Business owners and professionals are overwhelmed—emails, calls, and endless repetitive tasks leave no time for innovation. Meanwhile, AI is advancing at lightning speed, threatening to replace entire job sectors. How can you stay relevant and use technology to your advantage instead of being replaced by it?

IBM just saved over $3.5 billion using AI agents. Amazon has replaced over 14,000 decision-making roles with AI. It’s not science fiction—it’s happening now. Those who resist risk being left behind. But for those who embrace it, AI isn’t a threat—it’s the ultimate competitive edge.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Joy Rowland, founder of Clairecroft and AI strategist, to talk about how she helps companies and entrepreneurs deploy intelligent AI voice and task agents that save time, boost profits, and work 24/7. Joy shares her inspiring journey from Nigeria to the UK to Canada—and how she turned her tech background into a mission to help others “AI-proof” their careers and automate success.

Key Takeaways:

• How Joy went from immigrant to IT consultant to AI founder.

• Why IBM and Amazon’s AI investments are transforming business efficiency.

• The difference between simple automation and true AI intelligence.

• Why every business—from medspas to corporations—can benefit from AI agents.

• How AI can book appointments, close sales, and send personalized invoices automatically.

• The risks and opportunities of the 2026 AI adoption boom.

• How to identify the 80% of your business that can be automated today.

• The importance of “AI-proofing” your career with new, in-demand skills.

• Why burnout disappears when tech handles what you don’t love doing.

• How Joy’s company, Clairecroft, is helping businesses adopt WatsonX and IBM’s AI systems.

About the Guest:

Joy Rowland — a mentor, speaker, and top-ranked podcast host who went from surviving childhood abuse and poverty to creating the life she once only dreamed of.

Through her journey of rebuilding confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning to grow through community, Joy now helps women 40+ reinvent themselves emotionally, socially, and financially.

She brings warm, insightful, and action-oriented conversations that help women stop waiting — and start becoming.

Links:

https://www.joyrowland.com/

https://www.facebook.com/joyrowlandx

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyrowland/

https://www.youtube.com/@JoyRowlandx

https://www.instagram.com/joy.rowland_

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’m going to go find a business and build an AI voice agent for them. I know if I can do that, I’ll make all my money back and more.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Thinking there was a secret to success. There isn’t. Successful people just fail faster, keep adapting, and never stop moving.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Science of Getting Rich. It changed how I see wealth creation. Manifestation means nothing without action.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT. I’ve trained it to know my voice, my goals,...

For decades, hedge funds and elite private investments have been reserved for the wealthy few. Everyday investors are left out—limited by regulations, high fees, and lack of access to opportunities that could truly grow their wealth.

While millions chase average returns through ETFs and index funds, the world’s top funds continue to multiply fortunes for a select circle of insiders. Most people never get the chance to play the same game—until now.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Justin Kuyper, founder of OpenVest, a revolutionary investment platform that brings hedge fund-level performance to everyday investors. Justin shares how his Wall Street background led him to create a low-cost, subscription-based investment model that uses advanced analytics, regulatory partnerships, and proprietary data to make high-performing strategies accessible to all.

Key Takeaways:

• How Justin’s Wall Street and Columbia MBA experience inspired OpenVest.

• Why traditional hedge funds exclude 99% of investors—and how OpenVest changes that.

• The power of data-driven investing and proprietary analytics.

• How OpenVest integrates with Interactive Brokers for secure, regulated trading.

• The role of liquidity and transparency in modern portfolio management.

• Why low-cost subscription models could redefine the investment industry.

• How OpenVest provides hedge fund-style returns with simple access through iOS and Google Play.

• Why real innovation in finance means breaking down barriers, not building them.

About the Guest:

Justin Kuyper, the Co-Founder & CEO of Openvest — a fintech platform that gives everyday investors access to the kinds of high-performing, alternative investment portfolios once reserved for the ultra-wealthy. A former hedge fund manager and Columbia MBA, Justin has managed to build Openvest from scratch into a disruptive force in the investment space — offering elite-style portfolios with no AUM fees and just a $300 minimum. Get ready to rethink what smart investing looks like

Links:

https://openvest.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-kuyper-a862b0103/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d do the same thing I did to start this business—it took less than $500 to begin. I’d run the same playbook again, from day one.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Errors of omission—missing opportunities because I didn’t act fast enough. Palantir would be an example I overlooked that’s since skyrocketed.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Everything Store by Brad Stone. It’s an incredible look into the building of Amazon that you won’t find in any article or interview.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Adobe InDesign. We use it daily for design and marketing—it’s powerful once you get past the learning curve.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having more money coming in than going out so you can pursue your passions freely. It’s about having enough cash flow to live on your own terms.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community...

