The Business of You with Rachel Gogos

Rachel Gogos
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Welcome to The Business of You Podcast, where we explore how to build a brand that truly reflects who you are and amplifies your influence in the digital world. Hosted by Rachel Gogos, this podcast brings you insightful conversations with humble entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and industry experts who have built highly profitable businesses. Each episode delves into their journeys, sharing the strategies, challenges, and lessons that led them to create the businesses that make a massive impact. Whether you're just beginning to amplify your online presence or you're an established entrepreneur looking to refine your brand, this podcast will give you the practical tools and inspiration you need to take your business to the next level. From personal branding and online presence to leadership and marketing strategies, we cover it all. To learn more about each episode, and the resources mentioned, check out: https://thebrandid.com/the-business-of-you-podcast/

  1. 261 | Building Toward a Profitable Exit with Marvin Karlow

    3D AGO

    261 | Building Toward a Profitable Exit with Marvin Karlow

    Are you building a business, or just a job with your name on it? For many founders, selling their company is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Yet when the time comes, they're unprepared — financially, structurally, and emotionally. They're burned out. Or worse, they're forced into a decision that should have been strategic. In this episode, we discuss what it really takes to sell a business well — and why preparing for an exit starts years before you ever list it. Marvin Karlow is a licensed investment banker and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisor at Raincatcher who has spent his career on both sides of the deal table. A former C-suite executive at LexisNexis, ChoicePoint, JPMorgan Chase, and Texas Instruments, Marvin later bought, grew, and exited his own manufacturing business — including a carve-out that was acquired by a publicly traded company. Over the past two years alone, he has helped founders achieve more than $25 million in successful exits. In this episode, Marvin breaks down how to prepare your business for maximum value, reduce stress during the sale process, and exit on your terms — not someone else's. Build a Business Buyers Compete For The biggest mistake founders make? Waiting until they're burned out to sell. Burnout often signals declining financial or operational performance, and buyers notice that. Marvin explains that the right time to sell isn't when you have to — it's when you're profitable, growing, and emotionally ready. Three foundational factors dramatically impact valuation: Profitability (non-negotiable) Clean, organized financials Minimal owner reliance Owner reliance is a deal killer. If every decision runs through you, if key client relationships depend solely on your personal history — buyers aren't purchasing a scalable business. They're buying a job. And that lowers value. The goal? Become the strategist behind your business. Run a Process — Don't Just List Your Business Many founders unknowingly leave money on the table because their representation "lists and waits." Marvin's philosophy is different: create a competitive environment. He compares it to selling a house. You don't just put it on MLS and hope. You stage it. Market it strategically. Create urgency. Invite multiple serious buyers. Set deadlines. Generate offers. Negotiate upward. That same disciplined process applies in M&A. Competition drives value. When buyers know others are at the table, offers improve — not just on price, but on terms. Every business owner exits eventually. You can exit on your terms, under your own power — or not. Preparing early allows you to strengthen financial reporting, reduce owner dependence, and make other improvements that boost value years later. Enjoy this episode with Marvin Karlow… Soundbytes 06:02 - 06:17 "For a lot of business owners, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, because you started the business when you were 17 or 22 or whatever, and you ran it for 20 or 30 or 40 years. And now your reason for exiting is that you'd like to retire, or you'd like to spend more time with the grandkids, or whatever it is. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. And you definitely want to get it right. This is not the thing to get wrong in life." 36:57 - 37:15 "Every business owner exits eventually. You're going to exit your business at some point. You can do it on your terms under your own power — or not. I suggest your own terms and your own power, and having conversations with somebody like me will help that." Quotes "If you're working 60 hours a week in your business and every decision runs through you, it's going to be pretty difficult to sell." "The number one tactic is to be profitable." "There's a buyer for almost every business. The question is valuation." "The only way to know you got the best deal is to have multiple offers." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Connect with Marvin Karlow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvinkarlow/ Email: marvin.karlow@raincatcher.com Website: https://raincatcher.com/ Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

