40 Strategy Blog

What if the crash that almost killed your company was the best thing that ever happened to it? In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, I sit down with Dan Novaes, co-founder and CEO of Mode Mobile, to discuss surviving a near-collapse after explosive growth, pivoting from growth-at-all-costs to profitability, and building a community-driven company that pays users for their screen time. Episode highlights: • How Mode Mobile hit 32,481% growth and became the #2 fastest-growing company in America • Why the 2022 crypto collapse nearly wiped them out — and how Dan responded • The "focus on what you can control" mindset that got him through • Turning 60,000 users into investors through community crowdfunding • Rewarding people for screen time in the emerging AI economy Watch the full episode and ask yourself: When everything is falling apart, are you spending energy on what you can't control, or on what you can? Connect with Dan: LinkedIn: https://www.linked...

Most CPA firms are terrified of AI. We used it to go from 2 employees to 10 in one year. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, I sit down with Tommy Breedlove, CPA-turned-executive-coach and bestselling author of Legendary, to talk about the fear driving business owners right now, why AI still gets the basics wrong, and why reinvesting in yourself might be the only real hedge against an uncertain economy. Episode highlights: • Why fear — not the economy — is the real threat to business owners right now • How AI gets basic accounting wrong, and why human judgment still wins • Reinvesting 10% of revenue into yourself and your business every year • Why private equity is loading CPA firms with debt, and what that means for the industry • Building an ESOP instead of selling: creating a legacy that outlasts you Watch the full episode and ask yourself: What are you doing today that you'll wish you'd done sooner? Connect with Tommy: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.c...

SEO is dying. Do you know what's replacing it? In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, I sit down with Jimi Gibson, VP of Brand Communication at Thrive Internet Marketing Agency, TEDx speaker, and former professional magician, to discuss how AI search is replacing traditional SEO and what business owners must do now to stay visible. Episode highlights:  Why 60% of Google searches now end in zero clicks The research showing 46% of business owners are invisible to AI Why personal branding now drives company visibility Three moves any owner can make today to get found by AI The $5.6M cost of staying invisible over the next three years Listen the full episode and ask yourself: Can your customers find you when they ask AI? Connect with Jimi: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimi-gibson/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ThriveAgency Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thriveinternetmarketingagency/ Website:  https://thriveagency.com ...

Is it really possible to pay almost zero in taxes, legally? In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, I sit down with Bronson Hill, founder and CEO of Bronson Equity and author of Fire Yourself, to discuss how high earners legally reduce their taxes, the real estate professional designation, oil and gas investing, and why most CPAs never find these strategies. Episode highlights: How a couple cut a $2M tax bill to $125K after selling their business  The real estate professional designation — and how a spouse can qualify Why oil and gas drilling can deduct 80–90% against any income The difference between a CPA and a real tax strategist How to measure success beyond the next financial milestone Watch the full episode and ask yourself: how much of your income are you losing to taxes you could legally defer? Connect with Bronson: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bronson-hill-b4843910/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/bronson.hill.37 Instagram:...

AI just handed you 100 leads. That might be the worst thing that could happen to your business. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, I sit down with Gal Borenstein, founder and CEO of The Borenstein Group and author of Beating Goliath with AI, to discuss why more leads won't grow your business, how small companies can out-position much bigger competitors, and what replaces traditional SEO in the age of AI search. We cover: • Why AI amplifies your brand — or your sameness — by 100x • The lead-generation trap that quietly drowns small businesses • The one question you must answer before you use AI in marketing • Why traditional SEO is dead and digital trust wins • How David beats Goliath with a "digital slingshot" Watch the full episode and ask yourself: Are you using AI to stand out, or just to sound like everyone else faster? Connect with Gal: LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/galborensteinexecutiveprofile/ Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Gal.Bo...

Most business owners celebrate the sale. Most also regret it. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, I sit down with Bob Bedritis, founder and managing director of Oswego Private Wealth Management and a certified exit planning advisor, to discuss why nearly 75% of owners regret selling their business, the "wealth gap" that blindsides them, and how to plan the most important act of your life — the one that comes after the business. We cover: • Why nearly 75% of business owners regret the sale — and the wealth gap driving it • The real math of a deal: how $5M on paper becomes $1.5M in your pocket • Why exit planning is really growth planning that should start 5 years out • Making yourself dispensable, not indispensable, so the business runs without you • Your "third act" — building a life of significance after you step away Watch the full episode and ask yourself: if you sold your business tomorrow, would you know what comes next? Connect with Bob: ...

