In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia Purnell sits down with executive coach and leadership consultant John Gallagher to explore what it truly means to lead in an uncommon way. John shares his journey from corporate leadership at organizations like IBM to founding Growing Champions, where he now helps leaders unlock higher performance by developing the whole person—not just the business metrics. Together, they unpack the blind spots leaders face as they grow, the danger of complacency, and John’s powerful Seven Ds Framework for personal and organizational transformation. This conversation also dives into faith in business, imposter syndrome, overwhelm, leadership discipline, and why real growth always begins with a decision.

Bill Zujewski—founder of GoodLiife and creator of the Life by Design system—shares why he believes we need a better metric for success than money. After decades leading marketing in enterprise software and helping grow a company that was acquired, Bill embraced solopreneurship and built a “life scorecard” approach that helps people assess balance across key life areas (health, relationships, purpose, growth, wealth, and more). We talk about building a brand in crowded markets, how coaches can use metrics to drive client outcomes, and why relationships might be the strongest predictor of long-term well-being.

Nicolai Nielsen has lived in 11 countries, worked a decade at McKinsey, and now helps ambitious leaders pursue sustainable peak performance without burning out. In this episode, he joins Virginia to talk about building a life and business that align with who you actually are—not just what you think you “should” do. They dive into Nicolai’s nonlinear path from corporate consulting to founding Potential Academy, how he works with high-achieving clients who feel stuck, and why patience, presence, and self-mastery are essential in today’s fast-changing world of work. You’ll hear Nicolai’s framework for looking inward (past, present, future), how to “know your I before your why,” and why the future of work is full of opportunity for those willing to experiment, test ideas quickly, and use new tools to create more personalized, meaningful work. If you’ve ever felt ambitious and stuck at the same time, this episode will give you both perspective and practical next steps.

In this episode, Virginia sits down with Laura Patac, a global leadership mentor, entrepreneur, and former corporate executive who has lived and worked across seven countries on five continents. Laura brings over two decades of experience leading large-scale organizational change, and now she empowers emerging leaders—especially millennials and Gen Z—to navigate complexity with confidence, emotional intelligence, and purpose. Laura shares how her journey began as a quiet, introverted teenager who discovered journaling as a way to express herself. That creative outlet evolved into a powerful storytelling approach she later used throughout her corporate career to motivate teams, build products, and inspire meaningful transformation. Eventually, she realized her creativity could create deeper impact outside the confines of corporate roles. Today, Laura mentors young leaders through her 3M Framework—Mindset, Motivation, and Methods—helping them manage ambiguity, build purposeful habits, and use storytelling as a strategic leadership skill. She also discusses her book Stories with Purpose and her goal to impact 100,000 people in the next year through writing, coaching, and teaching. This episode is packed with wisdom on resilience, clarity, and the power of knowing your purpose.

In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia sits down with Michael Lopez—best-selling author, LinkedIn Top Voice, and behavior-driven change strategist—to unpack why most transformations stall and what to do differently if you want change to actually stick. Michael shares his journey from military intelligence and Big Four consulting to building his own boutique consultancy focused on behavior-centric change. He explains why treating employees as one big group sabotages transformation, how redefining goals from nouns to verbs keeps you motivated, and why raising your hand for the hardest job no one else wants is one of the most powerful career and leadership moves you can make. You’ll hear practical insights on designing change at the individual level, using failure and “watching the tape” as a tool for growth, and shifting from control to coaching so your people own the “how.” If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to lead change—in your life or your organization—this conversation will help you rethink your approach and unlock new momentum. Listen in to learn how to make effort the reward, embrace mistakes as fuel for neuroplasticity, and build teams that don’t fear change, but grow through it.

In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia sits down with lawyer-turned-multi-business owner and seven-figure investor Lloyd Ross to unpack what it really means to be time rich and financially free. Lloyd shares how he walked away from an unfulfilling legal career, burned out commutes in Abu Dhabi, and traditional “success” to build leveraged income streams, a multi-million-dollar portfolio, and a lifestyle where freedom is his highest value. Lloyd explains why busyness is often a symptom of poor strategy and low leverage, not a badge of honour—and how our environment, identity, and standards shape our financial outcomes. He dives into the mindset and behaviour shifts that helped him become a published author, award-winning podcast host, network marketing leader, and co-owner of multiple businesses, while still protecting white space in his calendar. You’ll hear Lloyd’s practical frameworks for raising your money standards, buying assets, delegating as an act of leadership (and personal development for others), and “marrying the process and divorcing the outcome.” If you’ve ever worn “busy” like a badge or felt guilty earning more while doing less, this conversation will challenge your thinking—and show you what becoming time rich can look like in real life.

At 47, Mark Delaney walked away from comfort and security to find what truly mattered—purpose. Known as The Purpose Guy, Mark helps people stop living problem-focused lives and instead chase the bold, fulfilling path they’re made for. In this conversation, he shares how to move from hiding to freedom, why purpose—not perfection—is the cure for feeling stuck, and how helping others helps you find yourself. You’ll walk away inspired to live freely, love authentically, and take your next step toward purpose.

Australian financial coach Sloan Wilkins (Executive Financial Coaching; Everyday Money Live) shares how professionals and business owners can move from financial stress to financial confidence by aligning money with purpose. After 30 years in banking and wealth management, Sloan blends practical systems with a mindful, Buddhist-inspired approach. We cover seven life areas (finances are just one), building a strong foundation (spending plan, buffers, eliminating unproductive debt), planning for retirement, and why “life happens outside the spreadsheet.” You’ll learn how to give money clear instructions, strike the “enjoy today vs. fund tomorrow” balance, and define financial freedom as the power to choose.

Negotiation strategist and author Derrick Chevalier (H-C; Evolve or Be Slaughtered) unpacks why most “win-win” advice fails in business, how to negotiate people rather than transactions, and the real difference between persuasion and influence. He shares SMAC-style strategy, the antidote to any tactic, and why harmony beats balance for founders. We cover closing more deals without feeling salesy, when to split the difference (and when not to), and how to use empathy as a cooperative tool—not a weapon. If you’ve ever left a deal “feeling good” and later regretted it, this one will recalibrate your approach.

In this eye-opening episode, Virginia chats with Tim O’Hearn, author of Framed: A Villain’s Perspective on Social Media, about what really happens behind the curtain of today’s biggest platforms. Tim shares how his journey as a software engineer and entrepreneur led him to uncover the hidden mechanics that drive engagement, visibility, and influence online. He reveals what he learned from operating in the “black hat” marketing world, how those lessons translate to authentic brand growth today, and why understanding social media’s design can help you reclaim your digital presence. Entrepreneurs will walk away with a deeper understanding of how social algorithms shape behavior—and how to leverage that knowledge to build a more genuine, sustainable online presence.

Executive coach and author Dr. Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau shares how leaders and entrepreneurs can move beyond “old power” mindsets to lead with authentic, embodied presence. We cover her Smart Power Method, why clarity and communication beat force, the difference between stubbornness and relentless purpose, and practical ways to manage energy across physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions. Sylvia also explains how her arts background shaped her approach to leadership, why vulnerability strengthens authority, and simple practices listeners can use today to regulate emotions and lead with more ease and impact.

Fred Meyers, founder of Queensboro (founded in 1982), joins Virginia to share how a dorm-room idea became a 125+-person company serving everyone from local small businesses to household names. Before fax machines and 800 numbers, Fred spotted a gap in premium polos and built a supply chain from scratch. Today, Queensboro markets B2SMB (small/medium businesses) primarily through paid search and social, wins via trust, and backs it with a standout guarantee (no-return replacements and first-order $4.95 intro offer). Fred unpacks hard-earned lessons from multiple economic cycles, why he moved HQ to Dallas (while maintaining Wilmington, NC operations), and how expansion planning now includes a West Coast facility. He also shares Queensboro’s 4 P’s people framework—Principled, Positive, Proactive, Productive—and why he’d rather run a great small company than a bad big one. You’ll hear pragmatic advice on brand-building, clear logos, authentic culture, and staying focused without becoming the bottleneck. It’s a candid look at resilience, customer care, and operational excellence that SMB owners can apply today. Listen: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/fredmeyers