    38 min
  2. 260 | Why Your Marketing Isn't Working Anymore (and How to Fix It) with Karen Hayward

    MAR 3

    260 | Why Your Marketing Isn't Working Anymore (and How to Fix It) with Karen Hayward

    What if the reason your marketing "isn't working" these days isn't your team — but your strategy? In today's environment, buyers are changing faster than most companies can keep up. Sales teams are frustrated. Leads are down. And what used to work suddenly doesn't. The real issue? Most organizations are still operating with outdated assumptions about how to turn their prospects into customers. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Karen Hayward, Managing Partner & CMO at Chief Outsiders and author of Stop Random Acts of Marketing, to unpack what modern growth really requires — and why CEOs must reclaim ownership of it. Karen brings more than 20 years of experience advising Fortune 1,000 and mid-market companies. At Chief Outsiders, she leads a team of 40-plus CMOs and CSOs, helping organizations align sales and marketing around the voice of the customer to accelerate revenue. She's a Vistage and TEC-certified speaker, guest lecturer, and trusted advisor to CEOs and private equity leaders ready to build growth engines in today's marketplace. In this episode, Karen breaks down how to replace marketing chaos with a disciplined strategy. The Modern Buyer Has Changed — Has Your Strategy? Today's landscape paints a generationally different picture of consumer behavior than the one many of us grew up with. Nearly 65% of B2B buyers are now Millennials or Gen Z. They research independently. They distrust early sales engagement. They want rep-free or digital-first buying experiences. And increasingly, they're discovering companies through AI platforms. If your growth engine still relies on cold outreach and traditional sales funnels, you're misaligned with how today's customers actually want to buy. Karen explains that marketing now owns the majority of the funnel. Her advice? Start with the voice of the customer. Interview recent wins and losses. Identify what customers truly value — not what you assume they value. Then align positioning, messaging, and sales enablement around that insight. From Random Acts to Real Results One of the most common mistakes Karen sees? Companies executing disconnected tactics without a cohesive strategy. Instead, she urges leaders to focus on three foundational pillars: Deep customer insight Clear competitive positioning Honest understanding of company strengths Only then should you invest in acquisition. Karen also shares tactical wins leaders can implement immediately: Record discovery calls and use AI to tighten proposal alignment Run an AEO grader report to evaluate how AI platforms see your business Build robust FAQ content based on real buyer questions The throughline? Discipline over randomness. Marketing remains full of engagement metrics and busy dashboards, but true success relies on measurable growth. Enjoy this episode with Karen Hayward… Soundbytes 09:21 – 09:32 "About 65%-plus of B2B buyers today are millennial or Gen Z. And they buy drastically differently than baby boomers do." 37:46 – 38:30 "By the time the salesperson gets engaged, you have very little time to build trust. So how do you coach yourself to get better on the at-bats that you have given how little time you have? So the one thing I would do with the sales team, or with BD people, or with founders, or with you — if you're talking to clients — is I would record the initial conversation with the client and understand what their needs are. I would record that. And then I would send a follow-up email to them with a summary of what they said, and I'd ask them to correct me." Quotes "Marketing now owns most of the sales and marketing funnel." "Stop doing random acts of marketing and hoping something works." "You can't rely on your sales force to tell you why you're winning and losing." "Open the door and ask about them first." "Engagement doesn't pay payroll." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.chiefoutsiders.com/profile/karen-hayward Phone: 650-823-4292 Connect with Karen Hayward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenhaywardcmo/ Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

