I spent years chasing the myth that the harder you work the bigger the rewards. I was obsessed with growing my company to find freedom but it was a failed experiment. My business was scaling while my body was screaming a question I could not answer: how long can you actually sustain this for? I was winning on paper but my biology was being liquidated behind the scenes. Can you relate? I used to treat my health like a cost centre I could manage after the next milestone.  In this episode I sit down with triple board certified physician Dr Amy Loden Tiffany to look at the metabolic crisis I was heading toward. We discuss the biological data points I was ignoring and why my desk was more dangerous than a smoking habit. This is a raw look at the hidden tax on success and why your current lifestyle is secretly draining your cognitive edge. If you have ever woken at 3am with your brain on overload this is an episode you cannot afford to skip. Five reasons to listen The Sitting Death Trap Discover why prolonged sitting is more lethal than smoking and the specific protocol to reverse the damage in weeks. Hidden Mortality Markers The laboratory metrics most doctors ignore that predict early mortality and how insurance companies use them against CEOs. The IQ Connection How metabolic health directly dictates decision making ability and why a compromised state leads to million pound mistakes. Peak Energy ROI The three high impact micro habits that deliver maximum energy for founders working 12 hour days with zero gym time. Biological Burnout Why burnout and metabolic disease share the exact same root causes and how fixing one automatically solves the other. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Ready to exit, but worried you'll regret it? Visit: https://www.xentum.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-loden/ YouTube: @dramytiffany Instagram: @dramytiffany TikTok: @dramytiffany Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vitalitymwc ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop planning for 2026. If you are still preparing for the future, you have already been overtaken by those of us who are already living in it. Most people are waiting for a signal to move, but I am already executing the plays that will define the next twelve months. I am not here to give you a forecast; I am here to give you the exact moves I am using to dominate while everyone else is still waking up. The gap between the leaders and the crowd is widening, and the old rules of growth are officially dead. While the majority are distracted by vanity metrics and outdated hacks, I am betting everything on five specific shifts that are currently transforming my business. In this episode, I reveal the internal roadmap I am using to scale intimacy through AI, why I am ignoring 90% of social media to build deeper trust, and the acquisition strategy I am using to bypass years of slow growth. This is a raw look at my private playbook for 2026. Whether you are hearing this today or three weeks from now, the window to act is closing. This is how you win. 5 reasons to listen I reveal how I use AI agents to scale genuine outreach and support without losing my human edge. I explain my strategy for building a focussed personal brand that generates deep trust on a single platform. I show you how I multiply my authority by turning depth content into a machine that attracts high value buyers. I break down the specific community signals I track to ensure real growth instead of chasing empty impressions. I share my blueprint for buying boring businesses to leapfrog traditional growth and create a massive exit. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurial Success in 2026 06:41 Leveraging AI for Business Efficiency 12:06 The Power of Personal Branding 15:14 Shifts in Content Consumption 18:18 Community Over Vanity Metrics 21:07 Exploring Business Acquisitions for Growth ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Ready to exit, but worried you'll regret it? Visit: https://www.xentum.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The deal closes. The champagne goes flat. And suddenly you're staring in the mirror wondering who the hell you are anymore. Your company's gone. Your title means nothing. The identity you wore for a decade has been stripped away. Did you just make the biggest mistake of your life? I sat down with Jennifer Fondrevay, the M&A Whisperer who's lived through three multi-billion-pound acquisitions and consulted with over 60 CEOs on the hidden psychology of business exits.  As a best-selling author and TEDx speaker featured across global media, Jennifer has become the go-to expert on what nobody talks about in M&A: the identity crisis that follows the deal.  We explored the brutal truth about losing your business identity, why even the most successful founders feel like they're going crazy during transitions, and the battle-tested framework she developed from the trenches of corporate acquisitions.  