“Trust is not a campaign. Trust is making deposits, planting seeds, giving of yourself and your knowledge and your perspectives without expectation of return, and then return happens.” 

“The human heart is all you have left. AI is coming.” 

In today’s noisy world, trust is the new currency—and your personal brand is the vault. Building a personal brand isn’t about ego or fancy marketing campaigns; it’s about being deeply intentional, showing up authentically, and connecting through values, stories, and service. True influence starts with a clear message, delivered consistently and with heart. 

Alan McLaren shares hard-won insights from decades of experience across leadership, marketing, and sales. He breaks down the shift from hiding behind logos to leading with personality and purpose. Whether you’re a solo coach or a CEO, it’s not enough to market—you must build trust at scale. Thought leadership isn’t optional anymore; it’s your only defense in a world racing toward AI and automation. 

Alan McLaren is the co-founder of Strata Originals and a seasoned business leader with over 25 years of experience in sales, leadership, and brand development. With a passion for helping entrepreneurs become visible and trusted, he works with his business partner Leanne to guide leaders through the transformational journey of building authentic personal brands. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Intentionality in networking: 

“Networking doesn’t happen by accident. Systematize the people in your life that you want to stay connected to… If you’re trying to sell, if you’re trying to market… be positive when you do that, don’t try to sell anybody.” 

1. Celebrate others on LinkedIn to build visibility and trust: 

“Go on LinkedIn and celebrate others… say something insightful… you’re now spreading audience when you’re doing it.” 

1. Get over your fear of posting content—it’s no longer optional: 

“This is not a luxury anymore… AI is coming for you and the only thing that’s going to differentiate you is you… the human heart is all we have left.” 

Lean more & connect: 

https://strataoriginals.com/. Where Alan and his business partner Leanne help CEO’s, entrepreneurs, founders and executive teams build authority and influence with clarity, conviction and authenticity 

Reach out to Alan on LinkedIn and tell him you’d like a copy of his personal branding worksheet. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanmclaren/ 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

“What I want Canada to be, and I think this is where Pierre can take us, is a country that is so full of opportunity that we need to open our doors even bigger to have the best and the brightest come in because our economy is growing.” 

In a time when politics, business, and economics feel like a house of mirrors, this episode breaks down why Canada still matters—and what it will take to keep it that way. From affordability crises to bloated bureaucracy, it’s not about ideology anymore—it’s about survival. This conversation draws a sharp line between stakeholder control and individual freedom, between bureaucratic sprawl and a thriving economy rooted in opportunity. 

Ian Robertson reflects on lessons from Mike Harris’ era, where clear communication, common-sense leadership, and policy courage turned third-place polls into governance victories. He outlines how Pierre Poilievre’s focus on clarity and urgency parallels that legacy, and why the fight today is not just political—it’s structural. Whether it’s reforming immigration policy or slashing government bloat, Ian argues that Canada must choose between decline or regeneration. 

Ian Robertson is a seasoned political strategist and corporate advisor. A veteran of both Canadian politics and Bay Street, he’s the CEO of Jefferson Hawthorne. 

Lean more & connect: 

Jefferson Hawthorne – https://www.jeffersonhawthorne.com 

Also in this episode: 

Nicky’s recent appearance with Ezra Levant on rebel News: https://x.com/RebelNewsOnline/status/1909372778232377816 

Book: Values: Building a Better World for All by Mark Carney 

https://a.co/d/0WSALPM 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“What I want Canada to be, and I think this is where Pierre can take us, is a country that is so full of opportunity that we need to open our doors even bigger to have the best and the brightest come in because our economy is growing.” 

In a time when politics, business, and economics feel like a house of mirrors, this episode breaks down why Canada still matters—and what it will take to keep it that way. From affordability crises to bloated bureaucracy, it’s not about ideology anymore—it’s about survival. This conversation draws a sharp line between stakeholder control and individual freedom, between bureaucratic sprawl and a thriving economy rooted in opportunity. 

