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. 18h ago

    Ep. 235 Business Growth Starts with Better Operations Not Bigger Budgets with Joel Shertok

    Show Notes: What happens when 50 years of engineering experience meets today's AI tools? In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Joel Shertok, founder of Process Industries Consultants, to discuss the hidden operational issues that quietly drain profitability and how businesses can solve them without always spending millions on new equipment. After spending decades helping manufacturers scale production, troubleshoot failing processes, and improve plant efficiency, Joel launched his consulting business following his corporate career. Today he helps companies solve complex manufacturing problems while embracing modern tools like AI to dramatically speed up research, analysis, and decision making. The conversation explores why operational excellence is often overlooked, how AI is transforming engineering, why traditional marketing has changed for consultants, and what leaders should focus on before chasing the latest technology. Bio: I help senior leaders de-risk growth, protect EBITDA, and move lab and plant assets into profitable production faster—so delaying work with you has a clear and escalating cost in lost margin and strategic optionality.​   When a process problem is costing you margin or delaying commercialization, waiting is usually the most expensive option. In today’s uncertain environment, many companies are holding off on addressing these issues — even when they are clearly impacting yield, throughput, or time-to-market. That delay creates hidden, ongoing losses. This is where I come in. I don’t operate as a traditional consultant. I step in as part of your technical team, take ownership of the problem, and stay with it until it’s solved.  To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelshertok/ Website:  Process Industries Consultants | | Achieve Growth in your Business  📞 302-562-9759  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 webinar: Become the Business People Choose First:  https://becomeairecommended.com/grow

  2. 2d ago

    Ep. 234 Why Treating Walmart Like Amazon Is Hurting Your Ecommerce Growth with Heather Roberts

    Show Notes: From Wrong Number to Global Business Growth With Heather Roberts What happens when a wrong number becomes your biggest business opportunity? In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Heather Roberts, Co-Founder and CEO of RSG Sales, to share one of the most unexpected entrepreneurial journeys you'll hear. What started with a misdialed landline call from a Canadian furniture company grew into a global ecommerce consulting firm that helps brands expand into nearly every major online retailer except Amazon. Heather shares how she went from being a stay at home parent for 12 years to leading an international company and then intentionally designing it so she only works two to three hours each week. She explains how building systems, empowering leaders, and staying relentlessly focused on what works allowed her to step away from day to day operations without sacrificing growth. The conversation explores why consistency beats constant reinvention, how YouTube became their largest lead generation engine with more than 100 million views, and why most entrepreneurs quit repeating their message long before their audience has heard it enough. Heather also introduces the principles behind her new book, The Nurture Method, comparing the stages of growing a business to raising children. It's a practical framework that helps founders understand when to nurture, when to delegate, and when to let their business grow beyond them. If you're building a company that can scale without depending on you every hour of every day, this episode delivers practical strategies you can apply immediately. Bio* Heather Roberts is the co-founder of RSG Sales, an e-commerce growth firm helping suppliers around the world grown and scale across major online retailers including Wayfair, Walmart, Best Buy, Lowe's, and Home Depot. With more than two decades of operating experience, she oversees revenue architecture, operational systems, pricing discipline, and scalability — building businesses that grow efficiently without unnecessary complexity. Her track record speaks for itself. She founded and exited E by Design, scaling it to multi-million-dollar revenue and becoming a Top 5 pillow supplier at Wayfair within three and a half years of launch. She later served as Interim President of Bunny Williams Home, increasing sales 20% and doubling gross margin during a leadership transition. That real-world operating experience is what grounds her deeper work — and the question she's spent her career trying to answer: How do you build a business that doesn't require you to abandon your life? That question led her to create The Nurture Method™ and her Barnes & Noble #1 bestselling book of the same name — a framework for building businesses the way women actually build lives: in seasons, alongside family, with constraints, ambition, and evolving identity. Heather is based in Davidson, North Carolina, and writes Now What, Y'all, a Substack newsletter for accomplished women ready to build what's next — on their own terms. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heathersroberts/  YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@RSGSALES Heather’s website: www.heatherroberts.life  RGS Website:  www.rsgsales.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 webinar: Become the Business People Choose First:  https://becomeairecommended.com/grow

  3. 4d ago

    Ep. 233 From Sharper Image Buyer to Business Planning Pioneer with Burke Franklin