Uganda-based strategist Prima Jope shares how she built a global brand without ads or a big following by focusing on buyer-ready moments — the “house on fire” points where prospects urgently need help. She explains why many founders don’t have a visibility problem; they have a buyer identification problem. We unpack her House on Fire Marketing framework, the difference between leads and buyers, self-leadership and spiritual discipline, and how conviction and integrity power sustainable growth. If you’ve felt like the “best kept secret,” this episode gives you a short sword to get in the door — and stay there. Episode link: https://entrepreneurconundrum.com/primajope Guest links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/primajope Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prima_jope YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0PQhPk4Hr1RNSXEC05ZdEQ Site: https://www.the2kClientsystem.com

Musician, author, and entrepreneur Cliff Beach has spent more than 20 years performing live, recording award-winning music, and sharing his story to help others find their own rhythm in life and business. From getting kicked off American Idol to releasing 10 albums in 10 years, Cliff’s nonlinear journey proves the power of curiosity, persistence, and saying “yes” to new opportunities. In this conversation with host Virginia Purnell, Cliff opens up about staying upbeat through setbacks, building work-life harmony, and coaching others toward health, creativity, and purpose. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or someone in transition, Cliff’s story reminds us that growth is never a straight line—it’s a flow.

Virginia Purnell sits down with Steve Fales, entrepreneur, author, mentor, and endurance athlete, to explore how persistence, core values, and true friendships fuel long-term success. Steve shares his journey from starting an ad agency in a spare bedroom to scaling and selling it, and why his mission today is helping people live by their values and learn to be better friends.

Mike Seitz, CEO of the EarthWise Pet Family of Brands, shares how he helped grow a three-store regional concept into a 200+ unit national franchise platform—and where it’s going next. Mike unpacks EarthWise’s “total pet care” strategy (storefronts + mobile grooming + e-commerce), the critical role of pet nutrition (including their in-house, three-level Pet Dietitian certification), and why they built an AI dietitian to expand access—especially in rural markets. We dive into what makes an ideal franchisee (hint: grit and alignment), how regional buyer behavior changes marketing, and why personal touch still wins in a digital world. Mike opens up about the realities of M&A, the culture shift required to scale from owner-operator stores to multi-unit franchisees, and the leadership mindset that survives sleepless nights and tough calls. Whether you’re a pet-industry founder, a franchise operator, or an entrepreneur eyeing multi-location growth, this candid conversation is packed with strategy, structure, and heart.

In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia Purnell talks with award-winning brand strategist and author Doug Zarkin about how entrepreneurs can transform their marketing by “thinking human.” Doug shares lessons from his journey leading major brands like Victoria’s Secret PINK, Avon, and Pearle Vision, and dives into his new book Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone. He explains how to build lasting consumer connections, balance revenue with relationships, and avoid letting perfection stall progress. Tune in for insights on crafting brand narratives that resonate, practical advice on standing out in a crowded marketplace, and why “thinking human” is the key to long-term business growth.

Becky Freemal, Emmy Award-winning journalist turned best-selling author and growth strategist, joins Virginia to talk about the power of brand voice in business. With decades of storytelling experience, Becky helps leaders and teams connect data with people through evidence-based storytelling. As founder of The Market Exec and author of Brand Voice: People Plus Data, Drives Results, she shares how to uncover your organization’s true voice, build trust with customers, and avoid wasting resources on ineffective marketing tactics. Becky also opens up about her transition from journalism to entrepreneurship, the importance of curiosity, and her goals of expanding her impact through speaking.

In this episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia Purnell talks with SEO expert Nick Musica, founder of Optics In. Nick has been practicing hands-on SEO since 2003, leading strategies for companies like Highpoint Insurance and Rocket Lawyer before launching his own agency in 2019. With a background in publishing and web usability, Nick brings a clear, no-fluff approach to helping small businesses in sectors from finance to technology get found online. He shares his early career story, common SEO mistakes that create “funk,” his 3+1 SEO framework, and why you should never let Google decide what page to rank. Nick also offers insights into client acquisition, goal setting, and the importance of controlling the controllables in business.

In this inspiring episode of Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia Purnell sits down with Diane Wyzga, founder of Quarter Moon Story Arts and host of Stories from Women Who Walk. With a background as a U.S. Navy nurse, lawyer, litigation consultant, and now story doula, Diane shares her unique journey of courage, resilience, and reinvention. Together, they explore how to find your true voice, make choices without fear of consequences, and build confidence through storytelling. If you’ve ever felt stuck or longed to rewrite your story, this conversation will give you the tools and inspiration to take that first step—and the next one, even if you fall down along the way.