Speaking Podcast

Roy Coughlan
  • 5.0 (148)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Speaking Podcast has evolved. What began as a show for speakers and coaches looking to start or sharpen their skills has grown into something broader and more relevant than ever — real conversations for real people navigating everyday life. Each episode features genuine, unscripted conversations with guests who bring practical insight, inspiring stories, and ideas you can actually apply — whether you're building a business, developing yourself, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life. No scripts. No question lists. Just honest conversation worth eavesdropping on. Hosted by Roy Coughlan — DTM, podcaster, coach, and the Podfather — from Łódź, Poland. (Irish) Join my SKOOL PodFather Community https://www.skool.com/podfather/about Thank you to my listeners :)

  1. 1d ago

    #361 Be a Standout Podcast Guest: David Goldberg's Masterclass on Professional Presence (Part 5)

    Being a great podcast guest is a unique skill that can dramatically boost your career—or erode your professional image if done poorly. In the final part of our series, David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, shares a masterclass on how to be a standout guest. We explore the importance of prosody, vocal etiquette, and virtual presence, ensuring you show up prepared, confident, and memorable. David and Roy discuss practical tips for handling technical glitches with grace, the power of a 10-second elevator pitch, and why you should never "wing it" when it comes to your audio quality. Whether you're looking to share your passion or boost your resume, these final lessons will ensure you're the guest every host wants to invite back.     ⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg   1:11 Why Be a Guest? Fun, passion, and career boosting   1:41 The Risk of Poor Guesting: How it can erode your professional image   2:23 Preparation: Why looking at notes is better than forgetting points   3:41 Banter and Connection: The importance of host-guest chemistry   4:33 Prosody for Guests: Staying in your natural pitch and tailoring your tone   6:56 International Audiences: Cleaning up enunciation and avoiding local slang   7:00 Volume and Headphones: Why you should never scream at your audience   7:50 Pacing and Spacing: Lessening your words and leaving room for the listener   26:00 Handling Glitches: Staying calm and reacting without panic   28:00 Vocal Etiquette: Giving the host space and avoiding interruptions   29:00 The 10-Second Elevator Pitch: Being prepared to explain who you are   31:00 Listening to Previous Episodes: Researching the host's style and theme   32:00 Slowing Down Keywords: Ensuring your name and business are heard   33:00 Admitting You Don't Know: Admitting it with confidence vs. waffling   35:00 Virtual Presence: Testing quality a week before and an hour before   37:00 The 25% Credibility Hit: Why audio quality is non-negotiable   39:00 Acoustic Treatment: The 80% rule and practical "pillow fort" tips   41:00 Microphone Choice: Investing in a decent USB mic for professional sound   64:00 Avoiding Filler Words: Cutting out "um," "ah," "you know," and "like"   65:00 Responding with "So": Why you should avoid starting answers with "so"   66:00 Positive Reaffirmation: Avoiding annoying "yeah, yeah, yeah" interruptions   67:36 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and final contact details   68:25 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network   68:42 End of Episode     🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Email: david@edgestudio.com   •Website: EdgeStudio.com   •Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching. 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/   •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network   •Website: RoyCoughlan.com     •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world   •Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/   •Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org     #DavidGoldberg #PodFather #PodcastGuest #GuestingTips #ProfessionalPresence #VocalEtiquette #PublicSpeaking #CareerBoost #AudioQuality #ElevatorPitch #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #PodcastSuccess #CommunicationSkills #StandoutGuest

    1h 9m

  2. 3d ago

    #360 Don't Let Your Guests Ruin Your Show: David Goldberg's 8-Step Guide (Part 4)

