Marc Daniels returns to Your Business, Your Next Level to continue the conversation on strategy, execution, and why most business owners are tracking the wrong numbers. In this episode, Marc breaks down the critical difference between leading and lagging KPIs, explaining why revenue is just the scoreboard, not the playbook. He shares practical examples across industries, from restaurants to pool companies, to illustrate how tracking the right metrics can double growth without adding chaos. The conversation then shifts into strategic planning for the year ahead, including how to structure quarterly projects around strengths, weaknesses, trends, and obstacles. If you’ve ever thought you “had a plan” but still felt stuck, this episode will challenge how you think about execution and leadership.

Revenue is a lagging indicator: If you only track revenue, you’re reacting instead of leading

Leading KPIs drive real growth: Calls taken, conversion rates, capacity utilization, and proposal wins matter more than end-of-month totals

If no one owns a number, the number owns you: Every KPI must have clear accountability

Dashboards should be simple: Tracking 10 meaningful metrics beats tracking 40 irrelevant ones

AI is a tool, not a trend: Use it strategically to enhance operations, not as a distraction

Four projects per quarter create focus: Leverage a strength, eliminate a weakness, ride a trend, and remove an obstacle

A forecast is not a strategy: Adding 20% to last year’s revenue is not a growth plan

Resource balancing is leadership: You can’t demand more without adjusting workload or capacity

Recognition drives performance: Acknowledging wins motivates more than bonuses

No plan is a plan to fail: Even an imperfect strategy is better than none

[00:00:00] Marc returns and recap of Part 1

[00:02:00] What most entrepreneurs misunderstand about KPIs

[00:04:00] Leading vs. lagging indicators explained

[00:07:00] Real-world examples: shipping damage, call conversions, restaurant table turns

[00:11:00] Reverse-engineering revenue from operational metrics

[00:14:00] Why most dashboards are cluttered and ineffective

[00:17:00] Accountability: assigning ownership to every KPI

[00:19:00] Why most “plans” are just wishful spreadsheets

[00:21:00] The four-project quarterly framework

[00:23:00] AI as a tool, not a business strategy

[00:25:00] Handling shiny objects and staying focused

[00:27:00] Structuring a tight, effective weekly leadership meeting

[00:29:00] Milestones, resource balancing, and managing execution

[00:33:00] The power of recognition in leadership

[00:34:00] Final message: No plan is a plan to fail

Esther Goldstein, trauma therapist, educator, author, and group practice owner, joins Eunicia Peret for a powerful conversation about the intersection of trauma, money, leadership, and self-worth. Esther shares how unresolved trauma impacts not only emotional health but financial decision-making, trust, and the ability to take strategic risks. Together, they explore the hidden cost of staying stuck, why investing in the right mentors collapses timelines, and how safety and self-trust are foundational to scaling any business. Esther brings a grounded, heart-centered perspective to entrepreneurship, reminding listeners that abundance isn’t just about money, it’s about building a life that feels aligned, peaceful, and intentional.

Trauma impacts financial decisions: When trust is broken, people freeze, even when opportunity is in front of them

Self-trust must be rebuilt intentionally: Strategic small wins restore autonomy and confidence

The cost of inaction is real: Staying “safe” often costs more than taking a calculated leap

Pay to play is a growth strategy: Investing in the right mentors and consultants collapses timelines

Status quo is expensive: If nothing changes, your future likely won’t either

Discernment is leadership: Hiring and investing at your current level is essential for growth

Stress compounds silently: Financial uncertainty and misalignment impact health, relationships, and leadership

Abundance is a mindset choice: You are worthy of investing in yourself and creating a richer life

Boundaries create clarity: Generosity without structure leads to burnout

Who you sit in rooms with shapes your trajectory: Proximity influences mental health, wealth, and opportunity

[00:00:00] Introduction to Esther Goldstein and her mission

[00:02:00] Why trauma and money conversations must overlap

[00:04:00] Fight, flight, freeze and how survival responses impact finances

[00:06:00] Trusting providers vs. trusting yourself

[00:09:00] The difference between traditional therapy and breakthrough trauma strategies

