Cut The Tie Podcast with Mitch Francis
Episode 289

What if one entrepreneur could solve the world’s biggest problems—with a business mindset? In this thought-provoking episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Mitch Francis, a serial founder, commercial real estate investor, and now, the author of Badass Solutions. After a personal tragedy sparked a wake-up call, Mitch applied his decades of entrepreneurial problem-solving to societal-scale challenges—like climate change, gun violence, and the U.S. national debt.

Mitch shares how he went from closing billion-dollar deals to writing actionable, humorous, and radically simple solutions to some of the world’s most complex issues—and why now is the time for business minds to get involved beyond their bottom line.

About Mitch Francis:
Mitch Francis is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 40 years of business experience as the founder and CEO of multiple public and private companies. His ventures span AI, commercial real estate, and tourism, having generated over $1 billion in sales. Now, as the author of Badass Solutions, Mitch is channeling his energy into tackling 20 global-scale problems with the same strategic clarity he brought to business—one pragmatic, scalable solution at a time.

In this episode, Thomas and Mitch discuss:

• Turning tragedy into transformation
  After losing a family member in a mass shooting, Mitch channeled his grief into research, reflection, and a radical new mission: fixing the broken systems most leaders ignore.
• From boardrooms to the big picture
  Mitch explains how his business background equipped him to tackle global issues—from climate change to gun reform—using problem-solving methods familiar to any good CEO.
• Ideas are easy, execution is everything
  The real challenge wasn’t coming up with solutions—it was digging into research, testing viability, and thinking through real-world application, just like a startup.
• Why entrepreneurs need to give back
  Mitch urges listeners to dedicate just a few hours a week to problems bigger than their business—and explains how real change happens when the people lead and the leaders follow.

Key Takeaways:

• Problems don’t wait for politicians
  Sometimes the best solutions come from people outside the system—especially those trained to get results.
• Stop waiting for someone else to fix it
  If you see a problem and have an idea, act. Leadership starts with ownership.
• Tragedy can spark transformation
  Personal pain can fuel a powerful mission—if you’re willing to do the work.
• Don’t stay at the party too long
  In business or life, the key is knowing when it’s time to exit—and move on to the next opportunity.
• When the people lead, the leaders will follow
  Change doesn’t start at the top. It starts with us.

Connect with Mitch Francis:
💼 LinkedIn: Mitch Francis
🌐 Website: bad-asssolutions.com

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀

Support the show

Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

Cut The Tie Podcast with Michael Parks
Episode 288

What does it look like to cut ties with comfort and start over—again and again? In this inspiring episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Michael Parks, Air Force veteran, retired federal air marshal, and founder of Daystar Photography. From national security to creative entrepreneurship, Michael's story is one of mission-driven pivots, meaningful reinvention, and serving fellow veterans with passion and purpose.

Michael opens up about his transition from military to photography, how patience became his business superpower, and why letting go of low-paying gigs was the key to scaling. It’s a masterclass in value, alignment, and never losing sight of your why.

About Michael Parks:
Michael Parks is the founder of Daystar Photography and a U.S. Air Force veteran who spent over two decades as a federal air marshal. Today, he specializes in veteran-centered photography—capturing events, personal brands, and milestones for veterans and their families. His work has taken him nationwide, earning recognition across the military entrepreneurship ecosystem for his integrity, creativity, and commitment to community storytelling.

In this episode, Thomas and Michael discuss:

• How photography became a second mission
  Michael shares how a Sam’s Club Nikon gifted by his mom sparked a creative journey—and how he balanced it with 22 years of service as a federal air marshal.
• Why he built a business around veterans
  Tired of the lack of representation at expos and conferences, Michael made it his mission to uplift veteran entrepreneurs through storytelling and visibility.
• The tie he had to cut to grow
  Michael realized that chasing dozens of low-paying local gigs wasn’t scalable—and made the bold decision to focus on high-value clients and national contracts.
• Lessons in patience from military to entrepreneurship
  From "pivot fast and execute" to "wait, ride the wave, and stay the course," Michael explains how patience became his new strategy for sustainable success.

Key Takeaways:

• Delay is not denial
  Entrepreneurship demands patience. You’re not failing—you’re learning how to endure and adapt.
• You can’t scale on burnout
  If the business model only works by sacrificing your energy and peace, it doesn’t work. Period.
• Price reflects value—and mindset
  Once Michael learned what top companies actually pay, he stopped lowballing himself and started building a premium brand.
• Legacy starts with representation
  Veterans deserve to be seen. Michael’s mission is to help them show up boldly, proudly, and professionally.

Connect with Michael Parks:
🌐 Website: daystarphoto.com
📞 Phone: (404) 207-0810

💼 LinkedIn: Michael Parks

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut the Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀

Support the show

Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 286

What happens when you stop grinding and start walking—literally? In this episode of Cut the Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Susan Anderson, founder of Idlewild Woods and Triumph Communications, to talk about cutting ties with hustle culture and reconnecting with creativity, clarity, and the outdoors.