    You put immense effort into your podcast—marketing, sponsors, and refining your own voice—but what happens when a high-profile guest sounds terrible? In Part 4 of our series, David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, shares his essential 8-step guide to ensuring your guests elevate, rather than weaken, your show. We explore the critical impact of first impressions and why guest preparation is non-negotiable for maintaining professionalism and authority. David provides practical, low-cost solutions for acoustic treatment—from "pillow forts" to the "80% rule"—and breaks down the pros and cons of different microphone types. Learn how to guide your guests to sound as good as you do and keep your audience engaged from the very first word.     ⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg   1:14 The Risk of Poor Guest Quality: Don't let a guest ruin your show   2:12 First Impressions: Why the first word your guest speaks is critical   3:02 The Power Dynamic: Why talk show hosts sit higher than their guests   4:02 Preparation Timeline: The two-week and one-hour rules   4:30 The 8-Step Checklist: Sound Quality vs. Speech Patterns   5:53 Acoustics: Understanding reverb and the "ping-pong" flutter echo   7:46 Flutter Echoes and Reverberation: Why hard surfaces are the enemy   10:08 Acoustic Treatment: Thick carpeting, foam squares, and the 80% rule   11:28 The Blanket Trick: Using sleeping bags and moving blankets for the ceiling   13:00 Creating a "Pillow Fort": Practical tips for recording while traveling   15:00 The Table Surface: Using thick towels to stop sound reflections   16:00 Microphone Types: Why expensive isn't always better   17:00 Shotgun Microphones: Directional focus and the risk of guest movement   71:14 Don't Wing It: The importance of listening on high-quality earphones   71:58 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and email contact   72:31 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network   72:54 End of Episode     🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Email: david@edgestudio.com   •Website: EdgeStudio.com   •Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching. 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/   •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network   •Website: RoyCoughlan.com   •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world   •Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/   •Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org     #DavidGoldberg #PodFather #GuestPreparation #SoundQuality #Acoustics #MicrophoneTips #Podcasting101 #ProfessionalSound #VocalPatterns #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #PodcastProduction #GuestSuccess #AudioEngineering #Engagement

    1h 13m

  3. 5d ago

    #359 Prosody: The One Word Every Podcaster Needs to Know with David Goldberg (Part 3)

    Why do some podcasters instantly connect with their audience while others struggle to keep listeners engaged? The answer lies in one word: Prosody. In Part 3 of our series with David Goldberg, founder of Edge Studio, we dive deep into the "how" of human communication. David explains that it’s not just what you say, but how you say it—your pitch, tempo, tone, and rhythm—that makes all the difference. We explore why this essential skill is rarely taught in schools and how you can harness your natural pitch to mask nervousness and project confidence. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, David’s insights on effective vocal patterns will dramatically elevate your podcast presence.     ⏱️ Accurate YouTube Chapters & Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg   0:57 Prosody: The one word that defines how you say your words   1:36 What is Prosody? Inflection, intonation, pitch, and rhythm   2:12 The Education Gap: Why prosody isn't taught in grade school   3:24 The Fear of Public Speaking: How a lack of training leads to humiliation   5:54 Communication Skills: The key to success in corporations and colleges   6:52 The Search for Synonyms: Why "speaking patterns" doesn't cover it all   7:51 Prosody for Podcasters: Breaking down the seven categories   9:52 Pitch: The musical note of your voice and its role in engagement   11:28 Masking Nerves: How lowering your pitch increases credibility   13:00 Finding Your Natural Pitch: The humming and meditation techniques   15:00 Pitch Range Exercises: Moving from monotone to engaging   18:00 Tempo: The speed of your words and the importance of clarity   21:00 Handling Single-Syllable Words: Ensuring your audience can decipher the message   23:00 Tone and Volume: Tailoring your voice to the topic and audience   25:30 Pacing and Spacing: The rhythm of your delivery   26:50 Variety: Keeping the listener engaged through vocal shifts   74:11 Final Advice: Loosening up and having fun with your performance   74:52 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and coaching services   76:31 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network   76:53 End of Episode     🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Email: david@edgestudio.com •Website: EdgeStudio.com •Services: Voiceover recording, directing, and communication coaching. 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://awakeningpodcasts.podbean.com/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/ •Brain Upgrade: BrainUpgrade.org     #DavidGoldberg #PodFather #Prosody #VocalPatterns #PublicSpeaking #CommunicationSkills #Voiceover #PodcastingTips #AuthenticVoice #PitchAndTempo #EdgeStudio #RoyCoughlan #SpeakerCoaching #VocalEngagement #PodcastGrowth

    1h 17m

  4. Jun 14

    #358 Strategic Words: 7 Categories to Command Authority and Build Trust with David Goldberg (Part 2)

