What if losing millions was the best thing that ever happened to your sales career? In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Glenn Poulos, a veteran entrepreneur and sales expert with over 40 years of experience. Glenn shares how getting kicked out of a government job led him into sales, how he built and sold two multi-million dollar companies, and what happened when one of those deals left him broke.

From rebuilding his empire after a failed stock deal to writing Never Sit in the Lobby, Glenn reveals the honest truth behind business success, relationship-based selling, emotional intelligence, and why face-to-face still beats virtual every time. If you’re in sales, building a business, or trying to bounce back from failure, this episode will give you real strategies you can use right now.

Timestamps:
00:00 Glenn’s golden rule: “You only get forever to make another impression”
01:05 How getting kicked out of a government job launched a 40-year sales career
02:57 Building and selling Gap Wireless — twice
04:05 The deal that made him a millionaire — and then broke
06:03 Sued by Gap for naming rights
07:46 Lessons from losing everything and starting again
09:01 Knowing when to sell your company (using EBITDA)
12:02 Why virtual selling doesn’t work for complex, high-ticket sales
15:01 Behind the book Never Sit in the Lobby and key lessons from it
24:33 The power of emotional intelligence in sales
25:55 What makes someone a great salesperson today
34:01 AI vs. humans in sales — the good, bad, and risky
37:05 Moving into a sales role? Here’s what you need to know first
38:51 Final advice: act today like you already have the job you want

Key Themes:

• Rebuilding after failure in business
• Face-to-face sales vs. virtual communication
• How to build real client relationships
• Sales leadership and staying in front of customers
• Emotional intelligence and empathy in selling
• What makes someone worth buying from
• Using AI the right way in a human-first strategy

Guest Bio:
Glenn Poulos is a seasoned entrepreneur, sales expert, and author of Never Sit in the Lobby. With over four decades of experience, Glenn has built and sold multiple companies, including Gap Wireless. He is known for teaching real-world sales strategies that work in complex, B2B environments. His career is a masterclass in resilience, relationships, and results.

Connect with Glenn Poulos:
📘 Book: Never Sit in the Lobby
🌐 Website:  https://glennpoulos.com/
📱 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennpoulos/

Connect With Us:
🌐 Website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
📺 YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel
💼 LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
📸 Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
🎵 TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
📘 Facebook: Executive Connect

What happens when an athlete, educator, and entrepreneur turns AI strategist?

In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Marnie Wills, AI strategist and business transformation expert, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, education, and everyday life. Marnie shares her journey from international athlete and business owner to AI advocate, revealing how she helps companies build human-centered AI ecosystems that enhance creativity and performance.

If you’ve ever felt “too non-techy” to understand AI, this conversation will show you how to make it approachable, fun, and transformative—for your business and your life.

What You’ll Learn:

• How AI is transforming business and education
• Why “AI literacy” is the new essential skill
• The mindset shift from fear to curiosity
• Real ways AI saves time and boosts creativity
• How to integrate AI responsibly and humanely
• Why athletes often make great entrepreneurs
• How to achieve work-life integration in an AI-driven world

Watch more in our Tech Leadership & The AI Revolution playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxrYeIuZ_iIevKUBoWCEp2pJlNQymYHH

_
Connect with Marnie Wills:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/marniewills
YouTube → Business with AI Strategist
Instagram → @businesswithaistrategist
TikTok → @businesswithaistrategist

Connect with Executive Connect:
Website → https://www.executiveconnectexperience.com
YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
Newsletter → Join the Executive Connect Community
LinkedIn → Executive Connect on LinkedIn

🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast
Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/the-executive-connect-podcast/id1816477167
Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1zggDnblvD9Pa0Nn37o1TD?si=JVvZfm5rTryxJZh6nlO6yQ

What if your website could write, test, and improve itself without anyone lifting a finger?

In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Josh Payne, Founder and CEO of Coframe (and former co-founder of Autograph with Tom Brady), to explore how AI is changing marketing from the ground up. Josh shares how smart websites are learning in real time, optimizing themselves 24/7, and driving growth without large teams. They dive into the difference between co-pilot and autopilot AI, why marketing to AI agents is the next frontier, and the danger of “comfort work” for founders. Josh also opens up about the role of music in staying sharp and why creativity is key to leadership in the AI era.

What You Will Learn:

• Why AI-powered websites are changing how marketing works

• The difference between co-pilot and autopilot AI

• How to build a growth engine without a growth team

• What “comfort work” is and why it kills momentum

• Why marketing to AI agents is the future

• How music helps fuel creativity and leadership

Chapters
 00:00 Intro: AI websites that run themselves
 01:09 Josh’s journey: Startups, Tom Brady, and AI
 04:45 What Coframe actually does
 07:07 The power of speed and constant testing
 09:52 Will rapid changes hurt SEO?
 11:16 What autonomous AI can really do
 15:53 The trap of “comfort work”
 21:01 How music keeps Josh grounded
 25:24 The future of marketing: AI agents and personalization
 33:16 Final thoughts and how to start using AI today

Connect with Josh Payne
 Website → https://coframe.com
 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshpxyne/

Connect with Melissa Aarskaug
 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
 Podcast LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
 Website → https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com/

Why do we put off the things that matter most, and how can we finally stop?

In this episode of Executive Connect, Chris Abdey, procrastination coach, addiction and burnout specialist, joins Melissa Aarskaug to break down why procrastination is not about laziness but about protection. Chris shares his personal journey of overcoming procrastination, how it cost him deeply, and the mindset shifts that helped him reclaim control, focus, and peace of mind.