This conversation revealed the exact emotional stages you’ll face post-exit and gave you the strategic playbook to rebuild your identity before a crisis hits. If your planning an exit in the next 2-5 years, this is a must listen. Five reasons to listen How to master the five stages of business grief - Jennifer reveals the proven framework she's used with Fortune 500 executives to transform anger and denial into acceptance and opportunity The legacy question that changes everything - Discover the single most powerful question that forces clarity on who you are beyond your business title and protects what you've built How the top 1% prepare for their final chapter - Learn the 6-month countdown strategy Jennifer developed after witnessing countless botched exits and seven-figure transitions gone right Why your biggest advocates are hiding in plain sight - Uncover Jennifer's counterintuitive method for identifying team champions who'll accelerate change and shield you from emotional burnout The breakthrough exercise CEOs didn't see coming - How Jennifer's unconventional music-based technique unlocks vulnerability in the boardroom and builds the trust required for seamless transitions Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 The Identity Crisis Post-Exit 02:37 Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions 05:44 The Emotional Landscape of Exiting 08:05 Understanding Grief in Business Transitions 11:08 Building Trust During Change 13:56 The Role of Leadership in M&A 16:42 Acceptance and Moving Forward 19:29 Legacy and Impact After Exit 22:10 Preparing for the Future 25:10 Creating a New Narrative Post-Exit 31:41 Transitioning from Founder to CEO 35:30 Preparing for the Emotional Exit 37:21 Rebuilding Identity Post-Exit 41:52 Understanding Integration Debt 46:08 Navigating Grief in Leadership 59:31 Future Research Directions ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Ready to exit, but worried you'll regret it? Visit: https://www.xentum.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-fondrevay Instagram: @jenniferj.fondrevay Freebie: https://jenniferjfondrevay.com/resources ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could eliminate your biggest competitor without spending a penny upfront? While most business owners throw money at marketing and AI tools, there's a silent weapon hiding in plain sight: buying the competition that's stealing your clients. In this episode, I’m joined by Jeremy Harbour, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and founder of The Harbour Club. We get practical about growing through acquisitions by buying your competitor.  We talk about why so many owner run businesses never sell, what makes today such a strong time to buy, and how to approach a competitor without turning it into an awkward sales pitch.  Jeremy shares what he looks for, what to avoid, and how to protect yourself so you are not left with a mess after the deal. 5 reasons to listen Stop competing, start acquiring. Discover why buying your competitor is more effective than spending another pound on advertising or the latest AI automation. The zero money down blueprint. Learn the exact structure Jeremy uses monthly to acquire businesses without borrowing from banks, signing guarantees or hiring expensive lawyers. Baby boomer goldmine. Understand why 80% of businesses owned by retiring baby boomers are essentially free for the taking if you know how to structure the conversation. Red flags become opportunities. Jeremy explains how client concentration, employee risk and owner dependency actually make deals easier, not harder. Real-time acquisition coaching. Watch Jeremy coach me through structuring my first competitor acquisition, including the consulting to equity approach that eliminates upfront costs. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it now: https://adamstrong.notion.site/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-220f5f71e63b80bc91a0d7e0ca050c82?source=copy_link Chapters 00:00 The Strategy of Acquiring Competitors 02:46 Current Market Dynamics and Opportunities 05:36 Understanding Business Valuation and Acquisition Risks 08:25 Navigating the Acquisition Process 11:04 Building Rapport with Competitors 13:48 Personal Experiences in M&A 16:41 Identifying Sweet Spots for Acquisition 19:25 The Power of Group Strategies in M&A 22:09 Overcoming Mindset Barriers in M&A 25:04 Initiating Conversations with Competitors 29:19 End of Year Reflections and Motivations 30:03 Identifying Red Flags in Acquisitions 31:08 Leveraging Red Flags for Better Deals 33:18 Creating Asymmetric Risk in Transactions 36:34 Evaluating Business Concentration Risks 38:37 Recognizing Green Flags in Negotiations 39:21 De-risking Post-Acquisition Integration 41:07 Common Mistakes in the First 90 Days 44:47 Acquisition Strategies for Consulting Businesses 51:13 Navigating the Complexity of Acquisitions 55:23 Understanding Technology Business Valuations 57:20 Final Thoughts on Entrepreneurship and Acquisitions ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyharbour/ Website: https://www.harbourclubevents.com ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Email: hello@adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop feeding the content monster. LinkedIn doesn’t reward volume; it rewards positioning. If you are a founder with decades of experience but your posts are being ignored, the problem isn’t the algorithm. It is your structure. You don’t need 100,000 followers to dominate your niche; you need a framework that turns your specific life experience into a strategic asset. In this episode, I am handing you the blueprint to my personal content strategy. This isn't theory; it is the exact methodology I use to generate consistent 10–15% engagement on every post with a modest following.  