Most entrepreneurs start with big dreams but get trapped doing everything themselves—burning out on admin work, marketing tasks, and endless to-dos that steal the joy of running their business.

They want to scale but can’t afford full-time help. Hiring VAs feels risky and time-consuming. And trying to “do it all” often leads to exhaustion, poor results, and stalled growth.

In this empowering episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Joanna Zhang, founder of Operations Genie, about how she escaped the corporate grind as a financial planner to create a globally recognized, award-winning fractional VA model. Joanna reveals how her plug-and-play team system helps business owners grow faster, stay in their genius zone, and find freedom—without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways:

• How Joanna went from corporate financial planner to entrepreneur and founder of Operations Genius.

• Why burnout and frustration pushed her to create a new model for business support.

• How her “fractional VA” system won global recognition for innovation

• Why energy management is more important than time management.

• The spiritual awakening that helped her align leadership, business, and purpose.

• How AI can empower—not replace—creative collaboration in business.

• Why building systems that support both growth and soul alignment is the future.

• The three layers of freedom: physical, emotional, and spiritual—and how to achieve them.

About the Guest:

Joanna Zhang is the award-winning founder of The Operations Genius and creator of the world’s first Fractional VA Service, a revolutionary approach to operational support that gives entrepreneurs the flexibility, accountability, and expertise they nee, without the overhead of a full-time or part-time team. Recently honoured with the 2024 Stevie International Business Award for innovation, Joanna has transformed the way small business owners and thought leaders scale sustainably.

She began her entrepreneurial journey not as a consultant, but by building a support team for her own ventures. Seeing how her systems, structure, and human-centred leadership could help others, she opened these resources to fellow entrepreneurs, creating a business model that marries operational precision with empathy and conscious leadership.

Links:

https://operationsgenius.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhang-joanna/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would first reflect on why my business was gone. Everything happens for a reason. If I can learn from it, I can grow. Then I’d ask, what value can I bring to others? I’d start again creatively and gratefully, because just being alive is already enough to begin.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I would first reflect on why my business was gone. Everything happens for a reason. If I can learn from it, I can grow. Then I’d ask, what value can I bring to others? I’d start again creatively and gratefully, because just being alive is already enough to begin.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “If you’re spiritual—Conversations with God. If you’re logical—The Power of Now. Both help you connect your mind, heart, and energy to reach your genius zone.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “My phone notepad. Simplicity is key. I capture ideas, images, and plans instantly—everything’s synced in the cloud so I can work...

Many entrepreneurs dream of selling their business but rarely think about what comes next. After years of hard work, they find themselves unsure how to replace the income, identity, and purpose their company once provided.

Without a plan, selling your business can feel less like a victory and more like an identity crisis. You go from being the decision-maker to asking, what now? The truth is, financial freedom isn’t automatic—it’s something you have to build intentionally.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Ian Noble, founder of RunSteady Investments, about how he sold his family business, diversified into real estate, and built a life centered around time freedom and family. Ian shares what he learned from selling a seven-figure business, how he helps other entrepreneurs invest passively in real estate, and why your post-sale plan matters just as much as your exit strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Ian bought his father’s business, went millions into debt—and made it thrive.

• The lessons he learned from selling his company and transitioning to passive income.

• How to build wealth outside your business through real estate and lending funds.

• The importance of running your business like you plan to sell it.

• Why most business owners are their own bottleneck.

• How to diversify cash flow without taking on another “job.”

• The tax advantages and lifestyle perks of passive real estate investing.

• Why mindset—not money—is the biggest barrier to true freedom.

About the Guest:

Ian is the founder of RunSteady Investments. He brings with him the experience of owning a small business in Austin, Texas consisting 14 locations and over 90 employees. After 14 years, he successfully exited the service industry business in 2023. Now, his sole focus is on helping people passively invest in real estate with mobile home parks and private lending funds. Ian brings 10+ years of experience as an active investor in the Austin real estate market and in Colorado. His portfolio includes residential and commercial properties. He also passively participates in various syndications as a Limited Partner in mobile home parks, self-storage facilities, private lending, and debt funds.

Ian earned his degree in economics from the University of Texas. He and his wife Lauren live in Austin, TX with their three children. In his free time, he enjoys running marathons and international travel.

Links:

Free Passive Investing in Real Estate Cheat Sheet: https://go.runsteadyinvestments.com/freedom-nation-podcast

Join My Passive Investor Mailing List: runsteadyinvestments.com/investor-club

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iannoble1/

Instagram: @ian_invests

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Stick to what you know. If I had $500, I’d go buy a power washer, post a few free ads, and start washing driveways. Do something familiar with a quick return—get your hands dirty and get moving.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not partnering. I was selfish early on and wanted everything for myself. I missed opportunities and wisdom from other smart people. Now I seek out the brightest in the room and hire top talent—it keeps you in the game longer.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Who Not How—it reframes your mindset from ‘How can I do this?’ to ‘Who can do this for me?’ And Buy Back Your Time—it helps you put a dollar value on your time and eliminate $10 tasks when

In a world of rising inflation and crumbling currencies, traditional investments feel increasingly risky. For decades, people have relied on fiat money—yet history proves that every unbacked currency eventually fails. So, what happens when the dollar loses its dominance?