He also explains how burnout, overwhelm, and constant digital stimulation are silently draining our energy, and what leaders, parents, and professionals can do to create balance, build resilience, and model self-regulation in a world that never slows down.

If you have been feeling stuck, tired, or trapped in the endless cycle of distraction, this episode will help you take back your time and your mental health.

What You Will Learn:

• Why procrastination is not about laziness or lack of discipline

• How to uncover the real reason you avoid important tasks

• The mental and emotional triggers behind burnout

• Why doing less can help you accomplish more

• Simple reframing techniques to break procrastination loops

• Daily mindfulness habits that reset your focus and calm

• How to teach kids resilience and digital mindfulness

Chapters:
 00:00 Why Procrastination Is Not Laziness
 02:01 The Moment That Changed Chris’s Life
 04:25 Reframing “Have To” Into “Get To” or “Choose To”
 07:10 How to Stop Procrastinating in One Simple Step
 10:26 Understanding the Real Cause of Burnout
 14:30 The Hidden Cost of Digital Overload
 17:37 How to Recognize Burnout Before It Hits
 19:51 Quiet Quitting and Losing Purpose at Work
 23:00 Reclaiming Control Through Boundaries
 24:09 The Two Hour Rule to Reset Your Mind
 26:30 Morning Routines That Stop Reactivity
 29:30 Raising Mindful and Resilient Kids
 31:00 Why Digital Overstimulation Is Aging Children Faster
 34:00 Building Emotional Awareness and Self Regulation
 36:20 Final Advice: You Are Not Broken or Lazy
 37:40 Where to Find Chris Abdey

Guest Bio:
 Chris Abdey is a procrastination coach, addiction and burnout specialist, and mental wellness advocate helping entrepreneurs, executives, and creatives overcome self sabotage and build sustainable success. His approach combines neuroscience, mindfulness, and behavioral psychology to help people reclaim focus and energy while reducing stress and burnout.

Connect with Chris Abdey:
 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisabdey
 Website → https://procrastinationstation.ca

Watch more in our Mental Wellness and Leadership Performance playlist:
 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxrYeIuZ_iIdG85fZi23XegEIpzAypDF1

Connect With Us:
 Website → www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

Scaling your company shouldn’t mean losing your sanity.

In this episode of Executive Connect, Bill Flynn, author of Further, Faster and founder of Catalyst Growth Advisors, reveals why most leaders fail not from lack of effort but from doing too much.

Bill breaks down the science of sustainable growth, showing how the best CEOs simplify strategy, empower their teams, and focus on the few things that truly drive results. You’ll learn how to think like a scientist, stop micromanaging, and create a business that runs without you needing to run it.

If you’ve ever felt trapped in the chaos of your own success, this conversation will teach you how to scale smarter, not harder.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to scale your business without losing control

• Why doing less leads to faster growth

• The 80/20 principle that drives all great companies

• How to stop micromanaging and empower your team

• The neuroscience of leadership and decision-making

• Turning your vision into an executable strategy

• How to lead with clarity, calm, and purpose

Chapters:
 00:00 Why great leaders do less
 02:01 Why most businesses fail
 05:00 Stop micromanaging and empower your team
 07:15 The 80/20 principle in leadership
 10:45 Think like a scientist, not a hero
 15:40 Strategy vs execution
 25:55 Busting the myths of growth
 35:10 How to scale without losing your humanity
 46:00 Where to find Bill Flynn

Connect with Bill Flynn:
 Website → https://catalystgrowthadvisors.com
 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/billflynnpublic/

Watch more in our Smart Leadership, Strategy & Reinvention playlist:
 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxrYeIuZ_iIdG85fZi23XegEIpzAypDF1

Subscribe to Executive Connect:
 Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/
 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1zggDnb
 Website → https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com

Follow Us:
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

Entrepreneurs spend years building their businesses but often forget to build their retirement plan. In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Matt Ruttenberg, co-founder of Life Inc. Retirement Services, to discuss why business owners delay planning for retirement and how to fix it.

Matt explains how to build a retirement plan stack tailored to your business, combining 401(k)s, profit-sharing, and defined benefit plans to maximize tax efficiency and wealth growth. He shares the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make with their retirement planning, why “set it and forget it” doesn’t work, and how to build a trusted advisory team that communicates effectively to protect your future.

If you’ve ever said “I’ll figure out retirement later,” this episode shows you exactly what to do next — and why waiting could cost you hundreds of thousands in taxes and missed compounding opportunities.

Timestamps:
 00:00 Why entrepreneurs delay retirement planning
 01:20 The wake-up moment when business owners realize they need a plan
 02:25 Building a customized retirement plan stack
 04:00 How entity type impacts your retirement options
 05:30 The two key questions every business owner must answer first
 06:40 How to use retirement planning to reduce taxes
 08:10 Pretax vs. Roth contributions explained
 09:45 How to reinvest tax savings to accelerate wealth
 11:00 Why entrepreneurs need a coordinated financial team
 12:15 The “general practitioner” and “specialist” analogy for your financial advisors
 13:00 Common 401(k) misconceptions that cost business owners money
 14:40 Why cookie-cutter plans fail and custom designs save you thousands
 16:00 How to find the right retirement plan partner
 17:30 Prototype vs. custom plan documents explained
 19:00 What questions to ask before hiring a retirement specialist
 20:15 Why ongoing consultation matters as your business evolves
 22:00 The hidden fees to avoid and how amendments should work
 23:10 The importance of agility as your business grows
 24:00 How to prepare for deadlines and optimize timing
 25:00 Where to start if you’re ready to take retirement planning seriously
 26:00 Final advice for entrepreneurs ready to build lasting wealth