I break down the STRONG framework—a simple, repeatable system to transform your insights into posts that resonate with your ideal client profile, position you as an authority, and start real commercial conversations. Here is why you need to listen: The STRONG Framework Revealed: Master the 5-step formula to write high-converting content in under 15 minutes. The Personal Proof Hook: Learn why starting with 'lived experience' beats theory every single time and stops the scroll. Tension Through Contrast: Discover how to articulate the painful cost of staying stuck so your prospects feel compelled to act. Reframing the Problem: How to flip the script on common industry issues to position yourself as the strategic solution. Engagement Over Ego: Why I ignore vanity metrics to focus on the specific engagement rates that actually drive revenue. Listen now to stop posting into the void and start building genuine authority. Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the STRONG Framework 02:39 Breaking Down the STRONG Framework 05:44 The Importance of Personal Experience 08:18 Reframing Problems and Offering Solutions 11:03 Engagement and Call to Action ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the fastest way to scale this year is to stop selling your time and let other people sell your method for you? If your calendar is full, your revenue is capped and you think another course or mastermind is the answer, this episode will flip that thinking on its head. In this episode I sit down with licensing specialist April Beach to unpack how to scale by letting other companies pay to use your intellectual property. We break down what licensing really is, when you are ready for it and why it is the step after courses, masterminds and memberships. April walks through simple licensing models you can plug into your existing business and even coaches me live on how to licence my own exit framework, so you can apply the same thinking to your offers. Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ Value bombs 1. Discover a proven path to scale beyond 1-to-1 work Learn how to license your expertise to companies and create scalable B2B revenue streams without trading time for money. 2. Get the blueprint for identifying your most licensable content Learn how to pinpoint which of your programs or courses have the highest potential for corporate licensing deals. 3. Position yourself as an expert in your industry Elevate your authority and credibility when companies license your content, opening doors to premium opportunities. 4. Create a certification program that scales your impact Train and certify others to deliver your frameworks, expanding your reach while generating additional revenue streams. 5. Access simple, actionable steps you can implement immediately Get clear, practical strategies and concrete next steps to start licensing conversations with companies today. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ ABOUT THE GUESTInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aprilbeachlicensing/?hl=en  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aprilbeach  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilbeach/  Free Resource: https://www.sweetlifeco.com/licensing101ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the real competitive advantage for founders of small and medium sized businesses right now, smarter AI or leaders who know how to be deeply human. In this episode, I sit down with executive coach and former COO Chris March to explore the human edge in an AI world and why treating AI as a shortcut instead of a multiplier is quietly damaging trust, culture and credibility in smaller businesses.  If you are a founder or owner of an SME leaning into AI but worried about losing the soul of your business, this conversation is for you. Here is what we cover Why blaming layoffs on AI is backfiring and how that story destroys trust even faster inside small teams How generic AI generated content weakens your authority as a founder and what to do instead if you want real connection with prospects The human edge for SMEs, using judgement, experience, emotional intelligence and real stories as a moat that big companies cannot copy Practical ways to use AI as a force multiplier rather than a crutch so you can step out of low value tasks and back into leading the business Three key principles for SME founders who want to use AI while protecting trust through education, transparency and simple governance Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherrmarch Website: https://chrismarchcoaching.com/ Sign up for my free bi-weekly newsletter: Subscribe | The Leading Edge: https://leadingedge.beehiiv.com/subscribe ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the economy is not the problem? What if your strategy is? I sit down with Dr Rebecca Homkes to blow up the doom narrative and show founders how to grow when everyone else is stuck. We unpack why uncertainty favours the bold, how to swap rigid plans for belief driven preparation, and the simple loops and huddles that create aligned speed.  