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
InstantlyRelevant.com

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

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

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

Riggs Eckelberry, CEO of OriginClear, joins Thomas to unpack the broken water system, decentralization, and what it means to cut the tie to pleasing others. From rejecting broken industry norms to walking away from Wall Street pressure, Riggs shares a refreshingly honest look at entrepreneurship, leadership, and finding your own path—even if it takes decades.

About Riggs Eckelberry:

Riggs is the founder and CEO of OriginClear, a public company leading the decentralized water movement. A former corporate exec and nonprofit leader, Riggs now advocates for do-it-yourself water treatment systems for industrial users—bringing innovation and accountability to one of the world’s most neglected infrastructure sectors.

In this episode, Thomas and Riggs discuss:

• Cutting the Tie to Pleasing Everyone
  Riggs talks about the trap of building for investors, advisors, and outsiders—and the moment he stopped doing it and finally owned his leadership.
• The Myth of Centralized Infrastructure
  He explains why massive water systems don’t work anymore, and how modular, onsite water treatment is the real future.
• Focusing on the Core
  Riggs shares how he finally doubled down on OriginClear’s most scalable units instead of chasing every “bright idea.”
• Relearning Leadership in Real Time
  After years of trial and error, Riggs explains how he rebuilt confidence, trusted his gut, and stopped chasing solutions that didn’t fit.

Key Takeaways:

• You Don’t Need Permission
  Sometimes the tie to cut is waiting for someone else to say yes—leadership starts when you decide.
• Old Systems Can’t Solve New Problems
  From water to entrepreneurship, big outdated systems break down under pressure—innovation comes from the edges.
• Stick With It Until It Clicks
  It might take years, but when your business finally hits momentum, you’ll be glad you didn’t bail early.
• Don’t Underestimate What You’ve Already Built
  The thing you’ve quietly been building might be the future—it just needs your full belief and focus.

"Your judgment is better than you think it is—stop handing the keys to someone else."
— Riggs Eckelberry

CONNECT WITH RIGGS ECKELBERRY:

Website: https://originclear.com
Sign up: Legends of Water Monthly Broadcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riggs

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

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

In this special solo episode, Thomas Helfrich lays out the wild reality of leaving corporate life and jumping headfirst into entrepreneurship—through the lens of a chaotic, hilarious, and brutally honest "Squid Game" analogy. If you’ve ever thought about quitting your job or building your own thing, this episode pulls no punches on what the journey really looks like.

In this episode, Thomas shares:

• Round One: The "I Quit" Moment
  When the realization hits that corporate life feels more like Squid Game—where "mandatory fun" is torture and OKRs are slow death—the dangerous words "I quit" change everything.
• Round Two: Entrepreneur Mode Activated
  The thrill (and terror) of updating your LinkedIn title to "Founder" while everyone around you quietly panics on your behalf.
• Round Three: Red Light, Green Light
  Freedom comes at the cost of no paycheck, no PTO, and a new coworker (your cat) judging your every move.
• Round Four: The Glass Bridge of Growth
  Each sale feels like a miracle, each rejection feels like a gut punch, but you keep taking step after terrifying step forward.
• Final Round: The Realization
  Entrepreneurship isn’t a highlight reel—it’s a chaotic, gritty, beautiful mess. You’re building something real—and it’s yours.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurship is Panic in Private, Not Glory in Public
  It’s late nights, heavy doubts, and random Googling—and it’s worth it.
• Your Only Safety Net is Grit
  There’s no cheat code, no easy button. Just resilience, messy action, and a whole lot of coffee.
• Messy Beats Perfect
  Your "Google Doc full of chaos" is more valuable than the perfect plan you never execute.
• Freedom Costs More but Feels Better
  Leaving comfort for chaos is terrifying—but the trade is authenticity, growth, and a life you actually own.

