Cut The Tie Podcast with Clifford Starks

What if the only thing holding you back was the belief that you’re not enough?

In this empowering episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Clifford Starks, former UFC fighter turned peak performance coach, to explore what it really means to lead from within. Clifford shares how his journey—from an overweight teen to elite athlete to entrepreneur—was never about talent or luck. It was about mindset, resilience, and choosing growth even in the face of fear.

He opens up about the toughest tie he had to cut: staying silent. Clifford explains how asking for help transformed his business, his family life, and his own personal evolution—and why vulnerability is the hidden superpower of successful leaders.

If you’re stuck in achievement mode, craving purpose, or afraid to admit you don’t have it all figured out, this episode is your wake-up call.

About Clifford Starks

Clifford Starks is a performance coach, speaker, and founder of Starks Transformational Coaching. A former UFC fighter, Clifford now helps high-performing entrepreneurs and executives master their mindset, reconnect with their purpose, and lead with integrity. Drawing on his experience in elite athletics and personal development, he guides leaders toward sustainable success across business, health, and relationships.

He’s also a devoted husband and father, passionate about building a legacy rooted in values, clarity, and growth.

In this episode, Thomas and Clifford discuss:

• The tie of silence
  Why Clifford’s biggest shift came when he started asking for help—and why that decision unlocked a new level of freedom.
• From octagon to ownership
  How elite athletic performance shaped Clifford’s approach to business and mindset coaching.
• The power of “I don’t know”
  Clifford explains how embracing curiosity and releasing ego transformed his personal and professional life.
• What performance really means
  It’s not about grinding harder—it’s about aligning your mind, mission, and methods.
• Family, legacy, and fulfillment
  Clifford shares how fatherhood and marriage reshaped his definition of success—and what he wants his kids to see in his journey.

Key Takeaways:

• You can’t grow until you ask for help
  Real leadership starts with vulnerability and the courage to say “I don’t know.”
• Your identity isn’t static
  From fighter to founder to father—Clifford proves you can rewrite your story at any stage.
• Performance isn’t hustle—it’s alignment
  True success is built when your habits match your purpose.
• Let go of the ego
  Ego keeps you stuck. Curiosity moves you forward.
• Legacy starts now
  The version of you your kids see today is the story they’ll tell tomorrow.

Connect with Clifford Starks

💼 LinkedIn: Clifford Starks

Connect with Thomas Helfrich

🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀 InstantlyRelevant.com

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Chaz Horn

What if the real reason your business isn’t growing… is you?

In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Chaz Horn, a sales leadership coach and founder of Mastery of B2B Sales, to unpack how ego, fear, and lack of clarity can quietly stall your business—even when you’re doing everything “right.” Chaz opens up about the moment he realized he was the bottleneck and the painful but necessary mindset shift that followed.

This is a raw conversation about accountability, emotional growth, and building systems that let you scale without sacrificing your peace. For any business owner stuck in the weeds, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

About Chaz Horn

Chaz Horn is the founder of Mastery of B2B Sales, a coaching and implementation program that helps entrepreneurs, consultants, and sales leaders eliminate self-sabotage, close more deals, and build scalable, values-driven sales systems. With over two decades of experience in sales and leadership, Chaz is known for his direct but compassionate coaching style, empowering clients to get out of their own way and lead with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, Thomas and Chaz discuss:

• The power of brutal self-honesty
  How Chaz realized he was the one slowing everything down—and why facing that truth saved his business.
• Why tactics don’t work without clarity
  Most sales problems are really identity problems. Until you fix how you think, the strategy won’t matter.
• From reactive to intentional
  Chaz shares how systems and standards helped him reclaim his energy, focus, and time.
• Breaking out of the emotional loop
  The link between past trauma and business self-sabotage—and what to do about it.
• Why slowing down is the new scaling up
  Clarity, not speed, is the true accelerant.

Key Takeaways

• You can’t scale if you’re in the way
  Until you evolve as a leader, your business will always reflect your limitations.
• Clarity beats hustle every time
  If you don’t know what you want, all the action in the world won’t help you get there.
• Systems give you freedom
  Structure isn’t restrictive—it’s what lets you focus on what matters most.
• Emotional wounds show up in business
  Deal with your junk or it’ll keep dealing with you—especially in sales and leadership.
• Leadership starts with self-leadership
  If you can’t lead yourself, you can’t lead others—or scale anything that lasts.

