Episode Title: Building Through Adversity — John Horn on Leadership, Google Ads, and Learning to “Count It All Joy”

Episode Description:

In this episode of Braving Business, we sit down with John Horn, CEO of StubGroup, a top-tier Google Premier Partner agency that manages digital ad campaigns for clients around the globe. But John isn’t your typical tech CEO—he didn’t start in Silicon Valley, and he didn’t have a blueprint. He built his leadership style in real time, often the hard way, with a deep belief in values-first decision-making, transparency, and good old-fashioned grit.

John was StubGroup’s first employee, eventually becoming its CEO just months before the pandemic hit. What followed? A massive drop in client ad spend, an existential business threat, and a defining leadership moment. Instead of hiding behind closed doors, John chose candor and connection, rallying his team through open-book leadership and a whole lot of pacing around his office.

In this conversation, John shares:

• How growing up with a mix of blue-collar and corporate jobs shaped his leadership instincts
• What really happened behind the scenes when StubGroup’s revenue collapsed during COVID
• His biggest lessons from hiring—and firing
• Why transparent leadership builds long-term trust, even when the news isn’t good
• What it takes to teach digital ads to 100,000+ students and rack up millions of YouTube views
• How his faith informs his worldview and his favorite phrase: “Count it all joy”

Whether you’re a founder figuring things out, a leader trying to balance growth with integrity, or just someone wondering how the heck Google Ads actually work, John delivers practical wisdom with a down-to-earth tone and a few laughs along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Transparency builds trust faster than perfection ever could
• The most resilient teams are led by people willing to be human first, boss second
• You don’t need a flashy background to be an effective, values-driven leader in tech

Connect with John Horn:

• Website: StubGroup.com
• YouTube: StubGroup’s Channel
• LinkedIn: John Horn

Contact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, episodes, and updates.

John’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about showing up, owning the hard stuff, and pacing through it anyway. Tune in to hear how one scrappy Google Ads guy became a trusted CEO, teacher, and advocate for resilient business done right.

By popular demand, we are reissuing his unforgettable episode of Braving Business where we meet Crystal Ball, whose life is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of embracing freedom. Raised in poverty and repression within the infamous “Shiny Happy People” cult, Crystal’s childhood was defined by control and fear. But breaking free was only the beginning.

Crystal shares her journey through profound loss, including surviving Hurricane Michael, losing both grandparents, and helping her husband recover from a stroke—all in one harrowing year. These challenges, combined with the unexpected catalyst of motherhood, pushed her to leave a 13-year corporate career and accidentally embark on a path of entrepreneurship.

Now thriving in Panama City Beach, Crystal combines her passion for real estate and the coastal lifestyle as a successful entrepreneur and Sales Director of a boat club. She’s also preparing to release her autobiography, “Diary of a Cult Girl,” in early 2025, a bold and deeply personal account of breaking generational cycles and reclaiming self-worth.

In this episode, Crystal reveals:

• How her upbringing shaped her drive and why hyper-achievement can be a trauma response.
• The role of radical honesty and forgiveness in rebuilding her life.
• The hilarious story of how she offered her ex-husband as part of a real estate deal, which made headlines in the New York Post.
• What “success” looks like now and how it’s changed over the years.
• The values she’s instilling in her children to break harmful cycles.

Crystal’s story is raw, inspiring, and a powerful reminder that healing, freedom, and purpose are within reach—even in the face of unimaginable challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• “Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all.”—Crystal’s favorite quote by Helen Keller encapsulates her journey of resilience and courage.
• How counseling, partnerships, and boundaries helped her overcome trauma and rebuild.
• Why she believes honesty and openness are the keys to resilience in life and business.

Connect with Crystal Ball:

• Facebook: Crystal Ball

Resources Mentioned:

• Diary of a Cult Girl (coming 2025)
• New York Post feature

Episode Highlights:

• [00:03:00] Crystal’s childhood in the “Shiny Happy People” cult and breaking free.
• [00:10:30] Surviving Hurricane Michael and navigating loss.
• [00:20:15] The story behind leaving corporate America and her “life-changer baby.”
• [00:30:45] How she hilariously offered her ex-husband as a bonus in a home sale.
• [00:40:10] Radical honesty, boundaries, and breaking generational cycles.
• [00:50:00] Her advice: “If they’re not in the arena, don’t worry about them.”

Crystal Ball’s extraordinary journey reminds us that resilience and transformation are possible for everyone. Tune in for an episode filled with courage, humor, and hope!

In this episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Dustin Portillo, who has turned laughter into a career—and a life lesson. Dustin fulfilled his childhood dream at just 19 years old when he became a professional clown with the Ringling Bros. Circus, performing in over 3,500 shows for more than 35 million people across North America.

After leaving the circus, Dustin’s comedic talent led him to become Ronald McDonald for McDonald’s, where he made appearances at major events like The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. But after his corporate position at Caspers Company was eliminated due to downsizing, Dustin faced a major crossroads: take the safe path or create his own.

He chose the latter. Now, Dustin is a full-time speaker and author of It’s Okay to Be an IDIOT, where he teaches audiences how to embrace authenticity, overcome setbacks, and find strength through humor and vulnerability. Dustin’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and, yes, a little bit of silliness.

