SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 18

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. In this episode, I will be speaking with the incredible Brandi Heather. Brandi is an award-winning former college professor who has transformed into a leading voice on the science of play at work. With over two decades of experience across business, education, and healthcare, she now travels the globe, showing professionals how play can unlock mental wellness, genuine connection, and build resilience.

Brandi doesn't just talk the talk; she truly activates play in her engaging keynotes and training sessions, all grounded in fascinating neuroscience and physiology. So, get ready for some insights that might just change the way you work and live! Join me for my conversation with Brandi Heather.

Guest Bio:

Brandi Heather is an award-winning former college professor, turned play scientist and thought leader on the science of play at work. With over 25 years of experience in business, education, and healthcare and making people smile, she speaks globally on how play fuels mental wellness, authentic connection, and resilience. But Brandi doesn’t just talk about play—she activates it. Her keynotes and training experiences, grounded in neuroscience and physiology, give professionals the tools to reset their stress response, restore their energy, and rethink how they lead, serve, and shine.

Brandi's talks are immersive, unforgettable experiences where audiences build personalized and collective solutions for burnout prevention, joy retention and innovation in real time. Side effects have included: spontaneous creativity, uncontrollable laughter, contagious enthusiasm, and unexpected conversations with fascinating humans. It’s the most fun you can have in a day of work. Come out and play.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.brandiheather.com
• Product Link: https://www.brandiheather.com/product-page/minicourse-what-is-play

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:37 W hen students were in play, they were learning more

05:50 T hey would get up at 7:00 AM with hangovers to come to my class

06:34 T he people who are really good at what they do, have an element of play to it

10:05 W hat kinds of things constitute play?

12:08 One of the highest sales activities you can possibly do if you're in professional selling, is to do something playful with a client

14:12 Simply ask, When you're not working 12 hours a day, what do you do for fun?

17:09 When was the last time you did something so good that you lost track of time?

17:38 So those three things for me is....

19:54 How does play facilitate deeper and more meaningful connections among colleagues and within our teams?

20:18 That's what play opens up, it opens up a curiosity

21:57 Play is directly connected to how we cope and how we take care of our mental health

25:12 How does play contribute to fostering creativity and innovative thinking within individuals and organizations?

27:44 Figure out what your play is first

28:05 What's one thing at work you could do all day?

30:42 There's 3 things that we can really do

32:38 You don't have to schedule it, you have to start by noticing it

35:05 You offer a mini course, which I thought was interesting, called What Is Play

36:06 People ask all the time, how do you play in such a serious world?

37:00 So my hope for the future of play and for understanding our playful intelligence is...

37:44 It's

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 17

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. Today, we're diving deep into the fascinating world where data meets dynamic creativity, and trust me, you won't want to miss this conversation. Our guest today is Kenny Ridgell, the brilliant mind behind Ridge Media. Kenny isn't your typical marketing guru; he approaches the game with the precision of a scientist, meticulously blending data, innovative strategies, and compelling creative to deliver tangible results.

Kenny has a knack for taking the intimidating world of marketing analytics and making it accessible, showing founders, business professionals, and CEOs how to transform those numbers into real revenue. If you've ever felt lost in the sea of marketing jargon or wondered how to make truly data-driven decisions that impact your bottom line, then you're in the right place. Get ready to gain some serious insights as we explore Kenny's unique approach and uncover actionable strategies to revolutionize your marketing efforts. Join me for my conversation with Kenny Ridgell.

Guest Bio:

Kenny Ridgell is a data-driven marketing entrepreneur who has spent the better part of a decade merging art, science, and innovation into measurable growth strategies for his clients. After beginning his academic career as a biochemistry major, Kenny discovered a passion for business and marketing at the College of Charleston, where he graduated with honors. This distinctive blend of analytical rigor and creative thinking led him to launch Ridge Media in 2014 while still a student, ultimately shaping a unique approach to marketing that prioritizes experimentation, evidence-based decision-making, and tangible returns.

Under Kenny’s leadership, Ridge Media has grown into a firm that stands apart by applying the scientific method to the marketing landscape. Each campaign is viewed as a hypothesis to test, a puzzle to solve. By combining strategic storytelling with systematic experimentation, Kenny and his team have consistently cut through digital noise and driven meaningful, sustainable revenue growth for an array of businesses.

