"Nice Business!" Podcast

Richard Train
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“Ruthlessly” use human kindness and decency when becoming the best business owner/manager you can be. After all, would you rather be loved or feared by your team?  Richard Train from Richard L Train Consulting, LLC talks with Jim Bob Howard about how to help business leaders uncover those pesky "drama problems" that quietly drain performance: poor communication, disengaged teams, toxic staff dynamics, or leadership gaps no one wants to touch, and how to overcome them. 

  1. Creativity VS Efficiency, the Art of Business Success, with Art Markman

    5D AGO

    Creativity VS Efficiency, the Art of Business Success, with Art Markman

    Innovation sounds good in theory, but most organizations are quietly structured to prevent it. In this episode of the “Nice Business!” PodcastTM, hosts Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard welcome Art Markman, a leading cognitive psychologist whose work focuses on how people think, learn, and create together inside organizations. Drawing from decades of research, teaching, and advisory experience across business, education, and innovation, Art brings a grounded, science-backed perspective to the challenges leaders face every day. This episode invites leaders to rethink what progress actually looks like and challenges the assumption that speed, optimization, and constant output always lead to growth. It offers a fresh way to view innovation as a strategic decision that begins with allowing thinking, experimentation, and a little discomfort. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Episode Snippet 00:59 – Introducing our guest, Art Markman 02:54 – The hidden conflict between efficiency and innovation 04:17 – Company size, innovation, and unused capacity 07:58 – The value of learning without immediate justification 08:01 – Why innovative employees often look inefficient 11:26 – Separating routine work from innovative work 14:45 – Applying innovation principles in small businesses 16:05 – Creating focused innovation roles on small teams 22:33 – Investing in people  24:01 – Why traditional brainstorming fails 27:07 – Mistake recovery is a leadership skill 32:02 – A structured alternative to brainstorming 34:24 – Profit is not the only number that matters 36:07 – Art’s current work in higher education innovation 39:16 – Where to connect with Art Markman About Our Guest: Art Markman is the Annabel Irion Worsham Centennial Professor of Psychology and Marketing at the University of Texas at Austin and a recognized expert on how people think, decide, and work together. He founded the Program in the Human Dimensions of Organizations and has served as Executive Director of the IC2 Institute.Known for translating cognitive science into practical insight, Art focuses on decision making, creativity, and innovation, helping leaders better understand how human behavior shapes organizational success. Connect with Art Markman: Web: http://www.smartthinkingbook.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/ArtMarkmanPhD/#X: https://x.com/abmarkmanLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/art-markman-93aa6a22/Connect with Richard Train: Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 Connect with Jim Bob Howard: Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com X: https://x.com/jbhoward IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward

    41 min
  2. The Invisible Engine Behind Great Companies, with guest Liz Jenkins

    JAN 19

    The Invisible Engine Behind Great Companies, with guest Liz Jenkins

    Systems help businesses run smoother while giving people clarity, confidence, and the ability to do their best work. In this episode of the "Nice Business!" Podcast™, hosts Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Liz Jenkins, Founder of A Fresh Space, for a practical and insightful conversation about why systems and processes matter more than most leaders realize. Liz shares how her company grew from a solo operation to a 30-person team by documenting knowledge, reducing clutter, and creating procedures that support both employees and clients. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Episode Snippet 00:56 – Introducing our guest, Liz Jenkins of A Fresh Space 02:09 – How clutter affects productivity and mental load 06:19 – Systems are built through trial, feedback, and revision 07:58 – Tools must match how your team works 11:35 – Capturing details through procedures 14:50 – Documenting administrative tasks for continuity 16:33 – Procedures capture institutional knowledge 19:19 – Learning the “why” through doing the process 23:21 – Delegation lets leaders do the work only they can do 27:09 – Help people operate in their zone of genius 34:27 – Clients notice when every detail is handled 37:25 – Every business benefits from documented procedures 38:57 – Improvement requires data, not just feelings 41:13 – “Did we do what we said we would do?” 42:59 – Capturing client preferences for better execution 44:30 – Systems define what, how, and when 45:57 – Where to connect with Liz Jenkins About Our Guest: Liz Jenkins is a Certified Professional Organizer and the owner of A Fresh Space, widely recognized as a leader in the professional organizing industry. She serves as a NAPO National Committee Chair, is a founding member of NAPO Nashville, and is a sought-after national speaker. Liz regularly contributes to major media outlets, magazines, and blogs, sharing her expertise on topics including space and time management, move management, unpacking, decluttering, working with families, and the business of professional organizing.  Known for her clear, practical approach, Liz is passionate about helping people reduce clutter, streamline their environments, and create systems that support productivity and peace of mind. Connect with Liz Jenkins: Web: https://www.afreshspace.com/media/FB: https://www.facebook.com/afreshspaceIG: https://www.instagram.com/afreshspace/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-fresh-space/Connect with Richard Train: Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 Connect with Jim Bob Howard: Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com X: https://x.com/jbhoward IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward

    47 min
  3. Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, with Jennie Loev

    JAN 12

    Understanding and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, with Jennie Loev

    In this episode of the "Nice Business!" Podcast™, hosts Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Jennie Loev, Founder of JLoev Consulting, for a real conversation about imposter syndrome, confidence, and the messy reality of professional growth. Jennie sheds light on how even accomplished leaders quietly wrestle with self-doubt, why stretching into new roles creates tension, and how acknowledging those feelings can be the first step toward greater competence. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Episode Snippet  00:48 – Welcome to the Nice Business Podcast 01:30 – Introducing our guest, executive coach Jennie Loev 03:08 – What is imposter syndrome? 05:10 – Imposter syndrome can drive motivation 06:52 – Understanding the root of imposter thoughts 08:09 – Normalize and acknowledge 10:39 – Building confidence through learning 20:05 – Do what only you can do 22:13 –  How to know when you’ve “overcome” imposter syndrome 23:50 – Celebrate wins to build confidence 28:11 – Unchecked imposter syndrome can cause burnout 29:02 – Shift focus from failures to wins 31:24 – People thrive when valued and trusted 32:30 – Poor reviews can discourage high performers 35:29 – Good feedback inspires growth 37:00 – Intentional leadership builds confidence 39:10 – Connect with Jennie Loev About Our Guest: Jennie Loev is the Founder of JLoev Consulting and a dedicated advocate for personal and professional growth. With a background that blends business strategy and psychology, she helps clients navigate challenges, clarify direction, and pursue meaningful success. Jennie holds an MBA and a BA in Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, with professional training in Positive Intelligence, Neuroscience of Coaching, Coaches Rising programs, and Professional in Career Management through the National Society of Career Management. Through thoughtful, personalized coaching, she empowers leaders and professionals to build confidence, embrace growth, and unlock new possibilities in their careers and organizations. Connect withJennie Loev: Web: https://jloevconsulting.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/jloevconsulting/IG: https://www.instagram.com/jennieloev/X: https://x.com/JennieLoevYT: www.youtube.com/@jennieloev5412LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennieloev/Connect with Richard Train: Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 Connect with Jim Bob Howard: Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com X: https://x.com/jbhoward IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward

    40 min
  4. Creating and Sustaining a Real Work-Life Balance, with The Real Jason Duncan

