Systems Simplified

Adi Klevit

This is the Systems Simplified podcast where we feature top leaders who share stories on how to successfully systematize a business.

  1. 1d ago

    How AI Agents and SOPs Work Together With Austin Willman

    In This Episode Many business owners are excited about AI—but few understand how to apply it in a way that creates real operational improvements. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Austin Willman, founder of Willman Ventures, about the growing role of AI agents and automation in home service businesses. Austin shares his entrepreneurial journey from international coaching and door-to-door sales to digital marketing, agency operations, and building AI-powered systems that help businesses operate more efficiently. Adi and Austin discuss one of the most immediate opportunities for automation: inbound lead management. Austin explains how missed calls often represent lost revenue and how modern voice AI can answer, qualify, route, and schedule leads around the clock. Unlike traditional call trees, today's AI systems can hold natural conversations, access CRM data, and provide personalized experiences that improve responsiveness and customer satisfaction. The conversation also explores how AI can be used internally to support operations. Austin shares examples of AI agents that communicate with project managers, subcontractors, and homeowners to gather updates, document project status, and trigger workflow actions automatically. These systems help reduce administrative work while improving communication and accountability across teams. Perhaps the most important takeaway is that automation cannot replace good processes. Austin and Adi emphasize that successful AI implementation depends on having clear workflows, documented procedures, and accurate operational data. AI can accelerate and improve execution, but only when it is built on a solid process foundation.

    22 min
  2. 2d ago

    How to Market to Skeptical Buyers With Hamid Ghanadan

    In This Episode Many businesses believe that more data leads to more sales. Hamid Ghanadan argues that data alone often creates more skepticism than confidence. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Hamid Ghanadan, Founder and CEO of The Linus Group, about the science behind persuasion, communication, and marketing. Drawing from his unique background as a biochemist and marketer, Hamid explains why many organizations struggle to communicate effectively with highly analytical audiences and how a systems-based approach to storytelling can dramatically improve results. Adi and Hamid explore one of the biggest misconceptions in sales and marketing: the belief that technical buyers want more facts and more data. While data remains essential, Hamid explains that leading with information often triggers skepticism rather than engagement. Instead, successful communicators first create curiosity, helping prospects recognize a problem or opportunity before presenting supporting evidence. The conversation also dives into the role of storytelling as a repeatable system rather than a creative talent reserved for a select few. Hamid shares how the Hero's Journey framework can be adapted for business communication, helping marketers, sales professionals, and business leaders guide audiences through a process that leads naturally to action. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that persuasion is not about convincing people to do something. It is about helping them arrive at their own conclusions through a structured process that combines curiosity, narrative, and evidence.

    23 min
  3. Jun 12

    How to Find Freedom Through Structure With Amy Kemp

    In This Episode Many leaders believe freedom comes from avoiding structure. Amy Kemp believes the exact opposite is true. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Amy Kemp, CEO of Amy Kemp, Inc., about the relationship between mindset, boundaries, structure, and business growth. Amy shares her journey from educator to sales leader to entrepreneur, explaining how a simple desire to connect high-achieving women eventually evolved into a thriving coaching and leadership business. Adi and Amy discuss one of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face: resisting structure. Amy explains that many leaders naturally question rules, systems, and processes because their entrepreneurial thinking drives them to improve and challenge the status quo. However, that same tendency can cause them to resist the very structures that create consistency, scalability, and freedom. The conversation explores Amy's philosophy that structure is not restrictive—it is liberating. Using examples from health, finances, relationships, and business, she demonstrates how embracing the right systems creates the foundation for growth, creativity, and flexibility. Without structure, leaders often find themselves reacting to problems rather than proactively creating the outcomes they want. Amy also shares practical insights about accountability, self-awareness, and sustainable habits. Rather than striving for perfection, she encourages leaders to consistently return to the systems that support them while recognizing the emotional patterns that cause resistance in the first place.

    25 min
  4. Jun 10

    Building a Business That Doesn't Depend on the Owner With Ryan Redding

    In This Episode AI is changing how businesses operate—but according to Ryan Redding, leadership remains the ultimate competitive advantage. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Ryan Redding, founder of Eightfold Advantage and former owner of Leverage, about his entrepreneurial journey from building a side hustle to growing, scaling, and successfully selling a digital marketing agency. Ryan shares how he transformed Leverage from a one-person operation into a global agency serving clients across North America, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Adi and Ryan dive deeply into the impact of AI on modern businesses. Ryan explains how his team embraced AI early, empowering employees to experiment with new tools and identify opportunities to improve efficiency. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, the company leveraged it to eliminate repetitive tasks, improve productivity, and allow team members to focus on higher-value work that required creativity, strategy, and human connection. The conversation also explores why AI cannot replace leadership. While technology can provide information, automate workflows, and accelerate analysis, Ryan argues that the biggest challenges in business are still human challenges. Accountability, communication, culture, trust, and leadership development remain areas where people—not technology—drive outcomes. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that sustainable growth starts with the owner. Ryan explains that businesses often become trapped when leaders try to control every decision and solve every problem themselves. By investing in people, building strong systems, and creating accountability, business owners can build organizations that grow without requiring constant personal sacrifice.