    Show Notes: In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Burke Franklin, founder of Business Power Tools, for a conversation about what it really takes to turn an idea into a viable business. Burke shares the origin story behind his business planning platform, born from his own frustration with the daunting process of writing plans, and now supercharged with AI that does in seconds what once took weeks of research. The heart of the conversation lands on a truth most founders miss: you often do not need to raise capital first. Burke walks through his "bootstrap before you beg for money" philosophy with unforgettable examples, including two jet pilots who acquired two Learjets for zero dollars using nothing but a smart business plan and a creative deal structure. He explains why investors bet on the jockey, not just the horse, and why a plan is really a catalog of answers to the questions investors will inevitably ask. Burke and Heidi also dig into the AI backlash happening right now, why companies that fired their teams are scrambling to hire them back, and why the human behind the business matters more than ever. From the "missionary versus mercenary" balance every founder needs, to keeping yourself in the loop rather than setting AI on autopilot, this episode is packed with hard earned wisdom for anyone thinking about starting, scaling, or selling a business. Whether you are an inventor holding tight to your baby, a mid journey founder ready to get serious, or someone planning their escape from the nine to five, this conversation will give you clarity on your next move. Bio: Burke Franklin created BusinessPowerTools.com, best known for BizPlanBuilder®, the original business planning software that helps smart entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses through an online platform, giving them the confidence to take the right actions to get things done, from starting to bootstrapping, funding, and ultimately selling it. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burkefranklin/  Website:  https://www.BusinessPowerTools.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 webinar: Become the Business People Choose First:  https://becomeairecommended.com/grow

  4. Jul 24

    Ep. 232 How Asian Brands Are Winning Global Markets with Virtus Asia CEO, Jan Harling

    Show Notes: What actually makes a brand work in a new country, and why do so many get it wrong? On this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk talks with Jan Harling, Founder and CEO of Virtus Asia, about the gap between companies that cross borders well and the ones that stall out the moment they leave home. Jan has spent close to twenty years running international marketing for Huawei, Oppo, and OnePlus, and he brings that experience to a conversation covering localization, global branding, AI, media strategy, and the reason customer behavior deserves more of your attention than it usually gets. If international expansion is on your roadmap, or you just want people to notice your brand, there is a lot here worth taking notes on. Bio: Originally from Germany, Jan has spent over 20 years in Asia (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Bangkok). He is a seasoned expert in communication and marketing and has had local, regional and global roles in both international 4A agencies as well as on the client side (Global Media Investment Director at Huawei, Global Media Director at OPPO, Regional Director for Brand Media and Performance at foodpanda). He is passionate about insights, creativity, strategy and innovation and specializes in driving measurable business results through strategic campaigns and effective leadership. He successfully developed and implemented holistic data driven campaigns for world leading brands of various industries throughout China, Asia Pacific and Western Europe. Fluent in English, German, conversational in Mandarin Chinese and equipped with an MBA. As a respected industry expert, Jan is a regular industry panellist and judge for distinguished global, regional and local and marketing awards. Since 2023 Jan leads Virtus Asia Consulting as the CEO aiming to become the partner, he always wanted to have. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janharling/  Website:  www.virtusasia.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 webinar: Become the Business People Choose First:   https://becomeairecommended.com/grow

  5. Jul 22

    Ep. 231 How to Turn Scientific Innovation into a Thriving Business with Dr. Eric Reese

    Show Notes: Brilliant science is not enough to build a successful company. Many life science startups develop groundbreaking products, yet struggle to gain traction because they focus on the technology instead of the customer's problem. In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Dr. Eric Reese, CEO and Co Founder of Forever North Partners, to discuss what it really takes to commercialize innovation, build customer focused organizations, create high performing teams, and use AI to strengthen people instead of replacing them. Dr. Reese brings decades of experience in life sciences, sales, marketing, and commercialization. Together they explore why many startups fail to connect with buyers, how leaders can build stronger cultures, and why human relationships remain the greatest competitive advantage in an AI driven world. If you're building a business, leading a team, or bringing a new product to market, this episode is full of practical lessons that apply far beyond the life sciences industry. About Dr Eric Reese Dr. Eric Reese is the CEO and Co Founder of Forever North Partners, a commercialization and business strategy firm serving life science companies. His background spans scientific research, sales leadership, marketing, executive leadership, and business growth. Forever North Partners helps organizations navigate commercialization, sales strategy, marketing, operational support, and business growth while providing customized solutions based on each company's stage and goals. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-l-reese-ph-d-52532518/  Website:  Forever North Partners  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 Briefing all about Visibility and Business Growth:  https://becomeairecommended.com/future-of-visibility

