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John Corcoran
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"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.

  1. 12/26/2025

    Get Found on ChatGPT and Beyond With Jason Patel

    Jason Patel is the CEO and Co-founder of Open Forge AI, a platform of AI agents that automates the entire workflow for AI search marketing, helping businesses get discovered on platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity. Under his leadership, Open Forge AI has emerged as a leading innovator, achieving profitability, rapid customer growth, and over 45,000 YouTube subscribers in four months — outpacing many venture-backed competitors.  Jason is known for his practical insights on AI search, democratized online visibility, and how businesses can compete as AI-driven discovery reshapes marketing. In this episode… As AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity reshape how people search and discover companies, many entrepreneurs are rethinking their SEO strategies." What does it really take to get found — and stay competitive in this shifting environment? Jason Patel, an AI search marketing entrepreneur and technology founder, shares hard-earned lessons from navigating this transition firsthand. Jason originally set out to support underserved students, but early setbacks prompted him to refine his strategy, which ultimately led to rapid growth and a successful exit through SEO. As AI began transforming search behavior, he pivoted once again — this time building a platform that learns each client's business and dynamically improves visibility across AI search tools, emphasizing adaptability and long-term results. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jason Patel, CEO and Co-founder of Open Forge AI, about mastering AI-first search visibility and future-proof marketing. Jason breaks down how businesses can move beyond traditional SEO, gain traction on emerging AI platforms, and capitalize on early-mover advantage. They also discuss customer-led product development, platform risks, and AI's broader impact on jobs and economic opportunity.

    41 min

  2. 12/24/2025

    Harnessing AI To Empower Blue Collar Entrepreneurs With Roland Ligtenberg

    Roland Ligtenberg is the Co-founder and SVP of Growth & Innovation at Housecall Pro, a leading vertical SaaS platform that empowers home service professionals to manage and grow their businesses more efficiently. Under Roland's leadership, Housecall Pro has scaled to serve over 100,000 home service professionals, powering tens of billions of dollars in gross merchandise volume, and pioneering the use of AI team members to streamline operations for its customers. In this episode… What if the people keeping our homes running could grow their businesses without burning out on paperwork and missed calls? And what if AI wasn't about replacing jobs, but about giving small, hands-on entrepreneurs a real edge in a world that keeps demanding more from them? According to Roland Ligtenberg, a longtime builder of technology for real-world problems, the answer lies in using AI as a set of practical teammates rather than shiny experiments. He believes blue collar business owners shouldn't have to choose between doing the work they love and managing the back office chaos that comes with growth. When AI can answer phones, track finances, and surface insights the same way a seasoned assistant would, it frees owners to focus on jobs, customers, and building wealth that lasts. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Roland Ligtenberg, Co-founder and SVP of Growth & Innovation at Housecall Pro, about harnessing AI to empower blue collar entrepreneurs. They discuss how AI "team members" help home service businesses handle more demand, why mobile-first software was critical for trades, and how technology can remove hiring bottlenecks. Roland also gives advice on building a mission-driven company that stays meaningful as it scales.

    30 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    Smart Strategies for Building Business Relationships With John Corcoran

    John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and run his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… Many professionals struggle to stand out online and build the relationships that fuel business growth, often feeling overwhelmed or plagued by impostor syndrome as they step into thought leadership. With countless tools and platforms competing for attention, it's hard to know where to focus. How can you overcome self-doubt, use modern tools effectively, and build meaningful B2B connections?  John Corcoran, a seasoned entrepreneur and relationship-building expert, faced these challenges directly by applying clear frameworks, smart technology, and a people-first mindset. Drawing on resources like Winnie Hart's The Daily Thought Leader, John shares how consistent, practical content can build credibility and quiet self-doubt. He also explains how AI note-taking tools and intentional email welcome sequences helped him boost productivity, nurture prospects, and turn casual interest into lasting professional relationships.  Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews John Corcoran about leveraging thought leadership and technology to build real B2B relationships. They discuss overcoming impostor syndrome, leveraging AI note-taking tools, and creating an effective email welcome series that nurtures leads and opens doors to new partnerships.

