Clark Connection Podcast

Aaron Clark
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Here Leadership, Personal Growth, and Entrepreneurial Wisdom Converge!

  1. 3h ago

    EBR School Board District 6: Nicole Fitzgerald on What Needs to Change - EP106 - CCP

    What's REALLY wrong with East Baton Rouge Parish public schools? And what will it take to fix it? In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, host Aaron Clark sits down with Nicole Fitzgerald, candidate for East Baton Rouge Parish School Board, District 6, for an honest conversation about the challenges facing public education and what she believes needs to change. As a former EBR educator, nonprofit leader, and mother of three children in the district, Nicole brings firsthand experience from inside the classroom. She shares her concerns about the lack of accountability in schools, families leaving the public school system, and the challenges teachers face when district policies get in the way of teaching. In this episode, we discuss: - Accountability in public education: Are students, teachers, parents, and administrators being held to the right standards? - Special education and student support: Why are some families struggling to get the services their children need? - Why families are leaving EBR schools: What are parents saying about safety, discipline, and educational opportunities? - Letting teachers teach: How constant curriculum changes and excessive testing affect classrooms. - Building stronger schools: The importance of community partnerships, parental engagement, and supporting the whole child. - Leadership through adversity: Nicole shares her personal journey of losing her husband, raising three daughters, and continuing to pursue her goals. Nicole also discusses her campaign for District 6, what she hopes to bring to the school board, and why she believes stronger schools are essential to building a stronger Baton Rouge community. Whether you're a parent, educator, community leader, or concerned voter, this conversation offers a closer look at the challenges facing East Baton Rouge Parish public schools. 🗳️ CONNECT WITH NICOLE FITZGERALD 🌐 Campaign Website: https://www.votemsfitzfor6.com/ 📘 Facebook: Search "Nicole Fitzgerald for District 6" Nicole Fitzgerald is running for EBR Parish School Board, District 6, and is listed as candidate #122 on the ballot. 🎙️ ABOUT THE CLARK CONNECTION PODCAST Hosted by Aaron Clark, THE Coach, The Clark Connection Podcast brings you real conversations about leadership, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and the people making an impact in their communities. DISCLAIMER: The Clark Connection Podcast does not endorse political candidates. These interviews are intended to give candidates an opportunity to share their perspectives and help voters make informed decisions. 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, LIKE the episode, SUBSCRIBE to the channel, and SHARE it with someone who cares about the future of education in our community. Connect with Coach Clark 🌐 Website: https://www.CoachClarkLeadership.com 📱 Follow Coach Clark on all social media: @CoachClarkLeadership Got Questions? Ask THE Coach! Have a leadership, personal growth, or entrepreneurship question you'd like answered on a future episode or livestream? Submit your question here: https://forms.gle/CxAoZ2xw6Z8aDifg8 Thank You to Our Sponsors Premium Sponsors Hubbard Flooring Studio Vicki and the team at Hubbard Flooring Studio 📞 225-924-1582 🌐 https://www.hubbardflooringstudio.com 📍 11880 Boylan Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Sponsors Steadfast Electric BJ and the team at Steadfast Electric 📞 225-364-9218 🌐 https://steadfastelectric.com/ Dr. Robert W. Smith, DC, DABCI Chiropractic Internist 📞 225-291-2626 🌐 https://www.brspine.com/ Interested in Sponsoring The Clark Connection Podcast? Partner with one of Louisiana's fastest-growing leadership podcasts and put your business in front of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals each week. 🌐 https://www.CoachClarkLeadership.com 📧 Aaron@CoachClarkLeadership.com #NicoleFitzgerald #EBRSchoolBoard #EastBatonRouge #BatonRouge #PublicEducation #SchoolBoardElection #TheClarkConnectionPodcast #Leadership

  2. Oct 13

    Michael Mebruer for Congress Healthcare, National Debt & Louisiana District 6 - EP105 - CCP