    Did you know that your audience decides whether to trust you, like you, or do business with you in just a quarter of a second? In Part 2 of our exclusive 5-part series with David Goldberg, CEO of Edge Studio, we dive deep into the "Strategic Words" that define your professional presence. David reveals the seven critical categories of wording that can either elevate your authority or quietly sabotage your message. From the psychological trap of "hedge words" to the simple shift from "but" to "and," this episode is a masterclass in intentional communication. Whether you are a podcaster, a business leader, or a public speaker, David’s insights will help you ensure that your first impression isn't just good—it's unforgettable.     ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg   1:26 The Power of the First Impression: Why a quarter of a second matters   3:15 The Science of Swift Decisions: From grocery aisles to podcasting   4:50 Introducing the 7 Categories of Strategic Wording   7:56 Category 1: Being Interactive — The right and wrong way to ask questions   9:22 The "Show-Off" Trap: Why you shouldn't ask questions your audience can't answer   12:41 Visual Presence: Camera angles, hand positions, and the "fingertip" mistake   14:35 Category 2: Avoiding Hedge Words — "Probably," "Maybe," and "I think"   16:13 Strengthening Your Message: Replacing "I think" with "I believe" or "I know"   25:57 Category 3: Avoiding the Word "But" — How it negates everything you said before   27:11 The "And" Solution: Maintaining positive momentum in conversation   29:03 Category 4: Positive First Word Responses — Using "Exactly," "Absolutely," and "Yes"   30:14 Category 5: Avoiding Interrupting Yourself — Staying on track and finishing your thoughts   36:31 Category 6: Avoiding Filler Words — The "Um," "Ah," and "Like" habit   43:26 Category 7: Organizing Your Content — The importance of a clear roadmap   55:56 The "Fine" Example: How prosody (tone) changes the meaning of words   68:48 How to Connect with David: EdgeStudio.com and the "Roy's Shows Rock" subject line   69:22 Looking Ahead: Preview of Session 3   69:51 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network     🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Website: EdgeStudio.com •Email: David@EdgeStudio.com (Mention "Roy's shows rock" in the subject line for a responsive reply!) •Location: Times Square, NYC 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://podfather.me/e/david-goldberg-strategic-words-part-2/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Private Networking Group: Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/     #Podcasting #DavidGoldberg #EdgeStudio #StrategicWords #FirstImpressions #CommunicationSkills #PublicSpeaking #AudioQuality #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipCommunication #RoyCoughlan #PodFather #ContentCreation #VoiceoverTraining #BusinessCommunication

    1h 10m

  5. Jun 11

    #357 Part 1: The Foundation of Sound Quality & First Impressions

    Podcast Show Notes: David Goldberg - The Masterclass on Sound and Speaking (5-Part Series) 🎙️ Series Overview In this exclusive 5-part mini-series on the Podfather Podcast, we sit down with David Goldberg, CEO of Edge Studio in New York City. David has worked with over 10,000 speakers, including CEOs, politicians, and celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Michael J. Fox. This series is a deep dive into the technical and psychological elements that make a podcast sound professional, build trust, and keep listeners engaged.     📝 Part 1: The Foundation of Sound Quality Intro: Why does sound quality matter more than content in the first three seconds? David Goldberg shares his journey from a musician and drug-free studio owner to a voiceover industry leader. We explore the "Low Budget Ad" analogy and why your first impression is decided in a fraction of a second. Timestamps:   0:00 Welcome & Introduction to David Goldberg   2:44 David's Musical Roots: From piano prodigy to off-Broadway   4:32 The 4-Track Cassette: How David started recording and overdubbing   7:12 The Transition to Voiceover: Why a drug-free studio changed everything   9:38 The Importance of Sound Quality: Why listeners tune out in 3 seconds   10:54 The Low Budget Ad Analogy: How production value impacts credibility   12:24 The Fraction of a Second: How first impressions build trust   15:21 Choosing the Right Microphone: The car analogy for audio gear   18:06 David's Home Setup: Recording in a cement basement with foam   20:00 The AT2020: Why a $100 mic can sound like $3,000 in the right room     📝 Part 2: Acoustics and Environment Intro: You can have a $5,000 microphone, but if your room sounds like a bathroom, you've wasted your money. David explains the critical role of acoustics, how to "de-echo" a room on a budget, and why your guest's environment is just as important as yours. Timestamps:   22:15 The Room vs. The Mic: Why acoustics are 80% of the battle   24:30 Dealing with Echo: Using blankets, foam, and "cushy chairs"   26:45 The Guest's Setup: How to train your guests to sound professional   29:36 Adobe Enhance & AI: Can technology really fix a "crappy laptop" recording?   32:00 Lapel Microphones: The pros and cons of clip-on mics for guests   34:28 The "Mouth Click" Problem: Why voice recording is less forgiving than music     📝 Part 3: Visual Presence and Lighting Intro: If you're on video, you are being judged by more than just your voice. David breaks down the "Triangle of Lighting," the importance of camera angles (no more looking up noses!), and why a cluttered background erodes your professional image. Timestamps:   35:13 Video Quality: Why looking good is as important as sounding good   36:12 Camera Angles: The "Eyebrow Height" rule for lenses   37:08 Background Clutter: How your environment impacts your perceived organization   38:42 Managing Light: Dealing with windows, glares, and black felt hacks   40:26 The Ring Light Setup: Creating the perfect triangle of light   41:48 The Glasses Glare: Is there a real solution for reflections?     📝 Part 4: The Art of Speaking for Podcasts Intro: Speaking on a podcast is different from speaking on a stage. David discusses the "Intimacy of the Ear," managing filler words, and how to use pacing and spacing to keep your audience hanging on every word. Timestamps:   44:34 The Intimacy of the Ear: Why you're talking directly into someone's head   46:12 Filler Words: How to minimize "um" and "uh" without sounding robotic   48:22 Pacing and Spacing: Using silence as a tool for engagement   50:45 Intonation: Avoiding the "monotone trap" in long-form interviews   52:30 Body Language on Camera: Conveying confidence through visual presence     📝 Part 5: Setting Up Your Guests for Success Intro: Your podcast is only as strong as your weakest guest. In the series finale, David shares his secrets for "training" guests, ensuring they don't ruin your audio, and how to make sure they enhance your show rather than weaken it. Timestamps:   55:09 The "Weak Guest" Risk: How a bad guest can sink your episode   57:22 Pre-Interview Coaching: Setting expectations for sound and behavior   59:15 The "Gift" Strategy: Shipping inexpensive mics to high-value guests   61:42 Final Advice: Why there's no excuse for not doing it right   65:43 Where to Find David: Edge Studio and the "Daily Stand"   66:32 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network     🔗 Where to Find David Goldberg •Website: EdgeStudio.com •Email: David@EdgeStudio.com (Reference this podcast for a responsive reply!) •Location: Times Square, NYC 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://podfather.me/e/david-goldberg-series/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy/     #Podcasting #DavidGoldberg #EdgeStudio #SoundQuality #Voiceover #PodcastTips #AudioEngineering #PublicSpeaking #FirstImpressions #DigitalMarketing #RoyCoughlan #PodFather #SpeakingSkills #ContentCreation #Entrepreneurship