"In entrepreneurship, there's no safety net, no cheat code, and no epidural. Just grit, growth, and a Google Doc full of chaos." — Thomas Helfrich

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

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

Sales engineer and podcast host KJ Fenton joins Thomas for a fun, honest conversation about balancing a thriving W-2 career with building a passion project, and how cutting ties with "safe" thinking can open bigger doors than you ever expected. From coding macros at EY to launching KJ's Corner, KJ shares how small risks turn into massive growth.

About KJ Fenton:

KJ Fenton is a principal solutions engineer at Salesforce specializing in Intelligent Automation. He's also the host of KJ's Corner, a podcast where he interviews professionals across sales, marketing, and tech to unpack the real inflection points behind their success stories. KJ brings a rare blend of technical skills, sales acumen, and authenticity to everything he does.

In this episode, Thomas and KJ discuss:

• Cutting the Tie to "Stay in Your Lane"
  KJ shares how questioning inefficient systems at EY led to backlash—and why speaking up was the first move that shifted his career trajectory.
• Launching a Podcast While Working Full-Time
  He breaks down how he started KJ's Corner not to "monetize fast," but to build a long-term platform for future opportunities.
• Family First, Always
  KJ reflects on how balancing entrepreneurship with being a husband and father grounds his decision-making—even when the hustle gets chaotic.
• Treating Your Side Hustle Like a Real Business
  Thomas challenges KJ (and listeners) to treat their side projects seriously today—because the job you think is secure may not last forever.

Key Takeaways:

• You Can Build Both
  You don't have to burn your W-2 bridges. Use them to fund your dreams—and take action now.
• Start Before You're Ready
  KJ didn't have the perfect "hook" or formula—he just started having meaningful conversations and learned as he went.
• Automation is Your Secret Weapon
  Use tools like Streamyard, Opus.pro, and automation platforms to save time and amplify your content.
• Listen to What Trusted People Say About You
  If everyone says you're great at something—pay attention. There’s truth in that feedback.

"The biggest thing you can build is confidence in your own story—even if you’re still writing it."
— KJ Fenton

CONNECT WITH KJ FENTON:

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

CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
CutTheTie.com

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

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich

Leadership expert and researcher Mark Murphy joins Thomas for a sharp, data-driven conversation about leadership development, why most hiring practices fail, and how to cut ties with assumptions that hold organizations—and individuals—back. Mark shares his journey from following conventional wisdom to questioning it, uncovering insights that help leaders grow faster and smarter.

About Mark Murphy:

Mark is the founder of Leadership IQ, a research and training company focused on leadership science. He’s the bestselling author of Hiring for Attitude, Managing Narcissists, Blamers, Dramatics and More, and Hard Goals. Mark’s work combines practical strategies with data-backed insights to help leaders and organizations perform at higher levels.

In this episode, Thomas and Mark discuss:

• Cutting the Tie to Existence Bias
  Mark reveals how he challenged the belief that "we’ve always done it this way" — leading to breakthrough research on why new hires fail.
• Managing Narcissists and Toxic Employees
  Mark shares practical advice from his books on how to spot and manage difficult personalities before and after they join your team.
• The "Why" That Changes Everything
  He explains how simply questioning assumptions—and asking "why" more often—unlocks hidden opportunities for growth and improvement.
• How Research Changes Leadership
  Mark discusses how applying rigorous research to hiring, managing, and developing people reveals better paths to building high-performing teams.

Key Takeaways:

• Question Assumptions Relentlessly
  Growth and innovation start by challenging what "everyone knows" but no one questions.
• Attitude Trumps Skill
  In hiring, attitude predicts success far more reliably than skills on a resume.
• You’re Always Learning or You're Falling Behind
  The minute you think you’ve figured it all out, you’re vulnerable to stagnation and disruption.
• Culture Fit Requires Clarity
  Good hiring isn’t about personality tests—it’s about understanding your true culture and screening for it intentionally.

"The minute you think you've got it all figured out is the minute you're done growing."
— Mark Murphy

CONNECT WITH MARK MURPHY:

Website: https://www.leadershipiq.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markamurphy/

CONNECT WITH THOMAS:

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
CutTheTie.com

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

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