Talk to Th3 Doc with Steve Meek

Steve "The Doctor" Meek
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Entrepreneurship

Talk to Th3 Doc with Steve Meek is designed for executives seeking to learn from a balance of business and technology experts, focused on helping SMBs through practical, high-level insights. Hosted by Steve 'The Doctor' Meek, an experienced business owner and technology strategist, episodes break down complex topics in General Business, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Technical Support, into clear, actionable conversations tailored for leadership decision-making. These include topics as varied as HR, the economy, leadership, culture and executive health. With a focus on real-world applications, business outcomes and real life, the show helps executives stay ahead of leadership challenges without needing to dive deep into the technical weeds. While we navigate the latest cybersecurity threats and strive to understand how AI can transform operations, Talk to Th3 Doc also delivers general business expert perspectives. Steve brings clarity to the fast-changing world of SMBs where many people wear multiple hats, featuring interviews with industry experts and sharing lessons learned from the field. Whether you're leading a small city or a business trying to expand, this podcast equips you with the knowledge you need to make smarter, more secure, and more strategic choices.

  1. May 20

    Are Hidden Cash Flow Problems Holding Back Your Business?

    What if your business looks profitable on paper… but still struggles with cash flow, operational stress, or scaling challenges? In Episode 141 of Talk To Th3 Doc, Steve “The Doctor” Meek sits down with Paul Whitley, CEO and Fractional CFO at C-Suite Support, to unpack one of the biggest hidden threats facing growing organizations today: the gap between revenue and real financial clarity. Paul shares practical insight into: ✅ Cash flow forecasting ✅ Fractional CFO services ✅ Operational efficiency ✅ AI and automation ✅ Business valuation ✅ EOS and accountability ✅ Pricing and margin pressure ✅ Preparing companies for growth or acquisition 💬 One of the most memorable quotes from the episode: “Run that thing like it’s for sale every single day.” If you’re an SMB owner, nonprofit leader, municipality, or executive trying to improve profitability, operational maturity, and long-term business value, this conversation delivers executive-level insight without the jargon. ________________________________________ 🩺 In This Episode ⏱️ Key Topics & Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Doctor’s Office 03:00 – Why Fractional CFO Services Are Growing 05:53 – Hidden Cash Flow Problems in SMBs 09:05 – Pricing, Margins & Financial Visibility 14:15 – Preparing a Business for Sale 18:06 – ERP, CRM & Operational Systems 24:48 – Labor Costs & Workforce Challenges 34:47 – Company Culture & Accountability 41:33 – Insurance & Cost Reduction Opportunities 43:50 – AI, Automation & Business Efficiency 50:41 – Paul’s One Big Takeaway ________________________________________ 💡 Why This Matters Many organizations think growth automatically solves problems. In reality, growth often exposes hidden operational and financial weaknesses. Paul explains why: • profitable companies still run out of cash, • operational discipline matters, • and leaders need visibility before problems become crises. This episode is especially valuable for: ✔ SMB owners ✔ Executive leadership teams ✔ Municipal organizations ✔ Nonprofits ✔ Professional services firms ✔ Growing companies navigating AI and operational change ________________________________________ 📞 Connect with Paul Whitley 🌐 Website: C-Suite Support 📩 Email: pwhitley@csuitesupport.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Search “Paul Whitley” on LinkedIn ________________________________________ 🎧 Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Listen on your preferred platform: 👉 https://pod.link/1807560282 🌐 Explore more episodes: Talk To Th3 Doc Podcast 📺 Watch more episodes: 👉 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi1vcfxOUyUhHmTgOANWb7EUeNNHdlE0l&si=DRLQ9NjoXKdpnzYS ________________________________________ 🤝 Connect with The Fulcrum Group 🌐 Website: The Fulcrum Group 📩 Email: 📞 Sales: 817-337-0300 🔗 Steve Meek LinkedIn: Steve Meek LinkedIn ▶️ YouTube Channel: The Fulcrum Group YouTube Channel ________________________________________ 🔍 Suggested SEO Hashtags #TalkToTh3Doc #FractionalCFO #CashFlowManagement #BusinessGrowth #FinancialClarity #SMBLeadership #OperationalEfficiency #BusinessStrategy #BusinessValuation #EOS #AIForBusiness #DFWBusiness #LeadershipPodcast #BusinessOperations #ManagedServices #OperationalClarity #DigitalTransformation #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessGrowth #TheFulcrumGroup