Key Themes:

• Retirement planning for entrepreneurs

• Business tax strategies and deductions

• Building a custom 401(k) plan

• Profit-sharing and defined benefit plans

• Pretax vs. Roth strategies

• Finding trusted financial advisors

• Common mistakes in small business retirement plans

Guest Bio:
 Matt Ruttenberg is the co-founder of Life Inc. Retirement Services, helping business owners design smarter, tax-efficient retirement plans that align with how entrepreneurs work and grow. His company specializes in custom-built retirement plan stacks that evolve alongside your business.

Connect with Matt Ruttenberg:
 Website: https://401k.expert
 LinkedIn: Life Inc. Retirement Services

Connect With Us:
 Website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
 YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook: Executive Connect

What if your company could operate like a war machine where every person, process, and system worked in perfect sync? In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Dr. Herman S. Jr., the global change strategist known for transforming NASA contractors, Fortune 500 firms, and multinational organizations into unstoppable performance engines.

Dr. Herman shares how to turn your people into high-impact problem solvers through his signature method of divorce and holism, breaking away from old mindsets, tapping into untapped human capital, and aligning every department under a single unified mission. He explains how to weaponize wellness, redefine leadership as battlefield architecture, and build organizations that grow without adding headcount.

If you are an executive, entrepreneur, or leader ready to rethink how teams perform and how leaders lead, this episode will challenge everything you know about business optimization.

Timestamps:
00:00 Why “nice” companies lose and war-ready teams win
01:00 Dr. Herman’s origin story and early fascination with systems thinking
03:00 How chaos theory and dependency shape leadership decisions
04:30 Building organizations that think differently
05:10 Why divorcing from yourself is the secret to innovation
07:00 How to train employees to be complex problem solvers
08:30 Human capital maximization training explained
09:40 Turning internal talent into new revenue streams
11:00 Lessons from NASA finding $16M in lost revenue
14:00 Breaking the transactional mindset in modern companies
16:00 Why the best thinkers think holistically
18:00 Empowering employees to own their work and innovate
20:00 Turning wellness into a tactical advantage
22:00 Nature’s laws and biomimicry in leadership
27:00 Redefining work-life balance through holistic growth
28:00 Why real leaders are battlefield architects, not managers
31:00 Specificity via abstraction borrowing ideas across industries
35:00 How to apply lessons from nature, art, and physics to leadership
38:00 Why bringing your whole self to work drives exponential results
42:00 Final advice divorce, abstract, evolve

Key Themes:

• Leadership through holism and human capital maximization
• Turning employees into owners
• Workplace wellness as a competitive advantage
• Cross-industry problem solving (specificity via abstraction)
• The psychology of high-performance organizations
• Nature-inspired leadership (biomimicry in business)
• How to grow without hiring more people

Guest Bio:
Dr. Herman S. Jr. is a global change agent, author of 12 books, and creator of the Holistic Vision framework. His methods have helped government agencies, global corporations, and small businesses optimize performance, reduce waste, and create cultures that thrive on innovation, ownership, and impact.

Connect with Dr. Herman S. Jr.:
Website & Links: Linktree - Dr. Herman S. Jr.
Search: “Dr. Herman SJR” on any platform

Connect With Us:
Website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel
LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
Facebook: Executive Connect

What if your business could protect its cash, outpace inflation, and build lasting wealth — without relying on Wall Street? In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Tillman Holloway, All-American athlete turned fintech innovator, to explore how Bitcoin Treasury strategies are transforming the way companies and investors protect and grow capital.

Tillman reveals how his firm, ARCH Public, helps small businesses and executives automate Bitcoin investing to hedge against inflation, leverage blockchain automation, and create generational wealth. He also explains how NFTs are evolving into real-world utility, how tokenization is changing ownership, and why digital scarcity could be the greatest financial opportunity of our lifetime.

If you’ve ever wondered how Bitcoin, automation, and AI are reshaping money, this episode will open your eyes to the future of finance.

Timestamps:
 00:00 Bitcoin Treasury Strategies Explained
 01:24 From Athlete to Fintech Entrepreneur
 04:00 Why Bitcoin Is the Most Secure Network on Earth
 07:08 Inflation, Scarcity, and the Power of Math
 10:26 Why 10 Percent of Profits Should Be in Bitcoin
 12:14 NFTs with Real-World Utility
 18:46 The Future of Tokenization and Fan Ownership
 22:10 Automated Trading for Everyday Investors
 26:32 How Institutions Are Adopting Bitcoin
 29:38 Bitcoin for Businesses and Treasury Strategies
 31:24 Protecting Wealth from Inflation
 33:14 Final Thoughts and How to Get Started

Key Themes:

• Bitcoin Treasury strategy for businesses

• Inflation and digital asset protection

• Blockchain automation and AI

• Tokenization and ownership

• Real-world NFT applications

• Financial innovation through Bitcoin

• Wealth preservation beyond Wall Street

Guest Bio:
 Tillman Holloway is the founder of ARCH Public and NFT Glee, bringing automation and accessibility to Bitcoin investing. A former All-American athlete turned tech entrepreneur, he’s on a mission to help everyday people and business owners build wealth through blockchain innovation.