[00:12:00] Investing in mentors and collapsing timelines

[00:15:00] The hidden cost of missed financial opportunity

[00:18:00] Stress, nervous system regulation, and long-term health

[00:21:00] Behind-the-curtain conversations and access to higher-level strategy

[00:24:00] Fear vs. intuition when making big decisions

[00:26:00] Hiring mistakes and learning discernment in business

[00:29:00] Abundance mindset vs. scarcity thinking

[00:31:00] Final message: You are worthy of investing in yourself

Doug Seibold, founder of Agate Publishing, joins host Eunicia Peret for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and the rapidly evolving world of publishing. What began in 2002 in Doug’s basement with a laptop and a vision has grown into a diversified publishing and educational enterprise. In this episode, Doug shares how feeling “ill-suited” for traditional employment pushed him to build something of his own, how the publishing industry has weathered massive disruption, from the internet to eBooks to AI, and what today’s entrepreneurs need to understand about validation, intellectual property, and adaptability. If you’ve ever considered writing a book, launching something new, or pivoting in a changing industry, this conversation offers clarity and perspective.

Entrepreneurship often starts with discomfort: Feeling out of place in traditional roles can spark innovation

Publishing is easier to access, but harder to monetize: The internet removed barriers but created discovery challenges

Validation matters in traditional publishing: Gatekeeping isn’t just restriction, it’s investment and endorsement

Copyright is typically licensed, not surrendered: Authors usually retain ownership while publishers license rights

AI has created massive legal and ethical uncertainty: Intellectual property battles are reshaping the industry

Reading builds cognitive capacity: Consistent exposure to books strengthens thinking, communication, and creativity

Consistency beats intensity in parenting and leadership: Small, repeated habits shape long-term outcomes

Resilience requires forward vision: Business owners must always ask, “What’s next?”

Failure builds endurance: Early setbacks often create the foundation for long-term success

Adaptability is survival: Especially in turbulent industries, reinvention isn’t optional

[00:00:00] Introduction to Doug and the origin of Agate Publishing

[00:02:00] Feeling misaligned in traditional work environments

[00:04:00] The evolution of media and publishing in the 21st century

[00:06:00] AI, copyright battles, and legal uncertainty

[00:09:00] The risks of relying blindly on AI-generated information

[00:10:00] Parenting in a digital world: building reading habits

[00:13:00] Modeling behavior and creating family consistency

[00:16:00] Why reading strengthens cognitive and professional skills

[00:18:00] The realities of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing

[00:21:00] Gatekeeping vs. validation: understanding the difference

[00:24:00] Licensing, copyright, and what authors should watch for

[00:27:00] Early entrepreneurial failures and lessons learned

[00:30:00] The importance of constantly thinking about “what’s next”

[00:32:00] Final reflections on resilience and adaptability

Janice Carte, founder of Tiny Spoon Cheff, returns to the show for a deeper conversation with host Eunicia Peret on what it really means to invest in your peace of mind. In this episode, they explore how services that might seem “non-essential” at first, like a personal chef or a financial strategist, actually deliver massive returns in the form of time, energy, and mental clarity. Janice shares how her clients are reframing the cost of convenience, and why the habit of overthinking every purchase often delays growth. Together, they unpack the mindset shifts needed to stop justifying support and start embracing the value of simplicity. If you’ve ever caught yourself saying, “I can just do it myself,” this episode might change your mind.

Value doesn’t always look like a dollar sign: Peace, time, and energy are part of your ROI

Most people undervalue simplicity: Complexity feels productive, but often creates burnout

The question isn’t what it costs: The question is what it’s costing you not to have it

You don’t need to justify ease: Support doesn’t require permission, it requires alignment

DIY isn’t always cheaper: When your time is stretched, outsourcing is an investment

Gut decisions are valid: If it feels like a “yes,” trust that, especially in business

The biggest results are often invisible: Like eating better without effort, or thinking more clearly without clutter

You’re not weak for needing help: You’re smart for knowing when it’s time

[00:00:00] Janice shares what’s shifted since her last appearance

[00:02:00] Why people hesitate to invest in “soft” services like a personal chef

[00:05:00] Reframing cost through the lens of time and bandwidth

[00:08:00] Why DIY is sometimes the most expensive option

[00:10:00] Real client stories: the emotional and mental return of letting go

[00:13:00] Making peace with hiring help. even when others don’t get it

[00:16:00] Gut instincts vs. logic: knowing which one to trust

[00:19:00] The “freedom ROI” that most people never calculate

[00:22:00] How financial and lifestyle support go hand in hand

[00:25:00] Final thoughts on alignment, permission, and receiving

Karen Laos joins host Eunicia Peret for a powerful conversation about finding your voice, asking for what you want, and learning to command a room, whether in a board meeting or a high-stakes conversation. Karen shares the personal moment that launched her mission to help millions of women silence self-doubt and speak with clarity and confidence. Together, they explore why even successful professionals get tongue-tied, how assumptions derail relationships, and why knowing your audience might matter more than knowing all the answers. From vocal presence to mindset shifts, this episode is filled with real-life strategies to help you speak up, stand tall, and trust yourself, at work and in life.