    1h 22m

  6. Jun 6

    #356 The Art of Legacy Communication: Dan Beech on Archively and Protecting Your Digital Voice

    In the world of effective communication, clarity and permanence are paramount. On this episode of the Speaking Podcast, we sit down with Dan Beech, a seasoned wealth manager and founder of Archively, who brings a unique perspective on how to ensure your most critical messages—your legacy—are not only heard but also immutably preserved. Dan introduces us to his patent-pending platform that leverages dual-blockchain technology and NFT hashing to safeguard essential documents, making them encrypted, unalterable, and instantly accessible. We delve into the art of communicating complex financial and personal wishes, the importance of secure documentation, and how Archively empowers individuals to speak their truth with confidence, knowing their voice will echo through generations. Discover how to master the message of your life and ensure your legacy is communicated with unparalleled precision.   Timestamps 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to Dan Beech 0:47 Dan's Career: From Real Estate to Wealth Management 1:35 The 2008 Crash: Losing a business and starting over 2:33 Transitioning to Wealth Management in Beverly Hills 3:03 "Simple Wealth": Insider secrets for high net worth investors 3:35 Introducing Archively: Solving the emergency document crisis 4:44 The 2007 Tech Trap: Why estate planning is stuck in the past 5:18 Blockchain vs. Evil Cousin Sally: Preventing document tampering 6:50 Secure 3 Technology: Encryption, Blockchain, and NFTs 8:50 Shamir's Secret Sharing: The "Secure 9" triple layer security 9:24 Real-World Applications: Medical directives and hospital emergencies 11:04 Emergency Access: How loved ones get access in a crisis 12:21 0% Downtime: The Blockchain mirror vs. AWS/Microsoft failures 14:37 16 Attorneys & 2 Years of Research: Building a trusted system 15:12 Sovereignty & Censorship: Why you can't trust Big Tech with your data 17:03 The Process: How to get your documents onto Archively 18:06 The Passport Story: Why digital backups are critical for travelers 20:00 Video & Audio Farewells: Solving the "grief" problem 37:35 Prepaying for the Future: Endowment funds and 30-year longevity 41:10 The "Geeky" Stuff: Cryptographic security and Shamir's sharing 45:14 Built by Feedback: Talking to 50 people to solve real problems 47:07 Where to Find Dan: Archively.com (Code: PODFATHER3) 47:37 Outro & Contact Details   🔗 Where to Find Dan Beech Website: Archively.com Special Offer: Use code PODFATHER3 for an early trial discount. Book: Simple Wealth: Insider Secrets for a High Net Worth Wealth Management Firm 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://speakingpodcast.podbean.com/e/dan-beech-archively/ (Example link, please replace with actual episode link) Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network Website: RoyCoughlan.com Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. Virtual Assistants: VA.world Communities: BrainGym.fitness Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members https://connectedleaders.academy/   #SpeakingPodcast #Communication #LegacyPlanning #Archively #DanBeech #Blockchain #EstatePlanning #DigitalDocuments #WealthManagement #PublicSpeaking #EffectiveCommunication #Trust #Clarity #RoyCoughlan #PODFATHER3 #TechInnovation #BusinessCommunicationSkills

