Class of Business

Wisdom
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Business
  • Updated Daily

Class of Business is the show for anyone who wants to understand how modern business really works—without the jargon, the fluff, or the boring lectures. Each episode breaks down real strategies, real stories, and real challenges from founders, creators, and builders who are figuring it out in the real world. If you’re building a business, growing a brand, or trying to turn your ideas into something that pays the bills, this is your weekly masterclass. Straight talk. Sharp insights. Zero intimidation. Come learn the lessons nobody teaches but everyone needs.

  1. Jun 19

    How Leadership Changes When You're Not in Control—Bill Derrick | Ep 15

    If you’ve ever wondered what it really feels like to lead a company when everything’s out of your hands, this episode will resonate. Bill Derrick shares his journey helming a family construction business through the 2008 recession, then battling incurable cancer—all while reexamining what leadership and control really mean. You’ll pick up how Bill balanced company vision with people-first leadership, learn about letting go when life throws the unthinkable at you, and explore the practical ways he found support amid uncertainty. We also get into reframing loss, living "in between," and advice he'd give his younger self. Tune in for a raw look at leadership under pressure. Connect With Bill DerrickWebsite: https://www.billderrick.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billderrick/ If Class of Business speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the conversations shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the Class of Business newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay sharp between listens.Sign up here: https://classofbusiness.com/join Chapters00:00 Becoming a Leader of People00:38 Breaking Down Real Leadership Pressure01:21 Facing the Unexpected: Cancer and Recession02:00 Illusions of Control in Business02:32 Where Control Really Comes From03:11 First Signs the Recession Was Different04:26 When Selling Wasn’t an Option04:36 The Realization It Could Get Worse05:38 Leading Without Certain Answers06:05 Projecting Calm Amid Unknowns07:19 Facing a New Storm: Health Crisis08:00 Questioning the Link Between Stress and Illness08:20 From Business Storms to Personal Storms08:43 Releasing Control and Trusting Others09:01 Shifting From Outcomes to People09:42 Why Bill’s Leadership Evolved10:17 The Two Things You Can Control10:42 Making Decisions During Unpredictable Times11:26 Seeking Advice and Humility in Leadership12:22 Leaders Don’t Have All the Answers13:05 Living “In Between” Storms13:51 Embracing a New Normal15:07 The Difference Between Failing and Quitting15:51 Turning Loss Into an Advantage16:12 Health’s Unexpected Blessings17:58 What Truly Matters After Losses18:23 Advice to a Younger Self20:06 Being Ready to Pivot When Plans Fail21:33 The Power of Asking for Help22:10 Where to Find Bill and His Work

