leaders, and using AI as a thinking partner without losing the human element. The conversation also explores why implementation often fails, how founders can successfully remove themselves from day to day operations, and why authentic expertise is becoming more valuable than ever in the age of AI. Whether you're leading a team of ten or scaling toward one hundred employees, this episode is filled with actionable insights you can implement immediately. Bio: For over 25 years, Tara Landes has helped more than 300 small business leaders solve complex operational challenges through strategic planning and implementation of those plans. A certified Change Management Practitioner (Prosci), a Licensed Influence Trainer (Cialdini Institute), she leads Bellrock’s management training programs and has guided hundreds of managers to greater confidence and capability. Tara has spoken for TEC Canada, MacKay CEO Forums, Engineers and Geoscientists BC, and The Buildings Show. She holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business. When not working with clients, she’s often aboard a boat in BC’s Gulf Islands, reading while her family hauls in prawns and crab. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/taralandes Bellrock LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/bellrock-benchmarking-inc-/  Website:  https://bellrock.ca/  Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ 🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint:  https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint 🎁A Complimentary 60-Minute Executive Briefing for Business Owners, CEOs, Consultants, Agencies, and Service-Based Organizations:  https://becomeairecommended.com/

    40 min

  5. Jul 1

    Ep. 222 How International Companies Can Successfully Expand Into the US Market with Matt DiMarsico

    Show Notes: Expanding into the United States is one of the biggest growth opportunities for international companies, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Matt DiMarsico, Co Founder of USA LaunchingPad, to discuss why many successful international businesses struggle when entering the US market and what they can do differently to accelerate growth. Drawing from more than two decades of experience building and scaling disruptive technology companies, Matt shares the strategies that help startups and scaleups validate product market fit, refine their messaging, leverage AI effectively, and build scalable go to market systems that actually work in the United States. The conversation also explores how AI is changing business development, why strategic planning still matters more than speed, and why authentic human relationships remain one of the greatest competitive advantages in today's marketplace. Bio: Matt DiMarsico is the Co-Founder of USA Launching Pad, a market expansion and go-to-market advisory firm that helps international startups and scale-ups successfully enter and grow in the U.S. market. With more than 20 years of experience leading revenue growth, sales transformation, and global expansion initiatives across AI, SaaS, IoT, telecom, and emerging technology companies, Matt has held executive leadership roles including Chief Revenue Officer and Senior Vice President for high-growth and enterprise technology organizations. Through USA Launching Pad, he works with founders, accelerators, economic development organizations, and innovation ecosystems worldwide to help companies validate product-market fit, refine go-to-market strategy, build demand generation systems, and reduce the risk of international expansion. Matt is also actively exploring how AI and automation are transforming modern sales, market intelligence, and business growth strategies. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattdimarsico/  Website:  www.usalaunchingpad.com  Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ 🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint:  https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint 🎁A Complimentary 60-Minute Executive Briefing for Business Owners, CEOs, Consultants, Agencies, and Service-Based Organizations:  https://becomeairecommended.com/

    35 min

  6. Jun 29

    Ep. 221 Discover the Hidden Energy That Drives Business Success with Lori Palm

    Show Notes: What if the biggest factor impacting your team's performance isn't strategy, technology, or processes, but energy? In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Lori Palm, Founder and CEO of Core Passion, to explore how understanding human energy can transform leadership, communication, hiring, and organizational culture. With more than 30 years of experience helping leaders uncover what truly motivates people, Lori explains how measuring passion and identifying individual strengths creates stronger teams, better communication, and higher performance. The conversation also dives into one of today's biggest business questions: How can leaders embrace AI without losing the human connection that builds trust? Whether you lead a growing company, manage a team, or simply want to understand yourself better, this episode offers practical insights that can immediately improve the way you communicate and lead. Bio: Lori Palm is a visionary business strategist and the creator of the Core Passion® Assessment, a groundbreaking online tool she launched in 2003 to help people understand what truly drives their performance.  For more than two decades, she’s guided leaders, teams, and entrepreneurs to communicate more authentically, build stronger partnerships, and align their work with their core motivations. Blending intuitive intelligence with practical business insight, Lori helps organizations cut through complexity, elevate engagement, and create cultures where people thrive.  She brings a calm, grounded presence and a gift for turning human dynamics into clear, actionable pathways for growth. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loripalm/       Instagram:  https;//www.instagram.com/loripalm11/   YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@corepassion7110  Website:  https://corepassion.com/  Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ 🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint:  https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint 🎁 Join us for a Complimentary 60-Minute Executive Briefing for Business Owners, CEOs, Consultants, Agencies, and Service-Based Organizations:  https://becomeairecommended.com/  https://becomeairecommended.com/