What sets Kenny apart is his ability to translate complex marketing analytics into actionable insights that resonate with founders, CEOs, and business owners alike. He’s dedicated to simplifying the marketing process—focusing on what works, discarding the fluff, and ensuring every decision drives measurable results. His curiosity, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence make him an engaging thought partner for any podcast host looking to uncover the secrets behind successful, data-driven digital marketing.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://ridgemediallc.com/
• Product Link: https://ridgemediallc.com/services

Insight Gold Timestamps:

04:50 I was solving problems for business owners, they actually wanted to be solved

05:20 If you can connect those dots, you can keep customers

07:48 They just weren't tying the dots together, showing them how whatever their campaign was doing and how it was performing was affecting the bottom line

10:17 Some of these different tools we have, one of them is called CallRail

13:15 We call it an ecosystem

14:37 There's another thing called Pearl Diver

16:35 You move them right past that into the programmatic advertising, which would be Stack Adapt

19:41 I think on the front side you've got to figure out what is your conversion rate

20:48 What's the most efficient spend...

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 16

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the 'Becoming Preferred' podcast, the show dedicated to empowering business professionals and entrepreneurs to become preferred in the markets they serve. Today we're diving into a topic foundational to sustained success, yet often overlooked in the relentless pursuit of business growth: our health and well-being.

It's no secret that we're living longer, but are we living healthier? Many of us wait for the engine light to come on – that health crisis – before we prioritize our well-being. But what if we could proactively optimize our health, energy, and mental clarity, not just for longevity, but as a strategic advantage in our entrepreneurial journey?

My guest today has dedicated his life to understanding how our bodies and minds can perform at their peak, focusing on natural, sustainable methods that build true vitality. Join me for my conversation with founder and CEO of Strength Geneisis, Dr. Derek Alessi.

Guest Bio:

Dr. Derek Alessi is a health and fitness expert with nearly 30 years of experience helping people lose fat, reduce medications, and optimize their health—especially for adults over 45. After transforming his own health as a teenager, he earned a doctorate in health and physical education and a master’s in nutrition, dedicating his career to sustainable, science-backed wellness.

A frequent media guest with over 2,100 TV and 400 radio appearances, Dr. Derek simplifies fitness and nutrition, helping people take control of their health for life.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://strengthgenesis.com/
• Product Link: Mac oil - https://strengthgenesis.com/products/macadamia-nut-oil?variant=39585604731072
• Salad Dressing: https://strengthgenesis.com/products/origin-salad-dressing-marinade

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:30 I hit a high weight of 244 pounds in high school

04:47 I did know that any food that was convenience food, if it came in a can of bag or a box, I probably shouldn't be eating it

06:55 It's so difficult and impossible to change society, especially quickly, but you can change you

09:14 If I don't put this time in for me, I won't have anything for them

11:58 So often people want to jump right into strategy

12:33 Why are you worth saving?

12:55 The average person that starts a Keto diet lasts 11 days

17:06 If you knew you were gonna live to 150, would it change the decisions you're making now?

20:09 You're talking about accountability and tracking progress

23:08 When it comes to exercise, it's like the best antidepressant ever

26:20 I would say, I want you to start listening to podcasts while you're lifting weights

27:56 I want every tomorrow to be easier, and we're gonna make it easier by establishing these patterns

30:48 It's a series of habits

33:36 When you're resilient, you can rebound

34:56 I really can't stand it when I shoot myself in the foot

37:20 The slogan was: Better for the body, better for the planet

38:47 It's taking the practices of other businesses and adopting them for yourself

40:02 Go to strengthgenesis.com

40:32 You want to take care of your health before it's gone, because you want your health to take care of you

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn:

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 15

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast, the show dedicated to fueling the drive of business professionals and entrepreneurs like you. Today, we have a guest who is a true architect of achievement, a guiding force for growth, and a master of strategic advancement.

She's the visionary behind Forge Ahead, a company dedicated to empowering businesses and leaders to not just meet their goals, but to shatter them. With a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial journey, she brings a wealth of experience in transforming challenges into triumphs and potential into profit. Whether you're looking to refine your leadership, optimize your team, or strategically scale your operations, her insights are invaluable. Join me for my conversation with Courtney De Ronde.