After nearly two decades running a successful copywriting business, Susan realized she was stuck in a mindset that equated busyness with success. What followed was a bold move: selling it all to build an off-grid entrepreneurial retreat in the Tennessee mountains. Now, Susan helps others unplug from noise, pressure, and burnout—so they can finally think again.

About Susan Anderson:
Susan is the founder of Idlewild Woods Retreat Center in Northeast Tennessee and Triumph Communications, a copywriting firm she’s run for over 20 years. A passionate advocate for creativity, nature, and slow business, Susan blends decades of entrepreneurial experience with a growing mission: helping people rediscover themselves beyond screens, status, and the hustle grind. When she’s not writing or coaching, she’s building domes, hosting retreats, or just soaking her feet in the creek with a notebook in hand.

In this episode, Thomas and Susan discuss:

• Cutting ties with hustle culture
  Susan shares how the “always-on” mentality robbed her of peace, joy, and creativity—and how stepping back opened everything up.
• The spark behind the retreat vision
  A road trip, a book, and a moment of clarity led Susan to leave it all behind and start building a mountain retreat for entrepreneurs.
• Why walking beats working (sometimes)
  Forward motion, no screen, no noise. Susan breaks down the neurological and emotional magic of simply taking a hike.
• Building something new from scratch
  From angel investors to raw land to geodesic domes—Susan shares what it really takes to bring a bold vision to life.
• Redefining what success looks like
  Today, Susan measures success not in money or metrics, but in creekside ideas, hammocks, and quality conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Nature is your greatest productivity tool
  Go outside. Unplug. Let your brain breathe. That’s where the good ideas live.
• Success isn’t always scalable
  Not every business has to 10x. Sometimes, building something meaningful is enough.
• Say no to more things
  Boundaries are powerful. Slowing down makes room for clarity.
• Don’t wait until you’re burned out
  Rest is not a reward. Make space for it before you need it.
• Your business doesn’t define you
  You get to change direction, start over, or walk away—and still be enough.
  
  

Connect with Susan Anderson:
🌐 Website: www.idyllwildwoodsretreatcenter.com
💼 LinkedIn: Susan Anderson
🖋 Triumph Communications: www.triumphcom.com

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Community
💼 LinkedIn:Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 E

Support the show

Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 285

What does it take to leave a steady government career and build something of your own? In this episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Shane Silsby, a former public sector leader turned founder of Silsby Strategic Advisors, to talk about cutting ties with stability, embracing ambiguity, and redefining success on your own terms.

After two decades serving in government leadership roles—including as a director at the sixth-largest county in the U.S.—Shane walked away from a reliable career path to build a business rooted in flexibility, impact, and freedom. But the transition wasn’t easy. From navigating the unknown to confronting financial pressure and family fears, Shane shares the mindset shift that made it all possible.

About Shane Silsby:
Shane is the CEO and founder of Silsby Strategic Advisors, where he provides fractional executive services to local governments and strategic guidance to private sector clients seeking to work with public agencies. With over 20 years in government leadership and now years in entrepreneurial consulting, Shane blends insider knowledge with a deep understanding of both operational and policy complexity. He’s also the author of Managing for Meteors, helping organizations prepare for disruptive change before it strikes.

In this episode, Thomas and Shane discuss:

• Why cutting the tie to a steady paycheck is terrifying—and necessary
  Shane reveals the internal battle of leaving security behind in favor of more meaningful, high-impact work across the country.
• How corporate life wasn’t the answer either
  After a brief stint in the private sector, Shane realized real alignment came from doing things his way, not chasing profit-first mindsets.
• How to get comfortable with ambiguity
  From family pressures to financial uncertainty, Shane opens up about the daily mental challenges of solopreneurship—and how to navigate them.
• The silent tie no one talks about: spousal pressure
  In a rare moment of vulnerability, Shane shares the honest conversations with his wife about uncertainty, money, and chasing an unclear dream.
• Why 2025 requires a pivot mindset
  Whether you serve local governments or the private sector, Shane explains how agility and awareness of federal and global changes will define the next wave of entrepreneurship.

Key Takeaways:

• Ambiguity is the price of freedom
  Solopreneurship means betting on yourself—even when you don’t know the odds.
• Don’t wait for certainty—act anyway
  The right time never comes. Move forward, even in the fog.
• Corporate doesn't always mean comfortable
  Sometimes, the “safe” move turns out to be just another box.
• Your spouse is part of the journey
  If you’re making big career changes, bring your partner into the conversation. Often.