    JAN 6

    Creating and Sustaining a Real Work-Life Balance, with The Real Jason Duncan

    In this episode of the "Nice Business!" Podcast™, hosts Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Jason Duncan, founder of the Exiter Club and author of Exit Without Exiting, for an honest conversation about leadership, burnout, and what it really takes to build a business that does not consume your life. Jason challenges the idea that strong leadership requires fear or control and unpacks the critical difference between being nice and being kind. From holding boundaries and accountability to letting go of the “hero syndrome,” this episode explores why many entrepreneurs stay stuck in the weeds and how shifting from owner operator to owner investor can create both freedom and sustainable growth. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Episode Snippet  01:15 – Welcoming our guest, The Real Jason Duncan 02:22 – Jason Duncan’s journey and the mission of the Exiter Club 03:56 – What “exit” really means for business owners 04:55 – The hidden cost of earn-outs and traditional exits 08:49 – Working in, on, and above the business 26:35 – Being nice doesn’t mean weakness 29:27 – Honest feedback vs. people-pleasing 34:36 – Being kind to yourself as a leader 36:15 – Connect with The Real Jason Duncan About Our Guest: Jason Duncan, known as The Real Jason Duncan, is America’s Exit Coach and the creator of the XOS™ Method, a proven framework that helps entrepreneurs build owner-independent businesses. He is the founder of The Exiter Club, a mastermind for seven-figure business owners who want their companies to run without constant involvement. A TEDx speaker, bestselling author of Exit Without Exiting, and host of The Root of All Success podcast, Jason draws from his own experience of building a million-dollar company that depended heavily on him. Today, he helps entrepreneurs replace burnout with systems, increase business value, and reclaim their time without selling or walking away from what they built. Connect with Jason Duncan: Web: https://www.therealjasonduncan.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/therealjasonduncan/YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFHruC2UNG2jiLXHiOJxd7wLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therealjasonduncan/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SsJoe5OXyErysuGmdtJnq?si=1502e61891f74f1c&nd=1&dlsi=eada0bfba69743a5Connect with Richard Train: Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 Connect with Jim Bob Howard: Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com X: https://x.com/jbhoward IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward

    37 min
  5. Managing Private Equity Investment While Keeping Your Culture Intact

    12/29/2025

    Managing Private Equity Investment While Keeping Your Culture Intact

    In this episode of the "Nice Business!" Podcast™, Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard talk with Randy Murphy, serial entrepreneur and fractional CEO, about keeping company culture intact during private equity transitions. Randy shares his experience guiding businesses through growth, recapitalization, and turnarounds, emphasizing the role of transparency, trust, and communication at every level. They explore how private equity investments can create tension between financial goals and the human side of business, and how leaders can navigate that balance without losing the core of their culture. Randy explains how a positive attitude, open communication, and a focus on people can turn disruption into opportunities for growth. This episode is for business owners, executives, and managers who want to manage change effectively while keeping culture, trust, and engagement strong. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Introduction 01:24 – How to manage private equity without losing your corporate culture 04:22 – Private Equity: Boost or Bust for Culture 06:03 – Balancing culture and financial goals 16:15 – Using transparency to build trust during transitions 18:57 – Acceptance, attitude, and action 24:17 – PE mistake: ignoring frontline, only working with executives 27:05 – Staying human: Care for employees beyond metrics 30:03 – Poor communication creates stress 32:37 – Communicate non-negotiables early and prioritize clarity 34:49 – PE can be highly beneficial if culture and strategy are aligned About Our Guest: Randy Murphy is a Serial Entrepreneur and Business Operator, leading strategic growth and operational excellence as the head of Murphy Hiott Consulting. He helps businesses scale, improve profitability, and implement effective processes, drawing on decades of experience founding and growing companies across technology, SaaS, retail, restaurants, and delivery logistics. Connect with Randy Murphy: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrandymurphy/About Your Hosts:  Richard Train is a Vistage Chair, leadership coach, culture consultant, and the creator of the "Nice Business!" Podcast™. He has spent more than 30 years helping leaders uncover the real issues behind performance, often the hidden “drama problems” that do not always show up in the numbers. Connect with Richard Train: Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 Jim Bob Howard is a speaker, author, connector, and collaboration expert specializing in SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365. He helps teams and organizations communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and connect ideas to solve real business challenges. From teaching basic tech skills to leading global events, speaking to large audiences, and coaching teams, Jim Bob is passionate about using technology to bring people and ideas together. Connect with Jim Bob Howard: Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com X: https://x.com/jbhoward IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward

    36 min
  6. Planning For, and Adapting to Change: Organizational Lessons from the Red Cross

    12/22/2025

    Planning For, and Adapting to Change: Organizational Lessons from the Red Cross

    In this episode of the "Nice Business!" Podcast™, Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard talk with Linda Braddy, CEO of the Red Cross of North Texas. Linda shares how her career path led her from higher education into nonprofit leadership, and how staying rooted in mission guides her decisions during times of crisis and uncertainty. Linda connects disaster response leadership to everyday business life, offering practical lessons on accountability, morale, and caring for people while still getting the work done. This episode is a thoughtful listen for leaders who want to build strong teams, lead with intention, and stay focused on what truly matters when things move fast. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Episode Snippet 01:12 – Introducing Today’s Guest, Linda Brandy 03:18 – Understanding the full scope of Red Cross services 05:18 – Building a well-structured volunteer training system 07:32 – Finding the right way to help during disasters 16:01 – Leading change through consistent communication 18:03 – Reinforcing values through behaviors 20:22 – The Red Cross 7 Principles 22:58 – What “done” looks like in disaster recovery 29:43 – Productivity, boundaries, and sustainable work culture 30:16 – Building a strong volunteer community About Our Guest: Linda Braddy is the CEO of the American Red Cross North Texas, where she leads mission delivery and community resilience efforts serving more than 10.4 million people across 121 counties. With a background in higher education and nonprofit leadership, she has guided organizations through major transformation, including serving as President of Brookhaven College and as the inaugural provost of Dallas College. Known for her mission-driven, people-centered leadership, Linda brings clarity, adaptability, and service to complex, fast-moving environments. Connect with Linda Braddy: Web: https://www.lindabraddy.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/linda.braddy.3X: https://x.com/Linda_BraddyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindabraddy/About Your Hosts:  Richard Train is a Vistage Chair, leadership coach, culture consultant, and the creator of the "Nice Business!" Podcast™. He has spent more than 30 years helping leaders uncover the real issues behind performance, often the hidden “drama problems” that do not always show up in the numbers. Connect with Richard Train: Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 Jim Bob Howard is a speaker, author, connector, and collaboration expert specializing in SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365. He helps teams and organizations communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and connect ideas to solve real business challenges. Connect with Jim Bob Howard: Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com X: https://x.com/jbhoward IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward

    34 min
  7. How Brett Hurt's "Love Conquers Fear" Will Help Your Business and Life

    12/15/2025

    How Brett Hurt's "Love Conquers Fear" Will Help Your Business and Life

    "Love conquers fear. When we lead from a place of love, we inspire others to bring their best and their whole selves to everything they do." In this episode of the "Nice Business!" Podcast™, Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Brett Hurt, serial entrepreneur, thought leader, and host of the Love Conquers Fear podcast. Brett shares his journey from discovering a passion for programming at age seven to founding and leading multiple successful ventures, including Core Metrics, Bizarre Voice, and data.world. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Episode Snippet 01:22 – Introducing Today’s Guest, Brett Hurt 03:35 – Brett’s early purpose and tech beginnings 05:24 – Technology, abundance, and the call for better leaders 0734 – A leadership rooted in love 11:14 – The ripple effect of positive leadership 13:59 – How leaders stay out of the fear trap 31:40 – Great cultures are built on risk-taking and love 36:31 – The Illusion of “No Time” 45:28 – A belief in a loving universe 47:27 – Connect with Brett Hurt 48:05 – Fear-based leadership is unsustainable About Our Guest: Brett Hurt is a serial entrepreneur and the former CEO and co-founder of data.world, the AI-ready data catalog platform helps companies discover, govern, and use their data to create actionable insights and AI-powered experiences. He also co-founded Bazaarvoice and Coremetrics, building both into global leaders in their fields. He is a devoted husband to Debra and a proud father of two, grounding his work in family, service, and the belief that companies and leaders reach their fullest potential when they lead with love. Connect with Brett Hurt: Web: https://www.loveconquersfear.org/FB: https://www.facebook.com/bretthurt/YT: https://www.youtube.com/@LoveConquersFear2025LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bretthurt/Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wngdSw7FmdibLC9mu300qAbout Your Hosts:  Richard Train is a Vistage Chair, leadership coach, culture consultant, and the creator of the “"Nice Business!" Podcast™. He has spent more than 30 years helping leaders uncover the real issues behind performance, often the hidden “drama problems” that do not always show up in the numbers. Connect with Richard Train: Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 Jim Bob Howard is a speaker, author, connector, and collaboration expert specializing in SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365. He helps teams and organizations communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and connect ideas to solve real business challenges. Connect with Jim Bob Howard: Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com X: https://x.com/jbhoward IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward

    50 min
  8. Mission Driven Business - What Success Looks Like

    12/10/2025

    Mission Driven Business - What Success Looks Like

    In this episode of the "Nice Business!" Podcast™, Richard Train and Jim Bob Howard sit down with Jacob Johnson, CEO of Calyan Wax Co., a home fragrance company on a mission to combat human trafficking, for an insightful conversation on mission-driven entrepreneurship, purposeful leadership, and building a business that makes a difference. Topics Covered: 00:00 – Episode Snippet 01:14 – Welcoming our guest, Jacob Johnson 04:40 – The mission came first 11:56 – Math problems vs. drama problems in business 12:56 – Mojo: Right people in the right roles for flow 15:05 – The power of asking open-ended questions 16:50 – Understanding competency gaps vs. training needs 18:51 – Letting leaders operate in their zone of genius 19:48 – Aligning team, culture, and enjoyment in work 21:42 – Vision for the future of Calyan Wax Co. 26:49 – Connect with Jacob Johnson and visit Calyan Wax Co. About Our Guest: Jacob Johnson is the CEO and Founder of Calyan Wax Co., inspired by a personal connection to someone affected by human trafficking. Studying Criminal Justice and Entrepreneurship, he initially planned a career in law enforcement to bring traffickers to justice. But he quickly realized the problem was much bigger, with law enforcement stretched thin and nonprofits struggling for resources. Through Calyan Wax Co., Jacob works to raise awareness and support efforts to fight human trafficking, combining purpose with entrepreneurship. Connect with Jacob Johnson: Email: info@calyanwaxco.comWeb: https://www.calyanwaxco.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/calyanwaxco/YT: www.youtube.com/@calyanwaxcoTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@calyanwaxcoPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/calyanwaxco/IG: https://www.instagram.com/calyanwaxco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobjohnsoncalyan/About Your Hosts:  Richard Train is a Vistage Chair, leadership coach, culture consultant, and the creator of the "Nice Business!" Podcast™. He has spent more than 30 years helping leaders uncover the real issues behind performance, often the hidden “drama problems” that do not always show up in the numbers. Connect with Richard Train: Web: https://www.richardltrainconsulting.biz FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578616461967 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-train-b39501349 Jim Bob Howard is a speaker, author, connector, and collaboration expert specializing in SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, and Microsoft 365. He helps teams and organizations communicate clearly, collaborate effectively, and connect ideas to solve real business challenges. Connect with Jim Bob Howard: Web: https://www.jimbobhoward.com X: https://x.com/jbhoward IG: https://www.instagram.com/jbhoward YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimbobhoward LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbhoward

    29 min
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About

“Ruthlessly” use human kindness and decency when becoming the best business owner/manager you can be. After all, would you rather be loved or feared by your team?  Richard Train from Richard L Train Consulting, LLC talks with Jim Bob Howard about how to help business leaders uncover those pesky "drama problems" that quietly drain performance: poor communication, disengaged teams, toxic staff dynamics, or leadership gaps no one wants to touch, and how to overcome them. 

Information

  • Creator
    Richard Train
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 "Nice Business!" Podcast
  • Show Website
    "Nice Business!" Podcast