    Michael Mebruer for Congress: Healthcare Reform, National Debt & Leadership | Louisiana District 6 What does it take to go from identifying problems in America to actually running for Congress to solve them? In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with Michael Mebruer, candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Louisiana's 6th Congressional District, to discuss his campaign, his approach to government reform, and why he believes Washington needs more solutions and fewer political talking points. Michael brings a unique perspective to politics. With a background in healthcare as a medical laboratory technician and studies in economics, he's seen firsthand how government policies affect hospitals, healthcare workers, and everyday Americans. Throughout this conversation, Michael shares his proposed solutions to some of the country's biggest challenges, along with the personal experiences that shaped his approach to leadership and public service. 🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE: - 🇺🇸 Why Michael decided to run for Congress in Louisiana's 6th District - 💰 The national debt, government spending, and his economic reform proposals - 🏥 Medicaid, healthcare costs, and the challenges facing rural hospitals - 🤝 Leadership, accountability, and listening to the people you serve - 🌎 Carbon capture concerns and their impact on Louisiana communities - 🧠 Stoic philosophy, emotional discipline, and controlling what you can - 🤖 Artificial intelligence, regulation, and the future of technology - 🗳️ Why Michael says he's funding his congressional campaign entirely with his own money 🔗 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL MEBRUER Learn more about Michael's campaign, explore his policy proposals, and follow his campaign updates: 🌐 Campaign Website: mebruerforcongress.com 📘 Facebook: Mebruer for Congress 🎵 TikTok: @michael.mebruer4congress 🎧 ABOUT THE CLARK CONNECTION PODCAST Hosted by Aaron Clark, leadership speaker, trainer, and founder of Coach Clark Leadership & Development, The Clark Connection Podcast features real conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and people making an impact in their communities. Our goal is simple: share experiences, challenge perspectives, and help people become better leaders in their businesses, communities, and everyday lives. 🌐 www.coachclarkleadership.com 📲 Follow @coachclarkleadership on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. 👍 If you enjoyed this conversation, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE the episode. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Got Questions? Ask THE Coach! Have a leadership, personal growth, or entrepreneurship question you'd like answered on a future episode or livestream? Submit your question here: https://forms.gle/CxAoZ2xw6Z8aDifg8 Thank You to Our Sponsors Premium Sponsors Hubbard Flooring Studio Vicki and the team at Hubbard Flooring Studio 📞 225-924-1582 🌐 https://www.hubbardflooringstudio.com 📍 11880 Boylan Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Sponsors Steadfast Electric BJ and the team at Steadfast Electric 📞 225-364-9218 🌐 https://steadfastelectric.com/ Dr. Robert W. Smith, DC, DABCI Chiropractic Internist 📞 225-291-2626 🌐 https://www.brspine.com/ Interested in Sponsoring The Clark Connection Podcast? Partner with one of Louisiana's fastest-growing leadership podcasts and put your business in front of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals each week. 🌐 https://www.coachclarkleadership.com 📧 aaron@coachclarkleadership.com **Disclaimer:** This interview is part of The Clark Connection Podcast's commitment to providing a platform for candidates to share their stories and perspectives. This conversation does not constitute a political endorsement. #TheClarkConnectionPodcast #MichaelMebruer #LouisianaPolitics #LouisianaDistrict6 #Congress2026 #Leadership #HealthcareReform #NationalDebt #AaronClark

  3. Oct 6

    When Success Becomes Dangerous... - EP 104 - CCP w/ David St. Romain

    What happens when success stops being something you enjoy and starts becoming something you need? In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, and former Nashville Star contestant David St. Romain for a conversation about the dangerous side of success, leadership, resilience, trauma, faith, and finding purpose beyond recognition. David opens up about a realization that changed the way he viewed success: he was living by the applause. When the crowd was there and things were going well, he felt great. When the applause disappeared, so did the emotional high. That journey eventually led David toward Stoicism, personal responsibility, faith, and a deeper understanding of where his identity and purpose really come from. Aaron and David also discuss David’s journey through the music industry, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit leadership. David shares how his organization, Songs of Survivors, uses songwriting and storytelling to help military veterans process trauma, build connection, and reframe painful experiences through music. They also get into what real leadership requires, why leaders must take responsibility when things go wrong, the importance of routines and reflection, and how tools like EOS and the book Traction have helped David bring structure to his entrepreneurial ventures. David also shares the story behind his upcoming autobiography, This Hole in Me, which explores childhood trauma, resilience, vulnerability, healing, and the experiences that shaped the man and leader he is today. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, creator, high achiever, or anyone who has ever tied your identity to achievement or other people’s approval, this conversation is for you. Because success isn’t necessarily the problem. The danger begins when you need the applause. 🎙️ The Clark Connection Podcast with Aaron Clark 🎤 Guest: David St. Romain CONNECT WITH DAVID: DavidStRomain.com MeetDSR.com Text #CoachClark to 225-396-4166 and stay connected with David St. Romain SUBSCRIBE to The Clark Connection Podcast for conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, discipline, and becoming a better version of yourself. Connect with Coach Clark 🌐 Website: https://www.coachclarkleadership.com 📱 Follow Coach Clark on all social media: @coachclarkleadership Got Questions? Ask THE Coach! Have a leadership, personal growth, or entrepreneurship question you'd like answered on a future episode or livestream? Submit your question here: https://forms.gle/CxAoZ2xw6Z8aDifg8 Thank You to Our Sponsors Premium Sponsors Hubbard Flooring Studio Vicki and the team at Hubbard Flooring Studio 📞 225-924-1582 🌐 https://www.hubbardflooringstudio.com 📍 11880 Boylan Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 TruScaler Improve your visibility in AI-powered search with TruScaler. 🌐 https://truscaler.com/ Sponsors Steadfast Electric BJ and the team at Steadfast Electric 📞 225-364-9218 🌐 https://steadfastelectric.com/ Automate Integrate Professional Services Andrew and the team at Automate Integrate Professional Services 📧 andrew@automate-integrate.com 🌐 https://automate-integrate.com/ Dr. Robert W. Smith, DC, DABCI Chiropractic Internist 📞 225-291-2626 🌐 https://www.brspine.com/ Interested in Sponsoring The Clark Connection Podcast? Partner with one of Louisiana's fastest-growing leadership podcasts and put your business in front of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals each week. 🌐 https://www.coachclarkleadership.com 📧 aaron@coachclarkleadership.com #DavidStRomain #TheClarkConnectionPodcast #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #PersonalGrowth #Success #Resilience #MentalStrength #Stoicism #Veterans #Songwriting #LeadershipDevelopment

