In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline Podcast, hosts Danielle Cuomo, MBA, and Nicole Gallicchio-Elz sit down with Vance Morris, former Disney Leader turned successful entrepreneur. From working security at a birth control factory to leading at Disney, going bankrupt, cleaning carpets, and ultimately building a thriving business, Vance’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and creating unforgettable customer experiences.

Vance opens up about the true power of focusing on customer experience, not just chasing leads, and why businesses that shift from being commodities to creating memorable moments win in the long run. Drawing lessons from his time at Disney and his own entrepreneurial journey, he shares practical strategies for controlling pricing, boosting profitability, and growing sustainably by keeping existing customers engaged.

💡 What We Cover:

• Why competing on price is a losing game and what to do instead.

• Disney’s formula for creating memorable experiences in even the most mundane tasks.

• The real math of growth: $126 to acquire a new client vs. $22 to market to an existing one.

• How an 80/20 customer ratio fuels Disney’s profitable growth (and can fuel yours too).

• The importance of shifting from chasing leads to designing experiences.

Top Takeaways for Leaders & Entrepreneurs:✔️ Stop racing to the bottom with pricing: Differentiate with value and experience.✔️ Existing clients are more profitable than new leads: Focus on retention.✔️ Small shifts in customer touchpoints can create big loyalty.✔️ Building experiences around your business creates control and sustainable growth.

Why This Matters:Vance reminds us that growth isn’t about constantly chasing more. it’s about creating experiences that keep customers coming back and building a business model that thrives on retention, profitability, and value. His formula blends Disney-inspired strategies with hard-won entrepreneurial lessons, offering actionable insights for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and service-based businesses alike.

Closing Thoughts:Don’t be a commodity. Don’t compete on price. Build an experience your customers can’t wait to pay for.

📌 CTA:Take a look at your own business model: Are you focused on chasing leads or creating experiences that keep customers loyal and profitable?

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USAHelping CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

🔗 Connect with Vance Morris:🌐 Website: wow52ways.com👤 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris/

In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline Podcast, hosts Danielle Cuomo, MBA, and Nicole Gallicchio-Elz sit down with David Price, founder of The Price Group and industry leader in building high-performing insurance agencies. From humble beginnings to leading an organization that achieved over $35 million in sales in 2024 and helped more than 30,000 families, David’s story is one of resilience, persistence, and vision.

David opens up about the real difference between agents who struggle and those who thrive, and why being coachableis the single most important trait for success. With over 5,000 insurance agents hired under his leadership, he shares the hard-earned lessons about scaling, mentorship, and creating systems that empower people to build their own businesses.

💡 What We Cover:

The power of being coachable and why it separates top earners from those who fail.

Lessons from hiring 5,000 agents and building a thriving insurance organization.

How mentorship, consistency, and persistence drive long-term success.

Why building systems matters more than talent.

David’s vision for empowering agents through The Price Group IMO.

Top Takeaways for Leaders & Entrepreneurs:

✔️ Success isn’t about talent—it’s about focus, consistency, and being willing to learn.

✔️ Coachability is the #1 factor that determines whether someone will succeed.

✔️ Building systems and mentorship models creates scalable, lasting impact.

✔️ Resilience and transparency are key to building legacy, not just income.

Why This Matters:

David reminds us that freedom and financial independence come not from chasing multiple ventures but from mastering focus, coachability, and proven systems. His approach blends mentorship, resilience, and leadership—offering actionable insights for entrepreneurs, CEOs, and aspiring business builders alike.

Closing Thoughts:

Your best thinking got you here. If you want different results, you have to be willing to be coached, stay consistent, and commit to growth.

📌 CTA:

Take a look at your own business journey: are you truly coachable? Are you focused, consistent, and building systems that last?

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Helping CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

🔗 Connect with David Price:

🌐 Website: https://tpglife.com/about-us/

👤 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/davidpriceofficial

📸 Instagram: instagram.com/davidpriceofficial

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/DavidPriceOfficial

#NYACLPodcast #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #Coachability #BusinessGrowth #InsuranceIndustry #NotYourAverageCEO #LegacyBuilding #Mentorship

“True leadership isn’t just about performance—it’s about purpose.”