    57 min

  2. May 6

    How to Build an SMB Cybersecurity Program With Peter Gailey Ep. 140

    🎙️ Talk To Th3 Doc – Episode 140 What if your biggest cybersecurity risk is not a missing tool, but the lack of a real plan? In this episode of Talk To Th3 Doc, Steve “The Doctor” Meek sits down with Peter Gailey, CEO of Gailey Solutions LLC, to unpack what SMB leaders, nonprofit executives, municipalities, and growing organizations need to understand about cybersecurity strategy, compliance, business email compromise, cyber risk, and security maturity. 💡 Top Takeaway: “Get a baseline. Just understand what you have.” — Peter Gailey If your organization cannot clearly identify its systems, assets, users, and risks, it is very hard to build a strong cybersecurity program. Peter explains why too many organizations are still playing cybersecurity “whack-a-mole” instead of taking a practical, structured, business-minded approach. What we cover: ✅ Cybersecurity trends affecting SMBs ✅ Why cybersecurity should be a CEO-level issue ✅ The role of NIST, CIS, ISO, HIPAA, and PCI ✅ Why business email compromise still works ✅ How policies, procedures, controls, and evidence fit together ✅ AI risk, third-party risk, and future governance concerns ✅ Why a baseline assessment is the best first move Guest Info Peter Gailey CEO, Gailey Solutions LLC 🌐 https://www.gaileysolutions.com/ 🔗 http://www.linkedin.com/in/petergailey 📞 214-336-1286 📧 Peter@GaileySolutions.com Fulcrum Group Links 🌐 Podcast Hub: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ 🌐 Main Website: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/ 📧 Email Steve: thedoctor@fulcrumgroup.net 📧 Sales: sales@fulcrumgroup.net 📞 Sales: 817-337-0300 🔗 Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeekcissp/ 🔗 The Fulcrum Group on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fulcrum-group-inc . ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFulcrumGroupInc 🐦 X: https://twitter.com/TheFulcrumGroup 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFulcrumGroup/ 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1807560282 Chapters 00:00 Intro to Peter Gailey and cybersecurity for SMBs 03:13 Cybersecurity trends and market consolidation 09:06 Common blind spots for organizations 11:54 Why baseline assessments matter 15:09 Compliance frameworks and business risk 20:09 NIST, ISO, and measuring maturity 24:01 Ransomware and email compromise 39:04 Business email compromise explained 44:52 Controls, policies, procedures, and evidence 50:59 Why cybersecurity belongs at the leadership level 59:58 AI risk and third-party risk 1:04:06 One Big Takeaway: get a baseline 👍 If this episode helped you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with another business leader. #TalkToTh3Doc #Cybersecurity #SMBCybersecurity #ManagedIT #DFWBusiness #RiskManagement #BusinessLeadership