Ian Robertson reflects on lessons from Mike Harris’ era, where clear communication, common-sense leadership, and policy courage turned third-place polls into governance victories. He outlines how Pierre Poilievre’s focus on clarity and urgency parallels that legacy, and why the fight today is not just political—it’s structural. Whether it’s reforming immigration policy or slashing government bloat, Ian argues that Canada must choose between decline or regeneration. 

Ian Robertson is a seasoned political strategist and corporate advisor. A veteran of both Canadian politics and Bay Street, he’s the CEO of Jefferson Hawthorne. 

Lean more & connect: 

Jefferson Hawthorne – https://www.jeffersonhawthorne.com 

Also in this episode: 

Nicky’s recent appearance with Ezra Levant on rebel News: https://x.com/RebelNewsOnline/status/1909372778232377816 

Book: Values: Building a Better World for All by Mark Carney 

https://a.co/d/0WSALPM 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“It’s better for you not to go on any shows than to go on a bunch of shows half-cocked and unprepared, ruining your chances of being seen as the expert, the go-to thought leader and attracting those beautiful leads, sales and clients that you’re looking for.” 

If you’re using podcast guesting as a visibility play, you might be leaving serious money on the table. Most people jump into guest appearances with high hopes—but the wrong strategy—and end up wondering why nothing’s converting. 

There are a few critical mistakes that almost everyone makes when stepping into the podcast spotlight. You’ll hear exactly what they are in this episode—and more importantly, how to avoid them before they sabotage your credibility and cost you leads. 

This one’s short, sharp, and packed with insight. If you’re planning to grow your business through podcast appearances, don’t guest on another show until you’ve heard this. 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“The most disruptive thing I’ve ever learned in terms of helping people is teaching them how to breathe.” 

Most people think success in business comes from hustling harder or hacking strategy. But often the biggest breakthroughs come from improving our health. This episode explores the powerful role that conscious breathwork plays in regulating the nervous system, boosting energy, increasing focus, and accelerating recovery—all critical to the entrepreneurial lifestyle. When you master your breath, you master your biology. And if you’re in business, your biology is your business. 

Sachin Patel brings the science, strategy, and soul of breathwork into focus. From treating chronic illness to transforming anxious entrepreneurs, he outlines how different breathing patterns impact cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and even sales conversations. His stories—of his own son, his wife, and his clients—illustrate how mouth breathing, poor posture, and unaddressed stress compromise everything from immunity to clarity. The solution? A few daily breathwork habits and a deeper connection to your body’s natural rhythm. 

Sachin is a renowned functional medicine practitioner, breathwork facilitator, speaker, and founder of The Living Proof Institute. Originally trained as a chiropractor, Sachin shifted focus to functional medicine and breathwork after recognizing how many people struggle with root-cause health issues. Today, he teaches entrepreneurs and health professionals how to use breath as a tool for healing, leadership, and performance. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Tape your mouth while sleeping – Using simple medical tape at night can dramatically improve your sleep quality, enhance dream vividness, and help you wake up feeling more refreshed by encouraging proper nasal breathing. 

2. Become your own best healer – Take charge of your health by embracing the idea that your body is designed to heal itself. With the right knowledge and tools, you can activate your body’s natural healing capacity without depending solely on external treatments. 

3. Respect nature’s rules – You can’t out-hack or out-hustle nature. Things like your body’s natural rhythm, nervous system regulation, and proper rest are non-negotiables for health. Just like a plant needs sunlight, your body needs the right conditions to thrive. 

Lean more & connect: 

Go to breathworkwithsachin.com to find free resources including a breathwork guide, guided meditation, snoring guide, and more. 

Also in this episode: 

Breath by James Nestor 

The Bhagavad Gita 

Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

“If you’re in business and you’re not leveraging podcasting, you’re leaving massive opportunity on the table.” 

Most people are blind to the power of podcast guesting. It’s not just a marketing tactic—it’s the new media front door to trust, authority, and reach. The smart players? They’re skipping the gatekeepers and speaking directly to the people. If you’re building a business, a brand, or a movement, podcasting gives you time, attention, and influence you can’t buy with ads anymore. 