Guest Bio:

Courtney De Ronde is the CEO of Forge Financial and Management Consulting and the creator of the Simple ScaleUp System™. She helps business and nonprofit leaders use a proven system to take charge of their personal and organizational development so they can fulfill their purpose and lead their organizations to do the same.

With 20+ years as a CPA and 15 years as a business leader, Courtney has firsthand experience running, scaling, advising, and serving small businesses. Today, she shares that knowledge as a speaker and consultant with her team at Forge. Recognized for her expertise in business intelligence, leadership, corporate finance, and productivity, Courtney presents at conferences and events nationwide. When she’s not helping companies grow, she enjoys time with her husband and three children on their latest family road trip or at home in Des Moines, Iowa.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.forgeahead.com/
• Product Link: https://www.forgeahead.com/services/business-coaching-and-training/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

01:35 I took an accounting class and it just clicked

02:50 Finances can feel like a foreign language

04:36 You keep thinking, I'll just keep doing what I did to get here

06:55 One of the biggest bottlenecks is that they're trying to do everything themselves

08:48 Empower other people to lead in this organization

10:28 I have to tell them, it's not going to be me to serve you

13:44 We call it the Simple Scale Up system, we really talk about four main areas of a business that you need to focus on when you're scaling

17:43 Anytime that a business is reliant on a certain personality, or their skillset, their connections...

18:35 The size of your business is going to be limited by your capacity

20:20 You need to be able to follow the money through the organization

20:49 We also have a group coaching program called Scaling Leader

21:14 Four Steps to Scalability

22:50 If we look at information that's not accurate or trustworthy, it won't matter

26:34 You need the insights that come from the data

28:50 Their less crucial tasks, like the tedious email monitoring and things like that, for times of day where they have less energy

30:28 The biggest difference between for-profit and nonprofit

30:48 Nonprofit is not a business model, it's a tax status

32:48 A great place to start is to define who you are, and where you want to go

33:20 When you know who you are, and you know where you're going, you can use those two things, your values and your vision, as a filter for decisions

35:02 Whatever happens here is on me

36:36 Most people want to help each other out

37:41 One of the

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 14

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred Podcast. The show is dedicated to equipping you with the insights and strategies to become preferred. Today, an absolute powerhouse is joining us to share with us strategies and insights to help us with our presentation, sales, marketing and persuasion capabilities.

He's a popular author, an international speaker, and a consultant who has empowered countless individuals and organizations to achieve unparalleled success through the art and science of persuasion. His work cuts through the noise, providing actionable frameworks to communicate more effectively, negotiate more strategically, and ultimately, close more deals.

Get ready to unlock the secrets of influence, because this conversation is about to change the way you think about communication and impact. Join me for my conversation with Dr. Yaniv Zaid.

Guest Bio:

Since 2003, Attorney and economist Dr. Yaniv Zaid – “Doctor Persuasion” – an international expert in the field of persuasion, has been a highly sought after consultant and lecturer, teaching others how to improve their marketing, presentation, sales and persuasion skills.

He has given over 2,500 lectures and workshops in 4 continents, and provided personal and business consulting services to over 950 companies and businesses in all fields, including banks, insurance companies and financial institutions, communication, cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, high-tech and real estate companies, factories and product manufacturers, consulting and service companies, academic institutions, government ministries, the security industry, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations and professional bureaus.

The aim of his activity is to improve the marketing, sales, negotiation, presentation, speaking and persuasion capabilities of the managers and employees.

Dr. Yaniv Zaid has won 3rd place in the world championship for individual speakers and participated in the semi-finals of the European championship for group speakers.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.persuasion.co.il/en/
• Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr.-Yaniv-Zaid/author/B009SNHYB8?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1741647487&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:56 I started writing notes, and the notes became lectures, and lectures became books

03:13 The Amazon bestseller list, it's called Public Speaking (in English)

04:41 The customers would like to talk about them, not about you

05:41 How do your clients think?

06:22 Today it is about inspiration and not desperation

07:55 You need to be Batman, and not Superman

10:13 If you invest in yourself, AI won't replace you

11:31 Every expert is a student

11:56 Use AI to help you maybe get ideas or something like that, but invest in yourself

14:30 It's a tool that's called social...

