In this episode, we explore the profound impact of stress on entrepreneurs and leaders, featuring Elle Ingalls, creator of the Pressure Free Method. Elle shares her journey from a symphony conductor to a performance coach, detailing the toll stress takes on health and decision-making. She discusses the signs of stress, the development of her method, and practical tools for managing stress effectively. The conversation also delves into the challenges of scaling her business and the future of optimal psychology in helping individuals achieve better mental health and performance.

What listeners will learn:

1. How to recognize the hidden signs of stress that quietly undermine performance, health, and decision-making.
2. Why high-performing entrepreneurs are especially vulnerable to stress—and how it shows up in daily work and life.
3. The core principles behind the *Pressure Free Method* and how it was shaped by real-world experience and research.
4. Simple, practical tools to interrupt the stress response in the moment, before it escalates.
5. How effective stress management can dramatically improve both professional results and personal relationships.
6. What it takes to build resilience and adaptability when creating a business in the stress and performance space.
7. How the future of psychology is shifting toward optimal performance—and what that means for growth, leadership, and wellbeing.

Connect with Elle via https://www.linkedin.com/in/pressurefreeliving/

In this episode, Sam Stark, a climate tech founder, shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing his passion for sustainability, the challenges of raising capital, and the strategic decisions that led to the successful growth of his company. He emphasizes the importance of pivoting in response to market changes, the unique structure of his acquisition, and the integration of AI into their product offerings. Sam also reflects on the evolving role of a CEO in a growing startup and the future vision for his company.

What listeners will learn:

1. Why selling a company early can be a strategic move to gain capital, stability, and long-term leverage.
2. How to identify and validate a real market gap - using supply chain emissions as a case study.
3. The realities of raising capital, including why it’s difficult and when it becomes essential for scaling.
4. Why landing the first customer is a defining milestone that changes credibility, confidence, and momentum.
5. How to think about M&A interest early on, when to resist it, and when to structure a deal that preserves autonomy.
6. The importance of differentiation in crowded markets and how strategic pivots can unlock growth.
7. How the CEO role evolves as a company scales - and why AI integration is becoming critical to future product strategy.

Connect with Sam via https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-stark-818616104/

In this conversation, Jeff Helfgott, CEO of Boardroom Salon for Men, shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of values-driven leadership, navigating challenges post-COVID, and the success of a membership model in the upscale men's grooming industry. He discusses the strategic shift towards franchising as a growth strategy and outlines his vision for the next three years, focusing on building relationships and investing in franchise partners.

What listeners will learn:

How to turn stated values into visible leadership behaviors that teams actually experience.
Why a win-as-one team mindset is essential for sustainable growth and culture.
Key lessons from the salon industry’s post-COVID challenges and how to reduce churn.
How membership models can dramatically improve retention and stability.
Why strong relationships with your team are the foundation for lowering turnover.
How franchising can unlock entrepreneurial energy while strengthening community impact.
The power of listening to both clients and team members to continuously improve services.

Connect with Jeff via https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffhelfgott/

In this conversation, Shauna Sweeney, founder and CEO of TenderCare, shares her journey from working in tech at Facebook to addressing the challenges of elder care. She discusses her personal experiences with caregiving, the transition to entrepreneurship, and the importance of building a mission-driven company. Shawna highlights the challenges faced in the elder care industry, the pivot towards emergency preparedness, and the creation of a community marketplace for caregivers. She also reflects on the impact of AI on entrepreneurship and shares her vision for the future of TenderCare, aiming to revolutionize how families navigate aging and caregiving.

What listeners will learn:

1. How a personal caregiving experience can spark a mission-driven business, inspired by Shawna’s journey into elder care.
2. Why the elder care industry remains fragmented, outdated, and ripe for innovation.
3. The risks and mindset shifts involved in transitioning from a tech career to entrepreneurship.
4. How to build a strong early team by prioritizing cultural alignment and shared purpose.
5. The challenges of developing products in complex, fragmented industries—and how to navigate them.
6. How emergency preparedness and community marketplaces can significantly improve elder care outcomes.
7. Why the future of aging lies in proactive planning, enabled by AI, and rooted in confidence rather than fear.

Connect with Shauna via https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunas/

In this conversation, Dean Dovolis, founder and CEO of DJR Architecture, shares his journey of establishing a successful architecture firm rooted in community development. He discusses the importance of location, innovative approaches to urban agriculture, and the challenges of expanding from a local to a national footprint. Dean emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and the significance of building a self-perpetuating business through effective leadership and succession planning.

What listeners will learn:

How choosing the right neighborhood can play a critical role in a firm’s long-term growth and impact.

Why deep community engagement leads to more innovative, sustainable, and meaningful projects.

The value of learning directly from local communities to overcome challenges in architecture and development.

How trust, respect, and honoring community voices strengthen business relationships and outcomes.

The ways urban agriculture can revitalize neighborhoods while improving access to local food.

How modular construction can help address labor shortages and housing demands.

Why succession planning and multidimensional talent are essential for building a resilient, future-ready firm.

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-dovolis-aia-1731487/

In this conversation, Alex breaks down why effective teams aren’t built by processes alone - but by intentionally mapping the people doing the work. He explains how clear roles, consistent performance, and disciplined structure create efficient systems that still allow for collaboration and flexibility.

What you’ll learn:

Why mapping people is just as important as mapping processes

How individual performance impacts overall system efficiency

The role of structure in helping teams function smoothly

Why mission clarity is essential for alignment and execution

How clearly defined roles improve accountability

The balance between discipline and flexibility in teams

What strong leadership looks like when authority and collaboration coexist

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderallen1/

The conversation delves into strategic planning for business growth, focusing on setting ambitious targets and preparing for leadership transitions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of succession planning and risk management to ensure the company's stability and continuity.

What Listeners Will Learn :

How setting bold, measurable targets—like reaching $130M by 2028—drives organizational focus and momentum.

Why effective strategic planning must include clear timelines and long-term vision.

The importance of preparing for leadership transitions, especially when a founder or key executive plans to retire.

How succession planning strengthens stability by ensuring every top manager has a capable second-in-command.

Ways to de-risk the organization by planning for unexpected leadership gaps at all management levels.

Why leadership development and building a strong bench are essential for sustaining growth.

How company culture evolves when teams are aligned around shared goals and future readiness.

Connect with Mario on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-smith-4475b32a/

In this conversation, Simon Kay, CEO of Jaguar Freight, discusses the challenges and strategies in the logistics industry, particularly in the context of recent global disruptions. He emphasizes the importance of a resilient company culture, customer centricity, and the ability to adapt to changing trade environments. Simon shares insights on learning from setbacks, the significance of technology and AI in enhancing business operations, and his vision for the future of Jaguar Freight.

Takeaways

International trade is crucial but often overlooked.
COVID-19 brought supply chain issues to the forefront.
A strong company culture is essential for success.
Hiring for attitude and training for skill is key.
Listening to customers is vital for business growth.
Problem-solving is a core competency in logistics.
Diversification can strengthen a business after setbacks.
Maintaining strong client relationships ensures longevity.
Technology and AI can enhance operational efficiency.
Planning for the future is essential for sustained growth.

Connect with Simon on https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonmkaye/