40 Strategy Blog

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox sits down with business strategist and performance coach Ashley Shaw. Ashley shares how she transitioned from the fitness industry into entrepreneurship and built a thriving business focused on helping entrepreneurs scale smarter through systems, recurring revenue, and AI-driven processes.  Key insights from this episode include: • Why entrepreneurs must deeply understand their ideal customer • How recurring revenue creates financial freedom • The role mindset plays in scaling a business • How Ashley reduced marketing costs by $384,000 using AI Ashley also shares lessons from her entrepreneurial journey, including moving to Vietnam to start an online business and building a seven-figure company. Listen to the full episode to learn how strategy, systems, and AI can transform the way you run your business. Connect with Ashley:  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/theashleyshaw/ Facebook https://www.facebook....

Economic headlines move fast. Strategy requires context. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox speaks with economist Dr. Bill Connerly about the trends shaping business decisions today. The conversation covers tariffs, supply chain strategy, artificial intelligence, workforce shifts, and energy markets. Dr. Connerly explains why tariffs rarely trigger immediate recession but can reshape sourcing decisions across industries. Companies are shifting toward supply chain reliability after years of disruption. The episode also explores the real impact of AI in business. The greatest productivity gains will come from specialized tools built for specific problems, not just general AI chat systems. Carl and Bill also discuss energy disruption, global uncertainty, and what business leaders should watch as they plan for the next decade. Listen to the episode and consider how economic signals shape your strategy. Author of the book: The Flexible Stance: Thriving in a B...

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox speaks with Steve Griggs, founder of Steve Griggs Design, one of New York City’s premier luxury landscape design-build firms.  steve-carl (1) Steve shares how he built a successful company after starting in the lawn care business at age 16. With more than 30 years of experience, he explains what it takes to manage high expectations, lead construction teams, and deliver exceptional results. Key takeaways include: • Why successful clients value honesty and execution • How focusing on one project at a time improves outcomes • The importance of respect and leadership on job sites • Why entrepreneurs must embrace visibility and personal branding Steve also shares lessons about hiring, leadership, and the importance of being present for family. Listen to the episode to learn how strong leadership and consistent execution build lasting success. Guest Assets:   LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevegriggsd...

AI is accelerating innovation—but it is not a substitute for strategy. In this episode, Carl J. Cox speaks with Josh Carter, co-founder of Upstart Collective, about what founders must understand to build sustainable companies. Josh shares insights from working with early-stage startups, including why chasing trends weakens businesses and how defensible value is created. The conversation covers AI misuse, founder blind spots, customer discovery, fundraising realities, and why execution still separates winners from noise. This episode is a must-listen for founders, operators, and leaders navigating innovation pressure. Listen now and rethink how you build for long-term value. Josh's LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuajcarter/   Josh's Website  http://upstartcollective.org     Check out this episode!