    45 min
  3. 259 | Trust is Currency in an AI World with Dave Behar

    FEB 24

    259 | Trust is Currency in an AI World with Dave Behar

    In a landscape overflowing with algorithms, automation, and the chase for followers, it's easy to lose sight of what actually builds trust, credibility, and influence that endures. In this episode of The Business of You, we explore what it really means to build a personal and business brand rooted in identity, integrity, and community — and why visibility alone is never the goal. Dave Behar is the founder, CEO, and self-proclaimed Chief Executive Athlete of ION — The Network of Champions — a global media and brand platform redefining how people increase their influence and scale their business. A two-time Amazon best-selling co-author on leadership and entrepreneurship, Dave brings decades of experience across technology, entertainment, and brand architecture, helping founders, executives, and creators turn ideas into scalable, story-driven ecosystems. In this episode, Dave breaks down how to build a brand that lasts, how to think differently about influence and scale, and how to grow without sacrificing your humanity. Why Everyone Is a Personal Brand Now Dave believes the question isn't whether you have a personal brand — it's whether you're 259 about it. In today's connected world, everyone is already a network. Your reputation, values, and identity are shaping how others experience you, whether you're consciously building a brand or not. So it's better to take control of your brand identity, and not leave it up to circumstances or fleeting interactions. Rather than chasing vanity metrics or viral moments, Dave emphasizes building a brand ecosystem — one rooted in credibility, clarity, and community. He explains why you don't need millions of followers to succeed, and how smaller, aligned audiences often create greater impact and opportunity. At the core of his philosophy is "ionfluence" — influence grounded in authenticity, intelligence, and integrity. It's not about being everywhere; it's being intentional about where and how you show up. Integrity, AI, and the Future of Influence As AI reshapes content creation and distribution, Dave offers a grounded, people-first perspective. While he embraces innovation, he draws a clear line between efficiency and authenticity — warning against brands that outsource their identity to automation. He shares why championing human intelligence matters more than ever, and how leaders must protect their intellectual property, personal identity, and digital footprint as technology evolves. For Dave, the future of branding isn't about replacing humans — it's about empowering them with better tools while remaining authentic to their wonderfully unique selves. Ultimately, influence isn't built through shortcuts. It's built through trust, consistency, and a clear sense of who you are and what you stand for. Enjoy this episode with Dave Behar… Soundbytes 04:03 – 04:18 "Everyone today is a network. Everyone has a brand, a personal brand. If they don't, they're going to. And that relates to – you could say in the social media spectrum – whether it be somebody who's intentionally doing content or has a product, etc." 18:16 – 18:54 "We want you to have a toolbox. We're very interested in being a purveyor of a toolbox to help you succeed. But the challenge is the reliability of it and those things, as you know. Do you know what AI is really doing, whether it be something that you have sort of adopted and built or on someone else's platform? So it's not a matter of not championing the use of AI. In our case, it's more efficient. It's helping people to get where they want to go, but not impeding them." Quotes "Everyone today is a network — whether they realize it or not." "You don't need millions of followers to succeed. You need integrity, clarity, and purpose." "You've got to be real. Authenticity will always outperform automation." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.ions.com Email: dave.behar@gmail.com Connect with Dave Behar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebehar Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

