Ever wondered how a sudden layoff could be the best thing to ever happen to you? Join me, Anika Jackson, as I chat with Feras Alhlou, a formidable entrepreneur who turned an unexpected job loss into a thriving series of startups. Feras opens up about the heartbreak of losing his VP role in Silicon Valley and how leveraging his network led him to co-found a business during the dawn of the internet. Through his story, you'll gain invaluaNavigating the tumultuous waters of career setbacks can often lead to unforeseen opportunities. This is precisely what we explore in the latest episode of our podcast, "Turning Layoffs into Launchpads: Faris Ahlu’s Entrepreneurial Journey." Hosted by Anika Jackson, this episode dives deep into the life of Faris Ahlu, an entrepreneur who transformed a sudden job loss into a thriving business career. From the heartbreak of losing a VP role in Silicon Valley to co-founding multiple startups, Faris's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of leveraging one's network.
ble insights into the unpredictable yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship, and the importance of starting a venture while financially stable.

Throughout our discussion, Feras emphasizes the importance of spotting opportunities within challenges, and how the initial struggles of gaining traction paved the way to substantial success. From building an offshore team for backend development to achieving eight-figure financial success and selling his business to a global media company, Feras reveals the strategic decisions that shaped his journey. The conversation underscores the fun, energy, and camaraderie of the early stages of a business, and the critical role of having a co-founder who complements your skills and values.

For those aspiring to grow their businesses, especially Gen Z entrepreneurs, Feras shares vital principles for business growth and the folly of quick-fix solutions. He also explores the significance of lifelong learning, adaptability, and the power of soft skills in a tech-driven world. If you're considering expanding your business internationally or seeking financial support, Feras provides practical advice and resources, including insights from his own expansion to Dubai. Reflecting on his journey, Feras concludes with a powerful message on building a legacy through service, compassion, and usefulness, inspired by the wisdom of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Don't miss this episode filled with actionable insights and inspiring stories.

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Ever wondered how resisting a family business can turn into embracing it wholeheartedly? Join us as Ed Delia from Delia Associates shares his remarkable journey from a hesitant young boy collating press kits to the driving force behind a successful B2B marketing firm. Ed offers a rare peek into the dynamics of family businesses, recounting pivotal conversations, and the signs that helped him realize he was exactly where he needed to be. Gain unique insights into how early exposure and reluctant involvement can pave the way for future leadership and consider the implications of passing on the family torch.

Discover the blueprint for authentic B2B branding and why it's crucial for your business’s success. We explore a powerful four-part process that starts with understanding the voices and values within your organization. Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword; it's a strategy that fosters genuine emotional connections, simplifies partnership decisions, and ensures higher-quality leads. This chapter underscores the importance of aligning your company culture and staying true to your brand’s unique position.

For those curious about the evolution of brand strategy, this episode offers valuable lessons on balancing outbound and inbound marketing, particularly on LinkedIn. We tackle the need for genuine engagement over automated pitches and the complexities of leveraging both traditional and AI-driven creative work. With expert insights into developing a thoughtful growth strategy and celebrating the resilience of B2B industries during economic crises, this episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to enhance their brand’s positioning. Don't miss out on our brand leadership action plan and assessment, designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your current brand status and future direction.

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Ever wondered how an engineer transforms into a sales powerhouse? Join us on Your Brand Amplified as we unpack the inspiring journey of Gregg Murphy and Mike Latch. With Gregg's mentorship, Mike overcame his skepticism and analytical roots to become a top sales representative, proving the undeniable impact of guidance and ethical practices. Their 15-year partnership showcases the blend of strategic thinking and optimization expertise, paving the way for scalable, ethical sales strategies.

Navigate the complexities of modern sales with insights from Gregg and Mike as they share their experiences in scaling a company's sales force and revenue using innovative software solutions. Learn how structured approaches and technology can streamline processes and eliminate manipulative tactics. Their forthcoming book "Sales Sucks" promises to demystify sales processes, offering clear guides for companies with strategic and complicated sales needs, ensuring that even the most analytical minds can find success in sales.

Discover the pivotal role of sales enablement technology and AI in empowering the often-overlooked middle tier of sales reps. We discuss the ethical training of AI tools, drawing parallels to historical technological shifts, and the importance of embracing new tech for career longevity. The mutual respect and complementary skills between Gregg and Mike have been the cornerstone of their success, and they share their journey, tips, and insights on creating scalable, ethical sales strategies. Tune in for a deep dive into their upcoming book and stay ahead in the ever-evolving sales landscape.

If you want to step up your strategic sales game, be one of the first to read ‘Sales Sucks’ when it drops. Join the waitlist for release.

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What does it take to evolve from a door-to-door egg salesman at 14 to a renowned luxury portrait photographer and eventually a business coach and author? Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Jeffrey Shaw, a lifelong entrepreneur whose story is a masterclass in resilience and strategic thinking. Learn how Jeffrey mastered the psychology of luxury buyers and harnessed this understanding to build a 40-year self-employed career, proving that aligning with customer mindsets is essential whether you’re catering to Walmart shoppers or high-end clientele.

Ever wondered how a successful photographer transitions into a business coach and multi-time author? Jeffrey shares his transformative journey, highlighting the comfort and challenges of working with affluent clients and the courage it took to step into a broader market. Discover the pivotal moments that pushed Jeffrey out of his comfort zone, leading him to become a TEDx speaker, podcaster, and an influential thought leader in the entrepreneurial world. Hear about his decade-long podcast journey and the strategies he used to overcome shyness and expand his impact.