Connect with Tillman Holloway:
 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tillman-holloway-a76b28212/
 Website: https://www.archpublic.com

Watch More:
 Explore related episodes in our Angel Investing, Micro VC Funds, Oil & Gas Strategies playlist:
 Watch on YouTube

Connect With Us:
 Website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
 YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook: Executive Connect

What if technology isn’t replacing humans but revealing what makes us more human? In this episode of Executive Connect, Yuying Chen-Wynn, founder and managing director of Wittingly Ventures, former Microsoft executive, and MIT alum, shares how empathy, adaptability, and experimentation are redefining what great leadership looks like in the age of AI.

With over 20 years of experience leading digital transformation across four continents, Yuying reveals how leaders can balance innovation with ethics, create cultures that embrace change, and implement AI responsibly without losing trust or creativity. She breaks down the mindset shifts every executive needs to thrive in a world where change is constant and curiosity is currency.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why empathy is the most underrated skill in AI transformation

• How to build guardrails for ethical and responsible AI use

• The three traits every leader needs to thrive with technology

• Why fear, not failure, slows innovation

• What the future of work will really look like in the next five years

If you want to lead through disruption, drive transformation, and stay human in a world of machines, this conversation will change how you think about the future of leadership.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Why You Can’t Start with Regulation
00:40 From Microsoft to Global AI Leadership
02:00 Lessons from 20 Years Across Four Continents
04:00 What Global Transformation Teaches About Culture
05:20 AI as a Strategic Business Enabler
07:00 How Natural Language Changed Everything
09:00 The Role of Empathy in Leading Transformation
11:00 Why Leaders Must Spend 80% Listening
13:00 The Hidden Fears Behind AI Resistance
14:00 Building Guardrails for Ethical AI
16:00 What Every Company Needs Before AI Adoption
18:00 Skills That Define Future-Ready Leaders
19:00 Adaptability, Learning, and the Power of Tinkering
21:00 Why Curiosity Beats Credentials
23:00 Human Connection in a Digital World
25:00 How Employers Are Redefining Talent and Hiring
27:00 The Next Five Years of AI and Work
29:00 What Automation Will Really Look Like
31:00 Redefining Productivity and the Workweek
33:00 Embracing AI Without Losing Humanity
35:00 Technology as an Amplifier for Creativity
36:00 Where to Learn More About Wittingly Ventures

🔗 Connect With Yuying Chen-Wynn

Website → https://www.wittinglyventures.com
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuyingchenwynn

🎧 Subscribe to Executive Connect

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/the-executive-connect-podcast/id1816477167
 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1zggDnblvD9Pa0Nn37o1TD

Connect With Us

 Website → www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

Thinking of leaving the corporate world to build your own business? Before you hire your first employee, you need a solid HR foundation. In this episode of Executive Connect, Vicky Brown, CEO of Idomeneo Enterprises and author of How to Manage Your Employees and Stay Out of Court, shares how to avoid the costly HR mistakes that can sink a growing company.

Vicky reveals how she transitioned from HBO executive to entrepreneur and built a thriving HR consultancy that helps small businesses stay compliant, lead with confidence, and scale their teams the right way. You’ll learn how to classify employees correctly, when to outsource HR, and why your first hire should never be payroll. If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner looking to grow without getting buried in compliance issues, this episode will save you time, money, and stress.

Timestamps:
 00:00 Leaving corporate life and starting over as an entrepreneur
 02:00 How a mentor pushed Vicky into starting her first business
 04:30 The top HR mistakes new entrepreneurs make
 06:00 The truth about independent contractors and employee classification
 07:00 What exempt and non-exempt really mean for small business owners
 09:00 How to avoid the most painful HR audit mistakes
 10:00 What to focus on when building your HR foundation
 11:30 Why every entrepreneur needs HR help from day one
 13:00 Transitioning from solo hustler to effective team leader
 14:20 How your company only grows as much as you do
 15:40 The art of delegation and letting go
 17:00 Scaling your business by scaling your people
 18:00 Why continuing education is the key to retention and growth
 20:30 Cross-functional training and developing well-rounded employees
 22:00 When to hire an HR professional and how to find the right one
 25:00 The pros and cons of outsourcing vs. using a PEO
 27:20 Final advice for entrepreneurs on building strong teams
 29:20 How to connect with Vicky and access her free HR toolkit

Key Themes:

• HR strategy for entrepreneurs

• Employee classification and compliance

• Scaling small business teams

• Leadership development and delegation

• Building a foundation for growth

• Outsourcing HR effectively

• Avoiding payroll and audit mistakes

Connect With Vicky Brown:

 Download the free HR startup guide: vickybrownhr.com/podcastgift

Connect With Us:

 Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

Social:

 LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook: Executive Connect

Making six figures but still feeling broke? You’re not alone. In this episode of Executive Connect, financial freedom expert Chris Miles reveals why so many high-income professionals are secretly trapped in what he calls the “High Income Hamster Wheel.” He explains how traditional financial advice like saving more, paying off debt, and maxing out your 401(k) actually keeps you stuck and broke, and what to do instead.

Chris shares his story of going from over a million dollars in debt to retiring twice before 40, and the counterintuitive strategies he used to escape the trap by focusing on cash flow, liquidity, and passive income over accumulation. If you’re tired of feeling like your high salary still isn’t enough, this episode will show you how to build true financial freedom and live life on your terms.