Confidence isn’t just a feeling: It’s built through preparation, body language, and intentional pauses

Assumptions can cost us deeply: Never underestimate the power of asking the hard question

Warmth builds trust faster than competence: People want to feel safe before they’ll listen

Pausing is a power move: It gives your words weight and your audience time to absorb them

Control is often an illusion: Letting go of the need to know everything opens the door to real connection

Recording yourself is a growth hack: You can’t fix what you don’t realize you’re doing

Clarity wins over perfection: Know your bottom line and lead with it

Speak to serve, not to impress: Flip the focus from yourself to your audience

[00:00:00] Meet Karen and her mission to impact 10 million women

[00:02:00] The moment she froze in a boardroom, and what it taught her

[00:05:00] What confidence really looks like (it’s not what you think)

[00:07:00] How to build trust quickly using body language and warmth

[00:10:00] Why filler words happen, and how to stop them

[00:13:00] Getting over the fear of saying “I don’t know”

[00:16:00] The three things humans want most: to be right, look good, and feel in control

[00:20:00] The trap of trying to be right, and what it really costs you

[00:24:00] How to think on your feet under pressure

[00:28:00] Speaking from alignment instead of performance

[00:30:00] Karen’s biggest regret, and the lesson she teaches because of it

[00:33:00] The “BLUF” method for clear communication

[00:35:00] Final thoughts on clarity, confidence, and credibility

Stacy Pellettieri, licensed therapist and founder of five mental health businesses, joins host Eunicia Peret to discuss the hidden emotional patterns that silently block business growth. With nearly three decades of experience, Stacy unpacks how unresolved trauma, especially the “little t” kind, can sabotage leadership, strain decision-making, and keep high-achievers stuck. They dive into the psychology of control, the nervous system’s response to pressure, and how kids today are losing their ability to emotionally regulate in a world flooded with screens and overstimulation. Whether you’re leading a team, building a business, or navigating personal growth, this episode offers deep insight into what might be keeping you from the next level, and how to finally move past it.

Unprocessed trauma doesn’t disappear: It hides in control issues, avoidance, and burnout

“Little t” trauma can be just as impactful as “big T” trauma: The body keeps score even when the mind forgets

High achievers often resist healing: Many entrepreneurs ignore emotional work until their success feels empty

Your nervous system affects how you lead: If you’re dysregulated, your team and business will reflect that

Parents must model emotional regulation: Kids can’t learn it through screens, and many are struggling as a result

True growth requires safety: You need to feel grounded before you can lead others well

No business strategy can outpace emotional blocks: What you avoid internally will surface externally

Being strong isn’t the same as being healed: Letting go doesn’t make you weak, it makes you free

[00:00:00] Meet Stacy and her 28-year journey in mental health and private practice

[00:03:00] What unresolved trauma looks like in successful people

[00:05:00] How “little t” trauma plays out in day-to-day leadership

[00:08:00] Signs your nervous system is dysregulated (and how it affects business)

[00:11:00] The danger of pushing through when your body is signaling shutdown

[00:14:00] Kids, screens, and the crisis of emotional regulation

[00:17:00] The balance between healing, parenting, and entrepreneurship

[00:20:00] Why strong people avoid help, and how to know if that’s you

[00:23:00] The myth of perfection and the power of emotional honesty

[00:25:00] Final thoughts on wholeness, safety, and scaling from a healed place

Dr. Sera Lavelle, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of two thriving therapy practices, joins host Eunicia Peret for a powerful conversation on how psychology, neuroscience, and technology are coming together to transform mental health, especially around emotional eating. With specialties in hypnotherapy, EMDR, and integrative approaches to healing, Dr. Lavelle shares her journey from traditional training to building out-of-the-box solutions that actually help people. They unpack why insurance models fail most patients, how AI is expanding access to care, and the connection between emotional triggers, food habits, and entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever felt like traditional systems aren’t serving you, or your clients, this episode is a must-listen.