    58 min

  3. May 4

    How to Fix Random Acts of Marketing With William Collins | Ep. 139

    🎙️ Talk To Th3 Doc – Episode 139 In this episode of Talk To Th3 Doc, Steve “The Doctor” Meek sits down with William Collins, Partner and Chief Marketing Officer at Chief Outsiders, to unpack why so many growing organizations stay busy but still struggle to grow. If your company keeps saying, “We need more leads,” this episode may help you find the real issue. William explains why stalled growth often comes from missing strategy, weak alignment, poor measurement, or random acts of marketing that never connect to real business results. 💡 Top Takeaway: Do we have the right strategy, the right team, and the willingness to make the investment? That was William’s core challenge to leaders trying to break through stalled growth. What we cover Why “more leads” is often not the real problem What random acts of marketing look like inside real organizations Why buyers want to self-educate before talking to sales How sales and marketing alignment impacts revenue Which business and marketing metrics leaders should actually watch How reverse pipeline thinking helps teams work backward from revenue goals Why ideal customer profile and customer pain points matter so much How leaders should think about strategy, team capability, and investment before expecting growth Why this matters This conversation is especially useful for SMB owners, nonprofit leaders, city managers, and executive decision-makers who want better growth strategy, better leadership alignment, and more measurable business outcomes. The lessons apply beyond marketing, because strategy, accountability, and clear priorities matter in every part of the business. Guest William Collins Partner and Chief Marketing Officer Chief Outsiders 🔗 https://www.chiefoutsiders.com/profile/william-collins 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-collins 📧 WCollins@chiefoutsiders.com 📞 214-542-5166 Connect with Steve and Fulcrum 🌐 Podcast page: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ 🎧 Listen on your favorite platform: https://pod.link/1807560282 📩 Email Steve: thedoctor@fulcrumgroup.net 🔗 Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeekcissp/ 🌐 The Fulcrum Group: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/ Subscribe If this episode gave you something useful, subscribe, like, comment, and share it with another leader who needs a little less noise and a little more clarity. Hashtags #TalkToTh3Doc #WilliamCollins #ChiefOutsiders #MarketingStrategy #BusinessGrowth #RevenueGrowth #SalesAndMarketingAlignment #FractionalCMO #DFWBusiness #Leadership #SMBStrategy #ManagedITServicesDFW #KellerTX Suggested YouTube Tags Talk To Th3 Doc, William Collins, Chief Outsiders, marketing strategy, random acts of marketing, business growth, fractional CMO, sales and marketing alignment, growth strategy, revenue generation, SMB leadership, DFW business podcast, Steve Meek, managed IT services DFW, Keller Texas business Suggested pinned comment 👉 Like this conversation? Watch more episodes here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi1vcfxOUyUhHmTgOANWb7EUeNNHdlE0l&si=DRLQ9NjoXKdpnzYS 🎧 Prefer audio? Listen here: https://pod.link/1807560282

    53 min

  4. Apr 8

    Why Great Leaders Must Sell the Why

    What are you really selling to your team every day? In Episode 138 of Talk To Th3 Doc, Steve “The Doctor” Meek sits down with Phil McShan, founder of Innsider Innovation, to unpack a leadership truth that hits SMB owners, executives, and managers right between the eyes: if you lead people, you are in sales. Phil’s message is simple, leaders are always selling belief, clarity, consistency, and action. This conversation is for leaders who feel like their team has good people, a decent plan, and plenty of effort, but execution still gets wobbly. Phil explains why strategy alone is not enough, why communication has to carry the why, and why coaching is one of the strongest forms of influence a leader has. As Phil put it, “when you’re coaching, you’re closing.” What you’ll learn Why leadership is really about influence, not just authority Why teams need both the belief side and the strategy side How better communication improves buy-in and execution Why coaching mindset matters as much as coaching behavior How leaders can build stronger culture, accountability, and performance Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:10 Meet Phil McShan 03:45 Why all leaders are in sales 08:40 Selling belief and strategy 13:20 Leadership, influence, and communication 21:10 Mindset, buy-in, and change 30:35 Culture, hiring, and coachability 38:50 Developing top performers 46:20 “When you’re coaching, you’re closing” 50:10 Phil’s one big takeaway 53:00 Additional prescriptions for leaders 55:30 How to connect with Phil Guest CTA Phil’s challenge to listeners: Take a fresh look at your leadership and ask, “What am I selling to my team right now, and is it working?” He also invites leaders to identify one mindset shift and one behavior shift that would improve how they lead. Connect with Phil McShan 🌐 www.InnsiderInnovation.com 📧 pmcshan@gmail.com 📞 817-996-8641 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philmcshan/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phil.mcshan Connect with Steve and The Fulcrum Group 🌐 Podcast hub: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ 📧 thedoctor@fulcrumgroup.net 🔗 Steve on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeekcissp/ 📞 Sales: 817-337-0300 🌐 Main Website: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/ Listen on 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🎧 iHeartRadio 🎧 Pocket Casts 🎧 Amazon Music If you enjoy practical leadership, business strategy, and technology conversations built for SMB leaders, subscribe, like, comment, and share this episode.

