In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Mick Todd, high-performance coach and Founder of To Be Limitless. Mick shares powerful insights on how to unlock clarity, discipline, and high performance to create lasting success—both personally and professionally. With his background in elite coaching and leadership development, Mick helps entrepreneurs and executives design lives filled with purpose, intentionality, and measurable progress.

Mick Todd believes success doesn’t come from dramatic overhauls—it comes from consistently stacking great weeks. In this episode, he shares how the To Be Limitless method helps leaders move from chaos to clarity through structured weekly execution, self-discipline, and aligned behaviors. His framework is grounded in practical performance science and designed to help people focus on what truly matters.

One of Mick’s core philosophies is that clarity drives discipline—and discipline drives results. Through coaching, leadership intensives, and team engagement strategies, To Be Limitless works with clients to improve time ownership, foster accountability, and drive alignment between vision and action. Mick also emphasizes the importance of compliance—not as a restriction, but as a powerful way to stay committed to personal and team goals.

Whether you're leading a team or trying to better manage your own energy, Mick’s advice is clear: create structure, define what a "great week" looks like, and repeat. With intention and consistency, you can build a life and business that feel truly limitless.

Mick Todd is a globally respected high-performance coach and the Founder of To Be Limitless. He works with leaders, entrepreneurs, and elite teams to cultivate clarity, structure, and intentional living. His mission is to help individuals and organizations unlock their full potential through meaningful discipline and powerful personal development. Connect with Mick on LinkedIn.

2B Limitless is a high-performance coaching and leadership development firm that helps individuals and teams transform how they think, work, and lead. With a focus on clarity, compliance, and elite execution, the company offers 1:1 coaching, executive retreats, and corporate programs designed to deliver sustainable success.

• 2b Limitless Website
• Mick Todd on LinkedIn

• How stacking “great weeks” leads to lasting performance and clarity
• Why clarity and discipline are the cornerstones of success
• How To Be Limitless supports both personal and professional transformation
• The role of compliance and structure in driving high performance
• Strategies for increasing engagement and alignment within teams

Mick Todd’s approach to high performance is both simple and profound: start with clarity, execute with discipline, and build momentum week after week. Through his work with To Be Limitless, Mick empowers leaders to live and work with greater purpose,...

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Patrick Van Der Burght, SHIELD Certified Coach, Sydney Institute licensed trainer, and founder of Ethical Persuasion. Patrick shares how ethical persuasion—rooted in behavioral science—can drastically improve how you communicate, sell, and lead. He explains why persuasion isn’t about manipulation but about building trust, creating clarity, and helping others say “yes” to what’s right for them.

Patrick Van Der Burght’s approach begins with reframing what persuasion really is: not trickery, but a science-based method to guide decision-making ethically and effectively. Drawing on the seven universal principles of persuasion—reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, authority, liking, scarcity, and unity—Patrick shares how understanding these can significantly improve conversations, sales, and influence.

He emphasizes that persuasion must be built on relationship, clarity, and trust. If those elements are missing, objections arise and conversions stall. From using specific data to build credibility, to helping clients make public commitments that increase follow-through, Patrick lays out actionable, research-backed strategies anyone can use. He also encourages business owners and consultants to stop chasing “more follow-ups” and instead fix the relationship and clarity gaps first.

Whether you’re presenting offers, coaching clients, or leading teams, this episode shows how ethical persuasion can lead to stronger relationships, more impact, and consistent results—without pressure or pushiness.

Patrick Van Der Burght is the founder of Ethical Persuasion, a certified SHIELD Coach, licensed Sydney Institute trainer, and author of How to Hear Yes More Often. He teaches entrepreneurs, consultants, educators, and teams how to ethically apply behavioral science to become more persuasive, trusted, and effective communicators. Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn.

Ethical Persuasion offers practical, science-based training and resources to help business owners, consultants, and professionals master the art of influence with integrity. From free tools and workshops to in-depth coaching and educational programs, the company equips leaders with the skills to ethically inspire action and build trust.

• Ethical Persuasion Website
• Patrick Van Der Burght on LinkedIn

• Why ethical persuasion is more effective than traditional “sales tactics”
• The 7 universal persuasion principles every business leader should know
• How trust, clarity, and relationship reduce objections and increase conversions
• How to apply commitment, social proof, and loss aversion effectively
• Ways to build goodwill with genuine value before making an offer

Patrick Van Der Burght proves that the most persuasive people aren’t pushy—they’re precise. By understanding the psychology of influence and applying it...

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge talks with Apollo Emeka, Founder of Apollo Strategy Group Inc. and former Green Beret, Army National Guard veteran, and FBI intelligence analyst. Drawing from a remarkable journey through elite military service, entrepreneurship, and personal reinvention, Apollo shares a decision-making framework designed for high-impact leadership without burnout. If you're looking to lead boldly, energize your team, and create certainty in uncertain times, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

Apollo Emeka’s leadership journey began with unconventional roots—from academic struggles to elite military roles and eventually founding Apollo Strategy Group Inc. His story reveals that background is less important than your ability to make bold decisions and learn from every experience. Apollo’s three-part decision-making framework—Decide with Heart, Determine Requirements with Your Head, and Bet on Game Changers—helps leaders avoid mediocrity by aligning vision with action.