Financial uncertainty isn’t just about markets—it’s about control, fear, and freedom. The money system affects every part of our lives, from our groceries to our government. Yet, most people have no idea how deep the problem goes or how to protect themselves from what’s coming next.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with David Morgan, founder of The Morgan Report and one of the most respected voices in the precious metals industry. Known as “The Silver Guru,” David shares his journey from pilot and engineer to financial educator and author, revealing why all fiat fails, how to invest intelligently in metals, and why real freedom starts with financial independence.

Key Takeaways:

• How David’s curiosity about money as a kid turned into a 25-year career in finance.

• Why fiat currency systems always fail—and why this time isn’t different.

• The role of gold and silver as the ultimate “money of last resort.”

• The smart way to invest in mining stocks without gambling.

• How to hedge against inflation and build real, tangible wealth.

• Why integrity and ethics matter in the financial world.

• The real reason digital currencies are rising—and what dangers they bring.

• How self-responsibility and mindset determine financial success.

• Why his new documentary Silver Sunrise explores the spiritual and emotional impact of money.

About the Guest:

David Morgan is one of the world’s most trusted voices on precious metals, macroeconomics, and the silent storm building beneath the financial system. As a strategist with over four decades of experience,

he has guided thousands of investors through the fog of fiat currency, market manipulation, and debt-driven illusion.

He publishes The Morgan Report, authored The Silver Manifesto, and is frequently featured on major media outlets and financial documentaries, including the Four Horsemen film.

But David’s mission goes far beyond the financial markets. He challenges the mainstream narrative and encourages audiences to see beyond political spin, economic distraction, and digital overreach. His upcoming documentary Silver Sunrise confronts the erosion of liberty through centralized monetary control. David teaches people how to think—not what to think—empowering them with clarity, humility, and context in an increasingly complex and confusing world.

Links:

https://www.themorganreport.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavidmorgan/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d break it into five categories. Probably invest a hundred in an option trade on the metals market, use the rest for transportation and old-school resumes. Then I’d contact my network online, consult, and be back on my feet in a month.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Trusting the wrong people—especially in startups. You don’t realize how risky they are until you’ve given time, energy, and money to something that turns out to be a scam.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “My own book, Fiat Fails. It’s about integrity in the monetary system and why reforming money is essential for humanity’s future.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would...

Too many business owners are trapped inside their own companies. They’ve built successful operations, but instead of owning a business, they’ve just created a stressful job — one they can’t step away from without everything falling apart.

Without an exit plan or systems in place, owners risk burnout, financial loss, and missed opportunities. Many believe their business is worth millions — but when it depends on them for everything, that value disappears overnight.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Rafael Pinho, co-founder of TD Pine Advisors and a former CFO turned entrepreneur, to talk about exit strategy planning and building transferable business value. Rafael shares his journey from Brazil to Texas, from corporate finance to entrepreneurship, and how he now helps business owners turn “jobs” into true assets that can run — and sell — without them.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most small businesses aren’t truly sellable — and how to fix that.

• The difference between business valuation and transferable value.

• How to create systems so your business can run without you.

• The biggest mistakes owners make when trying to sell.

• How family succession plans can destroy business value if ignored.

• The mindset shift needed to go from employee → business owner → asset owner.

• Why business owners must “work on their business, not in it.”

• How TD Pine Advisors helps entrepreneurs scale and prepare for exit.

• The power of budgeting and financial discipline for freedom.

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “You move to America at 46 with nothing. You start a knowledge business — just like we did. All you need is a laptop, your brain, and your network. It’s about helping business owners become ‘medium-aires,’ not just making billionaires richer.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I’ll borrow my partner Brandon’s: growing a family business 4x, but losing it due to poor succession planning. That destroys value — and it’s my mission to make sure that never happens again.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Bible. It’s the ultimate business manual. Also: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor for mindset, Getting to Yes for negotiation, and Grit by Angela Duckworth for perseverance.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT — it’s been our Employee of the Month for 13 months straight. It saves hours of work if you feed it right.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having options. Owning your time. Freedom comes with stewardship — using your time wisely and giving back to your community.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter:

Most people work their entire lives chasing wealth—only to realize too late that money alone doesn’t bring happiness or security. They’re financially busy but emotionally broke, unsure how to align their money with the life they actually want.

