The Achieve Podcast

Achieve CMO
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The Achieve Podcast is a platform where real business owners share their stories, challenges, and breakthroughs. Each episode provides authentic insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow and succeed in their ventures.

  1. 1D AGO

    Alicia Powers (Price Builders)

    In this episode, host Taylor Baker speaks with Alicia Powers, President of Price Builders and a former Air Force veteran, about building a construction business, modernizing legacy operations, and leading with curiosity in a traditionally male-dominated industry. What You’ll Learn How Alicia transitioned from a military career into residential construction and entrepreneurshipWhy macroeconomic factors like interest rates and housing costs directly shape demand in the remodeling industryThe importance of modernizing digital presence, including websites and SEO, for legacy businessesHow personal branding and authenticity can differentiate a business, especially in underrepresented industriesThe challenges of building marketing systems, CRM infrastructure, and data tracking from scratchPractical ways AI can enhance operations, from communication tracking to client visualization toolsWhy estimating in construction remains complex and difficult to fully automate despite AI advancementsHow curiosity and genuine interest in people drive stronger leadership, relationships, and business outcomes Alicia’s story highlights the intersection of grit, adaptability, and innovation required to grow a business in a complex and evolving industry. From leveraging AI tools to navigating economic uncertainty and redefining leadership in construction, her approach underscores the value of clear communication, continuous learning, and building meaningful connections. Ultimately, her journey reflects how combining technical expertise with human-centered leadership can create both business success and lasting impact. To learn more about Alicia Powers and their work, visit PriceBuilders.com.

    22 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Dexter Hadley (Canonic Foundation)

    In this episode of the Achieve Podcast, host Jessie Warner speaks with Dexter Hadley, physician-scientist and founder of the Canonic Foundation, about building compliant AI systems and rethinking how healthcare data, governance, and trust operate in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. What You’ll Learn: Why compliance—not speed—is the most critical foundation for building AI in regulated industries like healthcare How Dexter’s background in medicine, academia, and AI shaped his long-term vision for data governance The limitations of current AI systems and why prompts alone are insufficient for institutional use What it means to treat AI as “institutional memory” rather than a temporary tool How overregulation in developed countries can inhibit innovation and collaboration Why emerging and developing regions may lead the next wave of healthcare and AI infrastructure The importance of transparency and trust in how AI systems use and learn from data Why entrepreneurs should build systems they wish existed and commit to long-term persistence This conversation highlights a fundamentally different approach to innovation—one rooted in precision, compliance, and long-term systems thinking rather than rapid iteration. Dexter Hadley presents a vision where AI becomes a trusted, governed layer within institutions, enabling more equitable and scalable healthcare solutions globally. His perspective challenges conventional startup thinking and emphasizes that meaningful, lasting impact requires patience, rigor, and a commitment to trust. To learn more about Dexter Hadley and his work, visit canonic.org or hadleylab.org.

    28 min

  3. 6D AGO

    Nathan Sweat (Royal Engineering)

    In this episode, host Jessie Warner speaks with Nathan Sweat, President of Royal Engineering, about building and sustaining a relationship-driven engineering firm and the operational discipline required to grow it. Their conversation centers on leadership, sales strategy, and creating structure within a growing business. What You’ll Learn: Why relationship-based sales remain the primary driver of growth in service-based industries How implementing structure and internal processes can stabilize a rapidly growing company The importance of consistent communication and follow-up in nurturing client relationships How transitioning from reactive to proactive sales outreach can unlock new opportunities Why word-of-mouth and referrals still outperform many modern marketing tactics in certain industries The role of leadership in creating alignment through meeting cadences and strategic planning How to approach adopting AI tools thoughtfully without rushing implementation Why sales systems—not just hiring—are critical to sustaining long-term growth This conversation highlights that long-term success in professional services comes from mastering fundamentals: strong relationships, clear processes, and consistent execution. Nathan emphasizes that growth challenges often stem from gaps in sales systems rather than capability, and that building intentional structure—both in outreach and operations—creates a more resilient and scalable business. To learn more about Nathan Sweat and his work, visit royaleng.com.

    21 min

  4. 6D AGO

    Will Dukes (FecundFig)

    In this episode, host Jessie Warner speaks with Will Dukes, founder of FecundFig, a client acquisition agency focused on helping law firms align their sales, marketing, and branding. The conversation centers on the evolution of his business, the concept of “client cultivation,” and how intentional alignment drives sustainable growth. What You’ll Learn: The difference between traditional client acquisition and “client cultivation” as a long-term growth strategy Why aligning sales, marketing, and branding is critical for professional service businesses How Will Dukes transitioned from sales training into a niche agency serving law firms The importance of clarity in messaging to attract the right clients Why many businesses struggle with disconnected internal processes—and how to fix it How focusing on relationships rather than transactions improves client quality and retention The role of intentionality and iteration in building a business over time How partnering with the right people, including family, can shape business success This conversation highlights the shift from transactional growth tactics to a more intentional, relationship-driven approach to building a business. Will Dukes emphasizes that sustainable success comes from aligning internal systems and focusing on cultivating the right clients, rather than chasing volume. His journey illustrates how clarity, adaptability, and purpose can transform both a business model and the results it produces. To learn more about Will Dukes and his work, visit fecundfig.com.

