Better Together

GoldBear Media
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

Real Talk for People Building Real Businesses. Hosted by Kelly and Shawn Sundsvold | Powered by GoldBear Media About the Podcast: Better Together cuts through the noise with authentic stories from small business owners who’ve faced challenges, found resilience, and discovered growth in unexpected places. Each episode dives into what really happens behind the highlight reel—because business isn’t built in isolation. It’s built through connection, collaboration, and the courage to keep showing up. This podcast is all about real conversations that remind us we’re not alone in the journey of entrepreneurship.

  1. 1d ago

    Mastering Leadership Communication: Insights from Dimitrios Loukakis

    Most leaders are never taught how to truly communicate. They're taught what to say but rarely how to say it in a way that actually moves people. In this episode of Better Together, communication specialist and UCLA professor Dimitrios Loukakis breaks down what separates leaders who simply speak from leaders who genuinely connect. With a background that spans acting, academia, and executive communication training, Dimitrios brings a perspective that's both deeply practical and surprisingly human. He challenges one of the most common assumptions in leadership that confidence is something you either have or you don't. His take: confidence is experiential. It's built through repetition, feedback, and the discipline of learning how to read a room and adjust in real time. The conversation covers the most common communication breakdowns leaders face, why nonverbal cues and voice modulation carry more weight than most people realize, and how tailoring your message to your specific audience is the difference between information that lands and information that gets forgotten. Perhaps the most powerful question Dimitrios asks and one worth sitting with long after this episode ends is this: Are they moved by what you're saying? That's the standard great communicators hold themselves to. And in this episode, he gives you the framework to start getting there. Whether you lead a team, speak on stages, or simply want to communicate with more clarity and confidence in everyday situations this conversation will change how you think about every interaction you have. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitrios-loukakis-communication-specialist/ Watch the full episode and share your biggest communication breakthrough in the comments below. Want to sharpen your communication, build your brand, or grow your business presence? Connect with GoldBear Media 📩 DM us or visit our website to start the conversation.

    28 min

  2. 4d ago

    Mastering Delegation: Building Systems That Scale with Jamie Jay

    Building a successful business isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about knowing when to let go, building systems that work, and creating the kind of structure that allows both your business and your life to grow. In this episode of Better Together, Jamie Jay shares his journey through business struggles, hard-earned lessons, and the mindset shifts that helped him turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Through honest conversation and practical insight, Jamie breaks down why delegation is one of the most powerful skills a founder can develop. He explores the systems and processes that allow businesses to scale effectively, the importance of documenting repeatable workflows, and how building resilient teams creates freedom for long-term success. This episode also highlights the deeper side of entrepreneurship resilience through adversity, learning from setbacks, and redefining success in a way that aligns with your values and purpose. For business owners navigating growth, feeling stuck in the day-to-day, or looking for ways to create more clarity and momentum, this conversation offers meaningful perspective and actionable takeaways. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaimejay/ What systems are you building today that will create freedom tomorrow? Watch the full episode and share your biggest takeaway in the comments below.

    35 min

  3. Jun 18

    The Power of Storytelling in Business with Rich Bornstein

    In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, Kelly and Shawn Sundsvold sit down with Rich Bornstein, a seasoned media professional with experience at major studios like Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, to explore what truly makes storytelling powerful in business. Rich brings a unique perspective shaped by years in media and entertainment, breaking down why most brands struggle to communicate their message effectively. At the core of the conversation is a simple but often overlooked idea: if you don’t understand your “why,” your story won’t connect. The episode dives into how businesses can craft clear, authentic narratives that resonate emotionally, while still aligning with strategic goals. Rich also introduces his Clarity Framework, explaining how asking the right questions and refining your message can transform how your brand is perceived. Along the way, the conversation highlights common storytelling mistakes, the balance between authenticity and positioning, and why commitment to your craft plays a critical role in long-term success. If you’re building a brand, refining your messaging, or trying to connect more meaningfully with your audience, this episode offers a practical and insightful perspective on how to tell your story the right way. https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardbornstein/ If you want your brand narrative and strategy to align with real clarity and impact, connect with us today.

    38 min

  4. Jun 15

    How to Scale Without Chaos with Grant Wasch and PJ Sawchuk

    In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, Shawn and Kelly Sundsvold sit down with Grant Wasch and PJ Sawchuk of Epic Solution Partners to explore what it really takes to scale a business successfully. Drawing from their experience helping organizations navigate growth, Grant and PJ break down the critical connection between people, process, and technology and why true business transformation requires alignment across all three. The conversation dives into the common challenges businesses face as they grow, from operational chaos and shifting roles to managing evolving client expectations. They share practical insights on how leaders can identify whether challenges stem from systems, technology, or people-related gaps before investing in solutions. A key focus of the episode is technology adoption and modernization, including how businesses can approach innovation and AI integration strategically rather than reactively. Grant and PJ also discuss the importance of transparency, flexibility, and strong communication when managing partnerships and client relationships during periods of growth. This episode offers valuable perspective for business owners looking to scale with greater clarity, stronger systems, and long-term sustainability. If you’re navigating growth and want to create better alignment across your business, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately. https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantwasch/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-j-sawchuk/ If you want your brand and digital strategy to scale with that same level of intention, connect with us today.