In this episode, Dustin shares:

• What he learned from performing in over 3,500 shows with the Ringling Bros.
• The surprising lessons from portraying Ronald McDonald.
• How losing his corporate job pushed him into entrepreneurship.
• Why embracing your inner “idiot” is the key to resilience and success.
• What it takes to build a brand and inspire audiences as a professional speaker.

Dustin’s story is funny, insightful, and packed with hard-earned wisdom about navigating life’s unexpected turns with grace and humor.

Key Takeaways:

• Setbacks can be the setup for something greater—if you have the courage to pivot.
• Authenticity wins—whether you're on stage or in business.
• Laughter isn’t just good for the soul—it’s a leadership tool.

Connect with Dustin Portillo:

• Website: dustinmportillo.com
• LinkedIn: Dustin Portillo

Contact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, resources, and episodes.

Dustin’s journey from clown to corporate executive to keynote speaker proves that success isn’t about avoiding setbacks—it’s about learning to laugh through them. Tune in to hear his remarkable story!

In this episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Dr. Richard Safeer, a medical innovator who has dedicated his career to revolutionizing workplace well-being. As Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-Being at Johns Hopkins Medicine, Dr. Safeer has spent decades challenging outdated corporate wellness models and building cultures where employee health isn’t just a perk—it’s a business priority.

But Dr. Safeer’s journey hasn’t been a straight path. After 11 years of medical training, he realized that traditional family medicine wasn’t where he could make the biggest impact. Instead, he took the entrepreneurial route, building health and well-being programs from the ground up at organizations that had never prioritized them before. Along the way, he faced organizational resistance, skeptics demanding proof of ROI, and the constant challenge of turning well-being into a company-wide movement.

Now, as the author of A Cure for the Common Company, Dr. Safeer is helping business leaders rethink how they support their workforce—with practical, science-backed strategies to create happier, healthier, and more productive workplaces.

In this episode, we cover:

• The biggest misconceptions leaders have about employee well-being and how to fix them.
• Why resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about rethinking the way we work.
• How entrepreneurs can prioritize their own health and self-care without sacrificing their business.
• His latest research on workplace well-being, including the HeartMath strategy at Johns Hopkins.
• The intersection between personal growth and business success—and why you can’t have one without the other.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, yes, he really did take his first hip-hop dance class at 57—and he’s got some thoughts on stepping outside your comfort zone.

Key Takeaways:

• Well-being isn’t a program—it’s a culture.
• Entrepreneurs need to take care of themselves first to build sustainable businesses.
• The biggest mistake companies make? They think offering a gym membership is enough.

Connect with Dr. Richard Safeer:

• LinkedIn: Dr. Richard Safeer
• Website: A Cure for the Common Company

Contact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, resources, and episodes.

Dr. Safeer’s work is reshaping the way we think about health at work. Tune in to hear his powerful insights on leadership, resilience, and creating a workplace that truly supports people.

In episode 3 of season 4 of Braving Business, we sit down with Kat Weaver, a 2x accidental entrepreneur who turned crisis into opportunity—twice. Kat launched her first business from a college dorm room, built it into a successful company, then faced a devastating fire that could have ended everything. Instead of giving up, she used storytelling to win 22 of 23 pitch competitions, secure six figures in funding, and eventually sell the business for a successful exit—but not before nearly losing the deal four times.

After a viral FedEx video featuring her pitch tips, Kat realized she had a gift for helping others. That’s when she founded Power to Pitch, a company that helps early-stage founders perfect their pitch, land investors, and secure funding faster. Now, she’s on a mission to help founders raise $100 million in grants and venture capital—and she’s well on her way.

In this conversation, Kat shares:

• How losing everything to a fire transformed the way she thinks about storytelling in business.
• The most common mistakes founders make when pitching—and how to fix them.
• Why negotiation is everything—and how to turn a “no” into a “yes.”
• What VCs are really looking for when they hear a pitch (and what they secretly hate).
• The mindset shift that took her from college entrepreneur to expert in securing funding.

Kat’s tennis background taught her grit and sacrifice, and she applies that same relentless energy to helping founders win in the fundraising game.

Key Takeaways:

• Every founder needs a great story—investors don’t just buy into numbers, they buy into vision.
• Resilience is everything in entrepreneurship—persistence separates those who raise capital from those who don’t.
• Everything is negotiable—you just have to know how to frame the conversation.

Connect with Kat Weaver:

• LinkedIn: Kat Weaver

Contact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, resources, and episodes.

Kat’s entrepreneurial journey is proof that storytelling isn’t just important—it’s the difference between securing funding and getting overlooked. Tune in to hear her secrets to winning pitches, raising capital, and turning setbacks into success.

In this episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Marcus "Bellringer" Bell, an award-winning music producer, entrepreneur, and AI visionary who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Nicki Minaj and Snoop Dogg. With over a billion streams to his name, Marcus has left an undeniable mark on the music world—but he’s not stopping there.