In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline Podcast, Danielle Cuomo, MBA, and Nicole Gallicchio-Elz sit down with Rick Yvanovich, Chief Master Coach, serial entrepreneur, and CEO of TRG International. With decades of experience as an accountant, author, speaker, CEO, and CFO, Rick’s mission is clear: to inspire and transform humans toward balanced fulfillment.

Rick unpacks his framework for the 7 Ikigai Needs at Work—a guide to building purpose-driven organizations where people thrive, leaders grow, and legacies endure.

💡 What We Cover:

The 7 Ikigai Needs at Work: satisfaction, growth, vision, resonance, freedom, self-actualization, and meaning.

Why alignment between personal purpose and company values drives long-term success.

Practical ways leaders can create environments that foster innovation, resilience, and fulfillment.

Rick’s take on continuous learning and why Kaizen (constant improvement) fuels effective leadership.

Top Takeaways for Leaders:

✔️ Fulfillment is multi-dimensional—address all 7 needs to unlock Ikigai at work.

✔️ Freedom and psychological safety drive innovation and growth.

✔️ Leaders must align company vision with individual purpose for lasting engagement.

✔️ Continuous learning and Kaizen are non-negotiables for sustainable success.

Why This Matters:

Rick reminds us that leadership isn’t just about profits—it’s about people, purpose, and building a legacy that lasts. His approach blends integrity, lifelong learning, and balance, offering actionable insights for CEOs, founders, and leaders ready to elevate their impact.

Closing Thoughts:

When companies meet these seven needs, they don’t just create jobs—they create meaning. And that’s the true foundation of a thriving organization.

📌 Call to Action:

Take a moment to reflect: are you fostering satisfaction, growth, and freedom for your team? Which Ikigai need could you strengthen today?

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Helping CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

🔗 Connect with Rick Yvanovich:

🌐 Website: https://rickyvanovich.com

📧 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rickyvanovich/

#NYAELPodcast #Leadership #Ikigai #EmployeeEngagement #NotYourAverageCEO #WorkplaceFulfillment #Kaizen #ContinuousLearning

The Money You’re Leaving Behind

“Some deals take 9… even 12 months to close. That ‘yes’ you’ve been waiting for? It could be just one follow-up away.”

Too many businesses stop the conversation too soon — and the cost is massive. In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline, we unpack why most companies leave money on the table and how consistent, personal follow-up can turn “maybe later” into “yes.”

💡 What We Cover:

The stat every leader should know about how many sales are lost to silence

Why “If they’re interested, they’ll call back” is one of the most dangerous misconceptions in business

Common pitfalls: over-reliance on drip campaigns, fear of persistence, and no clear post-pitch plan

The real cost of silence: cold leads, missed upsells, and eroded trust

A 7-day plan to re-engage your pipeline and recover lost revenue

7 Moves to Re-Engage in 7 Days:

✔️ Audit open loops and stalled deals

✔️ Prioritize high-potential opportunities

✔️ Create a personal re-engagement plan

✔️ Use multi-channel touchpoints (email, phone, LinkedIn, even handwritten notes)

✔️ Offer immediate value in every outreach

✔️ Set a next step in every conversation

✔️ Track and repeat with a simple system

Mindset Shift:

Following up isn’t pushy — it’s service. Staying present shows prospects you care, keeps you top of mind, and helps them make decisions with confidence.

🎙️ Co-Host Discussion:

Why do businesses hesitate to follow up?

How do you strike the balance between persistent and pushy?

What’s the single biggest shift leaders can make to close more deals?

What’s the difference between “checking in” and adding value in follow-up?

Closing Thought:

Your challenge — in the next 7 days, revive 5 “dead” opportunities and track the results. Chances are, you’ll uncover revenue that was sitting right in front of you.