Traditional models are broken: Insurance-based care often denies people help unless they’re “sick enough” to qualify

Emotional eating is the real issue, not just calories: People don’t overeat because they misunderstand nutrition, but because of psychological patterns

Therapy should be proactive, not reactive: Most systems treat disordered eating only after it becomes severe, missing early intervention opportunities

AI can increase access: Well-designed digital tools can provide therapeutic support to the 60%+ of people who struggle with stress eating

Entrepreneurs need support too: Building scalable mental health businesses requires coaching, operations help, and real structure

You can build impact without losing integrity: Sera’s practices integrate traditional therapy with new modalities like psychedelics and digital platforms

Financial systems reflect the same gaps: Just like in healthcare, most people are turned away from strategic wealth solutions because they don’t “qualify”

Believing in your mission makes the risk worth it: Building something new is scary, but alignment gives you courage

[00:00:00] Introduction to Dr. Sera Lavelle and her background in psychology and hypnosis

[00:02:00] From waiting tables in NYC to building a therapy empire

[00:04:00] How hypnosis opened a door into emotional eating and full-time practice

[00:06:00] The failure of the medical model to treat patients before they’re “sick enough”

[00:08:00] Building practices outside the insurance system

[00:10:00] Doctors turning to AI and integrative labs for better patient care

[00:13:00] Legal risk vs. ethical care: the tension for clinicians and therapists

[00:15:00] Parallel gaps in medicine, law, and finance, and how they hurt clients

[00:18:00] Sera’s take on how artificial criteria exclude people from getting help

[00:21:00] The limitations of calorie-tracking apps and the mental toll of food rules

[00:23:00] Comparison to budgeting tools: restriction doesn’t equal results

[00:25:00] How intuitive awareness is more powerful than external tracking

[00:27:00] Biggest business mistake: incentive structures that collapsed with scale

[00:29:00] How Sera rebuilt her systems with help from fractional experts

[00:30:00] The power of outside guidance and true support

[00:31:00] Final reflections: When you believe in what you’re doing, the fear gets quieter

Ryan Bell, performance coach and regional leader with Evexias Health Solutions, joins host Eunicia Peret to explore how physicians and high-achieving professionals can align their health, mindset, and income by shifting to more intentional, wellness-focused models of care. With a background in sports performance and a passion for coaching, Ryan helps physicians create new revenue streams, avoid burnout, and unlock better results for their patients by stepping outside of the traditional healthcare system. Together, they break down the power of hormone optimization, the gaps in current medical training, and why leaders can’t afford to ignore the personal side of peak performance. Whether you’re a provider or a business owner, this episode will challenge you to think differently about how health drives success.

Hormone optimization is often the missing piece: Many high performers have been told their labs are “normal” when they’re actually suboptimal

Physicians aren’t taught to build businesses: Most are overworked, underpaid, and unaware of better models

Cash-based services create freedom: Integrative care models reduce reliance on insurance and increase impact

Men and women need different optimization strategies: The industry is full of copy-paste protocols that ignore bio-individuality

Mindset and health are inseparable: Poor focus, energy dips, and performance plateaus are often biological, not just behavioral

You can’t pour from an empty cup: Leaders and providers must prioritize their own wellness first

Discipline creates freedom: Consistency in health mirrors consistency in business

There’s a better way to practice medicine: Physicians deserve to be fulfilled, financially secure, and excited about their work

[00:00:00] Introduction to Ryan’s work in physician coaching and health optimization

[00:02:00] Why so many high performers feel “off” despite normal lab results

[00:04:00] The disconnect between traditional medicine and integrative wellness

[00:06:00] Helping physicians break out of burnout and redesign their practice

[00:09:00] What hormone optimization really means — and why it matters

[00:12:00] Common myths about testosterone and hormone therapy

[00:14:00] Why cash-based care models work better for doctors and patients

[00:17:00] Business skills most physicians never learn

[00:19:00] Discipline and clarity: how to build both in health and business

[00:22:00] The power of support systems and coaching

[00:24:00] Ryan’s biggest mistake: not taking full advantage of mentorship earlier

[00:26:00] Encouragement for anyone feeling stuck in their business or health

[00:28:00] Final thoughts on alignment, freedom, and building a better future