Timestamps:
 00:00 The moment that changed Chris Miles’ entire view of money
 02:45 Why traditional financial advice keeps you broke
 05:10 How Chris went from debt to financial independence twice before 40
 07:42 The trap of being asset rich but cash poor
 10:33 Why your 401(k) and IRA might be your biggest mistake
 13:02 What it really means to make your money work for you
 15:40 How high earners can lose everything by locking away their money
 18:04 Why your financial advisor doesn’t want you to retire early
 21:19 The biggest myths about saving, risk, and returns
 25:11 What wealthy people do differently with their money
 28:36 Turning equity into income, a smarter way to think about your home
 31:50 Real examples of clients who replaced income with passive cash flow
 35:24 Why boring investments are often the most profitable
 38:03 The mindset shift from saving for retirement to building freedom
 41:26 How to rewire your financial beliefs and stop chasing income
 44:18 Final advice, know your why and design wealth around it

Key Themes:

• Financial freedom vs. high income

• Cash flow over accumulation

• Passive income strategies

• Escaping traditional financial advice

• Liquidity, leverage, and control

• Rethinking retirement planning

• How wealthy people think differently

Connect With Us:

 Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

Social:
 LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook: Executive Connect

What if your story could live forever? In this episode of Executive Connect, Kristin Thomas, founder and CEO of Marble Collective, reveals how AI is helping women leaders preserve their digital legacy, amplify their voice, and build stronger professional communities.

After two decades in luxury real estate and years of navigating leadership events, Kristin saw a gap: women lacked a unified space to capture their wisdom, connections, and impact. Marble is solving that. It collects your digital assets, organizes your thought leadership, and turns scattered content into a lasting digital footprint that inspires future generations.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How AI is reshaping visibility, networking, and legacy for leaders
  
  
• Why vanity metrics are holding back genuine connection
  
  
• How Marble centralizes your podcasts, press, and videos into one portfolio
  
  
• Why your digital footprint is now your most valuable asset
  
  
• How intentional storytelling shapes reputation, influence, and legacy
  
  

If you’re a leader who wants your ideas and impact to outlive the algorithm, this episode will show you how to protect and grow your digital legacy.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 Why Your Digital Legacy Matters More Than Ever
01:00 How Visibility and Legacy Are Redefined by AI
02:00 The Moment Kristin Saw the Gap for Women Leaders
03:00 Building Community Beyond Business Cards and LinkedIn
05:00 The Problem with Vanity Metrics and Follower Counts
06:30 How Marble Tracks What Truly Matters
08:00 Turning Conversations into Connection
09:00 How AI Serves Women Leaders
10:00 Creating and Reusing Digital Assets for the Future
12:00 Why Legacy Is the New Leadership Currency
13:00 How Women Leaders Can Inspire the Next Generation
15:00 Preserving the Wisdom of Remarkable Women
17:00 Lessons from Real Estate and Leadership
19:00 The Community Gap Women Still Face
21:00 How AI Ensures You’re Known for the Right Things
23:00 Digital Legacy and Security in the AI Era
25:00 Intentional Leadership and Emotional Impact
27:00 Maya Angelou’s Lesson on Legacy
29:00 The Family Story That Inspired Marble
31:00 Final Message to Future Leaders

🔗 Connect With Kristin Thomas

Website → https://www.marblecollective.com
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-thomas-1092a01b/

🎧 Subscribe to Executive Connect

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/the-executive-connect-podcast/id1816477167
Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1zggDnblvD9Pa0Nn37o1TD

Connect With Us

Website → www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
Facebook → Executive Connect

What if everything you know about building trust is wrong? In this episode of Executive Connect, Dr. Darryl Stickel, one of the world’s leading experts on trust and author of Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World, reveals how trust can transform teams, accelerate change, and rescue broken cultures.

From consulting at McKinsey to advising global leaders, Darryl explains why most organizations are failing at trust, how to rebuild it using his proven 10 lever framework, and why trust, not strategy, is the ultimate driver of performance. You’ll learn how to reduce uncertainty, manage vulnerability, and lead through disruption with authenticity and clarity.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The real psychology of trust and why it breaks
  
  
• How to build trust that survives conflict and change
  
  
• Why most trust exercises fail and what works instead
  
  
• How transparency and vulnerability create influence
  
  
• A simple daily practice to strengthen your relationships and culture
  
  

If you’re leading a team through change, uncertainty, or growth, this conversation will show you how to make trust your greatest competitive advantage.

⏱️ Chapters
00:00 Why Trust Issues Are Breaking Teams
02:00 Darryl’s Story From Hockey to Harvard and McKinsey
06:00 What Drives His Life’s Work on Trust
08:00 Why Most Leaders Misunderstand Trust
09:30 The Definition of Trust and the Two Core Questions
10:30 How Risk, Uncertainty, and Vulnerability Intersect
12:00 Myths About Gender and Risk Tolerance
13:30 Trust as a Stabilizer During Change
15:00 Why Uncertainty Destroys Engagement
16:00 Culture, Change, and the Human Side of Business
18:00 How to Make Trust a Daily Behavior
19:30 The Three Levers Benevolence, Integrity, and Ability
21:00 How to Demonstrate Benevolence as a Leader
23:00 A Script You Can Use to Build Trust Tomorrow
24:30 Leadership Through Accountability and Care
25:30 Authenticity vs. Honesty The Real Difference
27:00 Trust and Self Awareness in Modern Leadership
29:00 How to Start Building Trust Intentionally
31:00 Darryl’s Final Framework for Transformational Leadership

🔗 Connect With Darryl Stickel

Website → https://www.trustunlimited.com
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrylstickel
Book → Building Trust: Exceptional Leadership in an Uncertain World

🎧 Subscribe to Executive Connect

Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/ro/podcast/the-executive-connect-podcast/id1816477167
Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/1zggDnblvD9Pa0Nn37o1TD

Connect With Us:

Website → www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
Facebook → Executive Connect

What does it really take to go from unremarkable to extraordinary?