There’s a rhythm to this game. Get yourself on enough shows and the results compound—leads, clients, relationships, and credibility. This isn’t theoretical; it’s what works. Whether you’re a coach, a consultant, or leading a national campaign, the people you want to serve are listening somewhere. The question is—are you showing up there? 

The current vehicles are stalling. Podcast guesting is the engine. It’s not optional if you want to win—it’s essential. Skip it, and you’re leaving impact, income, and influence on the table. 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“Real wealth isn’t the ultimate money. Real wealth is being in enough control of your life that you can go anywhere and speak what you believe to be true and not worry about any detractors.” 

This episode is a blueprint for conviction-driven entrepreneurship—the kind that doesn’t ask permission, isn’t easily influenced control systems, and definitely doesn’t confuse obedience with strategy. It’s about rejecting the models that train people to follow directions and building new ones that reward initiative, truth, and actual results. The ROI? A brand rooted in purpose, a business with soul, and a generation of free-thinking builders who are just hard enough to control. 

Brett Pike shares hard-earned truths on how he built Classical Learner from a handful of consultations to a K–12 curriculum and thriving platform. He teaches kids the Bill of Rights, real history, and entrepreneurship—and he’s got 13-year-olds hiring their friends and buying real estate. His model empowers families to break free from institutional programming and build a legacy that’s financially and intellectually independent. 

Brett Pike is the founder of Classical Learner and Cubs to Bears, a bestselling author, and a leading voice in the homeschool revolution. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Make reading a daily habit. If he could tell his younger self just one thing, it would be to read—constantly. Books are the fastest way to level up your knowledge and perspective. 

1. Dedicate one hour every day to building your dream. Even if you don’t know what to do yet, sitting with the intention matters. That consistent hour will eventually lead to breakthroughs and momentum. 

1. Strive to improve in every area of life, every day. Whether it’s your health, parenting, business, or mindset, commit to becoming a little better each day. It’s about relentlessly pursuing excellence, even if perfection is never the goal. 

Learn more & connect: 

Classical Learner Homeschool Platform 

https://www.classicallearner.com 

Books Page at Classical Learner Publishing 

https://books.classicallearner.com 

Also in this episode: (if anything) 

Norman Dodd Interview with G. Edward Griffin on YouTube 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUYCBfmIcHM 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“Comfort is the enemy of greatness. Complacency is the enemy of your best self.” 

Complacency kills momentum—and momentum, once lost, is brutally hard to get back. Greatness begins where comfort ends, and the longer you stay in your comfort zone, the more your dreams slip into a slow death. Resistance, as Steven Pressfield calls it, is that sneaky force that convinces you to stay put, to play small, to opt out. The only way through it is action. Cold water. Movement. Connection. Anything that shakes you out of the fog of “I’ll do it later.” 

This one’s a call to arms. If you’re coasting on yesterday’s wins, it’s time to shake things up. The advice is simple and physical: plunge into something cold, get your body moving, and talk to another human. That’s how momentum gets reignited—not through thinking or planning, but doing. The excuses have to die before the dream does. 

It’s hard either way. Discipline is hard, but so is regret. The discomfort of action is nothing compared to the pain of watching potential waste away. Choose your hard. 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“There are basically only two reasons you face a challenge. You’re being guided… or you’re aware you need to change direction, but you’re kicking and screaming, not wanting to go.” 

Success often stalls not because of a lack of effort, but because of misalignment between your conscious goals and subconscious beliefs. When internal narratives contradict what you’re trying to achieve—like the fear that success means being alone or hurting others—you hit invisible limits. This episode unpacks how those hidden patterns form and what it takes to shift out of them, so your energy stops working against you and starts moving things forward. 

Dr. Lise Janelle shares how she helps high performers remove unconscious blocks that quietly sabotage growth. Her Heart Freedom Method reveals where old stories are creating resistance, and clears them without years of analysis. Whether you’re plateaued at a certain income, feeling burnt out, or constantly second-guessing yourself, her process brings clarity and restores momentum. With practical examples from Olympic athletes and entrepreneurs, she explains how alignment leads to breakthroughs—personally and financially. 