After losing his voice during a critical recording session in 2023, Marcus turned to Artificial Intelligence to complete his project, unknowingly sparking an entirely new chapter in his career. That experiment led to Ravyn Lyte, the world's first photorealistic AI music artist, whose music is designed in collaboration with neuroscientists to promote peace and healing.

Marcus has never been afraid to push boundaries, from pioneering new music genres to writing his Amazon #1 bestseller, The Bellringer Branding Bible, which helps artists build wealth and amplify their impact. Now, through Bellringer Productions, he’s fusing music, technology, and purpose in ways we’ve never seen before.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Marcus went from a child prodigy to a powerhouse in the music industry.
• The moment he lost his voice—and how it led to the birth of an AI music artist.
• Why AI isn’t the death of creativity, but the next evolution of it.
• The biggest branding mistakes artists make and how to build an authentic, profitable brand.
• His vision for Ravyn Lyte and how she’s redefining the future of music.

Marcus’s journey is one of relentless reinvention, proving that setbacks can be the gateway to something bigger and bolder than we ever imagined.

Key Takeaways:

• AI and music aren’t competing forces—AI can enhance human creativity when used with purpose.
• Obstacles often lead to the greatest breakthroughs—if you have the right mindset.
• Artists today need more than talent—they need a business strategy and a brand that resonates.

Connect with Marcus Bell:

• Instagram: @bellringermusic

Contact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, resources, and episodes.

Marcus Bell’s journey is proof that the best innovations come from the most unexpected challenges. Tune in to hear his insights, experiences, and predictions for the future of music and AI.

In season 4's first episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Mark Rampolla, a trailblazing entrepreneur, investor, and author who didn’t just build a brand—he built an entire category. As the Founder of ZICO Beverages, Mark turned coconut water from a niche health trend into a global phenomenon, ultimately selling the company to Coca-Cola in 2013.

But success didn’t come easy. Five years on the verge of bankruptcy, high-stakes negotiations with Coca-Cola, and personal struggles—including chasing shiny objects, burying emotions, and relying on substances—shaped his journey in ways he never expected. Mark has since redefined what success means, stepping into the role of investor and mentor, and now as Co-Founder and Managing Partner of GroundForce Capital, he backs mission-driven consumer brands like Liquid Death and Thrive Market.

In this conversation, Mark opens up about:

• Why the traditional entrepreneurial success formula is broken—and how to flip it.
• How being first to market nearly killed ZICO, and how he finally turned it around.
• The biggest mistakes founders make when raising capital—and how to fix them.
• Why real freedom isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you create right now.
• Lessons from losing millions as an investor—and how he learned to play the game differently.

Mark’s upcoming book, An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom, explores how founders can reclaim control of their lives, and in this episode, he shares his hard-won lessons on balancing ambition with well-being, success with self-awareness, and risk with resilience.

Oh, and yes—he really did personally unload 5,000 cases of ZICO in his early days.

Key Takeaways:

• The path to freedom isn’t through financial success—it starts with mindset and intention.
• Entrepreneurs fail when they chase growth for growth’s sake instead of aligning with their deeper purpose.
• Raising capital is a skill, and most founders make it harder on themselves by not understanding the game.

Connect with Mark Rampolla:

• LinkedIn: Mark Rampolla

Contact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more information, resources, and episodes.

Mark’s story is raw, real, and packed with lessons for any entrepreneur—whether you’re building your first startup or trying to find your way back to the freedom you thought success would bring. This is one episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode of Braving Business, we sit down with Duke Kroll, a relentless e-commerce entrepreneur, agency founder, brand builder, Spartan racer, and father of six whose life has been anything but linear—and who wouldn’t have it any other way.

Duke’s journey started with hustling on eBay at 15 and took him through roles in ballroom dancing, photography, and Amazon agencies before he launched SellerSlice, his e-com agency built on grit, transparency, and an unapologetic commitment to getting results. But Duke’s not here to talk fluff.

He opens up about the real challenges behind his success—including battling addiction, losing massive clients overnight, facing a health crisis that nearly killed him, and how hitting rock bottom became the spark that changed everything. Now over 100 pounds lighter and sober, Duke’s brand isn’t just about business—it’s about rebuilding from the inside out.

In this episode, Duke shares:

• How eBay flipping as a teen taught him the fundamentals of business
• The hard decision to leave a high-paying job to start from scratch
• What most founders get wrong about e-commerce (and how to fix it)
• Why "extreme ownership" is his leadership non-negotiable
• How he reinvented his life—physically, mentally, and professionally
• Why his personal mantra is #DOHARDSHIT and what it means to him

Whether you’re running a startup, rethinking your leadership style, or trying to get out of your own damn way, Duke brings the kind of honesty and self-awareness that punches through the noise.

Key Takeaways:

• Success doesn’t come from shortcuts—it comes from doing hard, uncomfortable things
• “Rock bottom” can be your reset button if you’re willing to own your story
• Building a brand and a business is about being brutally honest with yourself first

Connect with Duke Kroll:

• Instagram: @dukekroll
• Website: dukekroll.com
• Agency: sellerslice.com
• Podcast: The Vertical Edge

Contact Us: Visit www.bravingbusiness.com for more episodes, updates, and resources.