Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

Alan Versteeg, founder of Growth Matters International, shares how agency, conviction, and sales leadership transformed his life and business. In this empowering episode, Alan opens up about going from rock bottom to global contracts, how mindset outpaces skillset, and why professional selling is non-negotiable for any entrepreneur.

About Alan Versteeg:

Alan is the founder of Growth Matters International, a company that develops sales managers into world-class leaders. With a background in engineering and a journey that began with personal struggle, Alan has grown his firm from humble beginnings in South Africa to global partnerships with Adobe, Amazon Web Services, and more. His mission: drive impact through sales.

In this episode, Thomas and Alan discuss:

• Cutting the Tie to Self-Doubt

Alan reveals how stepping into agency—giving himself permission to lead—unlocked the breakthrough that launched his business globally.

• How Sales Management is the Secret Lever

He explains why investing in sales managers is the only way to create scalable, sustainable impact in sales organizations.

• The Power of 10x Thinking

Inspired by the book 10x Is Easier Than 2x, Alan shares how eliminating distractions and focusing deeply changed the trajectory of his business.

• Conviction Creates Confidence

Alan outlines a formula: Clarity → Conviction → Confidence → Agency—and how it helps entrepreneurs show up powerfully and professionally.

Key Takeaways:

• Growth Comes From Elimination
  Focus is your greatest multiplier. 10x requires cutting what doesn’t serve your mission.
• Agency is Evidence of Conviction
  You must choose to believe you’re worthy of success—and act like it.
• Sales Training Must Start with Mindset
  Competency comes last. Without clarity and conviction, no training sticks.
• Selling is Service
  If your offer changes lives, it’s your duty to master selling. It’s not sleazy—it’s service.
• Build a Business, Not a Job
  Sales should serve your life—not dominate it. Structure your business to scale and free your time.

Connect with Alan Versteeg:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanversteeg

Website: https://www.growthmattersintl.com/

CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

JC Misko, founder of Misko Mountain Flavor Company, shares how recovery, faith, and brisket tacos came together to form a life-changing mission. In this heartfelt episode, JC opens up about overcoming addiction, building a food business from nothing, and using his story to help others do the same. If you've ever felt stuck or unsure of where to begin again, this one’s for you.

About JC Misko:

JC is the founder of Misko Mountain Flavor Company, a brisket taco business built with a mission to support early recovery. Through his work and future foundation, Grant for Hope, JC is creating a new recovery system—one that offers real pathways to stability and ownership through food and entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Thomas and JC discuss:

• Cutting the Tie to Distractions
  JC shares how staying sober gave him clarity to rebuild his business from the ground up—this time with purpose and boundaries.
• How Brisket Tacos Became a Vehicle for Recovery
  He explains how BBQ and business are a foundation for community, healing, and proving what's possible in early sobriety.
• Building a Recovery System that Actually Works
  JC breaks down the flaws in the current rehab cycle and outlines his vision for a program that helps people earn, save, and thrive.
• Trusting God, Trusting the Process
  From living in his car to dreaming of brick-and-mortar locations, JC reflects on how faith and service kept him moving forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Start Small, Grow Intentionally
  JC opens only on Fridays and focuses on selling out—not burning out.
• Business Should Uplift, Not Exploit
  His model rewards progress, not relapse, flipping the script on the traditional recovery industry.
• Teach What You Know
  From cooking to budgeting, JC uses his past to build new futures for others.
• Success is Measured in Impact
  His dream isn’t just multiple locations—it’s helping hundreds of people restart their lives.

"I want to create a recovery model where doing better helps everyone, not just the system."— JC Misko

CONNECT WITH JC MISKO:

Website: https://mmflavor.com
Location: Fridays at Emilita Street & Van Nuys Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, CA

CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

Juno Lux, founder of The Haus of H, joins Thomas for a vibrant, honest conversation about spirituality, entrepreneurship, and the power of self-ownership. From working in social work and hospitality to founding a nonprofit for queer spiritual healing, Juno shares the experiences that led them to cut the tie with outdated systems and build something empowering from the ground up.

About Juno Lux:

Juno Lux is the founder of The Haus of H—a nonprofit that creates holistic, judgment-free spiritual spaces for queer individuals. With a background spanning social work, IT, and hospitality, Juno brings both soul and structure to their work, hosting immersive retreats and advocating for deeper access to queer-centered healing.

In this episode, Thomas and Juno discuss:

• Cutting the Tie to the Employee Mindset
  Juno shares the moment they realized they weren’t made to follow rigid systems and rules—they were meant to build their own.
• Spirituality Without Shame
  They discuss how many retreats over-emphasize sexuality, and how The House of H shifts the focus to healing, exploration, and genuine connection.
• Branding, Storytelling & Self-Discovery
  Juno unpacks the struggle of separating personal identity from brand identity—and how clarity came through books like StoryBrand and Save the Cat.
• The Power of ChatGPT & Neurodivergent Creativity
  They explain how AI tools help organize thoughts and build confidence in communication, especially for those with processing challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Don’t Wait for Permission
  Start now. You’ll never feel fully ready—and planning too much can kill momentum.
• You Are the Engine
  Entrepreneurship becomes real the moment you realize: if you disappear, the business stops. That’s power—and responsibility.
• Let Your Experience Lead You
  Your story, even the rough parts, makes you uniquely qualified to lead, teach, and heal.
• You’re the Guide, Not the Hero
  In branding and in life, don’t center yourself—lead others through their transformation.

"You don’t need to be the hero. You’re the guide—that’s where your magic is." — Juno Lux

CONNECT WITH JUNO LUX:

Website: https://thehausofh.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juno-epifanio/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_hausofh/

CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/thelfrich | https://twitter.com/nevbeenpromoted Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hovienko | https://www.facebook.com/neverbeenpromoted
Website: https://www.neverbeenpromoted.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neverbeenpromoted/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@neverbeenpromoted
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
InstantlyRelevant.com

Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System