Business Growth University

Alan Lazaros

Welcome to Business Growth University with Alan Lazaros, where success comes first, fulfillment second, and feelings third. Each week, Alan shares real, practical strategies to help business owners grow their revenue, sharpen their skills, and reach their full potential. No fluff, just honest coaching, proven tools, and momentum that never stops.

  1. 22H AGO

    Every CEO MUST Get Great at These 3 Things (EP 26)

    What separates real CEOs from those just carrying the title? In this fast-paced episode, Alan Lazaros shares the three essential skills every CEO must master: leading people, designing systems, and tracking metrics. With real stories, honest self-assessment, and practical takeaways, you'll leave knowing exactly where to focus next to grow your business. Whether you're running the show or preparing to, this episode is your blueprint for leading with purpose and results. Episode assets and mentions: Episode visual: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g6miuCOrZ8YPVsukaqeathNllQgY1ost/view?usp=sharingRegister for the Free Masterclass, How to Set & Achieve Your Goals in 2026: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-ShY-iGKTEKPlsx3oCJUWwHow to Customize Your Own 21st Century Business Model (EP25): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-customize-your-own-21st-century-business-model-ep25/id1814230739?i=1000742324916How to Be a Great Leader: 5 Levels Every Business Owner Must Master (EP20): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-be-a-great-leader-5-levels-every-business/id1814230739?i=1000736109874How to connect with Alan? 📧 alan@nextleveluniverse.com Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/ Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/ Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/ Episode highlights: (1:32) The Triad: Lead People, Design Systems, Track Metrics (2:21) Alan’s CEO journey with Kevin (3:08) The CEO as the “head of the arrow” (7:11) Self-assess: Green, Yellow, or Red (13:18) Systems that scale: Impact Score, Peak Tracking, WhatsApp (15:31) Tracking what matters: Revenue, KPIs, Payroll (19:05) Action step: Rate and improve your weakest skill (20:18) Free 2026 Goal Setting Masterclass invite

    21 min
  2. DEC 22

    How to Customize Your Own 21st Century Business Model (EP25)

    What does it really take to build a thriving business in today’s digital world, from zero clients to a fully functioning company with 17 departments and 121 paying customers? In this milestone episode of Business Growth University, host Alan Lazaros shares, for the first time, the complete behind-the-scenes look at his own business model. You'll learn the five-level framework that moves people from strangers on social media to becoming team members, clients, or even raving fans. Alan also breaks down how each department, from social media to masterclasses to coaching, adds real value and builds real relationships. If you’re serious about growing your business in 2026 and beyond, this is one episode you can’t miss. Next Level University Business Model Next Level Dreamliner: https://a.co/d/0WdeWQQ How to connect with Alan? 📧 alan@nextleveluniverse.com Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/ Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/ Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/ Episode highlights: (0:56) Episode intro: Why 2025 was a huge year (1:23) Full breakdown of the Next Level University business model (3:02) Understanding your Ideal Client Avatar (ICA) (4:10) How social media drives the business (6:13) The five levels of a successful business model (8:41) Why private Facebook groups matter (11:06) Masterclasses and the power of live teaching (13:02) Book club: community learning that sticks (17:07) Where the money comes in: products and paid services (20:01) Live events, coaching, and high-value offers (24:06) Level 5: Hiring from within your community (27:00) Branding, alignment, and leading with purpose (29:18) Final call to action: Work with Alan in 2026

    30 min
  3. DEC 15

    The Books Every Business Owner Must Read to be Successful (EP24)

    What if the biggest boost your business ever gets comes from the books you read? In this powerful episode of Business Growth University, Alan lays out the ultimate reading list for business owners who want to build something that truly lasts. He shares the six Jim Collins books that he keeps on his desk and requires his leadership team to read.  If you’re serious about building a real business (not just a side hustle), this episode is your roadmap. Grab a copy of my recommended Jim Collins books How to connect with Alan? 📧 alan@nextleveluniverse.com Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/ Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/ Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/ Episode highlights: (0:52) The episode’s focus: Books every business owner must read (1:07) Meet the leadership team at Next Level University (1:57) Why Jim Collins books are required reading for top-level execs (3:01) Alan’s personal 11-year reading journey (5:07) Out of hundreds of books, these are the ones that matter (6:27) The 8 Jim Collins books, and which 6 Alan owns (9:02) Breakdown of each book and what it teaches (11:00) The world has changed and why these principles still work (13:04) The importance of turning the flywheel and never losing momentum (15:00) Why reading = better decision making for CEOs (17:01) Foundational principles like “Level 5 Leadership” and “The Power of And” (19:00) Alan’s client roster is almost full. Here's how to reach out (20:13) Final words: Boring books are often the best ones

    21 min
  4. DEC 1

    How to Build the Most Effective and Productive Team Possible (EP23)

