Episode 117 Unlocking High Performance: Jaime Raul Zepeda on Workplace Engagement Frederick Dudek (Freddy D) Copyright 2025 Prosperous Ventures, LLC

We're diving into the world of workplace culture with Jaime Raul Zepeda, a true expert who's all about transforming the way we experience work. Jaime's been in the game for over 15 years, helping more than 4,000 companies create environments where employees feel engaged and empowered. He emphasizes that happy employees are not just a nice-to-have; they're key to driving success and innovation.

We chat about how recognizing and appreciating team members can lead to a thriving culture, where folks feel proud of their contributions. So, if you're looking to reimagine your workplace and boost performance, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

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Workplace culture is often seen as a buzzword, but for Jaime Raul Zepeda, it’s a core focus that drives organizational success. In this episode, we explore the critical role of workplace culture in achieving business goals, as Jaime shares his insights from years of experience as a workplace culture architect. He discusses how his journey has shaped his understanding of what makes a thriving workplace, drawing from his time at Best Companies Group, where he has worked with over 10,000 organizations to elevate their employee experiences.

One key takeaway from our discussion is the importance of public recognition in the workplace. Jaime points out that when employees feel recognized for their contributions, they are more likely to be engaged and productive. This isn’t just about making employees feel good; it’s about creating a culture where everyone understands what success looks like and is motivated to achieve it. By implementing simple practices of recognition, organizations can transform their culture and see measurable improvements in performance.

Additionally, Jaime emphasizes the need for leaders to step back and allow their teams to voice their ideas. By being the last to speak in meetings, leaders can create a safe space for open dialogue, facilitating innovation and collaboration. This approach not only empowers employees but also cultivates a sense of ownership and accountability within the team. As Jaime shares, the little things matter—whether it’s a simple thank you or inviting input on critical decisions. These actions can lead to a more engaged workforce, ultimately driving greater success for the organization.

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Takeaways:

• Jaime Raul Zepeda emphasizes that a thriving workplace culture significantly boosts employee satisfaction and productivity.
• Recognition in the workplace is vital, as inspired employees are proven to be over twice as productive as their peers.
• Creating a supportive environment involves listening to employees and making them feel valued and essential to the organization's mission.
• Investing in employee growth is not just good ethics; it's a strategic move that enhances overall organizational success and performance.

Links referenced in this episode:

• bestcompaniesgroup.com
• jaimeraulzepeda.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• ...

Episode 115 From $20M to $150M: Gift-Powered Vertical Outreach Rocket-Fueled Growth with Corey Quinn Frederick Dudek (Freddy D) Copyright 2025 Prosperous Ventures, LLC

Corey Quinn drops some serious knowledge in this episode about how to take your agency from 20 million to a whopping 150 million by honing in on deep specialization. He shares his journey from the startup scene to agency sales, emphasizing the power of vertical markets and customer-centric strategies. We dive into Corey's new book, "Anyone, Not Everyone," where he lays out a framework to help agency founders escape the generalist trap and scale effectively.

We get into the nitty-gritty of gift-based outbound marketing and how thoughtful follow-ups can turn cold leads into super fans. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to elevate their business game and create lasting client relationships.

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Corey Quinn takes us on a detailed exploration of his experiences in the digital marketing space, emphasizing the importance of specialization in agency growth. After starting as a business development representative, Corey climbed the ranks to become the Chief Marketing Officer of Scorpion, where he led the company through significant expansion. He highlights the challenges he faced transitioning from a well-established inbound lead model to an aggressive outbound strategy. Through innovative tactics like sending gourmet cookies as a precursor to cold calls, Corey transformed the sales process, making it more personable and effective.

We discuss how this approach not only opened doors but also created lasting relationships with clients. Corey’s focus on building trust and delivering value resonates throughout the conversation, making it clear that understanding your market is key to sustained success.

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Takeaways:

• Corey Quinn emphasizes the importance of deep specialization for agency growth, focusing on vertical markets and tailored strategies.
• The podcast discusses how gift-based outbound marketing, like sending cookies, can effectively break the ice with prospects and improve sales engagement.
• Building a strong follow-up process is essential; the initial connection often leads to further relationship opportunities and potential sales.
• Corey shares a success story where targeting a specific niche led to doubling a client's business, showcasing the power of focused marketing efforts.
• The conversation highlights how creating memorable experiences at industry events can significantly enhance client relationships and trust.
• Listeners are encouraged to unify their sales and marketing teams to streamline efforts and improve overall effectiveness in reaching out to prospects.