Without clarity and purpose, wealth becomes another burden. Families drift apart, burnout sets in, and people reach their “Freedom Day” only to ask, “Now what?” Many never discover that true financial success isn’t just about the balance sheet—it’s about building a rich life as well as a rich bank account.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Dr. Nicholas E. Michels, wealth manager and author of Rich by Choice. Nick shares his emotional journey from childhood financial hardship to helping others live intentionally and confidently with money. He breaks down how to create a personal wealth plan centered on purpose, faith, and family—and why understanding your “why” is the secret to lasting happiness and freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• How a childhood experience of financial loss shaped Dr. Michels’ mission to help others.

• Why wealth management should start with your why, not your portfolio.

• The six pillars of his Elite Wealth Management Process—from investment consulting to impact giving.

• How intentional family activities can create lasting memories and connection.

• The power of the “rocking chair test” for designing your dream life.

• How to reframe your money mindset to become rich in life, not just rich in cash.

• Why AI is a powerful assistant—but not a replacement—for expert advice.

• How to use financial planning as a foundation for joy, generosity, and freedom.

• Why true happiness comes from building toward goals, not just achieving them.

•

About the Guest:

Dr. Nicholas E. Michels is Amazon’s bestselling author, public speaker, and elite wealth strategist with almost two decades of experience guiding thousands toward financial happiness. As founder of Michels Family Financial and creator of the “Rich by Choice” movement, Dr. Michels combines his doctorate in business, advanced psychology training, and financial expertise (CFP® - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, CPWA® - CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR Designation, NSSA® - NATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR) to help people align their money with what matters most—purpose, joy, and legacy. Having walked the path from hardship to success, he now dedicates his life to equipping others to build the life they dream of—on their terms, by choice.

Links:

https://richbychoicebook.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “My wife and I have a nonprofit where we teach high school kids about money and life. I tell them I can be a millionaire in any industry. I’d start by reading the top 10 books in that space, then interview people already successful in it. Learn from them—success leaves clues.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Grinding too hard early on instead of acting like I was already running a $50 million company. I wish I had been more strategic earlier.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Bible—especially Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. They transform how you see business, life, and success.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI. Used responsibly, it’s a game-changer for efficiency and creativity.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Doing more of what you love with the people you love—when you want, where you want.”

About Jeff:...

Many professionals and investors want to build passive income through real estate but end up overwhelmed—spending too much, managing the wrong properties, and becoming accidental landlords instead of financial freedom seekers.

They chase “hot markets,” listen to bad advice, and ignore the systems that actually build wealth. The result? Burnout, negative cash flow, and the mistaken belief that real estate “doesn’t work.” Most people never realize that the key to sustainable real estate freedom lies in performance-driven turnkey investing—not just location or luck.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Dr. Axel Meierhoefer, founder of Ideal Wealth Grower and a passionate real estate mentor. A former German Air Force pilot turned U.S. entrepreneur, Dr. Axel shares how he built his freedom empire through turnkey investing, mentoring high-earning professionals (HENRYs), and preparing for a world where AI and automation change everything. You’ll learn the three pillars of successful turnkey investing, the mindset of a “king of your empire,” and why performance—not geography—should drive your portfolio decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “high-earning, not rich yet” professionals need a real estate plan.

• The three pillars of turnkey investing: construction, sales network, and property management.

• How to identify trustworthy turnkey providers and avoid overpriced properties.

• Why performance matters more than location in building true wealth.

• How Axel’s mentoring program helps investors build clusters—not chaos.

• The mindset shift from employee to “king of your empire.”

• Why property management is an investment, not an expense.

• How U.S. mortgage and depreciation systems offer unique advantages over other countries.

• Axel’s predictions on AI, $1-an-hour labor, and the new global economy.

• Why freedom means control—over your time, income, and values.

About the Guest:

As a retired Air Force officer, Axel started his first company in 2005, focusing on consulting, employee skill development, and program management. These areas remain in place these days and have grown internationally. He has always had a love for education and helping people help themselves become successful.

As a business owner, he began thinking about applying profits towards retirement, and research indicated that owning tangible assets would be the best way. It’s also the path that the government supports the most, which led him to develop a residential real estate portfolio worth about $1.5 Million. It’s still growing, and many lessons learned are now available for him to teach, coach, and mentor people.

On his journey, he has made many relationships, learned about the pitfalls of purchases, and made good and bad decisions that ultimately reached economic independence.

Links:

https://idealinvestorshow.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “If I know what I know today, I would probably start investing. There are some AI companies growing 100 % a year—if you double that every year, it doesn’t take long before you can build from it.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting to invest too late.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Wealthy Gardener by John Zoforic—he wrote it for his son to instill financial wisdom. And another one for today’s world: Stellar by Tony Siba.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Google Calendar. My wife, assistant, and I all share it—everything from dinner to interviews....