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 13

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast. Building a vibrant culture with happy people working to their full potential can be a real challenge. Today, we're joined by Nicole Greer, CEO of Build a Vibrant Culture™. Nicole's not just talking theory; she's giving us the practical, actionable steps to transform our teams.

Nicole isn't just a leadership and organizational development expert; she's a culture architect, a catalyst for transformation, and the visionary force behind Vibrant Coaching. She's going to break down her methodology, and give us the tools to create work environments where people truly flourish. Get ready to listen to a conversation that is going to be packed with wisdom and insights to transform your business. Join me for my conversation with Nicole Greer.

Guest Bio:

As CEO of Build a Vibrant CultureTM, Nicole Greer helps individuals, corporations, government, and non-profits become leaders who fulfill a mission, energize their teams, and build a vibrant culture. Using the S.H.I.N.E. Coaching Methodology™ and training programs, Nicole offers foundational tools and uncommon wisdom.

Resource Links:

• Website: www.vibrantculture.com
• Product Link: https://vibrantculture.com/assessments/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

02:31 I read a book a long time ago, and it said that, culture eats strategy for breakfast

04:51 I think people are so confused about the definitions, but this is the vibrant definition, the Nicole Greer definition

06:48 What is it like to experience you?

08:35 Core values are almost like our belief system

10:44 When we achieve that, we'll figure something else to accomplish

13:25 What about if you work for an organization that is visionless?

13:55 I have never been anywhere where I didn't look around and go: things could be better around here

15:42 People aren't very good about promoting themselves

18:21 Prior to project management software, we used to have to take notes

18:53 I call it IRP!

20:34 So, we're making a memory of the future

22:15 If it was legal, and we thought we could pull it off, we did whatever it took

24:55 We have to clean up this place because aesthetics matter

27:15 If you have what I call 'eagles'

28:47 Here's what leaders need to do

29:01 I take them through the S.H.I.N.E. Coaching methodology

30:32 One day they're going to say, "You want to be the manager, the sales manager?"

33:06 Here's the thing about conflict...

33:58 We have fight, flight, freeze, and deflect

34:56 We need to do what I call Employee Performance Management

36:22 Team is a verb, not just a noun

38:45 So I call it Vibrant Identity

40:20 What is most important on a team? Making good choices for the team

41:40 The website's VibrantCulture.com

Connect Socially:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/build-a-vibrant-culture-nicole-greer/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuildAVibrantCulture

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolegreervibrantculture/

Free Discovery Session: https://vibrantculture.com/contact/#discovery

Nicole's Podcast:

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 12

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the Becoming Preferred podcast! We have a true connector and amplifier of voices joining us – Dana Lindahl. Dana is the founder of a leading podcast booking agency and has become the secret weapon for countless founders, executives, and industry leaders looking to share their stories on top podcasts. He doesn't just book appearances; Dana crafts messages that resonate and builds strategies that deliver real results, helping his clients grow their influence and connect with the audiences that truly matter.

Now, Dana's stepping into the spotlight himself, and he's here to share his insider knowledge on personal branding, the power of thought leadership, and the art of captivating an audience. Get ready for some actionable insights and relatable stories straight from the trenches of building a successful business. So, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur, a budding thought-leader, or simply curious about the power of podcasting, you won't want to miss what Dana Lindahl has to share. Join me for my conversation with Dana Lindahl.

Guest Bio:

Dana Lindahl, founder of a leading podcast booking agency, is all about connecting thought leaders with the audiences who need to hear them. With a knack for spotting great stories and amplifying them to their fullest potential, Dana has helped countless founders, executives, and industry leaders snag the spotlight on top podcasts. Drawing on years of experience, Dana knows exactly how to craft a message that clicks and a strategy that works.

But Dana doesn’t just book podcasts—he transforms them into game-changers. Seeing podcasts as a powerhouse platform for storytelling and engagement, Dana has guided clients to grow their influence, connect with the right people, and drive real results. It’s this no-nonsense, results-driven approach that’s made him the go-to partner for leaders looking to step up their game and make an impact.

