In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Patrick Van Der Burght, SHIELD Certified Coach, Sydney Institute licensed trainer, and founder of Ethical Persuasion. Patrick shares how ethical persuasion—rooted in behavioral science—can drastically improve how you communicate, sell, and lead. He explains why persuasion isn’t about manipulation but about building trust, creating clarity, and helping others say “yes” to what’s right for them.

Patrick Van Der Burght’s approach begins with reframing what persuasion really is: not trickery, but a science-based method to guide decision-making ethically and effectively. Drawing on the seven universal principles of persuasion—reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, authority, liking, scarcity, and unity—Patrick shares how understanding these can significantly improve conversations, sales, and influence.

He emphasizes that persuasion must be built on relationship, clarity, and trust. If those elements are missing, objections arise and conversions stall. From using specific data to build credibility, to helping clients make public commitments that increase follow-through, Patrick lays out actionable, research-backed strategies anyone can use. He also encourages business owners and consultants to stop chasing “more follow-ups” and instead fix the relationship and clarity gaps first.

Whether you’re presenting offers, coaching clients, or leading teams, this episode shows how ethical persuasion can lead to stronger relationships, more impact, and consistent results—without pressure or pushiness.

Patrick Van Der Burght is the founder of Ethical Persuasion, a certified SHIELD Coach, licensed Sydney Institute trainer, and author of How to Hear Yes More Often. He teaches entrepreneurs, consultants, educators, and teams how to ethically apply behavioral science to become more persuasive, trusted, and effective communicators. Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn.

Ethical Persuasion offers practical, science-based training and resources to help business owners, consultants, and professionals master the art of influence with integrity. From free tools and workshops to in-depth coaching and educational programs, the company equips leaders with the skills to ethically inspire action and build trust.

• Ethical Persuasion Website
• Patrick Van Der Burght on LinkedIn

• Why ethical persuasion is more effective than traditional “sales tactics”
• The 7 universal persuasion principles every business leader should know
• How trust, clarity, and relationship reduce objections and increase conversions
• How to apply commitment, social proof, and loss aversion effectively
• Ways to build goodwill with genuine value before making an offer

Patrick Van Der Burght proves that the most persuasive people aren’t pushy—they’re precise. By understanding the psychology of influence and applying it...

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Apollo Emeka, Founder of Apollo Strategy Group Inc. and former Green Beret, Army National Guard veteran, and FBI intelligence analyst. Drawing from a remarkable journey through elite military service, entrepreneurship, and personal reinvention, Apollo shares a decision-making framework designed for high-impact leadership without burnout. If you're looking to lead boldly, energize your team, and create certainty in uncertain times, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

Apollo Emeka’s leadership journey began with unconventional roots—from academic struggles to elite military roles and eventually founding Apollo Strategy Group Inc. His story reveals that background is less important than your ability to make bold decisions and learn from every experience. Apollo’s three-part decision-making framework—Decide with Heart, Determine Requirements with Your Head, and Bet on Game Changers—helps leaders avoid mediocrity by aligning vision with action.

Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, Apollo advocates for creating certainty through decisive leadership. He challenges listeners to ditch the “feasibility trap,” clarify what it really takes to succeed, and focus on high-leverage actions that move the needle. He also shares how movement, play, and rest prevent burnout—reminding leaders that passion and well-being are essential for long-term performance.

Whether you're leading a team, scaling a business, or navigating big decisions, Apollo's methods are designed to energize, simplify, and sustain. His approach helps high performers achieve more by focusing on what matters and building cultures of boldness and clarity.

Apollo Emeka is a former Green Beret, FBI intelligence analyst, and founder of Apollo Strategy Group Inc. He now helps leaders and teams make bold, high-impact decisions through strategic frameworks, coaching, and immersive workshops. Apollo’s mission is to equip people to lead with clarity, courage, and balance.

Apollo Strategy Group Inc. provides leadership consulting, decision-making intensives, and executive coaching for high performers and organizations. Their modular programs and custom engagements are designed to help clients accelerate results, foster aligned teams, and prevent burnout through smarter, bolder decision-making.

• Apollo Strategy Group Website
• Apollo Emeka LinkedIn Profile

• Apollo’s journey from struggling student to elite military leader and founder
• The 3-step framework for bold, aligned decision-making
• How to create certainty in uncertain environments
• Strategies to prevent burnout and lead with energy
• Building cultures that encourage risk-taking and bold thinking

Apollo Emeka’s leadership insights serve as a masterclass in clarity, courage, and sustainability. By deciding with heart, planning with your head, and focusing on game-changing actions, leaders can drive greater results without sacrificing themselves in the process. If you’re looking to level up your leadership, this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur delivers a practical, inspiring roadmap.

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Christopher Zaino, former Mister America and Mister Universe, and Founder of The Stallion Project. Christopher shares his inspiring journey of overcoming ulcerative colitis and embracing a mission to help men reclaim their health, vitality, and purpose. This episode is a powerful call to action for men ready to live intentionally, with honesty, strength, and holistic wellness at the forefront.

Christopher Zaino believes the root of many health struggles for men is denial. From ignoring symptoms to suppressing emotions, men are often conditioned to be self-reliant to a fault. Zaino advocates for radical honesty as the first step to reclaiming physical and emotional well-being. He urges men to stop brushing off fatigue, digestive issues, or burnout—and to schedule regular checkups and address both physical and emotional health head-on.

Beyond honesty, Zaino emphasizes understanding one’s biochemistry. Imbalances in testosterone, dopamine, and cortisol often explain symptoms like low energy, mood swings, and lack of drive. Through comprehensive blood work, lifestyle adjustments, and expert guidance, men can restore balance and reignite their performance and purpose. His protocol also prioritizes movement and mindset—integrating daily cardio and uplifting inputs like podcasts to elevate both body and mind.

Another powerful pillar of Zaino’s philosophy is vulnerability. By sharing his story, he discovered deep healing—and encourages men to do the same. He believes community, connection, and service are vital parts of wellness. Whether it’s checking in with friends, helping others, or scheduling self-care as a leadership practice, Zaino’s message is clear: real strength lies in self-awareness, action, and service.

Christopher Zaino is a renowned speaker, former professional bodybuilder, and the Founder of The Stallion Project. After overcoming a life-threatening health crisis, he became a passionate advocate for men’s wellness, purpose, and emotional growth—coaching thousands of men to lead with authenticity and strength.

The Stallion Project is a movement led by Christopher Zaino dedicated to helping men in midlife reconnect with their health, purpose, and power. Through programs, coaching, and community, Zaino equips men with the tools to transform their bodies, minds, and relationships.

• The Stallion Project Website
• Christopher Zaino LinkedIn Profile

• Why radical honesty is the foundation of men’s health
• How biochemistry affects energy, mood, and drive
• The link between daily movement and emotional resilience
• Why vulnerability is a strength—not a weakness—for men
• How service and community accelerate personal healing

Christopher Zaino’s story is a testament to the power of proactive self-care and emotional honesty. By integrating health, vulnerability, and service, men can reclaim their vitality and become stronger leaders in every area of life. This episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur is a must-listen for anyone ready to break the silence and step into purposeful living.

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