  4. Aug 25

    Nobody Cares How Business USED to Work - EP103 - CCP w/Chris Blades

    Business has changed. The way we market, sell, lead, and reach customers continues to evolve, and what worked five or ten years ago may not be enough to keep you competitive today. In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with Chris Blades, Director of Sales at Guaranty Media and Gatorworks, to talk about what it takes to keep up. Chris shares lessons from more than 20 years in media and marketing, including how traditional media companies have adapted to digital platforms, streaming, social media, and changing consumer behavior. He also shares his own career journey from television production and marketing to sales and leadership. The conversation goes beyond media. Chris and Aaron discuss why leaders shouldn't try to be the smartest person in the room, the importance of hiring people who complement your weaknesses, and how giving people room to think and create can build a stronger team. Chris also shares how leaving media during COVID and working in his family's farming business forced him to learn sales, deal with rejection, and find new ways to create opportunities when the old way of doing business suddenly didn't work. If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or business owner trying to navigate a world that refuses to stop changing, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to know everything. But you've got to keep up. In this episode: * Why businesses and leaders have to continually adapt * How digital media changed the traditional advertising model * Why great leaders hire people who know what they don't * Giving your team freedom while still holding them accountable * Learning sales through rejection and adversity * Why continuous learning matters more than ever Subscribe to **The Clark Connection Podcast** for more conversations about leadership, personal growth, and entrepreneurship. Connect with Coach Clark 🌐 Website: https://www.coachclarkleadership.com 📱 Follow Coach Clark on all social media: @coachclarkleadership Got Questions? Ask THE Coach! Have a leadership, personal growth, or entrepreneurship question you'd like answered on a future episode or livestream? Submit your question here: https://forms.gle/CxAoZ2xw6Z8aDifg8 Thank You to Our Sponsors Premium Sponsors Hubbard Flooring Studio Vicki and the team at Hubbard Flooring Studio 📞 225-924-1582 🌐 https://www.hubbardflooringstudio.com 📍 11880 Boylan Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 TruScaler Improve your visibility in AI-powered search with TruScaler. 🌐 https://truscaler.com/ Sponsors Steadfast Electric BJ and the team at Steadfast Electric 📞 225-364-9218 🌐 https://steadfastelectric.com/ Automate Integrate Professional Services Andrew and the team at Automate Integrate Professional Services 📧 andrew@automate-integrate.com 🌐 https://automate-integrate.com/ Dr. Robert W. Smith, DC, DABCI Chiropractic Internist 📞 225-291-2626 🌐 https://www.brspine.com/ Interested in Sponsoring The Clark Connection Podcast? Partner with one of Louisiana's fastest-growing leadership podcasts and put your business in front of leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals each week. 🌐 https://www.coachclarkleadership.com 📧 aaron@coachclarkleadership.com

  5. Aug 18

    The Problem With Being the Smartest Person in the Room - EP102 - CCP w/Julia Larose