    15 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Connecting with Industry Influencers: Josh Levine's Guide to Entrepreneurial Networking

    Josh Levine is the Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Color More Lines, a boutique e-commerce consulting firm that helps brands accelerate growth on Amazon and Walmart by providing a white-glove, performance-based service. Under Josh's leadership, Color More Lines has scaled brands to impressive growth, leveraging a team of experienced e-commerce experts and helping clients navigate the world's leading retail platforms.  With a diverse background spanning government, technology, and entertainment, Josh has held roles at Microsoft and Disney. He is known for his growth strategy expertise and dynamic career journey, which includes working at the White House before launching successful tech ventures. He is also the Managing Partner at Growth Avenue, an advisory firm helping entrepreneurial CEOs scale smarter, exit faster, and win defining moments.  In this episode… Many professionals want to build meaningful relationships with influential leaders, but figuring out how to break through can feel overwhelming. When your career spans politics, global tech companies, and entrepreneurship, the stakes — and the lessons —mrise even higher. What does it actually take to turn unexpected challenges into long-term success and lasting connections? Josh Levine, an expert in e-commerce growth and strategic partnerships, learned this firsthand. Early experiences — from being kicked out of a baseball card convention at 13 to navigating fast-paced work in the Clinton White House — taught Josh how adaptability and genuine rapport open doors. Josh later drove major initiatives at Disney and Microsoft, including negotiating the first Google–Microsoft collaboration, before weathering the unpredictable world of Silicon Valley startups.  Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Josh Levine, Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Color More Lines, about forging meaningful industry connections. Josh also discusses navigating major career pivots, lessons from high-pressure roles, and how curiosity fuels innovation in a rapidly changing landscape.

    34 min

  5. 12/12/2025

    Managing Privacy Risks in the Era of AI and Ever-Changing Regulations With Jodi Daniels

    Jodi Daniels is the Founder and CEO of Red Clover Advisors, a boutique data privacy consultancy and one of the few certified Women's Business Enterprises focused solely on privacy. She is a Certified Informational Privacy Professional (CIPP/US) with over 20 years of experience helping a range of businesses — from solopreneurs to multinational companies — in privacy, marketing, strategy, and finance roles. She has worked with numerous companies throughout her corporate career, including Deloitte, The Home Depot, Cox Enterprises, Bank of America, and many more. Jodi is also a national keynote speaker, a member of the Forbes Business Council, and co-host of the She Said Privacy/He Said Security podcast. In this episode… AI is moving faster than most businesses can keep up, and the rush to adopt new tools often hides the very real risks lurking underneath. Companies are plugging sensitive data into platforms they barely understand, assuming privacy will simply take care of itself. But what happens when the tools meant to make our lives easier open the door to entirely new vulnerabilities? According to Jodi Daniels, a longtime authority on digital privacy, the risks aren't theoretical — they're already happening. She explains that privacy challenges usually emerge when companies collect or use data in ways people never expected. Jodi emphasizes that the real issue isn't just technology; it's whether companies are thoughtful about how data is collected, shared, and protected. Her core message is clear: in an AI-driven world, responsible data practices aren't optional — they're a competitive and ethical necessity. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, as John Corcoran interviews Jodi Daniels, Founder and CEO of Red Clover Advisors, to discuss managing privacy risks in the age of AI. They talk about the evolution of data regulation, how businesses can avoid common privacy missteps, and what companies should know before using AI tools. Jodi also provides insights on evaluating software vendors and protecting sensitive information.