In this episode of Executive Connect, Jeremy Ryan Slate, author, CEO of Command Your Brand, and host of the top-rated Jeremy Ryan Slate Show, shares how to rise above the noise, turn setbacks into strength, and command attention in a chaotic media world.

From studying ancient Rome to building a modern media empire, Jeremy reveals how hard work, courage, and smart communication, not luck, drive lasting success. You will learn how to use life’s motion, outwork your competition, and grow your influence through clarity, storytelling, and consistency.

If you have ever felt like the underdog with something big to say, this episode will show you exactly how to make people listen.

What You Will Learn:

• Why underdogs win and the mindset behind extraordinary success

• How to use adversity and motion as fuel for growth

• The secret to commanding attention in today’s noisy media landscape

• Why clarity beats volume when building a personal brand

• How to get featured on the right podcasts, not just the biggest ones

• Practical PR and communication strategies that build trust and impact

• Why efficiency, not balance, is the real key to intentional living

Chapters:

00:00 | Why the World Needs More Underdogs
 01:04 | From Studying Theology to Building a Media Empire
 03:09 | The Journey from Hobby Podcaster to CEO
 04:20 | Lessons from History and What Makes Great Leaders
 06:00 | Outworking Talent The Real Edge of High Performers
 09:46 | Turning Adversity into Strength
 14:11 | How Leaders Cut Through the Noise in Modern Media
 16:20 | Why Conversations Drive Connection and Influence
 20:28 | What Great Podcast Guests Get Right
 22:48 | Impact Over Vanity Choosing the Right Platforms
 25:29 | Why Great Partners Give Back and Amplify Each Other
 28:03 | The Myth of Balance and Power of Intentional Living
 30:39 | Teaching Kids the Value of Hard Work
 32:16 | AI, Efficiency, and the Future of Productivity
 33:10 | Using Motion How to Turn Challenges into Strength
 34:31 | Where to Connect with Jeremy Ryan Slate

Connect With Jeremy:

Website → commandyourempire.com
 Podcast → The Jeremy Ryan Slate Show

Subscribe to Executive Connect:

Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple
 Spotify → Listen on Spotify


Connect With Us:

Website → executiveconnectpodcast.com
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

Guest:

 Jennie Blumenthal

Host:

 Melissa Aarskaug

Episode Overview:

What if working harder isn’t actually working?

In this episode of Executive Connect, Jennie Blumenthal, former PwC partner, bestselling author of Corporate Rehab, and executive coach, shares how hustle culture is quietly breaking high performers and what to do instead.

Jennie reveals her story of leading a $200 million global business while burning out behind the scenes and how she created The REHAB Method to help leaders trade overwork for sustainable success. She explains how to balance productivity with rest, rewire your leadership mindset, and build empathy-driven cultures that outperform grind culture every time.

If you are a high-achieving professional ready to redefine success on your own terms, this conversation is your roadmap to thriving without burnout.

What You Will Learn:

• The hidden costs of hustle culture and how to recognize burnout early

• How to rewire your leadership mindset for balance and clarity

• Ways to boost performance through rest, creativity, and reflection

• How empathy and trust drive stronger results and retention

• How to lead authentically in the evolving future of work

Chapters:

00:00 | Why Hustle Culture Fails Leaders
 02:19 | Jennie’s Journey From PwC Partner to Founder
 07:07 | The REHAB Framework Explained
 14:00 | Healing the Mind, Body, and Spirit of Leadership
 20:00 | The Future of Work and the End of Burnout
 26:00 | Finding Your Growth Zone
 31:00 | Leading With Empathy and Results
 36:00 | Final Advice and Where to Connect

Connect With Jennie Blumenthal:

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennieblumenthal/
 Website → https://www.corporate-rehab.com

Subscribe to Executive Connect:

Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple
 Spotify → Listen on Spotify

Connect With Us:

Website → www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

Guest:

 Beth Lachance

Host:

 Melissa Aarskaug

Episode Overview:

 The healthcare burnout crisis is real and getting worse. Staff shortages, administrative overload, and rising operational costs are pushing medical professionals to the edge.

In this episode of Executive Connect, Beth Lachance, CEO of Global Medical Virtual Assistance (GMVA), shares how remote teams are helping medical practices regain balance, restore patient care, and scale sustainably.

From redefining “outsourcing” to rebuilding culture across continents, Beth explains how insourcing remote medical talent is transforming the future of healthcare.