    24 min

  2. Jun 18

    How to Turn Technology Into a Growth Engine—Rob Broadhead | Ep 14

    If you've ever wondered why your technology spend feels more like a cost than a catalyst for growth, this episode is for you. Software architect and founder Rob Broadhead joins us to share how decades of consulting have shaped his approach to tech as an investment. You'll pick up clear strategies for connecting tools to meaningful business outcomes, figure out why so much software sits unused, and get down-to-earth ideas for process audits and low-effort elimination plays. We also get into practical frameworks for when to build vs. buy, and how to actually harness AI and automation without breaking what works. Tune in for real stories and actionable ideas on making tech serve your business. Connect With Rob BroadheadWebsite: https://rb-sns.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbroadhead/ If Class of Business speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the conversations shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the Class of Business newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay sharp between listens.Sign up here: https://classofbusiness.com/join Chapters00:00 What Problem Are You Solving?00:53 Welcome to Class of Business01:14 Rob Broadhead’s Background and Approach01:59 The Story Behind "Developreneur"02:13 Why Business Owners See Tech as Expense02:51 Tools, Value, and Real ROI03:07 When Tech Becomes Strategy, Not Support04:11 How Mindset Shifts Business Outcomes04:50 When Tools Fail to Deliver05:24 Shelfware and Forgotten Investments06:08 Be Intentional—Training and Follow-Through06:22 Connecting Tools Directly to Outcomes06:45 Set Goals Before You Buy07:45 Metrics Reveal Productive Gaps08:17 Daily Use and Building Outcomes08:43 Create Regular Check-Ins and Milestones09:36 First Steps in a System Audit10:52 Measuring Real Outputs and Execution11:15 Prioritizing What to Fix First12:22 Pain Points vs. Quick Wins13:18 Fix What Affects the Business Most14:08 Not Every Broken Process Needs Fixing14:38 Elimination—The Overlooked Efficiency Tool15:02 The Limits of Automation and AI15:16 Why Automate? When to Wait15:44 Automation Can Multiply Problems16:28 Document Before You Delegate (or Automate)17:02 Build vs. Buy—How to Decide18:21 Evaluating Costs Beyond the Sticker Price19:32 Identifying Inefficiencies Fast20:00 Where Is Your Time Going?21:03 Bottlenecks Reveal Process Gaps21:44 Real Success Story—Transforming Research Work22:56 How Better Processes Sharpen Results24:37 Connecting With Rob Broadhead25:33 Applying One Idea From the Episode

    26 min

  3. Jun 17

    How Intuition Drives Business Growth—Brad Smith | Ep 13

    If you’ve ever wondered why some business strategies work in theory but fall flat in real life, this episode is for you. Brad Smith, founder and CEO of Stellar Insight, Inc., draws on his varied career—analytical chemist, business manager, executive coach—to reveal how self-awareness, trust, and intuition shape business outcomes. You’ll pick up why company “blind spots” hold leaders back, how to turn intuition into a practical decision tool, and actionable steps for building sustainable growth. We also get into repeatable systems, employee relationship dynamics, and the difference between gut instinct and true intuition. Plus, Brad shares a step-by-step exercise for focusing your growth over the next decade. Tune in and learn from a leader who’s coached CEOs for over 25 years. Connect With Brad SmithWebsite: https://stellarinsightinc.com If Class of Business speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the conversations shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the Class of Business newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay sharp between listens.Sign up here: https://classofbusiness.com/join Chapters00:00 Brad Smith’s Unconventional Journey00:50 Lessons From a Chemist’s Beaker01:49 Escaping the Leadership Bubble02:22 Business Is a Human System03:35 Why Trust Drives Business Growth04:15 Building Rapport—Listening vs. Talking05:12 The “Leader Has All Ideas” Fallacy06:20 Founder’s Dilemma and Growth Limits07:41 Why Time Is Every CEO’s Cap08:06 Turning Awareness Into Better Decisions08:48 Mapping the “Missing Puzzle Pieces”09:31 Epiphanies, Intuition, and Subconscious Solutions10:49 Internal Employees—Listening and Results11:16 Coaching Case: $3M to $13M Growth12:48 Company, Process, and Self Awareness13:14 Making Intuition Practical14:07 Training the Intuitive Mind15:08 Gut Instinct vs. Deep Intuition16:11 How to Actually Train Intuition16:47 Brainwaves, Presence, and Meditation17:37 Managing the Presence Muscle18:16 The 10-Year Compounding Growth Exercise18:51 Where to Connect With Brad19:22 Applying One Idea From the Show