Now, Dana’s flipping the script and hitting the mic himself. On his podcast tour, he’ll dive into the art of personal branding, the power of thought leadership, and the secret sauce behind nailing audience engagement. Whether it’s talking entrepreneurship, leadership, or the ever-changing world of podcasting, Dana brings relatable stories, sharp insights, and actionable advice straight from the trenches of building a successful business.

When he’s not connecting leaders to their audiences, Dana’s all about helping people unlock their potential with creative, strategic thinking. A champion of empowering others to own their narratives, he blends practical tips with an infectious enthusiasm that makes success feel within reach. Whether you’re a founder, a business owner, or an aspiring podcaster, Dana delivers advice that sticks and stories you won’t forget.

Resource Links:

• Website: legendaryleadgen.com
• Website: leadbites.com
• Product Link: https://leadbites.com/services/

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:48 I said I wanted to be a writer

05:05 We always hear, a rising tide raises all ships, well, the opposite thing is also true

08:36 What is your purpose for wanting to do more podcasts

11:11 Broaden the audience

12:16 What's one most crucial step that they should take to clarify their brand message

14:42 People remember stories so much better than they remember numbers and facts

16:35 I t's really about that engagement

18:17 R ather than sending them to your LinkedIn

22:15 So, for the people who are just very nervous about this sort of thing

24:36 T he written word doesn't convey itself in the same...

SEASON: 5 EPISODE: 11

Episode Overview:

Welcome back to the podcast and get ready for an insightful conversation with a true relationship-building guru! Our guest today, John D. Hanson, has built his incredible career on the foundation of "win-win relationships," and he's here to share his secrets.

You will learn how to cultivate these genuine connections in our fast-paced world, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, where John himself built a global network of over 30,000 from zero in just a few years – a journey we'll be unpacking for actionable steps you can take today.

So, if you're in sales, marketing, or simply looking to build stronger, more impactful relationships, you don't want to miss this. Join me for my conversation with John D. Hansen.

Guest Bio:

John D. Hanson has always prioritized Win/Win Relationships in Sales, Leadership, Customer Service, the Military, Non-Profits, Marketing, and LinkedIn. Starting in 2016 with zero connections, John grew his global network to over 30,000 professionals, showcasing the power of LinkedIn and 5th Dimensional Customer Experience.

As a dynamic speaker, B2B business coach, global author, and workshop innovator, John partners with entrepreneurial leaders and businesses driven by curiosity and courageous action. His programs—featuring high demand, transformational topics like Leveraging LinkedIn, Heroic Leadership, Earning Trust, 5th Dimensional Customer Experience, and

Empathy: Your Service Superpower—consistently deliver transformative value.

For 2025 and beyond, John’s mission is to equip 10,000 growth-minded, tech-focused small businesses with customized growth plans by 2030 through Growth Navigator Pro, an AI-powered tool delivering clarity, strategy, and results.

Join the movement to help entrepreneurial small businesses thrive. Refer a fellow visionary or growth-minded entrepreneur, and together, we can create a ripple effect of innovation, success, and lasting impact.

Resource Links:

• Website: https://www.johndhanson.com/
• Product Link: https://www.johndhanson.com/resources

Insight Gold Timestamps:

03:10 What I learned was if I leveraged all the tools available to me that I could have success

04:59 If someone does this, they'll be automatically in the top 1% or less of all LinkedIn connections

07:53 Too often we get into the pitching right away

08:21 Number one is to optimize their profile first

11:24 What's in it for me is what drives all of us, and I think it's what intrigues us too

12:40 You're not allowed to tell your paying customers, they're not the most important customer

13:35 You're the most important customer

15:37 You're launching a new service: Growth Navigator Pro

16:19 It's not going to replace people, but I think it's going to replace the things that people shouldn't be doing

20:05 F athom or Otter AI both have automatic note takers (get links)

21:22 Empathy is a key part of your philosophy, you even call it Service Superpower

24:28 The reason why I put curiosity as one of those kind of non-negotiables

25:02 They call it the curiosity gap

27:01 So ask questions, read books, do your personal R&D, and get better

28:00 Video content on LinkedIn is viewed 20 times more than any other kind of content

28:22 In order for it to be effective, it needs to be authentic and not distracting

31:04 The question we always get asked is, well, what should I post?

33:50 If I'm just there to sell the most expensive thing, or the thing...