    What happens when you’re always the smartest person in the room? In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron sits down with Julia LaRose, owner of Pink’s Window Cleaning and Services in East Baton Rouge, for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, service, and why real growth requires people who are willing to challenge you. Julia shares her journey from civil engineering and technical sales into entrepreneurship and explains why she and her husband built Pink’s around something much bigger than cleaning windows. Their mission is about serving people, restoring human connection, developing young leaders, and strengthening their community. Aaron and Julia also dig into why great leaders don’t need to have all the answers. They discuss the value of surrounding yourself with people who think differently, being willing to admit when you’re wrong, and developing what Julia calls “confident humility.” They also discuss: * Why leadership starts with making people feel seen and valued * Hiring for character, values, and coachability instead of just experience * Building a culture that employees actually understand and believe in * Giving young people real opportunities to develop leadership skills * Recognizing the people who helped you succeed * Why growth requires challenge and discomfort * The importance of service, community, and human connection * Why leaders should remain lifelong learners Julia also shares the influence her grandfather had on her approach to leadership, the books shaping how she thinks about business and service, and why she has started exchanging handwritten letters with her parents. If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader who wants to build something bigger than yourself, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t grow by always being right. You grow by staying humble enough to be challenged. Connect with Julia & Pink’s Windows: Pink’s Windows: pinkswindows.com Facebook: Pink’s Windows East Baton Rouge Email: [Julia@pinkswindows.com](mailto:Julia@pinkswindows.com) Be sure to subscribe to The Clark Connection Podcast and follow @coachclarkleadership for more conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

  6. Aug 11

    If You're Ignoring AI, Your Business WON'T SURVIVE! - EP101 - CCP Chris King & Next Level Solutions

    Artificial intelligence is changing business faster than ever, but most small business owners still aren't sure where to start. In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with Chris King, founder and CEO of Next Level Solutions, to discuss how AI is transforming the way businesses operate and why leaders who ignore it risk falling behind. Chris explains why AI isn't replacing great leaders—it's becoming one of the most powerful tools they can use. You'll learn why strong systems and processes must come before AI implementation, the three types of business owners responding to AI today, and practical ways to begin leveraging AI to improve efficiency, profitability, and decision-making. Beyond AI, Aaron and Chris dive into entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, strategic thinking, and the lessons that come from failure. Chris shares how overcoming setbacks shaped his business journey, why every leader needs outside perspective and mentorship, and the books that have had the greatest impact on his leadership philosophy. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or leader looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger, lead better, and embrace continuous growth. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 Embracing AI in Business 01:10 Theme Song 01:48 Introduction & Chris King's Background 07:12 Understanding Next Level Solutions 24:05 The Importance of Strategic Perspective 28:40 The Importance of Perspective in Leadership 31:07 Early Entrepreneurial Experiences 35:50 The Journey of Next Level Solutions 39:43 Learning from Failure 41:35 The Role of Physical Health in Leadership 43:54 Recommended Reads for Leaders 48:03 Compassion in Leadership 51:22 Personal Insights and Family Life 🔗 Connect with Chris King Website: https://nextlevelsol.net LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/next-level-solutions Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextLevelSol Email: chris@nextlevelsol.net Connect with me: 🌐 https://coachclarkleadership.com 📱 Follow @coachclarkleadership on all social media platforms Got a leadership question? Ask THE Coach! https://forms.gle/CxAoZ2xw6Z8aDifg8 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Premium Sponsor: Hubbard Flooring Studio 📞 225-924-1582 🌐 https://hubbardflooringstudio.com 📍 11880 Boylan Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Powered by: TruScaler 🌐 https://truscaler.com Sponsors: Steadfast Electric 📞 225-364-9218 🌐 https://steadfastelectric.com Automate Integrate Professional Services 🌐 https://automate-integrate.com Dr. Robert W. Smith, DC, DABCI 🌐 https://www.brspine.com/ Remember, you don't need to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great. Keep Leading, Keep Learning, and Keep Connecting!

