Join your host John Hale III for an inspiring conversation with nationally recognized leadership and workplace wellness expert, April Lewis, President and CEO of the A. Lewis Academy. In this insightful episode of the C2 Biz Growth Podcast, April unpacks her powerful mantra, "Human first, Employee second," challenging leaders to prioritize well-being as a cornerstone of performance.

Named a "Top 10 Speaker to Follow in 2025" by MSN, April shares the core principles of her proven Workwell System, designed to transform workplace culture in just nine months by focusing on the mind, body, and business of employees. Discover how a holistic approach to employee wellness can combat burnout, foster reconnection, and help teams truly thrive. April also opens up about her courageous leap into entrepreneurship, driven by a profound calling, and discusses the vital role of mindfulness in navigating both workplace challenges and personal struggles.

This episode delves into the shared responsibility of wellbeing between employees and leaders, the importance of community and bold risks in business building, and how thoughtful application of AI can enhance operations. April emphasizes that deepening understanding and focus within your business is often more beneficial than simply scaling rapidly. Tune in for practical tools and powerful insights that leaders can implement right away to create a more vibrant and resilient workplace.

In this insightful eighth episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with Tracye C. Turner, President & Co-Founder of Revelo Software, LLC, and Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Optimal Solutions Group, LLC. Tracye brings 25 years of unparalleled experience in federal government contracting, IT, and small business entrepreneurship.

Discover how Tracye's early exposure to entrepreneurship shaped her remarkable career, leading Optimal Solutions Group to specialize in evidence-based policy decision-making and earn Inc. 500 recognition. You'll hear the compelling story behind the development of Revelo Software, an end-to-end low-code platform built to streamline critical decision-making, particularly in healthcare.

Tracye shares invaluable lessons learned from the challenges of scaling revenue and managing costs, emphasizing the crucial role of building strong bank relationships for funding. She delves into Revelo's funding journey, including navigating venture capital and seed funding. The conversation also explores cutting-edge topics like how generative AI has dramatically increased proposal efficiency for Optimal and the paramount importance of maintaining data security when integrating AI into operations.

This episode is packed with essential advice for C-suite executives, founders, and entrepreneurs, covering everything from ensuring your expertise aligns with proposals to investing in technology for competitive advantage. Tune in to learn how to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the complex world of government contracting and beyond.

In this illuminating seventh episode of C2 Biz Growth, host John Hale III sits down with the visionary Glenn Noble, founder of Proudly Give and Aspen Hill Partners Ltd. This is a must-listen for C-suite executives, founders, and entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of growth and funding.

Glenn dives deep into how recognition dramatically boosts customer loyalty and referrals, even exploring innovative avenues like gift cards as a new mechanism for engagement. We uncover practical strategies for acquiring capital under $10 million, with a keen focus on non-dilutive financing for established businesses. Glenn demystifies the world of mezzanine loan rates and capital structure, offering crucial insights into leveraging debt for expansion without sacrificing equity.

The conversation doesn't stop at funding; we also explore the critical dynamics of scaling businesses, drawing lessons from success stories of major brands. Plus, get Glenn's take on Fintech 2.0, highlighting the shift towards collaboration over competition as the key to future financial innovation.

Tune in to equip yourself with actionable strategies for smart capital acquisition, fostering unwavering customer loyalty, and sustainable business scaling.

Listen now to transform your approach to growth and funding.