    34 min
  4. 258 | How to Sell Without Convincing with Christine Williams

    FEB 17

    258 | How to Sell Without Convincing with Christine Williams

    Have you ever felt like building your business required you to do things you don't believe in or become someone you're not? What if the real issue isn't your strategy, but the fact that your brand isn't fully aligned with who you are? In this episode of The Business of You, Rachel sits down with Christine Williams to unpack why alignment is the foundation of sustainable success and how to make personal branding the effortless routine it should be, not the soul-selling chore it's devolved into. Christine Williams is a seven-figure entrepreneur, bestselling author, and Forbes Coaches Council member who mentors women coaches and holistic entrepreneurs to grow businesses rooted in clarity, values, and identity-led leadership. She's built and scaled multiple businesses from scratch while raising a family of five — and her work challenges nearly every outdated rule about marketing and sales. In this episode, Christine breaks down how to build a brand without sacrificing yourself, why marketing should feel relational instead of transactional, and how her six-step Soulful Abundance System creates growth you can feel good about. Identity First, Strategy Second Christine believes the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make is jumping straight to tactics without defining and articulating their identity. Before funnels, offers, or visibility, she starts with the inner game — getting your mindset, confidence, and energy into alignment. When entrepreneurs believe in their value and trust their process, execution becomes easier and results follow faster. Without that foundation, even the best strategy falls flat. Alignment isn't a mindset buzzword — it's the multiplier behind every business decision. She explains why sustainable growth comes from choosing how you want to show up each day instead of reacting to the market, trends, or external pressure. Soulful Sales, Not Pushy Marketing Christine reframes sales as a service-driven process built on attraction, nurture, and invitation — not persuasion. Rather than dragging strangers into offers, she teaches entrepreneurs to create pathways that allow relationships to form naturally. Her "front porch" analogy paints a powerful picture: your job isn't to chase people down, but to create a welcoming space where the right clients feel safe, seen, and ready to step forward. By the time someone is invited to work with you, they're already pre-qualified — which removes pressure, resistance, and burnout from the sales process altogether. Enjoy this episode with Christine Williams… Soundbytes 05:49 - 06:44 "The things they did teach me while I was going through coaching school was, 'OK, this is how you get a client. You're just going to book a whole bunch of discovery sessions and sell them your package.' So it was basically trying to take a stranger into a buyer, which never felt good to me. It always felt like I was offering a free coaching session, but really the intention was, I'm trying to make a sale. It felt really out of alignment for me. I would sit and cross my fingers and hope, 'Maybe they won't show up for the call.' I just did not like to try to overcome somebody's objections. It felt like I had to be so convincing. I had to convince them. I had to persuade them. I had to drag them across the finish line to get them to say, 'Yes.' And I just decided that I wasn't going to do that anymore. So I stopped. I decided to figure out a different way, which was based on building relationships." 29:45 - 30:21 "Our inner game is like the foundation. It's the foundation of all the steps I'm talking about. Even though I start with it as step 1, it gets interwoven through everything, because if we're not feeling confident in showing up and being in front of people to create visibility, then that's going to be a block. If we're not reaching out to somebody who just joined our Facebook group, that's going to be a block. If we don't have a positive mindset and we're worried about bothering somebody or annoying somebody so that we never make invitations, that's going to be a block. So the inner game, I really think it's 80% of our work." Quotes "Personal brand isn't a performance — it's the foundation." "There is no convincing or persuading when alignment is present." "When selling becomes service, pressure disappears." "You don't scale by doing more — you scale by becoming more aligned." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://shineabundancenow.com Connect with Christine Williams on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinewilliamscoaching Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

    35 min
  5. 257 | The Credential That Builds Instant Credibility with Tyler Wagner