  6. Jul 20

    Ep. 230 Selling Smarter and Growing Faster with Founder of Pipe Global

    Show Notes: What separates founders who struggle to win customers from those who build predictable revenue? In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Simon Gerstler, founder of Pipe Global and author of Selling Smarter. After building and successfully exiting two technology companies, Simon now helps founders and sales teams create repeatable sales systems that drive sustainable growth. If you've ever wondered how to get your first customers, improve your sales conversations, or use AI without losing the human connection, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately. Bio: Simon Gerstler is the founder of Pipe Global and has helped over 250 tech companies improve how they sell. After building and exiting two tech businesses, he now works with founders, CEOs, and sales teams to sharpen their go-to-market strategy and close more deals. Simon is the creator of the “Selling Smarter” methodology. He also coaches sales leaders, delivers workshops for startups and global companies, and shares daily sales insights with a LinkedIn community of over 30,000 followers. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simongerstler  Website:  https://sellingsmarter.co/ 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 Briefing all about Visibility and AEO:  https://becomeairecommended.com/future-of-visibility

  7. Jul 17

    Ep. 229 Play Saves the Day: Steve Rix on Why Fun Is Your Company's Best Retention Strategy

    Show Notes: What if the antidote to workplace burnout is not another wellness program but play itself? In this episode, Heidi Schalk sits down with Steve Rix, founder of Play Lab, whose life changed on a Hawaiian beach when two kids asked a depressed stranger a simple question: "Hey mister, you want to play?" After losing over 100 million dollars, surviving two failed marriages, and passing on early opportunities in Uber and Bitcoin, Steve rebuilt his life around one mission: happy, healthy humans everywhere. Today Play Lab helps companies from 100 to 100,000 employees fight burnout, which Gallup says will directly or indirectly affect 83 percent of people in the coming years. Steve breaks down the five states of play, why happy employees are your most productive employees, and how Play Lab gathers more honest workplace data through a murder mystery game than any traditional engagement survey ever could. He also shares how AI is expanding his reach on LinkedIn without losing his voice, the messaging mistake that cost him years of sales momentum, and why giving value first has stacked his pipeline with companies saying yes. Bio: Steve Rix, CEO of Playlab, has dedicated his life to becoming a Human Capital Wizard: He believes investing in the mental well being of people is the most important mandate of the coming years. Steve has spent three decades honing his skills as an expert in employee engagement. From start-ups to fortune 100 companies, Steve has provided coaching and consulting to help teams perform at their highest levels. Through the ebbs and flows of his own entrepreneurial journey, he has provided invaluable insight to corporate leadership, organizational health, and cultural vitality. Ten years ago Steve began experimenting with play in the workplace as the highest state of effectiveness and efficiency. From coaching and consulting, to focus groups and beta testing, over 1000 clients, Steve has worked with teams to dynamically change the workplace Today, Millennials and Gen Z are demanding that employers treat the workplace like an experience that invests in the wellbeing of the humans at work. One that honors people over profits, will ultimately prove to be a win for all involved. If companies want to win the battle of attrition, the culture they build must create real value and connection for the future of their workforce and they must do it now. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverix/   IG - @rixsteve Website:  www.experimentwithplay.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 Briefing all about the Future of  Visibility: https://becomeairecommended.com/future-of-visibility

  8. Jul 15

    Ep. 228 Why Entrepreneurs Should Stop Managing Their Own Business with Cary Prejean

    Show Notes: Most business owners don't struggle because they lack ambition. They struggle because they've unknowingly become the biggest obstacle to their company's growth. In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Cary Prejean, CPA and founder of Strategic Business Advisors, to discuss why entrepreneurs often hit a growth ceiling and what it takes to build a business that runs without depending on the owner every day. Cary shares the practical systems he has developed over decades of advising businesses between $5 million and $35 million in revenue. From process optimization and financial dashboards to leadership transitions and AI adoption, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for business owners ready to scale. One of the standout stories features an ecommerce company that grew from $5.8 million to nearly $21 million in revenue before being sold at an impressive 13 times EBITDA, leaving the owners with an eight figure exit after taxes. If you're working eighty hour weeks, constantly putting out fires, or wondering why your business cannot seem to grow without you, this episode will give you a roadmap for creating a more valuable, profitable, and sustainable company. Bio: With a background in accounting and a CPA certificate, Cary Prejean started consulting with businesses as a fractional CFO in 1987.  Over the last 40 years, Cary has helped hundreds of businesses increase their profits and cash flow, streamline for efficiency with systemization, provide actionable financial data in real time and design the future business through strategic planning.  He is also a certified Ontological Coach and a certified partner with Predictive Index talent optimization strategies. His clients have included businesses such as manufacturers, construction firms, wholesalers, e-commerce, law firms, physical therapy clinics, retail chains, and a three masted sailing ship company offering sailing tours of Seattle harbor. To connect with our guest, click on the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryprejean/  Website:  https://strategicbusinessadvisors.org/  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 Briefing all about Visibility and AEO:  https://becomeairecommended.com/future-of-visibility

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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
    236
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Business Growth Spotlight
  • Show Website
    Business Growth Spotlight