  7. Aug 7

    What Has 100 Podcast Episodes Taught Me? - EP - CCP with Caitlin & Aaron

    00:00 Celebrating Episode 100: A Milestone Reflection 07:51 The Journey Begins: Inspiration Behind the Podcast 20:08 Lessons Learned: Insights from 100 Episodes 32:41 Guest Updates: Where Are They Now? 39:20 Success Stories of Former Guests 45:50 Health and Wellness Journeys 51:47 Reflections on Podcast Growth 58:53 Vision for the Future 01:04:01 Overcoming Challenges and Staying Motivated 100 episodes. It’s hard to believe The Clark Connection Podcast has reached this milestone, and in this special episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the journey that made it possible. From the moment the idea for the podcast was born to the lessons learned through countless conversations with incredible guests, I’m sharing the stories you haven’t heard, the challenges you didn’t see, and the leadership principles that have shaped both this show and my own life. We’ll talk about how consistency beats perfection, why authentic relationships create opportunities you never expected, what it really takes to produce a podcast every week, and some of my favorite memories from the past 100 episodes. I’ll also give updates on past guests, reflect on how the show has evolved, and share where The Clark Connection Podcast is headed next. Whether you've been listening since Episode 1 or you're joining us for the first time, I hope this conversation encourages you to keep showing up, keep growing, and keep investing in the people around you. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why consistency is one of the greatest leadership advantages you can develop. • How genuine connections can open doors you never expected. • The systems and preparation that make long-term success possible. • What 100 episodes have taught me about leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. • Why your story has the power to impact someone else's life. If this episode encourages you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use the reminder that every big achievement starts with a single step. Connect with Aaron Clark: Socials: @coachclarkleadership Special thanks to our sponsors: • TruScaler – Generative Engine Optimization: https://truescaler.com • Hubbard Flooring Studio: https://hubbardflooringstudio.com • Steadfast Electric: https://steadfastelectric.com • Dr. Bob Smith: https://brspine.com • Automate Integrate Professional Services: https://automate-integrate.com #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #TheClarkConnectionPodcast #LeadershipDevelopment #Success #Consistency #Networking #CoachClark

  8. Jul 28

    Why Most Entrepreneurs Never Succeed (It's Not What You Think!) - EP99 - CCP with Matthew Sayles

    Success in business isn't just about working harder. It's about thinking differently. In this episode of The Clark Connection Podcast, Aaron Clark sits down with entrepreneur and business coach Matthew Sayles for a powerful conversation about the mindset shifts that separate struggling entrepreneurs from successful ones. From building a business around your identity to eliminating distractions, making intentional investments, and developing leaders who multiply your impact, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for business owners, leaders, and anyone striving to grow. Matthew shares why entrepreneurship is ultimately a step of faith, how to navigate the loneliness that often comes with building a business, and why the most successful leaders learn to focus on what matters most instead of trying to do everything. If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader looking for practical strategies to build a stronger business and become a better leader, this conversation is for you. In this episode you'll learn: • Why your identity shapes your business more than your strategy • How eliminating distractions creates greater focus and productivity • The difference between spending money and making intentional investments • Why entrepreneurship can feel lonely and how community changes everything • How to sell transformation instead of simply selling products or services • The importance of building systems that develop and multiply leaders • Practical lessons from Atomic Habits that every entrepreneur should apply • Why saying "no" is one of the most valuable leadership skills you can develop Connect with Matthew Sayles: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sayles/ Website: https://stratusbusiness.co/ Podcast: Startup Stories Connect with Coach Clark: Website: www.coachclarkleadership.com Follow on social media: @coachclarkleadership Got Questions? Ask THE Coach! https://forms.gle/CxAoZ2xw6Z8aDifg8 Premium Sponsor: Hubbard Flooring Studio Call: 225-924-1582 Website: [www.hubbardflooringstudio.com](http://www.hubbardflooringstudio.com) Address: 11880 Boylan Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 TruScaler https://truscaler.com/ Sponsors: Steadfast Electric Call: 225-364-9218 Website: https://steadfastelectric.com/ Dr. Robert W. Smith, DC, DABCI Website: https://www.brspine.com/ Automate Integrate Professional Services Website: https://automate-integrate.com/ #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #SmallBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #EntrepreneurMindset #PersonalGrowth #BusinessCoach #TheClarkConnectionPodcast #CoachClark #MatthewSayles 0:00 Why identity comes first 01:17 Clark Connection Podcast intro 01:48 Sponsors and episode introduction 06:31 What this conversation is about 07:09 Meet Matthew Sales 08:45 Helping small businesses find their voice 12:05 Entrepreneurship as a step of faith 16:36 Financial realities of building a business 19:27 Cutting expenses and making intentional investments 23:25 Focus, distractions, and the signal-to-noise ratio 25:02 Rethinking work-life balance and priorities 32:49 Why entrepreneurship can feel lonely 35:40 Creating your own platform and opportunities 39:08 Sell the outcome, not the service 45:24 Becoming a guide for your clients 45:59 Atomic Habits, identity, and leadership 50:49 Developing people who can go beyond you 56:45 Advice for new leaders: don’t take yourself too seriously 60:09 How to connect with Matthew 61:52 Closing leadership takeaways

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Here Leadership, Personal Growth, and Entrepreneurial Wisdom Converge!

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  • Creator
    Aaron Clark
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    107
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Aaron Clark
  • Show Website
    Clark Connection Podcast