    FEB 10

    257 | The Credential That Builds Instant Credibility with Tyler Wagner

    Have you ever wondered why some entrepreneurs seem to command instant credibility — before they ever pitch a product or service? Or why certain names carry weight the moment they enter a room? In today's digital-first world, authority is built by owning your ideas. And few people understand that better than Tyler Wagner. Tyler Wagner is a No. 1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and investor who has built multiple eight-figure businesses through systems, strategic partnerships, and long-term brand thinking. As the Founder and CEO of Authors Unite, Tyler has helped more than 4,000 authors publish, position, and market their books — supporting millions of copies sold and bestseller placements across every major platform. In this episode, Tyler breaks down how books become brand assets, why partnerships outperform ads, and how owning your intellectual property can scale your business for a lifetime. From College Dropout to Bestselling Author Tyler's entrepreneurial journey didn't start with a perfectly mapped plan — it started with a book. After reading The 4-Hour Workweek in college, Tyler made the bold decision to drop out and pursue entrepreneurship full time. Instead of classrooms, he invested in conferences, relationships, and real-world experience — even volunteering at events just to get in the room. That experience led him to write his first book, Conference Crushing, which unexpectedly hit No. 1 on Amazon. What followed was a realization that would shape his career: people weren't just interested in the book — they wanted the credibility that came with it. That insight became the foundation of Authors Unite. Today, Tyler helps entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders turn their expertise into books that drive authority, visibility, and scalable business growth. Why Partnerships Beat Paid Ads Every Time While many businesses obsess over funnels and ad spend, Tyler built his companies almost entirely through relationships. Authors Unite has grown through thousands of strategic partnerships — without relying on unpredictable ad platforms. By focusing on relational marketing, referral ecosystems, and aligned collaborations, Tyler created a model where trust transfers faster, sales cycles shorten, and growth compounds over time. His approach proves that relationships — not algorithms — remain the most powerful growth lever in business. The result? Sustainable scale, consistent leads, and a brand that grows stronger with every connection. Enjoy this episode with Tyler Wagner… Soundbytes 03:19 – 04:08 "I feel like school is always giving you the statistics of nine out of 10 businesses failing and things like that. It puts fear in you: 'I could never do this.' Either way, I knew I always wanted to, but I felt the odds were against me. After reading [The 4-Hour Workweek], I felt like the odds were on my side for some reason. Before two weeks had ended, I set up a meeting with my school counselor. 'Do we have an entrepreneurship major?' They said, 'We don't, but we have a management major.' I said, 'No, that's not good enough for me. That's not what I'm looking for.' So I literally dropped out of school two weeks after reading that book." 26:32 – 26:46 "Becoming a bestselling author is the No. 1 thing, because the biggest people in all industries that are that, are putting that first. To me, that's what's benefited me the most, because I put that on all my socials. It also shows that I practice what I preach, too." Quotes "A book isn't just a product — it's a personal brand asset." "Relationships will always outperform ads in the long run." "Authority comes from owning your ideas, not renting attention." "The biggest brands lead with credibility before they ever sell." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://authorsunite.com Connect with Tyler Wagner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerbwagner/ Connect with Tyler Wagner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylerbwagner/ Connect with Tyler Wagner on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tyler.b.wagner.1/ Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

    33 min
  6. 256 | The Hidden Beliefs Holding You Back from Growth with Eli Bowman

    FEB 3

    256 | The Hidden Beliefs Holding You Back from Growth with Eli Bowman

    What if the reason you haven't reached your next level isn't strategy — but subconscious programming?  So many driven leaders do "all the right things," yet still feel stuck, unfulfilled, or disconnected from their purpose. The missing piece often lives beneath the surface. In this episode of The Business of You, we explore the powerful relationship between mindset, purpose, and success — and how rewriting the mental scripts formed early in life can radically change both your business and your personal fulfillment. Eli Bowman is a top-selling author, certified Aspire Tour Speaker, and 7-figure entrepreneur who scaled a startup to a multimillion-dollar valuation after transforming his own internal programming. As a certified expert in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Eli helps leaders identify unconscious beliefs and replace them with empowering frameworks rooted in authenticity and intention. In this episode, Eli breaks down how subconscious conditioning shapes outcomes, how to move through deconstruction without getting stuck, and how you can begin rewriting your own program. Understanding the Programs That Run Your Life Eli explains how our earliest experiences shape unconscious beliefs that quietly dictate our decisions, behaviors, and tolerance for risk. From birth through early childhood, the brain is highly impressionable — absorbing messages about safety, success, and self-worth that often remain unexamined well into adulthood. For entrepreneurs and leaders, these hidden programs can show up as fear of failure, chronic self-doubt, or resistance to growth. By developing awareness and learning to observe these patterns without judgment, leaders gain the power to choose differently — rather than repeating inherited scripts. Through neuro-linguistic programming, Eli shows how becoming conscious of these internal patterns is the first step toward reclaiming agency and building a future aligned with who you truly are. The Path of Purpose: From Deconstruction to Impact Eli introduces his framework, The Path of Purpose, guiding listeners through four stages: conformity, deconstruction, enlightenment, and impact. While deconstruction can feel uncomfortable — even painful — Eli reframes it as a necessary foundation for authenticity and lasting fulfillment. Rather than identifying with being "broken" or perpetually healing, Eli encourages completion — acknowledging past conditioning, releasing it, and consciously choosing new beliefs. This shift allows leaders to move forward with clarity, confidence, and creative energy. When purpose becomes clear, impact naturally follows. Eli's journey shows that fulfillment isn't found by chasing success — it's found by aligning internal truth with external action. Enjoy this episode with Eli Bowman… Soundbytes 15:28 – 15:56 "In order to really shed borrowed values, we have to go through a deconstruction period where we take everything apart. This can be really painful. This could look like rock bottom. It could look like despair. No one wants to experience that, but sometimes rock bottom isn't a place where you arrive — it's a foundation upon which you can build. For me, rock bottom was necessary." 35:48 – 36:35 "We create as we speak. Here's the framework I would give someone. The self-talk that we participate in must be positive, uplifting, hopeful, edifying, and creative — not destructive, not critical of ourselves. The way we talk about ourselves to ourselves is so powerful and it directly affects our day-to-day life. We say the words, or think them, to ourselves. Our unconscious mind retains that. And our unconscious mind is responsible for the patterns we live, day to day." Quotes "Rock bottom isn't where you end — it's where you rebuild." "We create as we speak." "Borrowed beliefs will always limit authentic success." "Your purpose is found when you choose who you are — not who you were told to be." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://elibowman.com/ Connect with Eli Bowman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elibowman Facebook: https://facebook.com/eliotbowman Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/elibowman Instagram: https://instagram.com/eli.bowman Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

