“You know what? Every founder up here who has got this exponential growth that you think happens overnight,’ he said to me, ‘each one of those has eight years of zero, but they never f***ing gave up.” 

Success in business isn’t about having the flashiest idea; it’s about solving a real, pressing problem. Too many startups focus on a vision of scale before they’ve even validated their core offering. The most successful founders are those who hyper-focus on a single problem, test their solution relentlessly, and avoid the trap of building something nobody actually needs. Without solving a genuine problem, a business is just a hobby with overhead. 

Justin Wood knows this better than most. As a serial entrepreneur and agency owner, he’s spent years helping founders avoid the all-too-common pitfalls of tech startups. His approach? Learn from failure, mitigate risk, and ensure entrepreneurs don’t bet their entire financial future on unproven concepts.  

Justin Wood is the founder of Produktiv, an agency dedicated to helping startups and businesses refine their strategies and scale effectively. With a background in digital publishing, tech startups, and corporate innovation, Justin specializes in product development, brand positioning, and performance marketing. His expertise has helped countless entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of startup growth while avoiding costly missteps. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Validate Your Idea Before Building 

2. Hyper-Focus on a Real Problem 

3. Market Your Solution, Not Just Build It 

Learn more & connect: 

• Produktiv Agency – https://produktiv.agency 

Also mentioned: 

• Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut 

• Sushi Kaji Restaurant – https://sushikaji.com 

• Boards of Canada (Music Mentioned: “David and Cowboy”) – https://boardsofcanada.com 

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

“Every single day, I wanna put time and effort into improving myself in some way, but the only reason I do that is for the purpose of better serving the people around me.” 

Mastering self-defence isn’t just about learning to fight—it’s about preparing for the unexpected. The principles of situational awareness, decisive action, and mental readiness separate those who can protect themselves from those who rely on luck. The best defense isn’t always physical; it starts with a mindset. Understanding how to assess threats, navigate risk, and develop strategic habits ensures safety in an unpredictable world. 

Samuel Romanzo shares hard-earned insights from decades of training in martial arts, law enforcement, and military defence tactics. His experience spans the globe, from Japan to Russia, from training elite forces to running home defence programs for families. He explains why most criminals aren’t looking for a fight—they’re looking for easy targets. And he lays out practical strategies for making sure you and your family aren’t among them. 

Samuel Romanzo is a tactical training expert and founder of SNS Tactical Training. His background includes martial arts mastery, law enforcement instruction, and high-level security training in conflict zones worldwide. He specializes in helping civilians, law enforcement, and military personnel develop the skills necessary for real-world defence situations. Through SNS Tactical Training, he provides hands-on courses designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and their loved ones. 

Learn more and connect: 

SNS Tactical Training – https://snstacticaltraining.com 

Expert action steps: 

1. “Every single day, I wanna put time and effort into improving myself in some way, but the only reason I do that is for the purpose of better serving the people around me.” 

2. “Train like a savage, give it away like a saint.” 

3. “Do all the self-improvement in the world, but there’s another thing that we say, is I say, ‘Train like a savage, give it away like a saint.’ So train like an absolute savage, push yourself beyond your limits, and then everything that you get from that savage training, give it away every day like a saint to everybody that you can, everybody around you.” 

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

“You need to be present where your feet are planted. You can't rush the process. And worse yet, when we are achieving a goal and we're in the pursuit of a goal, if all we're focused on is the goal and not the journey, we get to the goal and it's very fleeting.” 

Marketing isn’t just about being seen—it’s about being intentional. The most successful businesses don’t wait for customers to come to them; they create compelling messages that attract, engage, and convert. When marketing is driven by purpose, it becomes a force multiplier, turning small efforts into massive impact. 

Arwen Becker built her business by recognizing an underserved market and reshaping her entire strategy to meet its needs. Through bold marketing moves, she didn’t just grow—she scaled beyond what she thought possible. Her journey proves that the right strategy, persistence, and a willingness to pivot can change everything. 

Arwen is a speaker, endurance athlete, and entrepreneur who transformed the financial industry by focusing on women. She grew and sold her company at 20 times its original valuation.

Expert action steps: 

1. Small, consistent actions lead to big results. Success doesn’t come from one big move—it’s built over time with daily habits and small, intentional steps. The key is consistency, as small efforts compound into significant achievements. 

2. Take responsibility and put in the work. No one else can do it for you. Set priorities, start your day with intention, and tackle the most important tasks before distractions take over. Success requires discipline and effort. 

3. Be present in the journey, not just the goal. Focusing solely on the end result can make accomplishments feel fleeting. Instead, embrace the process, learn from challenges, and appreciate each step along the way. The journey is what truly shapes success. 

Learn more and connect: 

1. Arwen’s Website: https://www.arwenbecker.com 

2. Arwen’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arwenbecker 

3. Arwen’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3gOZ3q8xg5kXjJd4p6l6xQ 

4. Book: She Handled It, So Can You: https://www.amazon.com/She-Handled-Can-You-Empowering/dp/173539050X  

5. Book: She Handled It, Retirement: https://lifewitharwen.com/books/  

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

“There is great ROI in treating people with honor and respect and seeing them, helping them feel seen, heard and valued.” 

Success in business isn’t just about profit—it’s about impact. The best leaders understand that doing good and doing well go hand in hand. When companies invest in people, foster purpose-driven cultures, and create workplaces where employees feel valued, they don’t just thrive—they leave a lasting legacy. Treating people well isn’t just ethical; it’s the smartest business strategy for growth, retention, and long-term success. 

H.R. Huntsman learned this through experience. From a tough childhood to founding a global nonprofit and later coaching business leaders, he realized that real success comes from making life useful. His focus is on building “destination workplaces” where employees feel seen, heard, and motivated to contribute at their highest level. 

H.R. Huntsman is the founder of Leaders Edge, a leadership consultancy helping businesses scale through strong teams. Find him at yourleadersedge.com or reach out personally at HR@yourleadersedge.com—he truly means it. 

Expert action steps: 

1. “Make thinking time a high priority. Thinking time has been one of the greatest catalysts of creativity and innovation in my entire life.” 

2. “Set aside learning time every day, podcast, book, newsletter, journal article, something, be a lifelong learner.” 

3. “Make an impact in someone’s life today. Just one person. Do those three things every day and you’re gonna have a life that matters, a life of deep meaning.” 

Learn more and connect: 

Website: https://yourleadersedge.com 

Email: HR@yourleadersedge.com 

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

“People have been losing trust in legacy media and that includes social media. Why? Well, because they’re narrative driven folks. They’re all about pushing a particular agenda.” 

Traditional marketing is losing its power—ads are expensive, and social media is oversaturated. The smartest entrepreneurs are turning to podcast guesting, the fastest-growing way to attract high-value clients, build credibility, and boost sales. Speaking on the right shows lets business owners, coaches, and experts tap into engaged audiences without massive ad spend. 

Podcast listeners are action-takers with high incomes, making them prime customers. But most guests fail by rambling, lacking a clear message, or treating guesting as casual exposure. Those who refine their approach—choosing the right podcasts and delivering a compelling, conversion-focused message—turn guest appearances into major revenue streams. 

Want to grow your business in 2025? Skip expensive ads and start speaking directly to the people ready to buy. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or entrepreneur, podcast guesting can take you to the next level. 

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

“You have to have a never quit, never say die attitude. Because even if you’re working hard, even if you’re coachable and teachable, you are going to have moments in business, many moments in business, where you want to quit. And you’re going to have every good reason in the world to quit.” 

Sales is the lifeblood of any business, and success in it isn’t about having a specific personality—it’s about discipline, adaptability, and grit. The key to winning in sales is a mix of relentless work ethic, coachability, and an unshakable refusal to quit. If you can embrace rejection, learn from every interaction, and refine your approach, you’ll master the game. And beyond making the sale, the real art is in customer retention—reminding clients why they chose you in the first place. People forget the value they receive unless you make it clear, and that’s a fundamental business principle. 

Adam Allred shares his journey from door-to-door sales to multi-million dollar business exits, emphasizing that selling is about energy transfer and authenticity. His insights dismantle the myth that only extroverts thrive in sales—anyone can win if they master the right mindset. He also highlights how market adaptation is crucial, recounting his experiences adjusting sales techniques based on regional differences. 

Adam Allred is a serial entrepreneur with a background in door-to-door sales, having built and sold multiple businesses, including a garbage company and a pest control empire. With years of experience hiring and training thousands of sales reps, he now runs ventures across different industries, consistently scaling and exiting companies at a high level. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Relentless Work Ethic 

2. Be Coachable and Always Learn 

3. Never Quit, No Matter What 

Learn more and connect: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/adamallredofficial/ 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adamallredofficial 

Website (coming soon): https://adamallredofficial.com/ 

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

"Success comes partially by hanging in there long enough and learning and growing from your mistakes." 

Motivation in business isn’t just about feeling inspired; it’s about having a driving force that keeps you swinging the bat, even when the nose gets bloody. This episode unpacks the relentless spirit behind successful entrepreneurship—highlighting the lessons learned through failures, the importance of understanding cash flow, and the necessity of adjusting plans daily. 

Our guest shares lessons from his journey through industrial packaging, environmental cleanup, and financial services. He emphasizes the importance of cash flow, strategic mentorship, and planning for the next three to five years. Success, he reminds us, is a long-term game that rewards resilience. 

Elliot Kallen is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author of Driven, and the founder of Prosperity Financial Group. With 40 years of experience across industries, he helps business owners navigate growth, financial planning, and exit strategies. Passionate about giving back, he also supports teens through his foundation. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Surround yourself with smart people: “Surround yourself with smart people that you can ask and get good advice from.” 

2. Learn and research from others’ mistakes: “Learn and research so you can grow from your own mistakes. What do successful people in your field do?” 

3. Plan for the next three to five years: “Plan for the next three to five years and adjust that plan every day.” 

Learn more and connect: 

Books: 

1. Driven by Elliot Kallen (Amazon bestseller) 

2. The Art of the Deal by Donald Trump 

Email: elliot@prosperityfinancialgroup.com 

Website: www.prosperityfinancialgroup.com 

Phone: 925-314-8503 

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

“Understand how the human mind works, because that’s the difference between working hard and working smart.” 