If you want to understand how to combine human touch, efficiency, and innovation, this episode is your blueprint for leading through disruption.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why burnout and staff shortages threaten modern healthcare

• How remote medical teams are closing the operational gap

• The truth about virtual assistants and the “outsourcing” myth

• How to build culture, accountability, and retention globally

• The balance between AI automation and human connection

• The three biggest takeaways for medical leaders in 2025

Chapters:
 00:00 | Healthcare’s Burnout Crisis: Why It’s Getting Worse
 01:16 | From Athlete to Healthcare CEO: Beth’s Journey
 03:46 | Seeing the Need and Launching GMVA
 05:48 | How COVID Proved Remote Staffing Works
 07:22 | Breaking the Stigma Around Virtual Assistants
 09:54 | Building Culture and Accountability Across Borders
 12:23 | Servant Leadership in a Global Workforce
 13:12 | The Difference Between Outsourcing and “Insourcing”
 15:51 | Simplifying Operations with the Paint-By-Number Method
 17:30 | The Staffing Shortage: What’s Next for Healthcare
 19:33 | AI, Human Touch, and the Future of Patient Care
 23:16 | Top 3 Takeaways for Medical Leaders
 25:51 | How to Choose the Right Partner
 26:41 | How to Connect with Beth Lachance

Connect With Beth:

 Website → www.gmva.com
 Schedule a Strategy Session → Book Here

Subscribe to Executive Connect:

 Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple
 Spotify → Listen on Spotify

Connect With Us:
 Website → executiveconnectpodcast.com
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

Guest:
Chris Robinson

Host:
Melissa Aarskaug

Episode Overview:
Are you drifting through your days busy but not fulfilled? In this episode of Executive Connect, Chris Robinson, international speaker, executive vice president at Maxwell Leadership, and author of From Drift to Drive, reveals how to wake up your potential and live with true intention.

Chris shares how to identify where you’ve gone on autopilot, build clarity about what you really want, and take consistent daily action toward it. From his seven-step framework to the “learn a little, do a little” philosophy, you’ll walk away with tools to break out of complacency and start driving your life forward with purpose.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure what’s next… this episode is your wake-up call.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to spot “drift” and the silent danger of complacency
  
  
• The two types of complacency and how to correct both
  
  
• Chris’s 7-step framework for building drive and direction
  
  
• How to sustain motivation without burning out
  
  
• Why small daily actions compound into major transformation
  
  
• How accountability builds consistency and confidence
  
  
• The mindset that moves you from good to great
  
  

Timestamps:
00:00 | Why you might be drifting without realizing it
00:41 | Meet Chris Robinson executive VP at Maxwell Leadership
01:28 | What “drift” means and why it’s the silent killer of progress
02:17 | The rumble strip metaphor how small wake-up calls save lives
03:36 | How to spot when you’re in autopilot mode
04:41 | The two types of complacency nearsighted vs farsighted
05:36 | Getting 2020 vision and realigning goals with daily actions
06:44 | The seven-step framework for moving from drift to drive
07:43 | Gathering phase aligning books, videos, and courses with goals
08:41 | Learn a little, do a little the secret to sustainable progress
10:52 | Why motivation fails without daily micro habits
13:42 | Teaching discipline and accountability through simple routines
16:39 | How fear blocks forward motion and how to fix it
18:19 | Lessons from baseball, parenting, and life consistency wins
20:27 | The power of dominant thoughts and why mindset leads action
22:17 | Chris’s own drift moment and what John Maxwell taught him
24:55 | Feedback, humility, and never going on autopilot again
27:31 | How Chris became VP at Maxwell Leadership
30:45 | The one question that brings instant clarity: What do I want?
31:42 | The advice Chris would give his younger self read and keep learning
32:30 | Where to get the book and bonus resources

Connect With Chris:
Book → From Drift to Drive on Amazon
Bonuses → drifttodrivebook.com

Subscribe to Executive Connect:
Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple
Spotify → Listen on Spotify

Connect With Us:
Website → executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
Facebook → Executive Connect

Guest:
 Ajay Malik

Host:
 Melissa Aarskaug

Episode Overview:
 Everyone says “follow your passion.” Ajay Malik says follow your curiosity instead. The prolific inventor behind more than 100 patents explains why passion fades but curiosity compounds — fueling innovation, leadership, and lifelong creativity.

In this episode of Executive Connect, host Melissa Aarskaug dives deep into how Ajay turns curiosity into invention and reinvention. From building teams that thrive on freedom to leading turnarounds across industries, Ajay reveals how asking “why” and “what if” can change your life, your career, and your company.

You’ll hear how curiosity drives breakthrough thinking, why randomness is often your best teacher, and what daily habits keep Ajay inspired to create.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates innovators who sustain success from those who burn out — this conversation gives you the blueprint.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why curiosity outlasts passion in innovation and leadership

• The mindset that helped Ajay earn 100+ patents

• How to build high-performing teams through freedom and trust

• Lessons from company turnarounds and reinvention

• Why great leaders act as “reverse bosses” who empower others

• Daily habits for staying creative, focused, and inspired

Chapters:
 00:00 | The Power of Curiosity and Creation
 03:00 | How AI and Personalization Are Changing Innovation
 07:00 | Embracing Randomness and Opportunity
 09:00 | Lessons from Turnarounds and Reinvention
 12:00 | Building and Leading High-Caliber Teams
 17:00 | Leadership Lessons from Great Bosses
 22:00 | Gratitude, Growth, and Perspective
 27:00 | Ajay’s Creative Process and Daily Habits
 30:00 | Reflections and Advice to His Younger Self

Connect With Ajay:
 LinkedIn → Ajay Malik

Subscribe to Executive Connect:
 Apple Podcasts → Listen on Apple
 Spotify → Listen on Spotify

Connect With Us:
 Website → executiveconnectpodcast.com
 YouTube → Executive Connect YouTube Channel
 LinkedIn → Melissa Aarskaug
 Instagram → @executiveconnectpodcast
 TikTok → @executiveconnectpodcast
 Facebook → Executive Connect

Guest:

Shashank Kapadia

Host:

Melissa Aarskaug

Episode Overview:

AI is everywhere, but leadership is what makes it valuable. In this conversation, AI innovator Shashank Kapadia lays out a practical playbook for responsible AI: start with values, measure real outcomes, and ask better questions. He introduces his three Cs framework for responsible AI clarity, context, and consequence and explains how to lead high performing ML teams with direction, autonomy, and integrity. We cut through hype to focus on models that quietly improve decisions, discuss when not to automate, and share failure patterns and guardrails leaders can use right now.

Timestamps:

 00:00 | Why leading AI matters more than building it
 00:21 | Meet Shashank Kapadia AI innovator and ethics advocate
 01:20 | From model accuracy to real world impact a personal shift
 02:30 | Beyond optimization building wise systems grounded in values
 03:37 | Responsible AI defined the three Cs clarity context consequence
 04:47 | Ethics is not a checklist how executives operationalize responsibility
 05:36 | Leading ML teams the trio of direction autonomy integrity
 06:58 | Psychological safety and nonlinear progress loops not sprints
 08:05 | Sponsor Money Ripples Cashflow Secrets offer
 08:41 | Cutting hype with first principles three questions every project must answer
 10:14 | Invisible AI wins utility over model complexity
 11:27 | Competitor FOMO vs solving real problems choosing focus
 11:54 | Hybrid intelligence the future blend of technical EQ and ethics
 12:57 | Translators of trust why cross functional leadership wins
 13:42 | Non technical makers and baby boomers using AI real examples
 15:01 | Failure patterns misaligned objectives hidden bias and shaky rollouts
 17:15 | Ship small monitor hard KPIs and safeguard equity
 18:23 | Sponsor Texas Freedom Fund information
 19:10 | A value driven mindset and the power of asking how
 21:19 | Where to follow Shashank LinkedIn and Substack Pragmatic MLR

Guest Bio (short):

Shashank Kapadia is a machine learning leader and responsible AI advocate who has built large scale recommender systems and decision engines for global platforms. He speaks and writes on the practical intersection of innovation and ethics, helping organizations ship models that earn trust and deliver business value.

Connect With Shashank:

 LinkedIn: Shashank Kapadia
 Substack: Pragmatic MLR

Connect With Us:

Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

Social:

LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
Facebook: Executive Connect

Guest:

 Renee Berman

Host:

 Melissa Aarskaug

Episode Overview:

Atomic settlement sounds flashy, but most market participants actually want T0. In this episode, capital markets leader Renee Berman breaks down where blockchain is delivering real value today and what still needs to happen before it scales. From DTCC to Broadridge, Renee has led digital asset initiatives across core market plumbing. She explains tokenization, stablecoins, smart contracts, and why single source of truth plus 24 by 7 rails can cut risk and cost. We cover regulation, interoperability, buy side adoption, and a practical path from pilot to production.

Timestamps:

 00:00 | Atomic settlement vs T0 why near real time beats instant for markets
 00:41 | Meet Renee Berman strategist operator and blockchain leader
 01:11 | A nonlinear career with a through line of impact
 02:01 | Inside DTCC volumes custody and the digital asset mandate
 03:00 | At Broadridge exploring how on chain rails change trade processing
 04:12 | From nonprofit strategy to Goldman and Credit Suisse foundations
 05:20 | Moving into the COO seat for equity derivatives learning on the fly
 07:25 | Where blockchain delivers value today tokenization and market plumbing
 08:02 | Tokenizing real world assets bonds equities private markets explained
 09:15 | Market size today and 2030 projections for tokenized RWAs and stablecoins
 10:00 | Early traction tokenized money market funds from major managers
 10:52 | Repo and collateral use cases trillion dollar monthly volumes on DLT
 11:28 | Why single source of truth and 24 by 7 availability matter
 12:20 | T1 to T0 settlement netting tradeoffs and risk reduction
 13:16 | Smart contracts automate asset servicing coupons dividends and more
 13:54 | Democratization lowering minimums expanding investor access
 14:49 | Adoption headwinds regulation interoperability identity and UX
 15:23 | US momentum stablecoin rules Genius Act and the Clarity Act
 16:39 | Buy side needs invisible blockchain no wallets same workflow better rails
 18:21 | Making regulators comfortable DTCC Euroclear Clearstream BCG risk work
 20:20 | New public chain risk framework focus on non financial risks
 23:04 | Stablecoins what they are and why cross border payments lead
 24:34 | Use case dollar access in high inflation economies
 25:10 | One to one backing consumer protections and what is still missing
 26:00 | Market structure who oversees what SEC and CFTC delineation
 27:54 | Women in finance and crypto mentorship programs and progress
 31:03 | The fourth industrial revolution AI blockchain robotics and finance
 33:22 | The future 24 by 7 global markets programmable money and wallets
 34:24 | How to get Renee’s white papers and continue the conversation

Connect With Renee:

 LinkedIn: Renee Berman

Connect With Us:

Visit our website: www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
Watch full episodes on YouTube: Executive Connect YouTube Channel

Social:

LinkedIn: Melissa Aarskaug
Instagram: @executiveconnectpodcast
TikTok: @executiveconnectpodcast
Facebook: Executive Connect