    20 min

  4. Jun 16

    How Mindset Shapes Rapid Growth—Dr. Joseph Drolshagen | Ep 12

    If you’ve ever wondered why your business growth stalls despite knowing exactly what to do, this episode is for you. Dr. Joseph Drolshagen, a rapid growth specialist and coach for founders and sales pros, unpacks how our subconscious programming can sabotage even the best strategies. You’ll pick up why clarity of vision matters, how to bridge the knowing-doing gap, and what happens when you align mindset, habits, and execution. We also get into why “fixing problems” can make things worse and hear stories of transformation unlocked by shifting one internal pattern. Plus, Dr. Drolshagen shares practical steps to notice your own limiting thoughts and habits. Tune in for a conversation that just might shift how you approach growth. Connect With Dr. Joseph DrolshagenWebsite: https://coachwithjoey.com If Class of Business speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the conversations shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the Class of Business newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay sharp between listens.Sign up here: https://classofbusiness.com/join Chapters00:00 Why Founders Plateau—And How to Break Through00:43 Misdiagnosing Business Growth Problems01:44 Building a Dynamic Vision that Sticks02:16 Seeing Obstacles as Vision Unfolding02:32 Settling for Less Than You Want03:05 How Subconscious Programming Sets Your Ceiling04:04 The Real First Sign of Being Stuck04:27 Perception vs. Reality in Business Challenges05:15 Patterns Before a Growth Collapse05:55 What Happens When You Only Fix Problems06:14 Turning Businesses Around—Focusing on What’s Working07:11 Actions and Results Depend on Mindset07:39 The Knowing-Doing Gap Explained08:38 How Alignment Closes the Execution Gap09:14 Why Even Smart Owners Self-Sabotage10:09 Creating Growth That’s “Unrealistic”10:43 Why Shifting Your Programming Is Essential11:13 What Is the SMT Method?12:01 Tailoring Vision and Systems to Individuals13:18 Why Habit Systems Alone Don’t Work14:13 Real Story—Changing One Pattern, Huge Results15:47 Noticing Your Thoughts—A Daily Exercise16:27 Spotting Mindset Problems Disguised as Habit Issues17:01 Beating Overwhelm by Slowing Down17:31 First Steps to Close Your Knowing-Doing Gap18:12 Wrapping Up and Staying Connected

    19 min

  5. Jun 15

    How To Create Your Own Luck (and Momentum)—Rob Tracz | Ep 11

    If you've ever wondered why you keep grinding but don’t feel like you’re making progress, this episode is for you. I’m sitting down with Rob Tracz, high performance coach and creator of the Prime Performance process, to break down why entrepreneurs get stuck and how to move forward without burning out. You’ll pick up clear strategies for building momentum with less stress, uncover the principles behind lasting resilience, and hear exactly how Rob tracks his growth—down to the number of conversations, podcasts, and speaking gigs. We also get into creating your own luck, the habits that silently undermine productivity, and why reflection might be the real edge you need. Plus, lightning round takeaways you can use right away. Tune in for an honest, practical look at what real performance and growth actually mean. Connect With Rob TraczWebsite: https://survivingthesidehustle.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/robtracz/ If Class of Business speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the conversations shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the Class of Business newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay sharp between listens.Sign up here: https://classofbusiness.com/join Chapters00:00 The “Luck” Framework Explained00:35 Capturing Content and Consistency00:50 Welcome—Building Real Businesses01:12 Meet Rob Tracz and Prime Performance01:35 The Real Signs of Being Stuck02:40 Burnout—What It Looks Like03:10 Rob’s Own Rock Bottom Moment04:46 Why Entrepreneurs Miss Burnout05:56 What Is the Prime Performance Process?06:33 The Six Principles Unpacked07:39 Why Principles Over Tactics?09:45 Breaking Down Each Principle10:15 Optimization and Efficiency11:19 Look Good, Feel Good, Do Great Things12:20 What “Looking Good” Really Means13:34 Defining “Great Things”14:36 Strategic Steps to Create “Luck”15:44 Finding Your Unique Edge17:21 Understanding Your Audience18:36 Collaboration in Practice19:39 The Keys to Staying Consistent21:25 Maximizing Podcast Impact22:58 Tracking, Numbers, and Momentum24:00 The Power of Measurable Goals25:10 Rob’s Surprising Podcast Stats27:09 Expanding Connections With Numbers28:28 Daily Conversations That Compound29:37 Networking and Exposure Insights30:41 The Secret Value of Guesting31:41 Stories, Skills, and Audience Impact33:39 How Reflection Fuels Growth34:15 Storytelling and Skill Building36:22 Why Pushing Limits Matters37:05 Tracking Progress in Real Life38:07 Lightning Round—Productivity and Recovery40:22 Where to Take This Deeper41:28 Wrap-Up and Invitation to Apply an Idea