    41 min
  7. 255 | The Hidden Cost of Growth and How Smart Leaders Fix It with Megan Crabtree

    JAN 27

    255 | The Hidden Cost of Growth and How Smart Leaders Fix It with Megan Crabtree

    Behind every growth problem is a lack of structure. Many businesses scale fast, only to realize they've outgrown their systems, their teams, and sometimes even themselves. The result? Burnout, chaos, and missed opportunities are hiding in plain sight. In this episode of The Business of You, we explore what it really takes to grow a business with intention — learning from someone who survived the burnout and chaos caused by the hidden traps of growth for growth's sake. This conversation is about leadership that balances people and performance, and why data without heart (or heart without data) will only take you so far. Megan Crabtree is the Founder and CEO of Crabtree Advisory, a consulting firm trusted by some of the most recognized jewelry retailers and manufacturers in North America. With decades of experience across retail, manufacturing, and wholesale, Megan brings a rare, 360-degree perspective to scaling businesses, building teams, and modernizing operations. In this episode, Megan breaks down how structure fuels sustainable growth, why people-first leadership drives profitability, and how business owners can scale without sacrificing culture or balance. Building Structure That Supports Growth One of the biggest challenges Megan sees across jewelry retailers and manufacturers is a lack of operational structure. Many companies experience explosive growth but don't have the systems, reporting, or processes to support it.  Without SOPs, accountability frameworks, and clear data, growth can quickly become expensive and inefficient. Megan shares how her team helps businesses implement structure that saves time, reduces waste, and creates clarity across departments. From reporting and data analysis to process documentation, these systems allow leaders to make better decisions — faster — while empowering teams to perform at a higher level. The result includes stronger numbers, confidence, consistency, and a foundation that allows companies to grow without constantly putting out fires. Leading with Heart — Without Burning Out After years of working 90-hour weeks in high-pressure retail environments, Megan reached a turning point. Today, she's intentional about balance — for herself, her team, and her clients. Her philosophy is simple: results matter, but how you get there matters more. Megan talks about building a culture rooted in trust, flexibility, and genuine care for people's lives outside of work. That people-first approach extends into her client relationships, where long-term partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and real connection. By focusing on clarity, consistency, and confidence, Megan proves that you don't need endless growth to build a successful business — just the right growth, supported by the right systems and leadership. Enjoy this episode with Megan Crabtree… Soundbytes 03:50 – 04:22 "Everyone thought I was crazy moving to Manhattan to go wholesale when all my success was retail. I was the vice president of a manufacturer that sold to the better independents. After eight months when I grew the business by 70%, I realized I'm really good at this side of the business, too. It made sense to start a consulting firm because I had a 360 view, hands on my entire life. I had never worked another job other than jewelry." 23:44 – 24:21 "We had one instance with a retail client where we segmented out the people that had purchased engagement rings and the people that had not purchased wedding bands and sent out customized, personalized mailers, that made sense to their buying history. Here's what we're recommending. And we got a 35% return rate, which on a mail piece is nearly impossible. So the proof is in the pudding. There's no doubt, but you just have to put in the work and organize the data and segment the data to make sense."  Quotes "Success today requires both heart and hard data." "I don't want to grow for the sake of growing — I want to stay passionate about what we do." "Structure gives you freedom, not restriction." "Data should guide your decisions, not overwhelm them." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://www.crabtreeadvisory.com/ Connect with Megan Crabtree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-crabtree/ Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