Links referenced in this episode:

• AnyoneNotEveryone.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Lululemon
• Remax
• Hyundai
• Men's Warehouse
• Scorpion
• USC

Episode 114 Purpose, Pivots & Profits: Tom Dillon Turns Your Books Into a Roadmap to Success Frederick Dudek (Freddy D) Copyright 2025 Prosperous Ventures, LLC

Freddie D. is back with another insightful chat, this time featuring Tom Dillon, the founder of Frak Finance and a financial strategist who really knows his stuff. We’re diving deep into how Tom helps small and mid-sized businesses cut through the financial noise to make smart, data-driven decisions. He’s got a knack for guiding companies through pivotal moments—think growth spurts, acquisitions, and exits—while keeping a sharp focus on creating long-term value.

We’ll explore how optimizing cash flow and structuring deals can turn customers into loyal super fans, making businesses thrive even in tough markets. So, buckle up as we unpack Tom’s journey from analyst to fractional CFO and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Discover more with our detailed show notes and exclusive content by visiting: https://bit.ly/44dHz10

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Tom Dillon’s wealth of experience as a seasoned financial strategist shines through in this episode, where he reveals the nuances of being a fractional CFO. He shares candid insights about the entrepreneurial journey, detailing how he transitioned from a traditional finance role to helping small and mid-sized businesses optimize their financial operations. Tom emphasizes that understanding one’s financial position is crucial for making informed decisions and achieving long-term success.

He talks about the importance of cultivating an abundance mindset when it comes to investing in business growth, including marketing and customer service—essential ingredients in creating super fans. Listeners will learn about the intricate balance between cutting costs and driving growth, and how Tom’s hands-on approach has led many businesses to not only survive challenging times but to thrive and build a loyal customer base.

This engaging conversation offers practical takeaways for any entrepreneur looking to enhance their financial acumen and build a robust business for the future.

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Takeaways:

• In this episode, we dive deep into the importance of having a solid chart of accounts to ensure financial clarity and business success.
• Tom Dillon emphasizes the role of fractional CFOs in helping small businesses navigate financial complexities during critical growth phases and transitions.
• Creating super fans from customers is about delivering exceptional service and establishing a financial foundation that supports sustainable growth.
• The podcast highlights how accountability within teams leads to better performance metrics and ultimately drives business success and customer loyalty.
• We discuss the necessity for businesses to have an abundance mindset when investing in marketing and customer relationships to create lasting engagement.
• Tom shares valuable insights on preparing a business for sale by focusing on financial health and positioning for maximum enterprise value.

Links referenced in this episode:

• frakfinance.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• FraK Finance
• William Blair

Episode 113 From Invisible to Influential: Unlocking the Power of Your Personal Brand with Alan McLaren Frederick Dudek (Freddy D) Copyright 2025 Prosperous Ventures, LLC

Today, we're diving into the world of personal branding with Alan McLaren, co-founder of Strata Originals and a true expert in helping leaders craft their unique stories. Alan's got two decades of experience under his belt, coaching over 600 CEOs in just the past two years. He breaks down how intentional branding can seriously boost your influence and impact in your field. We’ll explore the transformative power of sharing your authentic self and how that can turn you from feeling terrified to thriving in your personal and professional life. So, if you’re ready to step up your game and learn how to create a standout personal brand, you're in the right place.

Discover more with our detailed show notes and exclusive content by visiting: https://bit.ly/43RznEH

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What if the biggest thing holding you back wasn’t a lack of skill — but the fear of being seen?

In this powerful episode, Alan McLaren, co-founder of Strata Originals and personal branding coach to over 600 CEOs, joins us to unpack how leaders can move from fear to influence by showing up authentically. After losing 95% of his agency’s business during COVID, Alan didn’t just pivot — he created a movement around intentional visibility, unlocking confidence and clarity in the most unlikely people.

Alan reveals why personal branding isn’t about self-promotion, but about sharing your unique perspective as a gift. He walks us through the emotional journey his clients experience — from being terrified of the camera to becoming fearless storytellers who attract superfans and opportunity.

If you've ever felt hesitant to speak up, go on video, or put your name behind your business, this episode is your invitation to lead with your full presence — and watch what happens next.