If you want to steady the ship and pull away from the pack, this one is the episode to listen to. 5 takeaways How to turn fear into an edge by avoiding delusion, paralysis and frenzy. How to replace rigid plans with belief driven preparation you can test fast. Improve your shock response with the four Cs: cash, cost, customer, communication. Learn to build a right to win by clarifying what you have, what you can do and the moats you will dig. How to create aligned speed with weekly huddles that ask what we did and what we learned. Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ Chapters 00:00 Navigating Economic Uncertainty 11:23 Understanding Growth Mindset in Business 22:46 Strategies for Thriving Amidst Challenges 28:36 Navigating Business Challenges with the Four C's 32:35 Transitioning from Survive to Thrive 37:31 Harnessing Uncertainty for Growth 42:04 Identifying Opportunities in a Changing Market 46:50 Strategic Reflections for Future Success ABOUT THE GUESThttps://www.rebeccahomkes.com/ https://www.surviveresetthrive.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-homkes/ Survive Reset Thrive: Leading breakthrough growth strategy through volatile times: https://www.amazon.com/Survive-Reset-Thrive-Implementing-High-Growth/dp/139860786X ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Email: hello@adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You are not leading. You are firefighting. And it is costing you growth. In this episode I talk about the trap founders fall into when the business starts running them. If you are answering every email, fixing every mistake and your team will not move without you, this is for you. I break down why we slip into reactive leadership, what it does to your energy and momentum, and how to shift into a role where you lead, think and build. It is practical, honest and based on what I had to change myself. Why listen You will spot the signs that you have become the bottleneck. You will hear how reactive leadership leads straight to burnout. You will get simple moves to create space for strategy again. You will learn how to get your team to decide without you. You will see how this makes your business scalable and exit ready. Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Email: hello@adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culture doesn’t sit on your balance sheet — but it’s the reason some businesses sell for millions more than yours. In this episode I sit down (for the third time!) with WSJ bestselling author Alex Brueckmann to unpack something most founders completely miss in their exit plan: buyers don’t just buy your numbers — they buy your culture. We break down his 9 Elements of Organisational Identity, talk about why two companies with identical P&Ls sell for totally different prices, and how to show culture in due diligence so you can justify a premium. If you’re planning to scale and exit in the next 24–36 months, this is the lens you need. 5 reasons to listen You’ll finally understand the “valuation gap” — why some firms with the same revenue and profit command higher multiples. You get Alex’s 9-element framework that links culture, strategy and leadership — in plain English, not academic fluff. You’ll hear how investors actually think and what they look for beyond client lists and P&Ls when deciding to overpay. You’ll learn how to evidence culture in a way buyers can see, not just read as nice words on a website. • 5. You’ll spot the founder-dependency red flags that kill deals — and what to fix now if you want to exit in 24–36 months. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: ⁠https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com⁠ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to ⁠https://www.adambenedict.co.uk⁠ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderbrueckmann Website: www.AlexBrueckmann.comABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: ⁠https://adamstrong.net⁠ Email: hello@adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The next hire you’re avoiding is costing you millions—and your peace of mind. In this episode, I sit down with Talent Maximizer Roberta Matuson to unpack the real reason founders stall: people. We get honest about 3 a.m. recruitment anxiety, the fear of hiring someone better than you, and the scarcity mindset that keeps teams mediocre.  Roberta dismantles hire slow, fire fast principle, shows me how to attract A-players without the massive salaries, and explains why small firms have a hidden edge right now.  We cover when AI helps (and when it hurts), how magnetic leadership pulls talent to you, and practical ways to rewrite roles, filter candidates fast, and build a team that scales—and sells. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberta-matuson/ 28-Minute Power Session (10 Slots Only) What: A laser-focused, 28-minute coaching call to solve your biggest leadership or career challenge. Why: Quick, affordable, and results-driven. Perfect for today’s fast-paced world. Bonus: Free Kindle copy of one of my books—your choice. Investment: $199 (normally $495) For further info email: roberta@matusonconsulting.com ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Website: https://adamstrong.