    48 min

  7. Jun 2

    #355 The Prolific Author: Aaron Ryan on Writing 43 Books and the Art of Indie Publishing

    What does it take to write and publish 43 books? In this inspiring episode of the Speaking Podcast, we sit down with Aaron Ryan, a prolific author and voiceover artist who has mastered the art of indie publishing. From his early "calling" in second grade to his latest epic sci-fi releases, Aaron shares the secrets behind his incredible productivity and creative process. We dive deep into the advantages of being an indie author—retaining rights, commanding higher royalties, and maintaining total creative control. Aaron also reveals his unique approach to marketing: stop "selling" and start being an enthusiast. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a fan of epic sagas like Dissonance and The Talisman, or simply looking for a masterclass in following your passion, this conversation is packed with heart, humor, and actionable advice.     Timestamps Timestamp Topic Description 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to Aaron Ryan 0:47 The 43rd Book Launch: A prolific journey in writing 1:35 The Origin Story: Writing "The Electric Boy" in second grade 2:41 A Mother's Gift: Reclaiming childhood memories and early work 3:31 Creative Inspiration: J.R.R. Tolkien and the legacy of Lord of the Rings 4:34 Cinematic Roots: How movies like "I Am Legend" spark book ideas 5:21 The Structure of Creativity: Riding the wave of inspiration 6:12 The Reactive Career: Balancing authorship with voiceover work 6:43 The Art of the Book Cover: Subjectivity and designing your own brand 8:16 The Growing Library: Managing a massive catalog of work 9:17 Indie vs. Traditional Publishing: Why creative control is king 11:37 The Enthusiast's Marketing Strategy: Stop selling, start sharing 12:54 Box Sets and All-in-Ones: Meeting readers where they are 14:35 Formatting for Legibility: Trial and error in book design 16:13 The Emotional Toll of Writing: Therapeutic work and the 9/11 connection 25:57 Dealing with Reviews: Developing structural integrity against the "haters" 31:19 Trajectory vs. Endorsement: Why the mission comes before the feedback 33:05 The 51-Hour Audiobook: Bringing stories to life as a voice actor 34:40 The Talisman Finale: Navigating the multiverse and interstellar names 36:31 The Heart of the Work: Why "The End" saga and "Forecast" are personal favorites 42:52 Where to Find Aaron: AuthorAaronRyan.com and exclusive groups 43:44 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network       🔗 Where to Find Aaron Ryan •Website: AuthorAaronRyan.com •Facebook Group: AuthorAaronRyanGroup.com (Private and exclusive giveaways) •Books: Available on Amazon and major retailers. 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://speakingpodcast.podbean.com/e/aaron-ryan-the-prolific-author/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy/     #SpeakingPodcast #AaronRyan #IndieAuthor #SelfPublishing #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #SciFiBooks #DissonanceSaga #BookMarketing #CreativeProcess #VoiceoverArtist #TolkienFan #ProlificWriter #RoyCoughlan #IndiePublishingSuccess

    44 min

  8. May 31

    #354 The Zone of Genius: Blaz Marolt on Operational Systems for High-Growth Entrepreneurs

    Are you a business owner feeling like the biggest bottleneck in your own company? Do you dream of financial freedom but find yourself buried in 20−an−hourtasks?InthisinsightfulepisodeoftheSpeakingPodcast,wesitdownwithBlazMarolt,anex−militaryofficerandWestPointgraduatewhohastransitionedhishigh−stakesleadershipexperienceintoamissionforbusinesssystematization.Blazhelpsentrepreneursscalingpastthe20-an-hour tasks? In this insightful episode of the Speaking Podcast, we sit down with Blaz Marolt, an ex-military officer and West Point graduate who has transitioned his high-stakes leadership experience into a mission for business systematization. Blaz helps entrepreneurs scaling past the 20−an−hourtasks?InthisinsightfulepisodeoftheSpeakingPodcast,wesitdownwithBlazMarolt,anex−militaryofficerandWestPointgraduatewhohastransitionedhishigh−stakesleadershipexperienceintoamissionforbusinesssystematization.Blazhelpsentrepreneursscalingpastthe500k mark to build robust operational infrastructures, allowing them to stay in their "zone of genius." We discuss the "two-week vacation test," the 80/20 rule of profitability, and why even the most successful companies often operate in a state of hidden chaos. Whether you're a solopreneur or leading a team of 20, Blaz provides actionable strategies to fix your systems, empower your team, and finally achieve the freedom you started your business for.     Timestamps Timestamp Topic Description 0:00 Welcome & Introduction to Blaz Marolt 0:45 Blaz's Mission: Helping business owners stay in their zone of genius 1:56 The Bottleneck Founder: Why things break down after $500k 2:43 Military Roots: Graduating from West Point and the Slovenian Military 3:42 Transitioning to Business: Boosting production by 50% in electronics 4:34 The IT Leap: Getting hired with only Excel, PowerPoint, and Word skills 5:21 Scaling a Food Delivery Giant: Growing 59x in the Balkans 6:22 The Chief of Staff Role: Doubling revenue for a US coaching company 7:03 The Young Founder Challenge: Overcoming perceptions in leadership 8:16 Military vs. Business Organization: The shocking reality of corporate chaos 9:53 The 80/20 Rule in Sales: Identifying loss-makers vs. profit-makers 11:37 Minimum Order Quantities: Why selling 100 components can be a disaster 12:54 Educating the Sales Team: Making them suffer through the production process 14:13 The Key Person Risk: Why your business shouldn't depend on one individual 15:52 The Soviet Machine Analogy: Planning for capacity and quality 31:19 The 250-Page SOP Trap: Why simple, one-page processes win 33:05 AI in Business: Using it as an assistant, not a replacement for thinking 35:01 The Amazon AI Mistake: Why quality assessment still requires humans 38:42 The 90-Day Operational Audit: What to expect in the first three months 40:53 Educating Employees: Why change management takes longer than system setup 42:52 The 20-Time Rule: Why you have to repeat instructions to be heard 60:42 Blaz's Final Advice: Defining your goals as a founder 61:16 Where to Find Blaz: LinkedIn and networking conversations 61:42 Outro: RoyCoughlan.com and the PodFather Network       🔗 Where to Find Blaz Marolt •LinkedIn: Blaz Marolt (Connect and mention Roy's podcast) •Services: Operational audits, system implementation, and fractional Chief of Staff roles. 🔗 About Your Host (Roy Coughlan) •Listen to this episode on Podbean: https://speakingpodcast.podbean.com/e/blaz-marolt-systematizing-success/ •Explore more podcasts: Find all podcasts at the PodFather Network •Website: RoyCoughlan.com •Need help running your business? If you are looking for a Virtual Assistant and get reliable support for your daily operations. •Virtual Assistants: VA.world •Communities: BrainGym.fitness •Learn about a Private Networking Group in 50 US States & 39 Countries with 640+ Members: https://connectedleaders.academy/     #SpeakingPodcast #BlazMarolt #BusinessSystems #OperationalExcellence #ScalingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #MilitaryLeadership #Productivity #SOPs #BusinessGrowth #RoyCoughlan #ZoneOfGenius #TimeFreedom #ManagementConsulting

    1h 2m
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About

The Speaking Podcast has evolved. What began as a show for speakers and coaches looking to start or sharpen their skills has grown into something broader and more relevant than ever — real conversations for real people navigating everyday life. Each episode features genuine, unscripted conversations with guests who bring practical insight, inspiring stories, and ideas you can actually apply — whether you're building a business, developing yourself, or simply looking for a fresh perspective on life. No scripts. No question lists. Just honest conversation worth eavesdropping on. Hosted by Roy Coughlan — DTM, podcaster, coach, and the Podfather — from Łódź, Poland. (Irish) Join my SKOOL PodFather Community https://www.skool.com/podfather/about Thank you to my listeners :)

Information

  • Creator
    Roy Coughlan
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    361
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 565585
  • Show Website
    Speaking Podcast