Success isn’t an accident—it’s the product of deliberate thought, disciplined action, and the right habits. The principles of Think & Grow Rich have fuelled countless fortunes, but few have cracked the code as effectively as today’s guests. The key? A structured 12-minute daily practice designed to rewire your subconscious mind for financial success. It’s not about working harder; it’s about aligning your thoughts, habits, and strategies with your ultimate vision. When you get your mind right, the money follows.

John Mitchell has spent years perfecting a formula that transforms ambitious goals into tangible wealth. His approach is based on clarity, repetition, and daily reinforcement, turning the abstract into reality. We learn the power of leveraging podcast guesting as a revenue-generating machine—proving that visibility, strategic positioning, and a compelling message can drive millions in business. Both guests highlight the importance of mentorship, structured planning, and refining your mindset to scale income to seven and even eight figures. 

John Mitchell is a best-selling author and expert on Napoleon Hill’s Think & Grow Rich, bringing the book’s missing secret to life through practical application. His work has helped entrepreneurs add millions to their bottom lines. The second guest, a seasoned podcast strategist and author of Get Booked and Get Paid, has mastered the art of turning podcast guest appearances into a six- and seven-figure business model. Together, they break down the tactical steps to financial success in this game-changing episode. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Work Smarter, Not Harder – Understanding how the human mind works is the difference between grinding endlessly and achieving real success efficiently. 

1. Seek Knowledge Beyond Yourself – The answers to the next level of success aren’t already in your head. Find mentors and experts who have achieved what you want and learn directly from their experience. 

1. Focus on What Moves the Needle – Identify the key actions that truly drive results in your business, health, and relationships. Get outside input and refine your understanding to ensure your efforts are focused on high-impact areas. 

Learn more and connect:

 - Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill 

 - The Missing Secret of the Legendary Book, Think and Grow Rich by John Mitchell 

https://a.co/d/j3LGU1t 

 - TheMissingSecret.org – John offers a nine-minute video explaining the full secret of Think and Grow Rich. 

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

“They won't open themselves up to you. You will feel like something's off, but you can't and won't know what or why. This begins with how you show up as a guest” 

Standing out isn't about flashy resumes or rehearsed pitches; it's about sharing your story with heart. When you talk about your journey and the lessons you've learned, you make it easy for people to connect with you. To be known, be clear about who you are. To be trusted, show up prepared and authentic. To be liked, start by genuinely liking others. 

Authentic storytelling builds emotional connections. It’s about more than facts—it’s about creating resonance. Trust grows through consistent, heartfelt communication, and passion is the spark that keeps people engaged. Genuine care isn’t an add-on; it’s the foundation of real relationships. 

Get Booked & Get Paid 

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

Leadership Lessons From The Hit TV Series Band Of Brothers | Amos McCoy 

“When you deliver a message, 90% of what somebody gets out of that message is not what you say.” 

Effective leadership is built on the foundation of clear communication, resilience, and the ability to navigate change with confidence. Strong leaders understand that communication isn’t just about delivering information—it’s about creating connections, fostering understanding, and ensuring that messages resonate with clarity and purpose. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, disengagement, and significant financial loss within organizations. 

Amos McCoy was raised in small-town Pennsylvania, mentored by everyone from auctioneers to war heroes, and shockingly successful without ever earning a college degree—because, as it turns out, common sense isn’t something you get with a diploma. Amos shares stories about grit, resilience, and why having your mother’s employer as your first mentor teaches you more about life than any MBA program ever could. He’s navigated corporate chaos, turned organizational meltdowns into masterclasses, and proves that real leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about learning from everyone. 

Amos in the founder of McCoy Leadership where he teaches “leadership without the fluff.” Hailing from small-town Pennsylvania, he turned lessons from cleaning houses with his mom and life chats with historical legends into a consulting empire. With zero degrees and a PhD in real-world experience, Amos helps businesses calm the chaos, connect better, and—most importantly—stop losing money because someone couldn’t communicate beyond emojis. 

Expert action steps: 

1. Understand How You Communicate: Learn how you can adapt your communication style to connect effectively with different types of people, ensuring that your message is clearly heard and understood. 

2. Explore New Technologies: Regularly seek out and experiment with new technologies. Take advantage of free trials to understand how they can improve efficiency and free up more time for meaningful tasks like effective communication. 

3. Review Your Strategic Plan Daily: Reflect on your strategic goals every day to ensure consistent progress. Regular check-ins help prevent stagnation and keep you aligned with your long-term objectives. 

Learn more and connect: 

1. McCoy Leadership Website: 

https://www.mccoyleadership.com 

1. “Band of Brothers” by Stephen E. Ambrose 

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1501179403?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_GJS9QT54T9EZF0YBT0ZQ&skipTwisterOG=1&bestFormat=true 

2. “Beyond Band Of Brothers” by Mjr. Dick Winters 

https://a.co/d/1ARGhWU 

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