Connect with Chaz Horn

🌐 Website: Mastery of B2B Sales
💼 LinkedIn: Chaz Horn

Connect with Thomas Helfrich

🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀 InstantlyRelevant.com

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Sherman Merricks

How do you go from college dropout to multiple seven-figure businesses—with no roadmap and no excuses? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Sherman Merricks, founder of Dynasty CrossFit and co-owner of the LASSO Framework, to talk about ownership—of your time, your choices, and your outcome.

Sherman gets real about the moment he realized he was stuck—not because of the job or the system, but because he lacked a plan. He didn’t wait for the perfect opportunity—he created one. And then another. And another. From building a thriving gym to running a marketing agency that helps gym owners scale smarter, Sherman shares a no-BS blueprint for taking back control of your life and business.

About Sherman Merricks

Sherman Merricks is a serial entrepreneur, sales coach, and co-owner of LASSO Framework, a marketing and sales implementation company helping gym owners grow profitable, sustainable businesses. After founding Dynasty CrossFit in Gainesville, FL, and growing it into a 7-figure business, Sherman shifted his focus to helping other fitness entrepreneurs overcome their biggest roadblocks—sales, marketing, and systems. Today, through LASSO, he helps gym owners stop spinning their wheels and start building real freedom. Sherman is also a husband, father, and believer in creating a life by design—not by default.

In this episode, Thomas and Sherman discuss:

• The shift from chaos to clarity
  Why most people aren’t actually stuck—they’re just undisciplined and unfocused.
• The secret to scaling: it’s not hustle
  Sherman breaks down how delegation, systems, and sales mastery unlocked growth in multiple industries.
• Why gym ownership wasn’t enough
  After building a successful gym, Sherman realized he still didn’t have the freedom he wanted. So he built again.
• The trap of “being busy”
  Productivity is not progress. Sherman explains how he simplified his days to drive more value with less stress.

Key Takeaways

• You’re not stuck—you just need a better plan
  If you’re serious about freedom, start with clarity and follow with execution.
• Sales solves most business problems
  If you're not selling, you're not scaling. Learn how to close or hire someone who can.
• Busy is the new broke
  Constant activity doesn’t mean progress. Focus on the few things that actually move the needle.
• Systems create separation
  Want freedom? Build processes that don’t require your presence.

Connect with Sherman Merricks

🌐 Website: www.lassoframework.com
💼 LinkedIn: Sherman Merricks

Connect with Thomas Helfrich

🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀 InstantlyRelevant.com

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Grace Clemens

What if your biggest limitation wasn’t strategy or skills—but the way you see yourself? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Grace Clemens, founder of SGC Marketing, to explore how stepping into your identity as a CEO can completely reshape your business—and your life.

After 13 years in digital marketing across global brands, nonprofits, and e-commerce, Grace hit a moment of truth: if she didn’t see herself as a leader, no one else would. What followed was a radical mindset shift, a rebrand rooted in purpose, and the kind of personal transformation that turns freelancers into founders.

About Grace Clemens

Grace Clemens is the founder and CEO of SGC Marketing, a boutique agency specializing in purpose-driven digital strategy, audits, and implementation. With 13+ years of marketing experience across major global brands (including XPRIZE and Royal Caribbean), fast-scaling startups, and nonprofits, Grace brings a rare combination of B2B, B2C, influencer, and agency-side perspective to her work. SGC Marketing is known for its custom-built teams, focused audits, and powerful strategies for e-commerce and small-to-midsize businesses.

In this episode, Thomas and Grace discuss:

• Why identity comes before strategy
  Grace shares how the moment she saw herself as a CEO—starting with a photo shoot—everything in her business got easier.
  
  
• The biggest tie she had to cut: disbelief
  After years of saying “I’m not a CEO,” she flipped the narrative and finally owned her power.
  
  
• How niching down multiplied her results
  From 9 services to 3, Grace explains how narrowing her offer clarified her pitch, improved delivery, and boosted revenue.
  
  
• Why every marketer should know copywriting
  You can have the best team and tools—but if your copy sucks, your marketing will too.
  
  
• From burnout to balance
  Grace talks about slow mornings, boundaries, and systems that help her stay grounded and effective.

Key Takeaways

• No one believes in you until you do
  You can’t fake leadership—you have to embody it.
• Your niche is your growth lever
  The tighter the offer, the stronger the results.
• Slow mornings, strong systems
  Create space to lead by designing your day—and your processes—with intention.
• Audit or burn cash
  If you’re not regularly auditing your digital strategy, you’re just throwing money into the black hole of the internet.