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Takeaways:

• Alan McLaren shares his journey from the business equipment industry to personal branding, emphasizing how every individual has a personal brand that needs to be nurtured.
• The episode highlights the transformative power of personal branding and how sharing one's unique talents can significantly enhance professional influence and opportunities.
• Listeners are encouraged to engage with their audience on platforms like LinkedIn, as this can lead to building strong connections and creating superfans who advocate for their brand.
• Alan illustrates the importance of authenticity in personal branding, explaining how being genuine can help overcome fears and build lasting relationships with potential clients.
• The discussion touches on the common fear of public speaking and how coaching can help individuals become more confident and articulate in sharing their stories.
• Finally, the episode underscores the idea that personal branding is not just about self-promotion; it's about creating value and fostering connections that can lead to unexpected opportunities.

Links referenced in this episode:

• strataoriginals.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Strata Originals
• YPO Gold
• Canon

infinitycom Here's your 3A Playbook, power move to attract ideal clients, turn them into advocates, and...

Episode 112 Work Smarter, Sell Faster: The Neuroscience of Aroma-Fueled Teams with Jessica Wiehle Frederick Dudek (Freddy D) Copyright 2025 Prosperous Ventures, LLC

Today’s chat is all about the powerful effect of scent and how it can totally transform our lives and businesses. We’re hanging out with Jessica Wiehle a clinical aromatherapist who ditched the corporate grind for essential oils, blending ancient wisdom with modern neuroscience to create a whole new vibe in wellness and productivity. Jessica dives into how she’s made waves in senior living and hospice care, showing us just how much a well-crafted aroma can uplift not only residents but also staff and families.

We also tackle the hidden dangers of artificial fragrances and how natural scents can enhance our environment, making workplaces more inviting and boosting overall morale. So, if you’re curious about how to elevate your space and create a lasting connection with your brand, you’re in for a treat!

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Diving deeper into the nuances of aromatherapy, Jessica discusses how Aroma Well is redefining the scent experience in various industries. She explains the alarming prevalence of synthetic fragrances in workplaces and their negative impact on health and productivity. Unlike artificial scents that can trigger allergies and discomfort, natural essential oils promote a sense of calm and clarity.

Jessica elaborates on the concept of scent marketing, showcasing how businesses can use carefully crafted aromas as a branding tool to foster trust and enhance customer experiences. She highlights specific case studies where implementing aromatherapy in corporate settings has led to increased employee satisfaction and productivity.

By creating a unique olfactory logo for brands, companies can leave a lasting impression that transcends the usual marketing strategies. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of wellness, neuroscience, and branding.

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Takeaways:

• Aroma well blends ancient wisdom with modern science to enhance wellness through scent.
• Jessica's personal journey from law to aromatherapy highlights the power of essential oils.
• Aromatherapy has proven benefits in senior care, especially for those with dementia.
• Using natural scents in business environments can boost productivity and create positive atmospheres.
• Artificial fragrances can be harmful, while true aromatherapy provides numerous health benefits.
• Scent marketing is a growing industry that can significantly enhance brand connection and customer loyalty.

Links referenced in this episode:

• aromawell.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Aroma well

Here's your 3A Playbook, power move to attract ideal clients, turn them into advocates, and accelerate your business.

 Here's the top insight from this episode:

 Clinical Aromatherapist, Jessica Wiehle proves a signature natural scent Acts like your brain's invisible logo.  Spark it in a prospect's brains, and they'll remember trust and rave about you long after they leave.

 Here's your business growth action step:

 Ditch every synthetic air...

Episode 111 How to Grow Smarter: Laura Patterson on Strategic, Customer-Centric Growth Frederick Dudek (Freddy D) Copyright 2025 Prosperous Ventures, LLC

We dive deep into customer-centricity with Laura Patterson, a true powerhouse in growth strategy and the brains behind VisionEdge Marketing. Laura’s got over 30 years of experience and a no-nonsense approach to helping businesses accelerate growth and drive performance. In our chat, she emphasizes that businesses need to put their customers at the heart of everything they do, from strategies to daily operations.

We discuss how understanding customer value and creating strong relationships can transform clients into superfans, ultimately driving referrals and loyalty. So, if you’re looking to level up your business game and build a community of advocates, you won't want to miss this insightful conversation!