    50 min

  5. Apr 2

    Busy Isn’t Productive: Fix Workflow Friction | Steve Meek Ep. 137

    🎙️ Talk To Th3 Doc – Episode 137 What if the real reason your team feels overloaded is not a lack of effort, but too much friction? In this solo episode, Steve “The Doctor” Meek challenges a common business myth: that more AI, more software, and more work automatically create more growth. Instead, he explains why many organizations are busy, meeting-heavy, and digitally exhausted — but still not truly productive. If you are an SMB owner, executive, operations leader, nonprofit director, or local government decision-maker, this episode will help you rethink productivity in a more practical way. 💡 Top Takeaway: The market says productivity comes from more tools and more work. Steve’s diagnosis is that the real issue is friction — and the organizations that reduce drag fastest will create the strongest growth. What You’ll Learn ✅ Why AI adoption does not automatically equal productivity ✅ The difference between being busy and being effective ✅ How friction shows up in meetings, approvals, handoffs, and unclear ownership ✅ Why decision speed and process clarity matter more than another app ✅ How to “run a friction audit” inside your organization Time Stamps 00:00 Welcome and opening diagnosis 02:00 Why more technology is not always more productivity 06:45 The real disease: friction 10:30 Why SMBs are searching for leverage 18:30 Productivity vs. cost pressure 27:00 Why visible activity is not the same as output 33:00 The problem with “one more tool” 38:30 The flawed productivity model 43:30 The better model: clarity, process, decisions, automation 49:30 Practical prescriptions for leaders 57:00 Final takeaway and close Listen on Your Favorite Platform 🎧 https://pod.link/1807560282 Explore More Episodes 🌐 https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ Connect with Steve Meek 📩 thedoctor@fulcrumgroup.net 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeekcissp/ Contact The Fulcrum Group 📞 Sales: 817-337-0300 🌐 https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/ 📩 sales@fulcrumgroup.net Follow The Fulcrum Group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fulcrum-group-inc . YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFulcrumGroupInc X: https://twitter.com/TheFulcrumGroup Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheFulcrumGroup/ #TalkToTh3Doc #BusinessProductivity #WorkflowFriction #Leadership #AIForBusiness #ManagedIT #SMBStrategy #DFWBusiness #KellerTX #ProcessImprovement #ExecutiveLeadership #OperationalEfficiency YouTube Tags / Keywords Talk To Th3 Doc, Steve Meek, Episode 137, business productivity, workflow friction, AI productivity, process improvement, leadership podcast, SMB strategy, managed IT services, operational efficiency, executive leadership, productive teams vs busy teams, business operations, workplace efficiency, DFW business, Keller Texas, AI for business, decision speed, process clarity