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stop launching to crickets. What if the secret to a 7-figure launch isn't your product, but a hidden emotional driver you've completely missed? I'm sharing the 5-step framework that creates the demand and not the desperation. What if you knew precisely what makes your ideal client buy... before you even built the product? It all comes down to their hidden fears, their biggest frustrations, and their secret aspirations. Most entrepreneurs sell the solution; the smartest ones sell a way out of the pain. In this episode, I reveal the 5-step launch process that a $1B razor company and the world's most famous electric car brand used to create demand from thin air. This is the difference between guessing what works and launching with absolute certainty. How to find your customer's 'buy button': Learn to uncover the real psychological drivers (the fears and frustrations) that control your customer's wallet. The $1B razor secret: Discover how one company disrupted an entire industry by identifying a single, universal frustration their competitors ignored. The pre-launch playbook: I'll explain how an iconic CEO pre-sold hundreds of thousands of products before the factory was even built, creating a 3-year waitlist. The perceived value pricing trick: Stop trading time for money. Learn the 4-part pricing strategy that lets you charge more while making customers feel like they got a bargain. How to build an 'unbeatable offer: Find out how strategic partnerships can instantly elevate your product's status and make it the only logical choice in your market. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 Transforming Your Business with New Offers 00:57 Understanding Your Audience Through Research 03:43 Crafting a Unique Value Proposition 06:01 Testing Demand and Validating Your Offer 07:54 Strategic Pricing for Success 11:22 Enhancing Customer Experience Through Collaboration 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the secret to building a audience of over 160,000 followers wasn't about grinding out content for 10 hours a day but instead it was about finding the 20% of AI prompts that generate 80% of the results, effectively creating an artificial version of yourself to do the heavy lifting? I brought on Charlie Hills a LinkedIn growth strategist that leverages AI tools to create an authentic personal brand. Charlie has over 160k+ followers on LinkedIn and turns audiences into opportunities. We break down why context engineering now beats prompt engineering, how to build a lightweight AI version of you that keeps your voice and judgement, and where AI agents actually make sense (and where humans still win). Charlie shares the visual tactics (carousels/cheat sheets) and we finish with a live audit of my LinkedIn profile so you can duplicate the same playbook for your own profile. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 Unlocking AI for Audience Growth 02:39 The Evolution of Personal Branding 05:32 Mastering AI Prompts and Context 08:13 Navigating AI Biases and Ethics 11:05 Understanding AI Agents 13:45 AI Hacks for Content Creation 16:38 Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn 35:30 The Value of Lead Generation Posts 37:32 Strategies for Building a Following 39:49 The Daily Posting Debate 43:09 Content Creation and Audience Engagement 45:00 Profile Auditing and Improvement 01:02:12 Top Tips for Gaining Attention and Trust 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-hills/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/charliehills/ Website https://cognified.io/ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over five years ago, I launched a podcast with zero production experience, a lot of curiosity, and one goal: to empower business leaders to scale and exit with confidence. What started as the Game Changers Experience evolved into The Business Strategist – now downloaded in over 50 countries, with 360+ episodes and counting. In this candid conversation with my long-time friend and leadership powerhouse Chris Salem, I share exactly how I built a podcast that’s stood the test of time while others faded out.  We talk consistency, strategy, brand evolution, why I never miss an episode (even on holiday!), and where this platform is headed next—including the exciting leap toward becoming a full media company. Whether you're a founder, leader, or future podcaster, this episode will show you how to build something that lasts and grows with you. Here's what I covered Real Talk on Podcasting LongevityDiscover the behind-the-scenes decisions, structure, and mindset that kept this podcast alive every single week for over five years—when most die in their first season. From Side Project to Media PowerhouseLearn how I'm evolving The Business Strategist into a full-blown media company and what that means for content creation, reach, and impact in 2026 and beyond. The Secret to Consistency (Even on Holidays)I reveal the mental frameworks, routines, and identity shifts that made never missing an episode possible—even during Christmas or when travelling abroad. Why Niche Beats NoiseWe unpack why I intentionally didn’t chase the Joe Rogan model and why staying in your niche (scaling + exiting) builds deeper loyalty and bigger opportunities. A Glimpse into the Future of Business StrategyHear what’s coming next—episodes on M&A, post-exit identity shifts, AI integration, and interviews with founders who’ve actually exited—not just talked about it. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com 🙏 HOW TO SUPPORT THE BUSINESS STRATEGIST 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong Linktree: https://linktr.ee/adamstrongofficial ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophersalem Website: https://christophersalem.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scaling a business is simple—until it isn’t. Most founders sabotage their growth without even realising it. Are you making the same mistakes that could be quietly killing your scale-up? In today’s episode of The Business Strategist, I’m sharing the 10 most common pitfalls that derail founders when scaling—and more importantly, how to avoid them. These aren’t theoretical ideas. They come directly from my own journey and client conversations, along with stories and strategies you can apply immediately. Whether it’s expanding revenue streams, breaking free from the “doing it all myself” trap, or avoiding weak leadership that undermines your culture—this episode will help you see your business through a sharper lens and give you practical solutions you can use today. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever said yes to a client who drained your energy, disrespected your time, and made you regret chasing the money instead of protecting your business? In this episode of The Business Strategist, I share the 9 types of clients I’ll never work with again—and how you can spot them before they drain your profits and peace of mind. I also walk you through the 7 traits of an ideal client and the exact steps I use to pre-qualify, set boundaries, and make sure I only partner with people who energise me and deliver results. These lessons come from my own mistakes—including a recent nightmare client—and they’ll help you scale faster by saying yes to the right clients and no to the wrong ones. What you’ll learn The 9 toxic client archetypes that sabotage your business growth. My simple pre-qualification process to filter out red flags early. The 7 traits of an ideal client I now look for in every deal. How I use boundaries, accountability, and intuition to protect time and energy. Why saying no to the wrong clients is the fastest way to scale with freedom and focus. Let’s be real — if you’re drowning in day-to-day crap, you’ll never scale or exit. The Founders Exit Playbook is your ticket out of the chaos. Learn how to stop being your own bottleneck and start leading like a boss. It’s free, no email required and no BS. Grab it here: https://www.notion.so/The-Exit-Playbook-Shift-from-Operator-to-Visionary-Leader-2341d950a9a5808080b5e57490e5c4b5 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the very habits that helped you start your business are now the same ones holding you back from scaling it? In this episode, Adam Strong sits down with Louisa Loran — former executive advisor at Google, Maersk, and Diageo — to unpack the hard truths about why most leaders stall out… and how the best transform themselves to break through complexity, chaos, and cultural traps. You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to: Spot the difference between busyness and true progress Balance strong strategy with personal empowerment Use collective intelligence without losing focus Steer your company with discipline while staying human-centered Create readiness for change instead of resistance to it This isn’t theory — it’s real-world lessons Louisa gained advising global giants, translated for the everyday founder scaling a 6–7 figure business. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment' and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/louisa-loran/  www.louisaloran.com/ ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you craft a founder story that cuts through noise and drives real growth? Every founder has a story—but most are forgettable. In this episode, I sit down with storytelling coach and creative director Jeff Abracen, who has mastered the art of transforming messy origin stories into powerful growth tools.  We dive into the DNA of disruptive storytelling—how to stand out, capture attention, and convert conversations into clients. Jeff shares how pattern-breaking stories create influence, why vulnerability (done right) builds authority, and the biggest mistake founders make that kills their message.  If you’ve ever wondered how to make your story resonate, stop the scroll, and actually drive business, this episode is your playbook. Jeff Abracen is a disruptive storytelling expert, speaker and podcast host.  Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 The Power of Storytelling 04:55 Defining Disruptive Storytelling 11:11 Common Mistakes in Storytelling 16:00 Being Interesting vs. Interested 21:49 The Importance of Relevance in Storytelling 27:49 Challenging Beliefs About Personal Stories 29:52 Overcoming Fear and Judgment in Storytelling 34:40 The Power of Storytelling and Connection 38:25 The Three Cs: Contrast, Connection, and Conversion 49:07 Simplicity in Storytelling and Its Impact 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business.  Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/ Disruptive Storytelling Worksheet: Unlock your Disruptive DNA™ to craft stories that stand out, connect, and convert. Download here ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if time isn’t something you manage, but something you design—a tool that can multiply freedom, scale your business, and even reshape your legacy? Most entrepreneurs treat time like a relentless enemy—constantly running out, always slipping away. But what if that belief is costing you impact, growth, and freedom? In this episode, I sit down with John Coyle—Olympic silver medalist, 5x TEDx speaker, professor, and leading expert on the psychology and neuroscience of time.  We dive into the fascinating world of Chronos and Kairos—two radically different ways of experiencing time—and uncover how founders can shift from operator mode to visionary leadership. John shares why the value of time has nothing to do with its duration, how to trade money for time, and the simple shifts that help you create unforgettable Kairos moments in business and life.  He even puts me in the coaching hot seat—expect some “aha” moments along the way! If you’ve ever felt like time is controlling you, this conversation will completely reframe how you scale, exit, and design a life of freedom. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 Redefining Time: A New Perspective 02:03 From Athlete to Expert: The Journey of John Coyle 03:36 The Value of Time: Insights from Sports and Life 06:05 Time as Currency: Trading Time for Money 09:23 Chronos vs. Kairos: Understanding Time Dimensions 13:13 Creating Meaningful Moments: The Kairos Mindset 18:39 Navigating Time in Business: The Shift from Kronos to Kairos 22:23 The Importance of Connection: Building Relationships in Business 25:31 Self-Actualisation: The Journey Beyond Success 28:50 The Journey of an Athlete to a Mentor 31:04 Designing Memorable Experiences 33:52 The Framework of Memory Construction 37:31 Strategic Time Management for Founders 42:18 Creating Impactful Moments in Life 47:49 Experiences Over Material Possessions 49:09 The Value of Freedom and Choices 54:47 Key Takeaways for a Fulfilling Life 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST https://johnkcoyle.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@JohnKCoyle1 https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnkcoyle1/ https://www.facebook.com/johnkcoyle/ https://www.instagram.com/coylejohnk/ Book “Design for Strengths” - https://dl.bookfunnel.com/gi30vzgh2t ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the biggest bottleneck in your business isn’t sales or strategy—it’s your emotional intelligence? In this episode I sit down with my long-time friend and collaborator Chris Salem—Fortune 500 advisor, bestselling author, and one of the clearest thinkers on EQ for leaders. We go beyond theory into what founders with 5–25 employees can actually do this week to reduce conflict, create psychological safety, delegate without drama, and sell with more trust. Here are my five key points The 5 controllables every founder must master: communication, behaviour, attitude, emotions, and action. A post-snap reset for when you’ve just lost your cool—and how to rebuild trust quickly. A practical delegation system that helps perfectionist founders stop micromanaging. How to run psychologically safe huddles that cut assumptions and lift KPIs. The 2-minute daily EQ check that keeps you focused on what you can control. Want to exit your business but unsure where to start? Take the ‘Exit readiness assessment’ and find out the gaps of what you need to do to plan your exit strategy confidently. Click on the link here: https://readytoexit.scoreapp.com Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Business 02:54 Leadership Styles and Generational Differences 05:33 Common Struggles in Organisations 08:38 Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace 11:33 The Role of Self-Awareness in Emotional Intelligence 14:21 Communication Styles and Their Impact 17:17 Mastering Communication for Better Outcomes 25:47 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Adaptation 27:45 Delegation and Trust in Leadership 30:31 Psychological Shifts for Growth 35:04 Building Self-Discipline and Predictability 38:40 Using EQ in Presentations and Client Meetings 41:51 Daily EQ Habits for Founders 43:18 Future Aspirations and the Importance of Adaptation 🙏 How To Support The Business Strategist 🎙️ If this is the first time you’re listening congrats, if you like today’s episode please subscribe, listen and leave a review on 👉 Apple, Spotify ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Helping you take the complexity out of exiting your business. Go to https://www.adambenedict.co.uk ABOUT THE GUEST Website: Facebook Page Instagram Twitter Linkedin YouTube ABOUT THE HOST LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamistrong YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/adamstrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices