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You’re gonna love this DAILY, commercial-free entrepreneur spotlight show. We feature CEOs and founders of 6-9 figure B2B companies. Agencies, coaches, consultants, and other leaders share not only their success stories - but their advice for business leaders focused on business growth. You’re going to hear real stories from real people all in 15-25 minutes time - perfect for your commute. On this podcast, your host, Josh Elledge encourages entrepreneurs to share not only their expertise but their stories and their hearts. We believe that every person has a unique message which can positively impact the world. Even YOU! If you’d like to be featured on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, apply here: https://UpMyInfluence.com/guest/
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Episodios
  • 2291 - Why Networking Should Feel More Like a Dinner Party and Less Like a Sales Pitch with Daniel Andrews
    Oct 18 2025
    Building Authentic Connections: Daniel Andrews on Friendship, Hospitality, and Low-Barrier Networking

    In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Daniel Andrews, serial entrepreneur, connector, and mentor, about transforming both personal and professional relationships through authenticity and intentional hospitality. Daniel shares how small, simple actions—like inviting people over for dinner or scheduling short, genuine networking calls—can create powerful, lasting connections. His approach replaces the pressure of traditional networking with openness, generosity, and genuine curiosity, helping people connect more meaningfully in an increasingly digital world.

    Building Relationships Through Simplicity and Hospitality

    Daniel Andrews believes that hospitality is not about perfection but presence—making people feel seen, valued, and welcomed. He and his wife regularly host dinners to strengthen friendships, emphasizing that consistency and simplicity make connection sustainable. Whether in business or personal life, Daniel says hospitality creates space for trust, conversation, and belonging.

    Beyond hosting, Daniel encourages using technology to remove barriers to connection. He creatively uses Calendly for dinner invites, allowing friends to pick a convenient date and eliminating the friction of group planning. His philosophy: make it easy for people to say “yes” by lowering the stakes and setting clear expectations.

    Daniel also applies these principles to business networking. Instead of formal sales meetings, he prefers 20-minute, no-pressure “get-to-know-you” calls that prioritize relationship-building over pitching. He calls introductions the “currency of trust,” explaining that when you thoughtfully connect two people, you share your credibility and strengthen all three relationships. For Daniel, connection is not about collecting contacts—it’s about building a network of genuine, mutually beneficial relationships.


    About Daniel Andrews

    Daniel Andrews is a seasoned entrepreneur, mentor, and relationship builder who champions authentic connection in both business and life. Known for his thoughtful approach to hospitality and low-barrier networking, Daniel has helped countless leaders and entrepreneurs strengthen relationships, expand their communities, and find deeper fulfillment through intentional connection.


    Links Mentioned in This Episode
    • Daniel Andrews on LinkedIn

    Key Episode Highlights
    • Hospitality is about presence, not perfection
    • Use simple tools like Calendly to make invitations and connections effortless
    • Boundaries make connection easier, not harder
    • Replace transactional networking with short, intentional conversations
    • Thoughtful introductions build credibility and long-term trust
    • Consistency and low-pressure gatherings are key to lasting relationships

    Conclusion

    Daniel Andrews reminds us that meaningful connection doesn’t require grand gestures—it starts with small acts of intentionality. By simplifying invitations, embracing hospitality, and focusing on authenticity over perfection, we can nurture relationships that enrich both business and life. Genuine networking isn’t about volume; it’s about trust, presence, and care.


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    21 m
  • 2290 - Empowering Business Owners to Embrace Technology with The Business Therapist's Dan Goodstein
    Oct 17 2025
    How Business Owners Can Scale and Thrive in the Age of AI: Insights from Dan Goodstein

    In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Dan Goodstein, Founder of The Business Therapist and President of IRPA AI, to explore how business owners can scale smarter and thrive amid rapid technological change. With years of experience in tech, marketing, media, and coaching, Dan offers practical advice on leveraging AI, building community, and creating systems that support sustainable growth in today’s fast-paced environment.

    Scaling Smarter in the AI Era

    Dan emphasizes that too many business owners are working in their businesses rather than on them. He highlights the importance of stepping back, joining peer communities, and embracing outside accountability through coaching or masterminds. These practices create space for strategy, innovation, and balance—especially critical as AI reshapes how we work.

    AI, he explains, is now leveling the playing field for small and midsize businesses, giving them access to tools once reserved for large corporations. From AI-driven sales assistants to automated lead generation and CRM integrations, these technologies help streamline operations, enhance personalization, and improve ROI. Dan also encourages owners to adopt a “pilot-first” approach—testing tools on a small scale before company-wide implementation to ensure measurable results.