Dr. Lise Janelle is a success coach, former chiropractor, and creator of the Heart Freedom Method. She’s the author of Conversations with the Heart and co-author of the upcoming book Unstuck with Jack Canfield. Her mission is to help people achieve their full potential by aligning their mind, heart, and subconscious so they can experience lasting success and fulfillment. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Use challenges as fuel. When obstacles show up, pause and ask how they can serve your growth instead of questioning your worth. 

2. Be your own biggest supporter. Treat yourself with the same encouragement and compassion you’d offer a best friend, especially when things get tough. 

3. Get clear on who you are and what you want. Even if it’s scary, defining your purpose and direction will inspire action and move you forward with confidence. 

Learn more & connect: 

1. Conversations with the Heart by Dr. Lise Janelle https://a.co/d/6xtm2xf 

2. Unstuck (upcoming book by Dr. Lise Janelle and Jack Canfield) 

3. The Success Principles by Jack Canfield https://a.co/d/g4f9FAM 

4. Chicken Soup for the Soul series by Jack Canfield 

5. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill https://a.co/d/azNZ1uk 

🔗 Links Mentioned: 

1. Dr. Lise Janelle’s Website: 

https://www.drlisejanelle.com 

2. Best Friend Journal (Free 30-Day Challenge): 

https://www.bestfriendjournal.com 

3. Heart Freedom Method https://heartfreedomcoach.com/ 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level. 

“You can only become a hundredaire, a thousandaire, a millionaire by serving other people. That’s a wonderful thing.” 

Financial freedom isn’t about luck—it’s about applying proven strategies that have stood the test of time. The key to doubling your income in a year isn’t a secret; it’s a formula. Prioritize high-value activities, refine your skills, and leverage the power of compounding efforts. Whether it’s making twice the sales calls, optimizing your offer, or improving efficiency by just 2% each month, the results add up fast. Success isn’t about working harder; it’s about working smarter, focusing on the right actions, and continuously improving. 

Brian Tracy, a legend in personal development and business success, shares his battle-tested methods for wealth-building. He reveals how small, intentional changes—like setting crystal-clear goals, developing high-income skills, and outpacing the competition—can transform your financial trajectory. He also dives into the psychology of success, demonstrating how making a firm decision to become a millionaire sets off a chain reaction of growth, action, and opportunities. 

Brian Tracy is a world-renowned speaker, entrepreneur, and author of over 96 books, including Goals: How to Get Everything You Want—Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible. With decades of experience in sales, leadership, and success training, he has helped millions of entrepreneurs and professionals unlock their full potential. His insights on goal-setting, productivity, and financial mastery continue to shape the success of top performers worldwide. 

Learn more & connect: 

Brian’s Website (includes free resources for writing and publishing a book) 

https://www.briantracy.com 

Goals: How to Get Everything You Want—Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible – by Brian Tracy 

https://www.amazon.com/Goals-Get-Everything-Want-Faster/dp/1605094110 

The Art of Closing the Sale: The Key to Making More Money Faster in the World of Professional Selling – by Brian Tracy 

https://www.amazon.com/Art-Closing-Sale-Making-Professional/dp/1400201110 

Expert action steps: 

Ask yourself... 

1. “If I could achieve any one goal in life, which one goal would have the greatest positive impact on my life? What one goal would it be?” 

2. “What one skill, if I was absolutely excellent at it, would help me to achieve my most important goal?” 

3. “Who are the most important people in my life and what can I do to spend more time with them?” 

Also mentioned: 

The Making of Modern Economics: The Lives and Ideas of the Great Thinkers – by Mark Skousen 

https://www.amazon.com/Making-Modern-Economics-Thinkers-Perspectives/dp/0765645440 

First Blood – by David Morrell 

https://www.amazon.com/First-Blood-David-Morrell/dp/0446364401 

Shōgun – by James Clavell 

https://www.amazon.com/Shogun-Novel-James-Clavell/dp/0440178002 

Texas – by James Michener 

https://www.amazon.com/Texas-James-Michener/dp/0375761419 

Mexico – by James Michener 

https://www.amazon.com/Mexico-Novel-James-Michener/dp/0812970438 

Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.