    35 min

  6. 12/10/2025

    Navigating Marketing in the Age of AI With Emanuel Rose

    Emanuel Rose is the CEO of Strategic eMarketing, which helps B2B companies in IT services, SaaS, and financial services generate high-quality leads through innovative marketing strategies. With over 25 years of experience as an author, speaker, and B2B marketing strategist, Emanuel is widely recognized for his work integrating AI and automation into marketing. He explores these innovations on his podcast, Marketing in the Age of AI. In this episode… Some business eras evolve; others hit like a tidal shift — and AI-driven marketing sits squarely in the latter. Tools are advancing faster than teams can adapt, leaving many torn between excitement and overwhelm. How do you cut through the noise and navigate these rapid industry changes? According to Emanuel Rose, a veteran B2B marketing strategist and early adopter of AI in real-world marketing workflows, the path forward starts with practicality, not panic. He believes the biggest opportunity right now isn't flashy automation or massive content output — winning back time by offloading the mundane tasks that bog teams down. Emanuel explains how AI personalizes outreach, from analyzing a prospect's online presence to spotting natural conversation openings. He compares this period to the rise of social media in the early 2010s: a disruptive force that rewards those who stay one chapter ahead. For Emanuel, the real advantage goes to businesses that use AI responsibly — not those chasing trends. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Emanuel Rose, the CEO of Strategic eMarketing, to discuss how AI is reshaping modern marketing. They explore why personalization at scale is finally within reach, how to avoid the common missteps companies make with AI-driven outreach, and what generative search means for the future of SEO. Emanuel also shares his approach to blending automation with authentic human connection.

    31 min

  7. 12/05/2025

    Reinventing Success: From Athlete to CEO Community With Matt Sharrers

    Matt Sharrers is the Managing Partner of ETJ Advisory and Founder of ETJ Life, a private, invitation-only community that supports CEOs backed by private equity in navigating leadership transitions and building fulfilling lives. As the former CEO of SBI, Matt helped scale the company and guided it through multiple successful exits, while his current ventures draw on decades of executive leadership and board advisory experience.  A former professional hockey player who represented Canada at the national level, Matt is passionate about helping both elite athletes and business leaders achieve their highest potential. His work and recent book, The Second CEO, focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by CEOs in high-pressure, private-equity-backed environments. In this episode… The path to reinvention is rarely linear, especially when shifting from elite athletics to corporate leadership and then to entrepreneurship. Many high performers struggle to release old identities while stepping into roles that demand new skills, new mindsets, and deeper purpose. What does it really take to navigate such dramatic transitions, and how can you redefine success without losing yourself? Matt Sharrers, an expert in executive leadership and CEO advisory, shares how he progressed from professional hockey to corporate sales and ultimately to building a respected advisory practice and CEO community. Matt explains how shedding his athletic identity taught him resilience, why stepping in after a charismatic founder required deliberate, disciplined leadership, and how professionalizing a fast-growing organization prepared him for future transitions. Through stories and lessons learned, Matt demonstrates that reinvention thrives on ongoing reflection, courage, and an unwavering commitment to meaningful impact. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Matt Sharrers, Managing Partner of ETJ Advisory and Founder of ETJ Life, about navigating major career reinventions. Matt shares insights on scaling as a second CEO, building communities for high achievers, and designing a life anchored in purpose.

    34 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Building Trust and Engagement Through Public Infrastructure Communication With Jennifer McPherson

    Jennifer McPherson is the President of Chickenango Marketing Solutions. The company specializes in public outreach and marketing for government agencies, and branding, design, and proposal writing for the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sector. Jennifer started her company at age 46 after gaining 27 years of experience in the AEC industry, and she is now launching Chickenango University, an educational program aimed at enhancing marketing and business development skills in the AEC space. In this episode… It is easy to take public infrastructure for granted — until a new project appears in your neighborhood and suddenly changes your daily rhythm. People want to understand what is happening, why it matters, and how it affects their lives, yet updates are often buried in technical language or arrive far too late. How can agencies and contractors communicate these massive, complex projects in a way that builds trust rather than frustration? According to Jennifer McPherson, a veteran communicator in the infrastructure world, the answer starts with meeting people where they are — literally. She explains that effective engagement hinges on clear, human conversation rather than engineering jargon. Instead of expecting residents to attend formal meetings, her team shows up in the places where real life happens: ice cream shops, street festivals, school events, even sidewalks along busy corridors. These moments create space for honest feedback, especially when tensions run high. And when people feel heard, Jennifer says, they become more open to the bigger picture and the long-term benefits behind the disruption. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jennifer McPherson, President of Chickenango Marketing Solutions, to discuss how to build trust and engagement through public infrastructure communication. They explore the shift from traditional public meetings to creative pop-up outreach, how to translate engineering language into something the public can actually understand, and why active listening matters more than polished messaging.

    27 min
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4.7
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210 Ratings

About

"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.

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