📌 CTA:

Don’t leave money on the table. Tune in and start building a follow-up process that works.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Your time is valuable. Virtual Assist USA offers experienced, US-based Virtual Assistant services to help CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster—with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

📚 Grab your copy of Not Your Average CEO: https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

#NYAELPodcast #FollowUpStrategy #BusinessGrowth #SalesPipeline #CloseTheDeal #NotYourAverageCEO #RevenueRecovery #LeadEngagement

“Most leaders wait until the exit interview to ask the real questions — and by then, it’s too late.”

In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline, best-selling author and workplace culture expert Ryan Englin challenges the myths around pay, perks, and bonuses. He explains why real retention isn’t about dangling more incentives — it’s about understanding what your employees truly need to thrive.

💡 What We Cover:

3 unconventional questions for effective stay interviews

Why awkward conversations lead to better retention insights

How to flip the script from “What do I need from my employees?” to “What do they need from me?”

Why higher pay, bonuses, or perks aren’t the magic answer

Practical ways to build a culture where people actually want to stay

Top Takeaways:

✔️ Retention starts with listening, not incentives

✔️ Stay interviews uncover motivations before it’s too late

✔️ Leaders who meet their team’s needs keep their best people engaged long-term

Common Misunderstandings We Address:

❌ Thinking more money solves engagement problems

❌ Believing culture is only about perks and policies

❌ Waiting until employees resign to ask the real questions

Why This Matters:

A revolving door of talent costs more than higher paychecks. True leadership means creating space where employees feel supported, valued, and heard. When you meet their needs, they’ll take care of yours.

🎙️ Co-Host Discussion:

What makes stay interviews so powerful?

How can leaders get past the discomfort of tough questions?

Why do so many leaders focus on pay when it’s rarely the core issue?

What’s one change leaders can make today to strengthen retention?

Closing Thoughts:

Retention is not about perks or paychecks — it’s about understanding your people. The sooner leaders realize this, the stronger and more loyal their teams become.

📌 CTA:

What’s one question you’d add to your own stay interview? Drop it in the comments below!

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Your time is valuable. Virtual Assist USA offers experienced, US-based Virtual Assistant services to help CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster—with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

📚 Hear more from Ryan Englin: corematters.com/freebook

#NYAELPodcast #EmployeeRetention #StayInterviews #LeadershipMatters #CultureFirst #NotYourAverageCEO #RyanEnglin #EngagedTeams #LeadSmarter

In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline Podcast, Danielle Cuomo, MBA sits down with Scott De Long, PhD, founder of Lead2Goals, to explore what success and leadership really mean beyond titles and money. Scott shares why true leadership is measured by the impact you have on others and how people feel when they choose to be around you.

💡 What We Cover:

Redefining success: shifting focus from external achievements to authentic connection and influence

Why leadership isn’t one-size-fits-all—and how command & control leadership can help or hurt

Scott’s practical approach to building leaders through communication, trust, and mutual respect

Tools and resources from Lead2Goals: quizzes, e-books, videos, and testimonials that support leadership growth

Top Takeaways for Leaders:

✔️ Success is about people, not things—how they feel around you matters most

✔️ Adjust leadership style to fit the situation, not the other way around

✔️ Influence and connection are stronger than authority alone

✔️ Growth happens when leaders learn to listen as much as they direct

Why This Matters:

Scott’s story and teachings prove that leadership is about impact, not ego. Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, rethinking how you define success and how you lead can transform your culture, performance, and legacy.

Closing Thoughts:

Leadership is personal. It’s about building trust, creating connection, and inspiring others to grow with you. As Scott says, “Success isn’t about titles, money, or things—it’s about the people who choose to be around you and how they feel when they do.”

📌 CTA:

Reflect on your leadership style this week: Are you leading with control, or with connection? Take one action today to shift toward impact-driven leadership.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Helping CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

🔗 Connect with Scott & Lead2Goals:

🌐 Website: lead2goals.com

#NYAELPodcast #Leadership #Motivation #Inspiration #NotYourAverageCEO #ImpactDrivenLeadership #Lead2Goals

In this episode of Not Your Average CEO Lifeline Podcast, Danielle Cuomo, MBA, and Nicole Gallicchio-Elz sit down with Logan Cuvo, the founder and CEO of Best Dam Tape, the hockey tape trusted by athletes from beginners to NHL players. Logan shares his journey from spotting a gap in the market to building a brand that athletes love and the strategies that helped him get there.