    What if the biggest reason your team is falling short isn’t their skill, but their mindset? Alan unpacks exactly how to build the most effective, reliable team by focusing on three simple core values: humility, work ethic, and self-improvement. With nearly nine years of experience growing a business from scratch to a 20-person global team, Alan shares real-life hiring lessons, how to spot red flags, and why leading by example is the non-negotiable key to success. Whether you’re a solopreneur hiring your first freelancer or a CEO refining your culture, this episode is packed with clarity, honesty, and tools you can use right now. How to connect with Alan? 📧 alan@nextleveluniverse.com Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/ Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/ Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/ Episode highlights: (1:04) What does "team" really mean in business (2:18) Who counts as a team member (freelancers, contractors, etc.) (3:03) Choosing aligned clients and businesses (4:06) The “win-win-win-win-win” business model (5:01) Hiring and firing decisions in a global market (6:14) From 2-person startup to a 20-person team (7:06) How a time audit revealed the need for team growth (8:03) Expanding and contracting: the natural cycle of business (9:07) The 3 core values at Next Level University (11:46) Defining humility, work ethic, and self-improvement (14:49) The 10-10-10 system to identify your "absolutely" people (17:04) Red flags: identifying “absolutely not” people (20:00) Don’t just pick your values...live them daily (23:36) Invitation to a free December 4th business masterclass (24:46) Final thoughts and deep gratitude

    26 min
  5. NOV 26

    An Empowered Female Leader's Take on 21st Century Business (EP22)

    Have you ever wondered if you're truly cut out to run a business, not just talk about it, but actually build something real, profitable, and meaningful? In this powerful episode of Business Growth University, Alan sits down with Emilia Smith, CEO of Evolve Ventures Technologies, to share what most won’t tell you about building a business, especially as a woman. Emilia opens up about growing up in a high-risk entrepreneurial household, building her company from scratch, and the five character traits she believes every empowered female leader must have in the 21st century. They talk real success, not Instagram illusions, highlighting what separates those who should be in business from those who shouldn’t. If you’re serious about impact, growth, and leaving a legacy, this episode is a must-listen. Reach out to Emilia: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/evolveventures/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/EvolveVenturesTech Emilia’s IG - https://www.instagram.com/evolvewithemilia/     How to connect with Alan? 📧 alan@nextleveluniverse.com Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/ Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/ Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/ Episode highlights: (1:15) Introduction to Emilia and her background (2:24) Growing up in a high-stakes entrepreneurial family (5:11) What every female leader needs to know before starting a business (9:23) Why most people are not cut out for business (17:51) Top 5 traits of successful 21st-century leaders (33:01) The power of thinking 200 years ahead (36:01) The real role of stewardship in business leadership (40:11) Final thoughts and where to find Emilia

    42 min
  6. NOV 14

    Understanding and Mastering Your Business's Financial Snowball (EP21)

    What if one simple framework could change how you think about business money forever? In this episode of Business Growth University, Alan explains the financial snowball, a clear system to help you manage revenue, expenses, debt, and assets with confidence. He shares real numbers from his own company, breaks down how compounding growth works, and gives you clear targets to double your business every few years. Whether you’re just starting out or already scaling, this episode gives you the tools and mindset to grow smarter and stronger. Listen to The 8 Fundamentals of Business Finance here: Part 1 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-8-fundamentals-of-business-finance-part-1-ep14/id1814230739?i=1000724588490 Part 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-8-fundamentals-of-business-finance-part-2-ep15/id1814230739?i=1000725013433 How to connect with Alan? 📧 alan@nextleveluniverse.com Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/ Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/ Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/ Episode highlights: (3:28) What is a financial snowball (4:16) Why business knowledge builds like math (7:01) Breaking down the core financial structure (13:00) How to grow and manage your snowball (14:36) Green, yellow, red yearly growth goals (17:00) Alan’s real business revenue by year (24:00) How much cash you really need to hold (27:00) Avoiding the trap of rising expenses (29:00) Free 30 minute snowball coaching offer

    29 min
  7. OCT 31

    How to Build a Profitable Online Business Model in 2025 (EP19)

    What if you could build a business that grows while you sleep? In this episode, Alan breaks down the modern business model that every online entrepreneur needs in today’s digital world. From using social media to attract new followers, to turning them into loyal fans and paying clients, Alan draws out the full five-layer structure of a successful online business. He also shares how to think global, create real community, and use free tools like podcasts, masterclasses, and groups to scale your brand.  📄 Download: 21st Century Online Business Model Funnel (PDF) https://tinyurl.com/BGU19 Relevant episodes: What is the flywheel concept? Episode 7 - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/success-in-business-is-not-doing-10-000-things-ep7/id1814230739?i=1000714362049One word and three obsessions - Episode 2 - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/if-you-get-this-one-thing-wrong-everything-ends-up-wrong-ep2/id1814230739?i=1000708987211 How to connect with Alan? 📧 alan@nextleveluniverse.com Follow Alan on Instagram: instagram.com/alazaros88 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alan.lazaros LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllc/ Join the Next Leven University Monthly masterclass: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/monthly-meetups/ Join Book Club: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/next-level-book-club/ Episode highlights: (1:37) Building a 21st-century business model (4:25) Why online beats brick and mortar (7:26) Social media: your first connection point (8:33) Podcasting and content that scales (9:21) Free meetups and masterclasses (11:35) Creating private groups and the community (14:11) The paywall: turning followers into clients (19:00) Inclusive vs. exclusive business stages (22:01) Reinvesting profits to grow your brand (24:15) Customizing the model for your business (25:35) Final thoughts and next steps

    26 min

About

Welcome to Business Growth University with Alan Lazaros, where success comes first, fulfillment second, and feelings third. Each week, Alan shares real, practical strategies to help business owners grow their revenue, sharpen their skills, and reach their full potential. No fluff, just honest coaching, proven tools, and momentum that never stops.