Connect with Shane Silsby:
📘 LinkedIn: Shane Silsby
🌐 Website: silsby-sa.com
📧 Email: shane@silsby.com

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Community
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: www.cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀

Support the show

Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 282

Marisa Vallbona never intended to start a PR firm—but a surprise layoff while on maternity leave changed everything. In this inspiring episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich speaks with the founder and president of CIM Inc PR about how getting fired became the best thing that ever happened to her. Marisa shares the lessons she’s learned across 35 years in business, from building a service-first company to firing clients who don’t align with her values.

She talks candidly about overcoming ego, leaning on faith, and the power of optimism in building a life and business you love.

About Marisa Vallbona:
Marisa is the president and founder of CIM Inc PR, a national public relations firm specializing in integrated marketing across industries like real estate and consumer products. With more than 35 years of experience and a passion for high-touch client service, Marisa built her business through referrals and word-of-mouth. A proud surfer, mother, and woman of faith, Marisa lives by the principles of integrity, gratitude, and service.

In this episode, Thomas and Marisa discuss:

• Getting fired on maternity leave—and what came next
  Marisa shares how losing her job right before returning from leave led her to start a business she never planned—and never left.
• Why exceptional service builds the strongest brand
  From day one, Marisa grew her agency through word-of-mouth by delivering Ritz Carlton–level service and creating lifelong client advocates.
• How optimism and faith shaped her business
  Rooted in scripture and guided by faith, Marisa’s approach to business is grounded in service, generosity, and resilience.
• Letting go of clients who don’t align
  Marisa explains how firing toxic clients opens the door for better ones—and why you should trust that abundance will follow.
• Surfing, family, and staying grounded
  Whether she’s catching waves or co-parenting with grace, Marisa talks about staying present, grateful, and fully alive.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Sometimes rejection is redirection
  Getting fired led to a thriving business that never would have existed otherwise.
• Service over everything
  When you focus on delivering exceptional service, clients do the marketing for you.
• You define your value—not your employer
  Marisa cut the tie to letting others dictate her worth or financial future.
• Abundance beats scarcity every time
  Firing a toxic client opened the door to better, more aligned opportunities.
• Stay grounded in what matters
  Faith, family, and purpose fuel long-term success more than any metric.

Connect with Marisa Vallbona:

💼 LinkedIn: Marisa Vallbona
💼 Website: cimincpr.com/
🌊 Fun fact: She’s an avid surfer and makes regular trips to Maui to hit the waves!

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: cutthetie.com

Support the show

Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Episode 281

AJ Nash didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur, but after two decades in U.S. intelligence and years in cybersecurity, his career took a sharp pivot. When private equity reshaped the company he worked for, AJ faced a choice: keep waiting for the “right” role, or start building something of his own. He chose the latter, and Unspoken Security was born.

In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich talks with AJ about how to stop letting others define your path, the real risk of relying on a W-2, and why imposter syndrome might actually be a good sign.

About AJ Nash:
AJ is the founder and CEO of Unspoken Security and host of the award-winning Unspoken Security podcast. With 19 years in U.S. intelligence—covering counterterrorism, cyber threats, trafficking, and war crimes—AJ now consults organizations on how to build intelligence-driven security programs. He’s also a frequent keynote speaker and earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership with a focus on servant leadership.

In this episode, Thomas and AJ discuss:

• Letting go of the illusion of job security
  Private equity acquisition changed everything—and pushed AJ to bet on himself.
• Becoming an accidental entrepreneur
  With no company name and contracts in hand, AJ launched Unspoken Security on instinct.
• Why imposter syndrome is a feature, not a flaw
  If you never doubt yourself, you’re probably not pushing hard enough.
• How W-2 safety is a myth
  Even top performers can get cut when the strategy changes.
• The power of saying yes to new conversations
  AJ breaks down how his natural networking mindset helped him land clients fast.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• You don’t need permission to start—just a plan
  When no full-time job aligned, AJ launched a business with contracts already waiting.
• Imposter syndrome means you’re growing
  Doubt is normal when you're leveling up. It's a sign you’re doing meaningful work.
• W-2 security is a myth
  Even being great at your job doesn’t protect you when priorities shift. Own your path.
• Authenticity is a differentiator
  People work with AJ because he’s real. The suit-and-tie act never matched the mission.
• Diversify your income like you diversify your skillset
  Fractional, advisory, content, and podcasting—multiple streams build real security.
• Titles don’t change who you are—just how others react
  Becoming “CEO” didn’t make AJ different—but suddenly, doors opened faster.
  
  
  

Connect with AJ Nash:
💼 LinkedIn: AJ Nash

🌐 Website: unspokensecurity.com
📧 Email: aj@unspokensecurity.com

Connect with Thomas Helfrich:
🐦 Twitter: @thelfrich
📘 Facebook: Cut The Tie Group
💼 LinkedIn: Thomas Helfrich
🌐 Website: cutthetie.com
📧 Email: t@instantlyrelevant.com
🚀 instantlyrelevant.com

Support the show

Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System