Connect with Grace Clemens

🌐 Website: www.gracieclemens.com
💼 LinkedIn: Grace Clemens
📧 Free 15-Min Social Audit: Available via her website form

Connect with Thomas Helfrich

🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀 InstantlyRelevant.com

Support the show

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Delaney William

What if you could triple your income, work fewer hours, and still keep your corporate job title? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich talks to Delaney William, founder of Elevated Tech, about a controversial—but powerful—way to buy back your freedom: remote job stacking.

Delaney didn’t want to be a startup founder at first. He just wanted to make more money and live a chill life. But after going from $80K to nearly $400K by working multiple remote jobs at once, he saw the potential to teach others how to do the same—using automation, strategy, and a high-volume job search system. Now, through Elevated Tech, Delaney helps others break free from traditional career paths and build sustainable income streams that give them true time freedom.

About Delaney William

Delaney William is the founder of Elevated Tech, the world's largest automation-driven remote job placement company. A former corporate product manager, Delaney left behind a half-million-dollar job stack to build a business that helps others do exactly what he did: land multiple high-paying remote roles, create leverage through automation, and build financial stability in a rapidly shifting economy. He now leads a team that has helped clients earn as much as $480K annually—without starting a business.

In this episode, Thomas and Delaney discuss:

• Leaving corporate comfort to stack remote jobs
  How Delaney scaled from a $80K salary to $390K by working smarter, not harder.
  
  
• Why freedom is the only definition of success that matters
  And why money alone doesn’t mean success if your time isn’t your own.
  
  
• The system behind Elevated Tech’s placement strategy
  Why applying to 2,000+ jobs a month isn’t crazy—it’s math.
  
  
• How AI and outsourcing turn one person into a consulting firm
  And how you can delegate your way to income without burnout.
  
  

Key Takeaways

• Freedom requires strategy, not just hustle
  Job stacking isn’t about working more—it’s about working differently.
• Systems scale better than effort
  If your income is capped by your time, you don’t have leverage.
• Paid ads beat content hustle—when done right
  Want reliable lead flow? Learn basic ad strategy and build a math-driven funnel.
• The game is choice, not desperation
  High-volume job search lets you choose the roles that fit your life, not just survive.

Connect with Delaney William

💼 LinkedIn: Delaney William
🌐 Website: www.elevatedtech.us
📸 Instagram: @delaneywilliam

Connect with Thomas Helfrich

🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀 InstantlyRelevant.com

Support the show

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Dr. Jeremy Weisz

What happens when your job title no longer reflects your passion—or your purpose? In this powerful episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, a former chiropractor turned podcast strategist and co-founder of Rise25.

After spending two decades in a profession deeply tied to his personal identity, Jeremy made the bold decision to walk away from it completely. What followed was a transformation that included launching a B2B podcasting agency, finding true location independence, and rediscovering what success really means—on his terms.

About Dr. Jeremy Weisz:
Jeremy Weisz is the co-founder of Rise25, a B2B podcasting company that helps clients build strategic relationships and generate ROI through content. Formerly a chiropractor with a background in biochemistry, Jeremy pivoted after 15 years to turn his side hustle into a full-time business. Through his own show, Inspired Insider, and client work at Rise25, he empowers business owners to leverage podcasting as a tool for growth, connection, and long-term success.

In this episode, Thomas and Jeremy discuss:

• Cutting ties with a career—and identity
  Jeremy shares the emotional and logistical journey of walking away from a 20-year chiropractic career and letting go of his professional license.
• Why strategy always comes first
  He breaks down why execution without a clear strategy is wasted effort, and how Rise25 helps clients focus on meaningful relationships over vanity metrics.
• From 90-hour weeks to freedom and flexibility
  Jeremy reflects on the intense work schedule that bridged the gap between two careers—and how that effort now gives him time freedom and presence with his family.
• Redefining success through health and happiness
  Success for Jeremy isn’t about money—it’s about health, happiness, and managing the “holes in the bucket” that drain joy from your life.

Key Takeaways:

• Your identity isn’t your profession
  Letting go of a long-held title can open the door to more aligned, fulfilling work.
• Strategy beats hustle—every time
  Without a roadmap, execution becomes noise. Build with intention.
• Relationships drive real ROI
  Forget downloads. Focus on the people you meet, serve, and grow with.
• Time freedom is worth the leap
  Jeremy’s shift let him stop choosing between family and business—and start showing up for both.
• The fastest way to connect is to give
  Want to build meaningful relationships? Buy the book. Share the value. Offer help first.