💡 What We Cover:

How Logan scaled Best Dam Tape while still studying Entrepreneurship & Innovation at West Virginia University

Ways to stay ahead of the game as a CEO: leverage resources, be prepared for the next steps, and focus on long-term goals

The importance of fostering relationships: Logan balances networking and working on his business 50/50 to keep growth steady

Practical tips for building a brand that resonates in a niche market

Top Takeaways for Leaders:

✔️ Leverage your network and existing resources to accelerate growth

✔️ Always be prepared for the next opportunity or challenge

✔️ Build for the long-term: create a brand story and hire smart

✔️ Relationships are as important as strategy, balance networking with business execution

Why This Matters:

Logan’s story shows that building a successful business isn’t just about hard work, it’s about smart strategy, long-term vision, and the people you bring along for the journey. Whether you’re running a startup or scaling an established business, these lessons are universally applicable.

Closing Thoughts:

Passion + preparation + relationships = growth. Logan proves that with the right mindset and approach, you can take your business from concept to market dominance.

📌 CTA:

Check your own strategies: Are you balancing networking with building your business? Are you thinking long-term? Take one step today to level up.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Helping CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

🔗 Connect with Logan & Best Dam Tape:

🌐 Website: https://bestdamtape.com

📧 Email: logan@bestdamtape.com

#NYAELPodcast #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #StartupJourney #NotYourAverageCEO #Leadership #SportsBusiness #Innovation #BestDamTape #HockeyLife

“Scaling doesn’t have to mean stress. The right systems and mindset make growth smoother — not harder.”

In this episode, co-hosts Danielle Cuomo, MBA, and Nicole Gallicchio-Elz sit down with Laurie Barkman, who helps business owners escape the day-to-day grind and scale with more freedom, greater value, and less chaos. Laurie shares practical strategies and mindset shifts for leaders who want growth without losing control — and explains how to help even the most analytical CEOs embrace delegation and leadership development.

💡 What We Cover:

• How to recognize when it’s time to step back from daily operations
• The systems and leadership strategies that prevent chaos while scaling
• Mindset shifts every business owner needs to move from operator to visionary
• How to guide technical or analytical leaders into effective delegation

Top Takeaways for Leaders:

• Scaling is about clarity, not control
• Freedom comes from trust, systems, and team alignment
• Leadership growth often requires stepping back, not doubling down

Common Misunderstandings We See:

• Believing growth = more complexity and stress
• Thinking technical skills alone can carry a business to the next level
• Assuming delegation means losing control

Why This Matters:

If you want your business to grow without running you into the ground, you need more than hustle — you need the right systems, leadership habits, and mindset shifts. Laurie shows us how to scale smarter, not harder.

Closing Thoughts:

Chaos is optional. With the right systems and mindset, scaling can actually simplify your business and give you back control where it matters most.

📌 CTA:

Take a look at your current systems and leadership habits — are they designed for scale, or are they holding you back? Start small: identify one area you can delegate, automate, or systemize this week.

✨ This episode is brought to you by Virtual Assist USA

Your time is valuable. Virtual Assist USA offers experienced, US-based Virtual Assistant services to help CEOs and business owners streamline operations, get more done, and grow faster—with the right support in the right roles.

🔗 Connect With Us on LinkedIn:

👤 Nicole Gallicchio – linkedin.com/in/nicolegallicchio

👤 Danielle C. – linkedin.com/in/djc287

📚 Grab your copy of Not Your Average CEO:

https://a.co/d/aPgacvt

🔗 Connect with Laurie: BTSherpa.com Book: https://btsherpa.com/book

#NYAELPodcast #ScaleSmart #DelegateToGrow #NotYourAverageCEO #LeadershipShift #CEOChecklist #WomenInBusiness #LeadSmarter