    45 min

  6. Mar 25

    SMB AI Playbook: Workflows, Security, ROI | David Awad | Ep. 136

    🎧 Talk To Th3 Doc – Episode 136 If you’re an SMB leader in DFW trying to get real AI workflow wins without creating a security mess, this episode is your playbook. David Awad and I talk through how to spot the right automations, avoid “AI theater,” and keep permissions from turning into tomorrow’s incident. Top takeaway (quote): “You cannot have artificial wisdom.” Why it matters: AI can reduce effort—but leaders still own judgment, risk, and outcomes. ✅ What we cover (SMB-friendly): • Workflow automation opportunities hiding in plain sight • Picking AI tools without FOMO • Why permissions + security decide whether AI helps or hurts • AI limitations (and where human judgment stays essential) • Regulations/legal considerations leaders should watch • Why software is getting cheaper to build—and what that changes ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 Intro: Small business wins 02:58 David Awad: tech + investing perspective 06:04 Market trends + AI capex 09:13 Workflow automation for SMBs 12:13 Choosing AI tools 15:06 AI limits + human judgment 17:49 Security + permissions 20:50 AI regulation + legal considerations 30:56 Future of software engineering 33:03 Custom automation for SMBs 36:35 Navigating the AI revolution 39:46 The explosion of opportunities 45:07 The “weight of software” in business 52:17 Creation tools for non-experts 🔗 Guest links / Contact David Awad: Phone: 646 653 4385 Email: me@davidaw.ad Web: https://davidaw.ad | https://awad.lawyer | https://luminance.capital LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/davidaawad YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@realdavidawad X: @realdavidawad 🏥 Work with The Fulcrum Group (Keller, TX | DFW Managed IT Services): If you want help turning AI into secure workflow wins, start here (consult form + episodes): https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ 🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio | PocketCasts | Amazon Music 👍 Subscribe, like, and comment—then share this with a leader who needs a practical AI playbook. Hashtags: #TalkToTh3Doc #DFWBusiness #SMBLeadership #AIForBusiness #WorkflowAutomation #BusinessAutomation #Cybersecurity #ManagedITServices #ManagedSecurityServices #ITLeadership #KellerTX #DigitalTransformation Suggested YouTube Tags (paste into “tags” field) Talk To Th3 Doc, Steve Meek, David Awad, SMB AI, AI for small business, workflow automation, business process automation, AI security, permissions management, cybersecurity for SMB, managed IT services DFW, managed security services Texas, Keller TX, DFW business, digital transformation, IT leadership, AI governance, ROI of automation, small business technology, AI trends

    57 min

  7. Mar 18

    Why Executives Need a Financial Plan

    🎙 Talk To Th3 Doc – Episode 135 Why Executives Need a Financial Plan to Scale Innovation and Technology In this episode of Talk To Th3 Doc, host Steve “The Doctor” Meek sits down with Kevin Campbell, Founder of Peaks Financial, to explore a question many successful leaders quietly wrestle with: How do you build long-term financial security while running and scaling a company? Many executives spend decades growing their business but postpone creating a structured personal financial strategy. Kevin explains why financial clarity, disciplined planning, and behavioral awareness are essential for leaders who want to make better decisions about growth, innovation, and long-term wealth. If you’re a business owner, nonprofit leader, executive, or city leader, this conversation will help you think differently about planning for the future. Top Takeaway 💡 “Confidence comes from having a plan.” Kevin explains that the biggest threat to financial success is not usually lack of income or opportunity — it’s lack of planning. Leaders who create structured financial strategies gain something even more valuable than returns: clarity and confidence for better decisions. In This Episode We Discuss • Why high income doesn’t automatically create financial security • How behavioral finance impacts executive decision making • Why disciplined planning matters more than market predictions • Financial strategies for business owners and executives • How long-term planning supports innovation and leadership stability Guest Kevin Campbell Founder – Peaks Financial 🌐 https://www.peaksfinancial.com 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-campbell-financial/ Listen On Your Favorite Podcast Platform 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🎧 iHeartRadio 🎧 PocketCasts 🎧 Amazon Music Listen here: https://pod.link/1807560282 Explore More Episodes 🌐 https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ Connect With Steve “The Doctor” Meek 📩 thedoctor@fulcrumgroup.net 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemeekcissp/ About The Fulcrum Group The Fulcrum Group, Inc. provides managed IT services and cybersecurity for organizations across Dallas–Fort Worth. Using the STARPower™ framework, Fulcrum helps SMB leaders align technology, innovation, and security with business strategy.