Discover more with our detailed show notes and exclusive content by visiting: https://bit.ly/4n2oNlD

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In this episode of the Business Superfans® Podcast, host Freddy D sits down with Laura Patterson, founder of VisionEdge Marketing and a pioneer in customer-centric growth strategy. Laura shares how she helped transform a struggling startup division at Motorola into a billion-dollar business, and what it truly takes to build alignment, measure what matters, and eliminate "random acts" in your sales and marketing efforts.

From nostalgic stories about fishing with her grandfather to real-world B2B growth wins, Laura delivers an inspiring, no-fluff masterclass in how to scale with purpose and precision.

What you'll learn:

• How to create alignment and accountability across your team
• The "random acts" test every leader should apply to their strategy
• Why customer-centricity is more than a buzzword—and how to live it
• The power of being specific in everything from metrics to messaging

Whether you're leading a small team or a growing enterprise, this episode will equip you with practical frameworks to drive smarter, more sustainable growth.

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Takeaways:

• Laura Patterson emphasizes the significance of being customer-centric in business operations and strategies, which is essential for long-term success.
• The podcast discusses how understanding customer needs and success metrics can greatly improve marketing and sales effectiveness, ultimately leading to growth.
• It's highlighted that eliminating random acts of marketing and selling can streamline operations, making efforts more coherent and focused on customer value.
• The conversation reveals that building strong, lasting relationships with clients transforms them into advocates or superfans, fostering long-term loyalty and referrals.
• Patterson shares practical examples of how data-driven insights can lead to substantial increases in customer engagement and conversion rates across various industries.
• The importance of aligning team objectives and efforts towards customer-centric outcomes is stressed as a key factor in achieving business success.

Links referenced in this episode:

• visionedgemarketing.com
• laurap@visionedgemarketing.com

Companies mentioned in this...

Episode 110 Build, Empower, Exit: Georgi Feidler’s Growth & Succession Playbook for Legacy-Driven Founders Frederick Dudek (Freddy D) Copyright 2025 Prosperous Ventures, LLC

We’re diving into the world of strategic leadership with Georgi Feidler, a real powerhouse leader with over 20 years of experience steering companies from scrappy startups to Fortune 500s. Georgi's all about helping business owners break free from the day-to-day grind so they can focus on the bigger picture, and she’s got a killer data-driven playbook for building resilient company cultures that keep employees engaged and productive.

We’ll talk about how to transform that tribal knowledge into something that can be handed off, ensuring businesses don’t just survive but thrive, even when the founders step back. Plus, she shares real stories of how she’s helped founders navigate the tricky waters of succession planning and family dynamics in business. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the ways to empower teams and elevate your business game!

Discover more with our detailed show notes and exclusive content by visiting: https://bit.ly/4kCThsN

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The conversation with Georgi Feidler is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone in the entrepreneurial space. She emphasizes the critical need for succession planning, especially for baby boomer business owners who may be unaware of the impending need to transition their businesses. Georgi's insights highlight the staggering statistic that over 60% of these owners have no plan in place, leaving their legacies at risk. We discuss the common pitfalls that founders encounter, particularly the tendency to become the single point of failure in their organizations.

Georgi illustrates this with real-world examples, showcasing how her strategies help business leaders step back and empower their teams. She provides actionable advice on how to create a culture of accountability, ensuring that everyone is aligned with the company’s vision. This alignment not only boosts morale but also enhances productivity and retention, transforming the company from a one-person show into a thriving collective. The episode is a clarion call for founders to take charge of their succession plans and to foster a work environment that encourages growth and innovation, ultimately leading to sustainable success.

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Takeaways:

• Georgi Fidler's journey illustrates how flexibility and a generalist outlook can be superpowers in navigating business complexities.
• Founders often struggle with delegation and scaling, making it crucial to empower teams for long-term success.
• Baby boomer business owners frequently lack succession plans, which can jeopardize their legacy and the future of their companies.
• Transforming tribal knowledge into transferable value is vital for businesses to thrive beyond their founders' direct involvement.
• Establishing clear communication and alignment within teams fosters a culture that enhances employee retention and satisfaction.
• Implementing structured governance and operational frameworks enables smoother transitions and sustainable growth for family-run businesses.

Links referenced in this episode:

• hiretraininspired.com

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Hire Train Inspire
• Bain
• Goldman Sachs...