    31 min

  5. Jun 11

    Building Businesses That Last with Caleb Zimmerman and Katie Sandquist

    In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, Shawn and Kelly Sundsvold sit down with Caleb Zimmerman and Katie Sandquist to explore what it really takes to build businesses designed for long-term success. Drawing from their experience building and managing multiple ventures, Caleb and Katie share their philosophy of creating “overnight decades” the idea that meaningful, lasting success is rarely instant, but the result of intentional decisions made consistently over time. The conversation dives into the systems and operating rhythms that help growing businesses stay aligned, focused, and scalable. From managing multiple ventures to protecting time for strategic thinking, they offer practical insights into how leaders can move beyond day-to-day chaos and build with greater clarity. A major theme throughout the episode is intentional growth making decisions not for short-term wins, but for long-term sustainability, stronger teams, and businesses built to last. The discussion also touches on leadership in the AI era, the importance of investing in people’s strengths, and why simplicity often creates the strongest foundation for growth. If you’re building a business and thinking beyond quick wins toward long-term impact, this episode offers valuable perspective on creating something meaningful and enduring. https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebzimmermann/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-s-1a7b0a86/ If you want your brand and digital strategy to reflect that same intentional growth, connect with us today.

    27 min

  6. Jun 8

    What Most Businesses Get Wrong About Sales with David Lusk

    In today’s Better Together Podcast, Kelly and Shawn Sundsvold are joined by David Lusk, Managing Partner of Evergreen Sales Group, to unpack what really happens when you step out of corporate structure and into entrepreneurship. After a post-COVID corporate shakeup, David made the decision to build something of his own launching Evergreen in 2021 with a clear mission: to give small and mid-sized businesses access to experienced sales leadership without the overhead of a full-time hire. But this conversation goes deeper than just business growth. David shares the reality behind entrepreneurship that often doesn’t get talked about the identity shift, the pressure of being fully responsible, and the quiet loneliness that can come with building something from the ground up. We also get into one of the biggest gaps he sees across businesses: Most companies aren’t struggling because of effort… they’re struggling because they don’t fully understand what they’re selling or how to align sales and marketing to communicate it effectively. From common sales mistakes to the importance of delegation, trust, and building the right team around you, this episode is packed with perspective for anyone trying to grow a business in a sustainable way. If you’re a founder, operator, or business owner navigating growth, this conversation will give you a clearer lens on what’s actually holding most businesses back and how to fix it. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlusk/ If you want your brand, messaging, and growth strategy to align the way your business actually operates, connect with GoldBear Media today.

    35 min

  7. Jun 4

    How to Build a Business That Scales with Jay Breeden

    In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, Shawn and Kelly Sundsvold sit down with Jay Breeden, systems architect and business growth strategist, to explore how founders can move from operational chaos to sustainable, scalable growth. Drawing from his experience as both a CEO and COO, Jay shares why many growing businesses fall into the trap of “management by heroics” where everything depends on the founder and how building intentional systems is the key to long-term success. The conversation dives into the practical frameworks that help businesses scale, including creating strong meeting cadences, establishing organizational scorecards, improving communication, and building accountability across teams. Jay also breaks down one of the most important shifts for founders: moving from working in the business to working on it. A major focus of the episode is preparing a business for eventual exit. Jay explains why reducing owner dependency, documenting processes, and building operational infrastructure are essential for increasing business value and creating a company that can thrive independently. The episode concludes with actionable advice on quarterly strategic planning and how founders can create clarity, alignment, and momentum as they grow. If you’re building a business and want to scale with more structure, freedom, and long-term value, this episode offers practical insights you can apply immediately. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaybreeden/ If you want your brand and digital strategy to scale with that same level of intention, connect with us today.

    29 min

  8. Jun 1

    What High-Performing CEOs Do Differently with Jim Schleckser

    In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, Shawn and Kelly Sundsvold sit down with Jim Schleckser, founder of the CEO Project, to unpack what separates busy leaders from truly effective CEOs. Drawing from years of coaching high-performing executives, Jim shares practical insights into the mindset shifts required to scale a business successfully. The conversation explores why effective leadership is less about doing more and more about solving the right problems, building strong teams, and knowing when to delegate. A major theme throughout the episode is delegation as a form of talent development not simply handing off tasks, but intentionally empowering others to grow into greater responsibility. Jim also breaks down some of the most common mistakes CEOs make as their organizations grow, including holding onto too many direct reports, failing to identify business constraints, and resisting the leadership evolution required at each stage of growth. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, talent development, and creating organizational structures that allow businesses to scale sustainably. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimschleckser/ If you’re leading a team, growing a company, or navigating the challenges of scaling, this episode offers clear and actionable leadership insights. If you want your brand and growth strategy to scale with that same level of intention, connect with us today.

    29 min
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About

Real Talk for People Building Real Businesses. Hosted by Kelly and Shawn Sundsvold | Powered by GoldBear Media About the Podcast: Better Together cuts through the noise with authentic stories from small business owners who’ve faced challenges, found resilience, and discovered growth in unexpected places. Each episode dives into what really happens behind the highlight reel—because business isn’t built in isolation. It’s built through connection, collaboration, and the courage to keep showing up. This podcast is all about real conversations that remind us we’re not alone in the journey of entrepreneurship.

Information

  • Creator
    GoldBear Media
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 GoldBear Media
  • Show Website
    Better Together