What is wealth really for? In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl sits down with Tyson Ray, CEO and Founding Partner of Form Wealth Advisors, to discuss building wealth that creates a better life. Tyson shares lessons from his career helping business owners, a powerful experience in Israel that reshaped his perspective, and why financial success should always support purpose, relationships, and legacy. Together, they explore retirement, succession planning, giving while you're living, and how business owners can avoid spending their lives chasing more money without enjoying what they've built. Listen now for practical wisdom on wealth, leadership, and measuring success beyond your balance sheet. Connect with Tyson:  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tysonray/   Book Total Succession:  https://totalsuccession.com/   Website https://totalsuccession.com/     Check out this episode!

What happens after you achieve financial success? In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl sits down with Mark Podolsky, known as "The Land Geek," to discuss passive income, AI, entrepreneurship, and finding purpose beyond financial success. Mark shares how he transitioned from investment banking to building a successful land investing business and explains why creating systems is the key to gaining both financial freedom and time freedom. Together, Carl and Mark explore how AI is changing the way businesses operate, why leaders should think of AI as an operating system instead of another tool, and why success ultimately comes down to relationships, purpose, and being present. Listen now for practical insights on building wealth, using AI with intention, and measuring success beyond the bottom line. Connect with Mark:  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelandgeek/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/thelandgeek   Twitter https://twitter.com/TheLandG...

Are you building, coasting, or struggling? In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox welcomes confidence coach Scott Ballard for a conversation about the mindset of today's entrepreneur. Scott explains his "Day 1, Day 2, Day 3" framework and why many business owners become stuck between growth and decline. The discussion covers courage versus confidence, the importance of telling yourself the truth, finding purpose, and taking the next step forward—even when it's uncomfortable. If you're leading a business or navigating change, this episode will challenge how you think about growth and leadership. Listen now and discover what it takes to move back to Day 1. Connect with Scott: Website: https://www.confidencecoach.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/scott-ballard/22/504/a32 Instagram: https://Instagram.com/scottconfidence Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ConfidenceScott YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/coach2confidence/ Ch...

Networking is not about collecting business cards. It is about building relationships that create measurable business growth. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Donnie Boivin, founder of Success Champion Networking, shares how business owners can stop wasting time networking and start building systems that generate real ROI. In this conversation we discuss: • Why most networking groups fail business owners • The difference between introductions and referrals • Building a network that actually creates revenue • How to create strategic relationships that scale • Why business development requires discipline If networking has felt frustrating, this episode offers a different way to think about relationships, sales, and growth. Listen now and start building your championship team. Connect with Donnie:  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnieboivin/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/donnie.boivin   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/donnie.boiv...

AI is moving faster than most businesses realize. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Trent Gillespie, former Amazon executive and CEO of Stellis AI, breaks down what business leaders need to understand about AI agents, automation, and organizational readiness. We discuss: • Why prompts are no longer the main conversation • How AI agents are changing work • What leaders should do to prepare employees for change • Why businesses need visibility in AI search and recommendation systems • How organizations can build AI adoption without overwhelming teams If you think AI is only about saving time, this episode will challenge that assumption. Listen now and start building for your future customer. Connect with Trent:  LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/trentgillespie   Website https://trentgillespie.live     Check out this episode!

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox talks with Ryan Hogan , founder and CEO of Talent Harbor , about entrepreneurship, leadership, recruiting, and recovering from failure. Ryan shares the story of building a zombie-themed event company that scaled quickly before collapsing into bankruptcy. He explains the stress, lessons, and rebuilding process that followed. He also discusses launching Hunt A Killer, scaling the business to more than $55M in revenue, and eventually exiting the company. You will learn: • Why great businesses need the right people • How top sales talent changes company growth • What companies miss when hiring salespeople • Why peer groups matter for leaders • How Ryan rebuilt after losing everything If you lead a business, hire talent, or want practical lessons on growth and resilience, this episode is worth your time. Listen now and follow the Measure Success Podcast for more leadership and strategy conversations.   Check out this ...

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox talks with Rich Kahn, CEO and co-founder of Anura.io, about entrepreneurship, leadership, company culture, and digital ad fraud. Rich shares lessons from building multiple successful technology companies over the past three decades while staying committed to family and long-term relationships. The conversation covers leadership, work-life balance, remote work, scaling teams, and how businesses lose billions each year to fraudulent digital traffic. You will learn: • Why entrepreneurs regret not taking the risk • How strong company culture improves retention • What ad fraud is costing businesses today • How leaders can protect both growth and family priorities If you lead a business, manage marketing spend, or want to build a healthier company culture, this episode is worth your time. Listen now and follow the Measure Success Podcast for more leadership and strategy conversations. Connect with Rich:  LinkedIn https:...