Connect with Dr. Jeremy Weisz:
💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Jeremy Weisz
🌐 Website: www.rise25.com
🎧 Podcast: www.inspiredinsider.com

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀 InstantlyRelevant.com

Support the show

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Mitch Francis
Episode 289

What if one entrepreneur could solve the world’s biggest problems—with a business mindset? In this thought-provoking episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Mitch Francis, a serial founder, commercial real estate investor, and now, the author of Badass Solutions. After a personal tragedy sparked a wake-up call, Mitch applied his decades of entrepreneurial problem-solving to societal-scale challenges—like climate change, gun violence, and the U.S. national debt.

Mitch shares how he went from closing billion-dollar deals to writing actionable, humorous, and radically simple solutions to some of the world’s most complex issues—and why now is the time for business minds to get involved beyond their bottom line.

About Mitch Francis:
Mitch Francis is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of business experience as the founder and CEO of multiple public and private companies. His ventures span AI, commercial real estate, and tourism, having generated over $1 billion in sales. Now, as the author of Badass Solutions, Mitch is channeling his energy into tackling 20 global-scale problems with the same strategic clarity he brought to business—one pragmatic, scalable solution at a time.

In this episode, Thomas and Mitch discuss:

• Turning tragedy into transformation
  After losing a family member in a mass shooting, Mitch channeled his grief into research, reflection, and a radical new mission: fixing the broken systems most leaders ignore.
• From boardrooms to the big picture
  Mitch explains how his business background equipped him to tackle global issues—from climate change to gun reform—using problem-solving methods familiar to any good CEO.
• Ideas are easy, execution is everything
  The real challenge wasn’t coming up with solutions—it was digging into research, testing viability, and thinking through real-world application, just like a startup.
• Why entrepreneurs need to give back
  Mitch urges listeners to dedicate just a few hours a week to problems bigger than their business—and explains how real change happens when the people lead and the leaders follow.

Key Takeaways:

• Problems don’t wait for politicians
  Sometimes the best solutions come from people outside the system—especially those trained to get results.
• Stop waiting for someone else to fix it
  If you see a problem and have an idea, act. Leadership starts with ownership.
• Tragedy can spark transformation
  Personal pain can fuel a powerful mission—if you’re willing to do the work.
• Don’t stay at the party too long
  In business or life, the key is knowing when it’s time to exit—and move on to the next opportunity.
• When the people lead, the leaders will follow
  Change doesn’t start at the top. It starts with us.

Connect with Mitch Francis:
💼 LinkedIn: Mitch Francis
🌐 Website: bad-asssolutions.com

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Michael Parks
Episode 288

What does it look like to cut ties with comfort and start over—again and again? In this inspiring episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Michael Parks, Air Force veteran, retired federal air marshal, and founder of Daystar Photography. From national security to creative entrepreneurship, Michael's story is one of mission-driven pivots, meaningful reinvention, and serving fellow veterans with passion and purpose.

Michael opens up about his transition from military to photography, how patience became his business superpower, and why letting go of low-paying gigs was the key to scaling. It’s a masterclass in value, alignment, and never losing sight of your why.

About Michael Parks:
Michael Parks is the founder of Daystar Photography and a U.S. Air Force veteran who spent over two decades as a federal air marshal. Today, he specializes in veteran-centered photography—capturing events, personal brands, and milestones for veterans and their families. His work has taken him nationwide, earning recognition across the military entrepreneurship ecosystem for his integrity, creativity, and commitment to community storytelling.

In this episode, Thomas and Michael discuss:

• How photography became a second mission
  Michael shares how a Sam’s Club Nikon gifted by his mom sparked a creative journey—and how he balanced it with 22 years of service as a federal air marshal.
• Why he built a business around veterans
  Tired of the lack of representation at expos and conferences, Michael made it his mission to uplift veteran entrepreneurs through storytelling and visibility.
• The tie he had to cut to grow
  Michael realized that chasing dozens of low-paying local gigs wasn’t scalable—and made the bold decision to focus on high-value clients and national contracts.
• Lessons in patience from military to entrepreneurship
  From "pivot fast and execute" to "wait, ride the wave, and stay the course," Michael explains how patience became his new strategy for sustainable success.

Key Takeaways:

• Delay is not denial
  Entrepreneurship demands patience. You’re not failing—you’re learning how to endure and adapt.
• You can’t scale on burnout
  If the business model only works by sacrificing your energy and peace, it doesn’t work. Period.
• Price reflects value—and mindset
  Once Michael learned what top companies actually pay, he stopped lowballing himself and started building a premium brand.
• Legacy starts with representation
  Veterans deserve to be seen. Michael’s mission is to help them show up boldly, proudly, and professionally.

Connect with Michael Parks:
🌐 Website: daystarphoto.com
📞 Phone: (404) 207-0810

💼 LinkedIn: Michael Parks

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀 InstantlyRelevant.com

Support the show

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