    56 min

  8. Mar 11

    Is Your Phishing Program Backfiring? Fix It Fast

    Most security programs don’t fail because people “don’t care.” They fail because we accidentally train employees to hide mistakes. In Talk To Th3 Doc – Episode 134, I’m joined by Craig Taylor (Co-Founder, CyberHoot | vCISO | CISSP) to break down why “gotcha” phishing tests backfire, how positive reinforcement builds real security habits, and why leaders should simplify policies into bite-sized actions people will actually follow. Top Takeaway: “You need muscle memory.” Who this is for: SMB owners, executives, IT leaders, and public-sector leaders in DFW / Keller, TX who want practical cybersecurity that improves behavior—without creating fear or friction. What we cover Why “gotcha” phishing tests create silence, not safety The behavior metrics that matter (reporting + response habits) How to create a healthier security culture using positive reinforcement Why long security policies fail—and what to do instead Why MFA + simple habits reduce real-world risk Where third-party/vendor risk sneaks in Chapters 00:00 Cybersecurity mindset for leaders 03:05 Cost of breaches + business impact 06:08 Downtime, disruption, and distraction 08:49 Threat psychology: why attackers win 11:55 AI and cybersecurity—what’s changing 14:56 Training that works (positive reinforcement) 20:58 Engagement metrics that matter 32:32 Why “one-and-done” training fails 39:00 Policies people will actually follow 40:11 Bite-sized policies for compliance 46:30 Third-party/vendor risk 51:37 What leaders should fund first Guest Links (Craig Taylor / CyberHoot) CyberHoot: https://cyberhoot.com/ Free personal training: https://cyberhoot.com/individuals/ Newsletter: https://cyberhoot.com/newsletters/ Cybrary (cyber terms): https://cyberhoot.com/cybrary/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigmtaylor/ 🎁 20% off (1 year): Coupon code Talk to the Doc Need help building a security program that actually sticks? At The Fulcrum Group, Inc. (Keller, TX) we deliver outcomes through SPOT Managed IT Services, SPOT Managed Security Services, and the STARPower Framework—powered by our “No IT Jerks” philosophy. 👉 Start here: https://www.fulcrumgroup.net/talk-to-th3-doc-podcast/ ✅ Subscribe for weekly episodes on cybersecurity, leadership, and smart IT decisions for growing organizations. ✅ Hashtags #TalkToTh3Doc #Cybersecurity #Phishing #SecurityAwarenessTraining #vCISO #MFA #DFWBusiness #ManagedITServices #ManagedSecurityServices #KellerTX

    58 min
See All (41)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Talk to Th3 Doc with Steve Meek is designed for executives seeking to learn from a balance of business and technology experts, focused on helping SMBs through practical, high-level insights. Hosted by Steve 'The Doctor' Meek, an experienced business owner and technology strategist, episodes break down complex topics in General Business, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Technical Support, into clear, actionable conversations tailored for leadership decision-making. These include topics as varied as HR, the economy, leadership, culture and executive health. With a focus on real-world applications, business outcomes and real life, the show helps executives stay ahead of leadership challenges without needing to dive deep into the technical weeds. While we navigate the latest cybersecurity threats and strive to understand how AI can transform operations, Talk to Th3 Doc also delivers general business expert perspectives. Steve brings clarity to the fast-changing world of SMBs where many people wear multiple hats, featuring interviews with industry experts and sharing lessons learned from the field. Whether you're leading a small city or a business trying to expand, this podcast equips you with the knowledge you need to make smarter, more secure, and more strategic choices.

Information

  • Creator
    Steve "The Doctor" Meek
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 All Rights Reserved By Steve Meek