    28 min
  5. Jun 9

    Transforming a 77-Year-Old Business Through Systems with Jon Graboyes

    In This Episode What happens when a fourth-generation family business decides to reinvent itself for the future? In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Jon Graboyes, owner of Graboyes Window & Door, about his journey from nonprofit development work to leading a 77-year-old family business through significant transformation. Jon shares how he entered a company built on hard work, reputation, and relationships, but one that lacked the systems and infrastructure needed for long-term scalability. Adi and Jon discuss the realities of modernizing a legacy business. From handwritten contracts and fax-machine ordering systems to KPI dashboards and documented workflows, Jon explains how he systematically rebuilt the operational foundation of the company. Rather than replacing the values that made the business successful, he focused on preserving its culture while creating systems that would support future growth. The conversation also highlights the importance of leadership development and documentation. Jon shares how creating processes helped reduce dependency on key individuals, improve onboarding, and empower employees to take ownership of their roles. By making process documentation a living system that evolves with the company, the business has been able to improve consistency, accountability, and performance across departments. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that systems are not about bureaucracy—they are about creating freedom. For Jon, strong processes provide peace of mind, support growth, and ensure that the company can continue serving customers and employees for generations to come.

    26 min
  6. Jun 5

    Preventing HR Problems Before They Start With Joel Greenwald

    In This Episode Most workplace problems do not begin with a lawsuit—they begin with a conversation, a decision, or a missed opportunity to address an issue early. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Joel Greenwald, founder of Greenwald Doherty LLP, about the importance of prevention-focused HR systems and workplace education. Joel shares how his firm evolved from primarily responding to employment law issues to helping organizations proactively prevent problems before they escalate into costly disputes. Adi and Joel discuss one of the most overlooked challenges in business: managers often receive responsibility without receiving proper training. Joel explains that many supervisors are expected to handle employee issues, provide feedback, document performance concerns, and respond to complaints without fully understanding when to act independently and when to escalate issues to HR. His training programs focus heavily on building judgment, documentation skills, and escalation awareness. The conversation also explores how HR professionals can stay current on emerging compliance issues while developing stronger decision-making capabilities. Through interactive workshops, cohort-based learning, and real-world scenarios, Joel's approach moves beyond traditional compliance training to create practical learning experiences that improve workplace outcomes. Finally, Adi and Joel discuss the role of AI in HR and legal environments. While AI can be a valuable support tool, they agree that complex employee situations still require human judgment, experience, and contextual understanding. The most effective organizations will combine technology with strong training and expert guidance rather than relying on automation alone.

    16 min
  7. Jun 3

    Why Most Businesses Get YouTube Wrong With Ian Garlic

    In This Episode Most businesses treat YouTube like a content platform. Ian Garlic treats it like a client acquisition system. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews returning guest Ian Garlic, founder of StoryCruise and Video Case Story, about how businesses can use YouTube strategically to attract ideal clients and create an "invisible pipeline" of opportunities. Ian explains that successful YouTube marketing is not about chasing views or subscribers—it is about creating content that answers the specific questions your best prospects are already asking. Adi and Ian dive into one of the biggest mistakes businesses make: focusing on broad, high-volume keywords instead of the real problems their ideal clients face. Ian shares why the most valuable video topics often come directly from customer conversations, case studies, and sales calls. By understanding client pain points, businesses can create content that resonates with decision-makers and positions them as trusted experts. The conversation also explores the power of customer stories. Ian demonstrates how success stories can be transformed into highly effective YouTube content, website assets, and sales tools. He emphasizes that prospects who spend time watching these videos often arrive pre-sold, shortening the sales cycle and increasing trust before the first conversation even takes place. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that YouTube works best when it is integrated into a larger business system. From websites and LinkedIn profiles to email campaigns and search results, Ian explains how businesses can use video strategically to guide prospects through the buyer journey and drive measurable results.

    21 min
  8. May 29

    How to Build an Exit-Ready Business With Esther Aguilera & Erika Baez-Grimes

    In This Episode A massive wave of business ownership transitions is coming—and many business owners are not prepared for it. In this episode, Adi Klevit interviews Esther Aguilera and Erika Baez-Grimes, co-founders of Silver Tsunami Transitions, about the unprecedented transfer of wealth and business ownership expected as Baby Boomers retire. Together, they share their expertise on helping owners prepare their businesses for successful exits while preserving both value and legacy. Adi, Esther, and Erika discuss one of the biggest challenges facing closely held businesses today: owner dependency. Many business owners have built successful companies, but the knowledge, relationships, and decision-making authority often remain concentrated in a single person. This creates significant risk for potential buyers and can dramatically impact valuation. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding business value before planning an exit. Esther and Erika explain why business valuations and exit readiness assessments provide critical insight into a company's strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. By addressing operational gaps, building leadership teams, and documenting systems, owners can create businesses that are more attractive to buyers and easier to transition. Perhaps the biggest takeaway is that exit planning should begin long before a business goes to market. Whether the goal is selling to an outside buyer, transferring ownership to family members, or creating an internal succession plan, proactive preparation creates more options and better outcomes.

    18 min
4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

This is the Systems Simplified podcast where we feature top leaders who share stories on how to successfully systematize a business.

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