    20 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Todd Searle (Searle Management)

    In this episode, host Taylor Baker speaks with Todd Searle, co-founder of Searle Management, about building scalable businesses through data-driven marketing and content systems. Todd shares his journey from private equity to e-commerce success and ultimately to helping brands grow through strategic content. What You’ll Learn How entrepreneurial influence and early exposure to risk-taking can shape long-term business successThe importance of adapting traditional businesses (like brick-and-mortar retail) to digital channelsKey lessons from scaling an e-commerce brand from zero to eight figuresWhy content creation should be treated as a system, not a one-time creative effortThe difference between going viral once and building repeatable, scalable visibilityHow data-driven decision-making can dramatically improve marketing performanceThe role of experimentation in applying successful strategies across different industriesWhy understanding sales fundamentals remains critical, even in a content-driven world Todd Searle’s journey highlights the power of combining entrepreneurial instinct with disciplined, system-based execution. By applying structured, data-backed approaches to content and marketing, he demonstrates how businesses across industries can achieve consistent growth rather than relying on unpredictable success. His experience underscores that sustainable scaling comes from repeatable processes, not one-off wins. To learn more about Todd Searle and their work, visit searlemanagement.com.

    26 min

  6. 6D AGO

    Nick Mullikin (Nashville Ballet)

    In this episode, host Steven Bunker speaks with Nick, CEO and Artistic Director of the Nashville Ballet, about leading a cultural institution, evolving the art of ballet, and balancing artistic vision with business sustainability. The conversation explores how the organization is growing its impact while redefining the value of live performance in a digital world. What You’ll Learn How building an ecosystem—performance, education, and community outreach—drives both cultural and business impactWhy ballet is evolving through increased athleticism and contemporary storytelling while maintaining its classical foundationThe importance of adapting offerings to meet modern consumer preferences, including flexible learning and experiential entertainmentHow traditional productions like The Nutcracker continue to fuel growth and audience engagementThe challenge of balancing accessibility and pricing while maintaining high-quality live performancesWhy in-person, shared experiences are becoming more valuable in an increasingly digital worldHow AI can support operational efficiency and data insights without replacing the human element of artistic creationLeadership lessons on collaboration, humility, and empowering teams to shape outcomes rather than controlling themNick shares how the Nashville Ballet is navigating growth by staying rooted in its mission while embracing innovation in programming, audience engagement, and operational strategy. By focusing on creating meaningful, in-person cultural experiences and building a distinct local identity, the organization is positioning itself as both a community pillar and a destination brand. At the same time, Nick emphasizes that strong leadership comes from curiosity, shared vision, and the willingness to evolve alongside both the art form and the audience. To learn more about Nick and their work, visit NashvilleBallet.com.

    22 min

  7. 6D AGO

    Ellis Ishee (Black Tie Moving)

    In this episode, host Steven Bunker speaks with Ellis, President of Black Tie Moving, about building a customer-centric moving company and scaling through culture, leadership, and innovation. The conversation centers on creating a premium service experience, aligning teams with purpose, and leveraging AI to enhance operations and customer satisfaction. What You’ll Learn How a negative customer experience inspired the creation of a premium, “white glove” moving serviceWhy strong culture and clearly defined standard operating procedures are foundational to scaling a service businessThe importance of hiring, training, and aligning employees around both personal and organizational goalsHow community involvement and partnerships drive sustainable growth and brand trustWhat to look for in franchise leaders, combining executive mindset with hands-on executionHow AI can improve customer experience through faster response times, communication, and operational efficiencyWhy expanding services beyond core offerings can unlock new revenue streams and deepen customer relationshipsHow staying connected to frontline employees and customers leads to better decision-making and retention Ellis emphasizes that business success ultimately comes down to people—hiring the right individuals, developing them intentionally, and staying closely connected to both employees and customers. By combining strong culture, operational discipline, and emerging technologies like AI, leaders can create seamless customer experiences while building resilient, scalable organizations. The episode highlights the power of being present, listening actively, and continuously evolving to meet customer needs. To learn more about Ellis and their work, visit blacktimemoving.com

    21 min

  8. 6D AGO

    Beejal Shah (Launch Ventures)

    In this episode, host Taylor Baker speaks with Beejal Shah, President of North America at Launch Ventures, about her journey from software engineering to leading a global product development firm and helping startups and businesses scale through technology. The conversation centers on bridging the gap between engineering and business strategy to drive meaningful growth. What You’ll Learn How transitioning from engineering to product leadership can unlock broader business impactWhy understanding both technical and business perspectives is critical in building successful productsThe importance of aligning engineering efforts with business goals and funding milestonesHow startups can effectively scale by building the right technical team early onWhat differentiates product-focused engineering teams from traditional development teamsThe role of empathy in supporting founders and understanding their entrepreneurial journeyHow established companies can modernize legacy systems to stay competitiveWhy global, distributed teams can be a strategic advantage in scaling technology Beejal Shah highlights the value of combining deep technical expertise with a strong business mindset to help companies grow efficiently and sustainably. By focusing on product outcomes rather than just code output, Launch Ventures enables both startups and established organizations to navigate technological transformation and achieve their next stage of growth. To learn more about Beejal Shah and their work, visit launchventures.co

    22 min
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About

The Achieve Podcast is a platform where real business owners share their stories, challenges, and breakthroughs. Each episode provides authentic insights and actionable advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow and succeed in their ventures.

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  • Creator
    Achieve CMO
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    193
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Achieve CMO
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    The Achieve Podcast