    42 min

  6. May 28

    How Authors Really Build Sustainable Businesses—Teri M. Brown | Ep 10

    If you’ve ever wondered how writers go from part-time gigs to running a creative business, this one’s for you. Teri M. Brown, an author and podcast host, shares her path from writing for small businesses to building a multi-book career. You’ll pick up practical lessons on monetizing writing, the long game of marketing, and how to realistically support yourself as an author. We also get into taking business risks, juggling fulfillment with bills, and the nuts and bolts of growing an audience. Plus, hear why consistency trumps overnight success. Tune in for honest, actionable insights about making a living with words. Connect With Teri M. BrownWebsite: https://terimbrown.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/TeriMBrown If Class of Business speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the conversations shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the Class of Business newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay sharp between listens. Sign up here: https://classofbusiness.com/join Chapters00:00 The First Paid Writing Gig00:15 Welcome—The Realities of Building00:43 Teri's Writing Journey—Genres and Pivots01:21 Monetization and Becoming a Full-Time Author02:14 Nonfiction Versus Fiction: The Fear Factor03:08 The True Timeline for Author Income04:17 Authorship: Persistence and Putting Yourself Out There05:08 Transitioning From Client Work to Real Money06:09 How Nonfiction Writing Opened Doors07:25 Saying Yes to Unexpected Opportunities08:23 Starting Over With Fiction08:43 Taking the Leap—From Safe Work to Novelist09:14 Power of Belief and Big Goals09:56 Why Writing a Book Isn’t Enough10:51 Building the Daily Marketing Machine11:25 What Consistency Actually Looks Like12:20 Playing the Long Game—Appearing Everywhere13:17 The Hidden Work Behind Every 'Success'13:48 The Relentlessness of Self-Promotion14:26 Breaking Down the Author Business Model15:08 How Everything Works Together16:47 Book Sales, Podcasting, and Revenue Streams17:12 Is Six-Figure Authorship Possible?18:09 Case Study—A Friend’s Author Income18:44 What Makes the Difference: Effort Over Time19:20 Honest Breakdown: What Pays Versus What Fulfills21:12 Getting Traction With Marketing22:27 The Power of a Newsletter List23:26 Building From Scratch: Where to Begin24:20 Finding Your Best Marketing Channel25:25 How to Connect With Teri M. Brown

    26 min

  7. May 27

    How Self-Understanding Became a Business Thesis—Len May | Ep 9

    If you've ever wondered how personal struggles and questions can shape a business, this episode is for you. Len May, CEO and co-founder of Endodna, opens up about turning his ADHD diagnosis and lifelong curiosity into a successful precision medicine company. You'll pick up practical ways to reframe what makes you different, hear about the messy path from music to genetics, and learn how leaning into discomfort can spark innovation. We also get into the realities of building through confusion and why giving up control may be the real secret to progress. Plus, Len shares actionable insights about personalization in both health and life decisions. Tune in for a conversation about finding your edge by understanding yourself. Connect With Len MayWebsite: https://endodna.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenmayYouTube: [Len May’s podcast “Everything is Personal” found on YouTube, as mentioned]Instagram: [Len May or Len May DNA, as mentioned in the episode] If Class of Business speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the conversations shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the Class of Business newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay sharp between listens. Sign up here: https://classofbusiness.com/join Chapters00:00 Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable00:21 From ADHD to Business Builder00:49 Early Lessons in Self-Understanding01:31 Turning Struggle Into a Thesis02:12 Young Len’s Search for Answers02:46 Living With an ADD Label03:12 Medication’s Double-Edged Sword03:55 Discovering Cannabis as Medicine05:33 System-Building and Self-Discovery05:47 Experimenting With Career Paths06:29 From Music to Internet Startups07:00 Learning Through Real Estate07:27 Cannabis, Dispensaries, and Genetics07:57 Personalizing Plant and Human DNA08:28 Curiosity Becomes Conviction09:17 Embracing the Polymath Mindset10:28 Hyperfocus and Structure With ADHD12:11 Building a Product People Need12:43 From Test Results to Action13:58 How Doctors Shaped the Platform14:52 Building Around Curiosity and Trust15:27 Making Genetics Actionable16:22 Personalization as a Life Principle17:17 The Ongoing Journey of Self-Knowledge18:56 Purpose, Perspective, and Business19:59 Why Knowing Yourself Matters20:38 Helping Others as Self-Work21:16 Rethinking Focus and Success22:19 Pattern Recognition as Superpower23:08 Letting Go of Control24:08 Best Lesson for Builders24:33 "This Too Shall Pass"25:25 Where to Find Len May26:39 Closing Thoughts for Listeners