    33 min
  8. 254 | How Accountability Creates Freedom in Business and Life with Robert Hunt

    JAN 20

    254 | How Accountability Creates Freedom in Business and Life with Robert Hunt

    What if the thing you're avoiding is the very thing holding you back? Accountability often gets a bad reputation — as pressure, control, or punishment. But what if accountability is actually the key to freedom, clarity, and sustainable success? In this episode, we explore why so many leaders feel stuck even though they "know what to do," and how ownership — not excuses — is what creates real momentum. Robert Hunt is the founder of REF Dallas, a CEO peer group and leadership platform he's grown since 2013. Known as "The Accountability Guy," Robert helps leaders reclaim ownership of their time, mindset, and results through peer groups, executive coaching, and purpose-driven leadership. In this conversation, Robert shares his journey into entrepreneurship, why accountability became the foundation of his work, and how leaders can break free from victim thinking to lead with clarity, integrity, and purpose. From Frustration to Purpose-Driven Leadership Robert's path to entrepreneurship wasn't planned. After years of leading marketing and sales teams, he grew frustrated watching organizations talk about values without living them out. That frustration pushed him to start REF Dallas — not to build another business, but to create a space where CEOs could be real, vulnerable, and accountable without fear or agendas. What started as a leap of faith became a long-standing community where leaders stay for years. Robert explains why safe environments matter for growth, how peer groups create clarity, and why accountability only works when leaders actually want it. Why Accountability Is the Real Power Move At the heart of Robert's philosophy is a simple truth: you can't hold anyone accountable — they have to choose it. He breaks down the four traps that keep leaders stuck — blame, excuses, "I can't," and waiting — and explains how accountability shifts leaders from victimhood into ownership. When leaders model accountability themselves, they create cultures where people want to rise rather than hide. Robert also shares how defining your purpose, understanding your values, and owning your choices creates freedom not just in business, but in relationships, finances, and life. Enjoy this episode with Robert Hunt… Soundbytes 08:18 – 08:26 "The reality is nobody can hold anyone accountable. You can create an environment, you can try to create an environment where they want to be accountable, but it's totally up to them." 26:03  – 26:10 "So we wanted to help people understand there's real power in freedom and accountability. It's not a threat. It's not a bad thing. You want to be accountable. It's freedom." Quotes "When you own something, you gain the power to change it. When you don't own it, you're a victim of the circumstances." "Responsible is doing something. Accountable is owning it. And accountable is proactive." "Nobody wants to be a victim. When you own something, you gain the power to change it." "I think people think they're being accountable, but they're really just being responsible. And that's a very different thing." Links mentioned in this episode From Our Guest Website: https://refdallas.com/ Book: https://nobodycaresbook.com/ Connect with Robert Hunt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthuntceo/ Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

    37 min
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Welcome to The Business of You Podcast, where we explore how to build a brand that truly reflects who you are and amplifies your influence in the digital world. Hosted by Rachel Gogos, this podcast brings you insightful conversations with humble entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and industry experts who have built highly profitable businesses. Each episode delves into their journeys, sharing the strategies, challenges, and lessons that led them to create the businesses that make a massive impact. Whether you're just beginning to amplify your online presence or you're an established entrepreneur looking to refine your brand, this podcast will give you the practical tools and inspiration you need to take your business to the next level. From personal branding and online presence to leadership and marketing strategies, we cover it all. To learn more about each episode, and the resources mentioned, check out: https://thebrandid.com/the-business-of-you-podcast/

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