    Finally, Dan shares actionable strategies for using AI in sales, from automating outreach to personalizing follow-ups, while maintaining the human connection that drives lasting relationships. His advice is clear: start small, stay consistent, and focus on impact over volume. AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering them to spend more time on high-value, strategic work.

    About Dan Goodstein

    Dan Goodstein is the Founder of The Business Therapist, a platform helping entrepreneurs build scalable, resilient companies through coaching, peer networks, and strategic support. He also serves as President of IRPA AI, a global association focused on intelligent automation and digital transformation. Dan is the host of The Digital Leader Show and a frequent speaker on AI, business growth, and leadership innovation.

    About The Business Therapist

    The Business Therapist provides business owners with the community, coaching, and resources they need to scale sustainably. Through mastermind groups, advisory programs, and peer-to-peer learning, the organization helps leaders step back from daily operations to focus on vision, systems, and growth strategy.

    Links Mentioned in This Episode
    • The Business Therapist Website
    • IRPA AI Website
    • Dan Goodstein LinkedIn Profile

    Key Episode Highlights
    • Why every business owner needs community and strategy days.
    • How AI tools are helping small businesses compete with large enterprises.
    • Actionable ways to use AI in sales and marketing.
    • Tips for choosing and integrating AI technologies effectively.
    • The importance of focusing on sustainability, not just speed, in scaling.

    Conclusion

    Dan Goodstein’s message is simple but powerful: you can’t scale by doing more—you scale by doing smarter. By stepping back, building support systems, and embracing AI-driven tools, business owners can transform the way they grow and operate. The future belongs to leaders...

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    17 m
  • 2289 -Proven Strategies to Build Authority in Today’s Market with Red Fan Communications' Kathleen Lucente
    Oct 16 2025
    Building B2B Authority in the AI Era: Actionable Strategies from Kathleen Lucente of Red Fan Communications

    In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Kathleen Lucente, Founder and CEO of Red Fan Communications, to explore how B2B companies can build lasting authority and credibility in the AI-driven digital landscape. Kathleen shares her expertise in modern PR, brand storytelling, and thought leadership, offering a roadmap for high-growth companies to adapt to the era of zero-click searches and AI-powered visibility.

    Building B2B Authority in the Age of AI

    Kathleen explains that traditional SEO strategies are no longer enough. With nearly 60% of Google searches ending without a click, brands must now focus on being discoverable through AI summaries, thought leadership, and digital authority—not just website traffic. She introduces her “Revenue Bridge” framework, built around three pillars: authority, credibility, and reputation. Authority opens doors, credibility converts, and reputation sustains long-term growth.

    To stand out in this new environment, Kathleen encourages businesses to refresh their brand narratives, ensuring they reflect what truly differentiates them in the market. She emphasizes multi-channel storytelling and the importance of developing multiple internal thought leaders who can each represent distinct aspects of a company’s expertise. The goal isn’t just visibility—it’s being referenced, quoted, and trusted by both humans and AI systems alike.

    Finally, she underscores that thought leadership is now a direct revenue driver. By educating your audience, securing media coverage, and engaging authentically online, companies can strengthen their digital footprint and boost conversions. Kathleen’s message is clear: in the AI era, influence happens before the click. B2B leaders must build public credibility that algorithms and audiences alike can recognize and trust.

    About Kathleen Lucente

    Kathleen Lucente is the Founder and CEO of Red Fan Communications, a strategic communications firm based in Austin, Texas. With over two decades of experience, she has helped startups and Fortune 500 companies alike transform their PR and marketing strategies. Her firm specializes in brand narrative development, executive thought leadership, and communications strategies that drive measurable business growth.

    About Red Fan Communications

    Red Fan Communications is a full-service strategic communications agency that helps high-growth B2B companies stand out in crowded markets. The firm partners with clients to elevate authority, strengthen reputation, and connect PR efforts directly to revenue. Through storytelling, content strategy, and media relations, Red Fan ensures brands remain relevant, discoverable, and influential in the AI-powered age.

    Links Mentioned in This Episode
    • Red Fan Communications Website
    • Kathleen Lucente LinkedIn

    Key Episode Highlights
    • 60% of searches now end without a click—visibility requires AI optimization.
    • Kathleen’s “Revenue Bridge” framework: authority, credibility, and reputation.
    • How to refresh your brand narrative to attract modern B2B buyers.
    • Why thought leadership drives both awareness and revenue.
    • Practical steps to build multi-channel visibility and executive trust.

    Conclusion

    Kathleen Lucente’s insights reveal that building authority today means adapting to the invisible influence of AI. By...

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    15 m
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