    27 min

  8. May 26

    Rebuilding Leadership Clarity Without Hustle or Pressure—Debra Bowers | Ep 8

    If you’ve ever wondered why you get stuck making decisions—even when you “should” know what to do—this conversation is for you. Leadership and sales coach Debra Bowers of Exagon Media joins to share her firsthand experience with functional freeze, that sneaky state where your clarity goes offline. You’ll pick up signs and solutions for when you’re operating in survival mode, ways to rebuild trust in your own judgment, plus honest talk on how real business growth starts with small, personal steps—not just strategy. We also get into team dynamics, practical grounding exercises, and why you don’t have to abandon yourself to see progress. Tune in for a truly human take on moving forward. Connect With Debra BowersWebsite: https://thegrowthvanguard.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-bowers If Class of Business speaks to you, consider subscribing so you never miss an episode. And if you have a moment, leaving a review helps more people discover the conversations shared here. Your support truly means a lot.There's more to every story than what you hear on the episode. Join the Class of Business newsletter to receive thoughtful takeaways, episode extras, and personal notes that don't make it into the show. It's a quiet way to stay sharp between listens. Sign up here: https://classofbusiness.com/join Chapters00:00 Procrastination or Something Else?01:12 What Really Happens to Leaders02:27 The Invisible State—Functional Freeze03:16 How Functional Freeze Feels04:49 Stuck Versus Confused05:07 Burnout, Indecision, and Freeze06:27 Survival Mode in Business07:57 Why Connection Suffers08:32 Recognizing When You’re Frozen09:37 The Counseling Breakthrough10:22 Grounding for Decision Making11:23 Replacing Guilt With Clarity12:13 Everyday Stuck—Business Edition13:31 The No-Sell Sales Problem14:47 Leaders and Fear of Action15:44 Why Emotion Beats Strategy16:09 Clarity Before Strategy17:00 Sales Is Transfer of Enthusiasm17:40 The First Non-Obvious Step18:48 Clearing Out the Noise19:49 Sitting With Your Own Thoughts20:35 Humanity and Grounding21:46 Growth Without Self-Abandonment22:22 Your Voice, Your Purpose22:59 Clarity Offline—Now What?23:14 Subconscious Is in the Driver’s Seat24:17 How to Connect With Debra25:33 Try One Idea—Next Steps

    26 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Class of Business is the show for anyone who wants to understand how modern business really works—without the jargon, the fluff, or the boring lectures. Each episode breaks down real strategies, real stories, and real challenges from founders, creators, and builders who are figuring it out in the real world. If you’re building a business, growing a brand, or trying to turn your ideas into something that pays the bills, this is your weekly masterclass. Straight talk. Sharp insights. Zero intimidation. Come learn the lessons nobody teaches but everyone needs.

Information

  • Creator
    Wisdom
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Wisdom
  • Show Website
    Class of Business

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