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl talks with Trey Taylor about the real impact of AI on business today. AI is not coming, it is already reshaping how companies operate, compete, and grow. Trey shares how AI tools can replace entire workflows, reduce costs, and unlock new value in minutes. One example: AI identified over $146K in financial adjustments, adding more than $1.5M in value to a business deal.  Key takeaways: AI is moving from tools to autonomous agents Businesses must adapt now, not later Cost structures and roles are changing fast Daily learning and application create advantage Listen now to understand what is changing and how to respond. Connect with Trey:  LinkedIn   Facebook   Twitter  Book: A CEO Only Does Three Things: Finding Your Focus in the C-Suite Website   Check out this episode!

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl sits down with Jason Sherwood, founder of Phase 23, to discuss how businesses can stand out in a crowded market. As AI reshapes search and marketing, many companies struggle to stay visible. Jason explains why strong positioning and clear messaging still matter most. They explore a simple exercise: ask your best customers to describe your company in two words. If the answers are not consistent, your brand lacks clarity. Key takeaways: AI is changing how customers search and find businesses Clear positioning reduces price competition Strong messaging builds trust and drives growth Branding is not design—it is strategy Listen now to learn how to sharpen your message and build a brand that connects. Connect with Jason:  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsherwood/   Website  https://phase23.com/   Check out this episode!

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox welcomes back Adi Klevit from Business Success Consulting Group. They discuss how strong systems, clear processes, and smart use of AI help businesses grow faster and operate better.  Adi explains why documented procedures matter, how leaders can improve hiring and workflows, and why AI still needs human oversight. She also shares trends she sees in the market and how business owners can stay efficient without adding chaos.  If you want stronger operations and better results, this episode is packed with practical advice. Listen now. Connect with Adi:  Website:  https://www.bizsuccesscg.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adiklevit/   Check out this episode!

In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox talks with Alex Smith, founder of Basic Arts and author of No Bullsht Strategy*. They discuss why many companies chase being better when they should focus on being different.  Alex explains how businesses can cut through noise, build clear positioning, and create real competitive advantage. He also shares why simple strategy often works better than overcomplicated plans.  If you lead a business, manage a team, or want smarter growth decisions, this episode is for you. Listen now and rethink how your company stands out. Connect with Alex:  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-m-h-smith/   Twitter https://x.com/smithesq   Book No Bullsh*t Strategy Book Link https://basicarts.org/book/   Website https://basicarts.org/   Check out this episode!

In this episode, Carl sits down with George Sandmann of Growth Drive to discuss how business owners can increase the value of their company by building strategic capacity. They explore the gap between what owners think their business is worth and what it could be worth. The conversation highlights how improving leadership, systems, and execution can increase valuation multiples and create predictable growth. Key takeaways: Strategic capacity drives higher business value Revenue alone does not determine worth Most businesses are too dependent on the owner Private equity rewards structure and discipline Exit outcomes depend on preparation, not timing If you want to build a business that creates long-term wealth and runs without you, this episode gives you a clear path. Listen now and apply one idea this week. Connect with George:  Guest Assets:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-sandmann/  Book:  The Growth-Driving Advisor: Proven S...

In this episode, Carl speaks with Will Spengler about what it takes to build success that lasts. They discuss the role of discipline, clarity, and execution in business and leadership. Many people focus on ideas, but this conversation highlights the importance of systems and consistent action. Key takeaways include: • Why clarity drives better decisions • The role of discipline in long-term success • How systems improve performance • What separates high performers from others This episode offers a practical look at how to think, act, and lead with purpose. Listen now and apply these ideas to your own work. Connect with Will:  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-spengler-2193433a/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFoxGroup/   Website https://frederickfox.com/   Check out this episode!

In this episode, Carl speaks with Mike Garrison about referral-based sales and how service businesses grow. Mike shares why most sales approaches fail and how business owners must shift their thinking from price to lifetime value. He explains how referrals should be treated as a system, not a hope. Key takeaways include: • Why predictable referrals matter • How buyers think about long-term value • The role of trust in high-value sales • Why sales is the core of every business This episode gives a clear and direct look at how to improve your sales process. Listen now and rethink how you grow your business. Connect with Mike:  LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mike.garrison.73   Book Can I Borrow Your Car:  How Financial Advisors Can Grow Their Business And Love Their Life Book Link https://www.amazon.com/Can-Borrow-Your-Car-Successful/dp/B0BKSCTHL7/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8...