We'll also uncover Jeffrey's principles of exceptionalism in business, from fostering exceptional customer relationships to integrating personal development with business strategies. Learn about The Self-Employed Life and Business Institute, a comprehensive program designed to empower self-employed individuals. Jeffrey’s insights on mentorship, inspirational quotes, and the importance of aligning your mindset with your goals are sure to motivate and provide actionable steps for both personal and business growth. Don’t miss this episode filled with valuable lessons and inspiration to elevate your business and life.

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Discover how an unconventional journey can lead to extraordinary success as we sit down with Drew Glover, founding partner at Fiat Growth and general partner at Fiat Ventures. Drew's path from sales and insurance to becoming a fintech visionary is not just inspiring but also a testament to the power of passion and resilience. Alongside his co-founder, Alex Harris, Drew has built an influential ecosystem that champions financial literacy and inclusion, making significant strides in diversifying venture capital and tech industries. Hear firsthand how they’ve supported startups, fostering meaningful opportunities and driving impactful change.

Explore the significant shift from consumer-focused technology investments to the more intricate realms of infrastructure and B2B/B2B2C models. Learn about the transformative role strategic partnerships play in catapulting businesses to new heights, exemplified by collaborations with giants like Microsoft. Delve into the burgeoning importance of data and analytics in modern marketing, as well as AI's pivotal role in enhancing business efficiency. Drew sheds light on how small businesses can harness these advancements to remain competitive, sharing insights from recent discussions with Congress on AI’s role in the small business landscape.

Uncover the secrets behind building a successful startup, from assembling a top-tier team to mastering the art of selling your product. Drew offers indispensable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, stressing the need for unwavering dedication, especially within the fintech arena. Learn how Fiat Growth aids companies at various stages with strategic advice and execution, enabling them to scale meaningfully. Concluding with an empowering message, Drew reminds us all that we have the power to reshape our lives and create new opportunities. Tune in for a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to fuel your entrepreneurial journey!

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Prepare to be inspired as Darrell Evans shares his riveting tale of transformation from real estate to digital marketing maestro, all while navigating the choppy waters of the 2008 recession. Discover how embracing email and YouTube not only revolutionized customer communication for Darrell, but also informed a broader digital strategy that countless other entrepreneurs could harness to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape. Our conversation unpacks the vital role digital tools play in business growth and adaptation.

Dive into the heart of digital marketing as we chart the trajectory of scaling an agency in a world where algorithms and authentic engagement reign supreme. He bares the intricacies of their partnership with HubSpot, the power of understanding the buyer's journey, and why SEO remains a cornerstone in connecting with customers. We'll also tackle how to infuse a brand's unique voice into social media content and ads, ensuring that resonance and engagement are at the forefront of every campaign.

Finally, brace yourself for a personal revelation as he unveils his MindShift framework—a transformative approach to parenting born from the challenges of nurturing a long-distance relationship with his sons. This framework isn't just about overcoming obstacles; it's about thriving amidst them. Plus, get a sneak peek at his upcoming book, designed to guide entrepreneurs to seven-figure success without compromising their well-being. Join us for an episode that's as much a celebration of personal growth as it is a blueprint for professional excellence.

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Join the ranks of the endlessly curious and tune in as we sit down with Kevin Surace, the maestro of innovation whose symphony of talents stretches from the guts of technology to the glamor of Broadway. Discover how this father of the virtual assistant and owner of 94 patents harmonizes his technical prowess with a vibrant flair for the arts. Kevin gives us an insider's tour of his eclectic journey, sharing the crescendos of his career and the melody that is his upcoming film and Broadway projects, including a collaboration with none other than Whoopi Goldberg.

Ever wondered what fuels the relentless spirit of a startup CEO? Kevin pulls back the curtain on the roller coaster of entrepreneurship, discussing the thrills of breakthroughs against the backdrop of financial tightropes and customer conundrums. He stresses the importance of emotional resilience and the symphony of joy in sustaining momentum through the ups and downs. From the intricate dance of knowing when to lead and when to follow, to the juggling act across industry stages, Kevin's perspective on leadership and multitasking is a masterclass for any aspiring entrepreneur.

As we probe the future sculpted by artificial intelligence, Kevin spotlights AI's role in reshaping our professional landscapes, likening its influence to the wheel's revolution on mobility. He navigates us through the profound shifts in marketing, HR, and more, urging us to leverage AI for competitive edge. Furthermore, we peer into the crystal ball of the film industry, where AI might soon cast virtual influencers as the new stars and reshape storytelling as we know it. For a journey through the crossroads of technology, creativity, and business, Kevin Surace is your quintessential guide.

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Ever wondered how a rock musician can transform into a master of the speaking stage? Our latest episode features the endlessly fascinating Corey Poirier, who takes us on his journey from strumming guitars to delivering empowering speeches. Capturing the essence of an artist's metamorphosis, Corey opens up about the sweat and serendipity involved in rebranding oneself. He shares the undeniable impact Dale Carnegie's wisdom had on his life, igniting a passion for personal development and the spoken word.

Grab a front-row seat as we unpack the challenges and victories of Corey's career—the evolution of a radio show and podcast, navigating the rugged terrain of professional speaking, and mentoring others to find their voice. Corey's commitment shines through as he recounts the early days of accepting gym memberships as speaking fees, to now mentoring aspiring speakers on how to cash in on their craft. The conversation swings to the beat of perseverance and strategy, with Corey's innovative Blue Talks platform and his latest book The Enlightened Passenger promising to turn personal experiences into universal lessons.

By the time our chat winds down, you'll be armed with insights galore. Corey's tales are more than just chronicles; they are beacons guiding you to leverage your passions, craft an authentic personal brand, and maybe, just like him, pivot from performing solos to inspiring soliloquies. Don't miss the chance to learn how a guitarist can become a maestro of messages, and how you, too, can amplify your brand to resonate with a world eager for your unique tune.

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