    37 min

  7. Jun 26

    Ep. 220 Building High Performing Teams Through Core Values and Leadership with Vivienne Wagner

    Show Notes: In Part Two of this conversation, Heidi Schalk welcomes back Vivienne Wagner, founder of Houndstooth Media Group, for an insightful discussion on leadership, company culture, and building teams that thrive. Vivienne shares how her agency grew from an accidental startup at her dining room table into a successful team of 16 serving businesses across the country. She explains why hiring for fit comes before skill set and how clearly defined core values have shaped every aspect of the company's growth. Throughout the conversation, Heidi and Vivienne explore: • Why chemistry and shared values matter when building teams • The five core values that guide Houndstooth Media Group • How company culture influences client relationships and referrals • Why founders should empower employees to bring solutions, not just problems • How to create a collaborative environment where team members feel seen and valued • The importance of understanding individual personalities and communication styles • Why referrals are powerful but should not be your only growth strategy • How leaders can stay aligned with their values while scaling • The role gratitude, humor, and kindness play in long term success • Why fear is normal and should never stop entrepreneurs from pursuing growth Whether you're building your first team or leading a growing company, this episode offers practical insights for creating a culture that attracts great people, loyal clients, and sustainable success. Bio: Vivienne Wagner is the founder and CEO of Houndstooth Media Group, a digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists, she helps mid-sized businesses transform their websites into revenue-driving hubs by combining SEO expertise with the latest in AI-driven optimization. Known for her ability to make complex marketing concepts accessible, Vivienne speaks on how businesses can position themselves to be found by both human audiences and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Her agency’s approach not only boosts visibility and organic traffic but also reduces dependence on paid ads, giving business owners the freedom to scale more sustainably. Vivienne frequently works with decision-makers who need trusted marketing leadership—either because they don’t have in-house expertise or want a sharper second opinion on their current strategy. She offers a structured starting point through her SEO & AI Optimization Audit, which helps companies uncover hidden opportunities, identify weak points, and gain clarity on the steps needed to compete in today’s search-driven landscape. Outside of work, Vivienne enjoys life with her husband and extended family of four grown sons. Known for her mix of humor, candor, and genuine care for the people she works with, she brings the same energy into her professional world that she does into her personal one. As a guest, she is direct, insightful, and engaging—ready to share practical strategies for AI-optimized marketing, building strong website foundations, and scaling digital strategies for long-term success. Houndstooth Media Group Houndstooth Media Group is a boutique digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists across the country, the agency helps mid-sized businesses turn their websites into revenue-driving hubs through SEO, AI-driven optimization, and strategic digital marketing. The majority of Houndstooth’s client base comes through referrals and word of mouth, with most partnerships lasting for years. That loyalty stems from the agency’s commitment to transparency and education—qualities that set it apart in an industry often clouded by jargon and “smoke and mirrors.” Houndstooth eliminates the “flying blind” feeling many business owners experience when working with marketing agencies, instead giving them clarity, confidence, and measurable results. From SEO strategy and AI-optimized content to social media, branding, and revenue development, Houndstooth delivers custom solutions without cookie-cutter tactics. Clients gain not only execution but also a trusted partner who explains the “why” behind the strategy, so leaders can make informed decisions and see the direct impact on their business growth. At its core, Houndstooth Media Group is built for long-term success: results-focused, strategy-driven, and deeply invested in helping businesses grow with confidence. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-wagner/                  https://www.linkedin.com/company/houndstooth-media-group/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/houndstoothmediagroup/  Website:  https://houndstoothmediagroup.com/  🎁Get your free webinar on AI Visibility https://houndstooth-media-group.webinargeek.com/aio-webinar-get-your-business-found?cst=business-growth-spotlight Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ 🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint:  https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint

    42 min

  8. Jun 24

    Ep. 219 Why SEO Still Matters in the Age of AI Search with Founder and CEO of Houndstooth Media Group

    Show Notes: Search is changing faster than ever. Customers are no longer relying solely on Google. They're asking ChatGPT, Claude, and other AI platforms for recommendations, and businesses that fail to adapt risk becoming invisible. In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Vivienne Wagner, founder of Houndstooth Media Group, to explore the future of SEO, AI visibility, and why clarity has become one of the most valuable assets a business can have. Vivienne shares how she accidentally built a thriving digital marketing agency, why authentic storytelling still matters in an AI world, and what business owners need to do today to ensure they are found and recommended tomorrow. She also reveals the three questions every business must answer clearly if they want to stand out in both search engines and AI platforms. Bio: Vivienne Wagner is the founder and CEO of Houndstooth Media Group, a digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists, she helps mid-sized businesses transform their websites into revenue-driving hubs by combining SEO expertise with the latest in AI-driven optimization. Known for her ability to make complex marketing concepts accessible, Vivienne speaks on how businesses can position themselves to be found by both human audiences and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity. Her agency’s approach not only boosts visibility and organic traffic but also reduces dependence on paid ads, giving business owners the freedom to scale more sustainably. Vivienne frequently works with decision-makers who need trusted marketing leadership—either because they don’t have in-house expertise or want a sharper second opinion on their current strategy. She offers a structured starting point through her SEO & AI Optimization Audit, which helps companies uncover hidden opportunities, identify weak points, and gain clarity on the steps needed to compete in today’s search-driven landscape. Outside of work, Vivienne enjoys life with her husband and extended family of four grown sons. Known for her mix of humor, candor, and genuine care for the people she works with, she brings the same energy into her professional world that she does into her personal one. As a guest, she is direct, insightful, and engaging—ready to share practical strategies for AI-optimized marketing, building strong website foundations, and scaling digital strategies for long-term success. Houndstooth Media Group Houndstooth Media Group is a boutique digital marketing agency based in Southern California. With a team of 16 specialists across the country, the agency helps mid-sized businesses turn their websites into revenue-driving hubs through SEO, AI-driven optimization, and strategic digital marketing. The majority of Houndstooth’s client base comes through referrals and word of mouth, with most partnerships lasting for years. That loyalty stems from the agency’s commitment to transparency and education—qualities that set it apart in an industry often clouded by jargon and “smoke and mirrors.” Houndstooth eliminates the “flying blind” feeling many business owners experience when working with marketing agencies, instead giving them clarity, confidence, and measurable results. From SEO strategy and AI-optimized content to social media, branding, and revenue development, Houndstooth delivers custom solutions without cookie-cutter tactics. Clients gain not only execution but also a trusted partner who explains the “why” behind the strategy, so leaders can make informed decisions and see the direct impact on their business growth. At its core, Houndstooth Media Group is built for long-term success: results-focused, strategy-driven, and deeply invested in helping businesses grow with confidence. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivienne-wagner/                   https://www.linkedin.com/company/houndstooth-media-group/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/houndstoothmediagroup/  Website:  https://houndstoothmediagroup.com/  🎁Get your free webinar on AI Visibility 👉 https://houndstooth-media-group.webinargeek.com/aio-webinar-get-your-business-found?cst=business-growth-spotlight Connect with me: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/ 🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint:  https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint

    46 min
See All (227)

5
out of 5
4 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
    227
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Business Growth Spotlight
  • Show Website
    Business Growth Spotlight