Instead of waiting for perfect conditions, Apollo advocates for creating certainty through decisive leadership. He challenges listeners to ditch the “feasibility trap,” clarify what it really takes to succeed, and focus on high-leverage actions that move the needle. He also shares how movement, play, and rest prevent burnout—reminding leaders that passion and well-being are essential for long-term performance.

Whether you're leading a team, scaling a business, or navigating big decisions, Apollo's methods are designed to energize, simplify, and sustain. His approach helps high performers achieve more by focusing on what matters and building cultures of boldness and clarity.

Apollo Emeka is a former Green Beret, FBI intelligence analyst, and founder of Apollo Strategy Group Inc. He now helps leaders and teams make bold, high-impact decisions through strategic frameworks, coaching, and immersive workshops. Apollo’s mission is to equip people to lead with clarity, courage, and balance.

Apollo Strategy Group Inc. provides leadership consulting, decision-making intensives, and executive coaching for high performers and organizations. Their modular programs and custom engagements are designed to help clients accelerate results, foster aligned teams, and prevent burnout through smarter, bolder decision-making.

• Apollo Strategy Group Website
• Apollo Emeka LinkedIn Profile

• Apollo’s journey from struggling student to elite military leader and founder
• The 3-step framework for bold, aligned decision-making
• How to create certainty in uncertain environments
• Strategies to prevent burnout and lead with energy
• Building cultures that encourage risk-taking and bold thinking

Apollo Emeka’s leadership insights serve as a masterclass in clarity, courage, and sustainability. By deciding with heart, planning with your head, and focusing on game-changing actions, leaders can drive greater results without sacrificing themselves in the process. If you’re looking to level up your leadership, this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur delivers a practical, inspiring roadmap.

In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Christopher Zaino, former Mister America and Mister Universe, and Founder of The Stallion Project. Christopher shares his inspiring journey of overcoming ulcerative colitis and embracing a mission to help men reclaim their health, vitality, and purpose. This episode is a powerful call to action for men ready to live intentionally, with honesty, strength, and holistic wellness at the forefront.

Christopher Zaino believes the root of many health struggles for men is denial. From ignoring symptoms to suppressing emotions, men are often conditioned to be self-reliant to a fault. Zaino advocates for radical honesty as the first step to reclaiming physical and emotional well-being. He urges men to stop brushing off fatigue, digestive issues, or burnout—and to schedule regular checkups and address both physical and emotional health head-on.

Beyond honesty, Zaino emphasizes understanding one’s biochemistry. Imbalances in testosterone, dopamine, and cortisol often explain symptoms like low energy, mood swings, and lack of drive. Through comprehensive blood work, lifestyle adjustments, and expert guidance, men can restore balance and reignite their performance and purpose. His protocol also prioritizes movement and mindset—integrating daily cardio and uplifting inputs like podcasts to elevate both body and mind.

Another powerful pillar of Zaino’s philosophy is vulnerability. By sharing his story, he discovered deep healing—and encourages men to do the same. He believes community, connection, and service are vital parts of wellness. Whether it’s checking in with friends, helping others, or scheduling self-care as a leadership practice, Zaino’s message is clear: real strength lies in self-awareness, action, and service.

Christopher Zaino is a renowned speaker, former professional bodybuilder, and the Founder of The Stallion Project. After overcoming a life-threatening health crisis, he became a passionate advocate for men’s wellness, purpose, and emotional growth—coaching thousands of men to lead with authenticity and strength.

The Stallion Project is a movement led by Christopher Zaino dedicated to helping men in midlife reconnect with their health, purpose, and power. Through programs, coaching, and community, Zaino equips men with the tools to transform their bodies, minds, and relationships.

• The Stallion Project Website
• Christopher Zaino LinkedIn Profile

• Why radical honesty is the foundation of men’s health
• How biochemistry affects energy, mood, and drive
• The link between daily movement and emotional resilience
• Why vulnerability is a strength—not a weakness—for men
• How service and community accelerate personal healing

Christopher Zaino’s story is a testament to the power of proactive self-care and emotional honesty. By integrating health, vulnerability, and service, men can reclaim their vitality and become stronger leaders in every area of life. This episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur is a must-listen for anyone ready to break the silence and step into purposeful living.

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In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Stefanie Carlstedt, the founder of Stefanie Carlstedt Coaching, to explore how Human Design can help entrepreneurs make aligned decisions, reduce burnout, and build businesses that honor their natural energy. Stefanie shares her personal transformation and offers practical tools to help founders reconnect with their authentic selves for sustainable success.

Stefanie Carlstedt’s entrepreneurial story began with hustle and burnout. Like many, she followed mainstream strategies and advice that ultimately led her away from her own instincts. Everything changed when she discovered Human Design, a system that revealed how she was naturally designed to operate in life and business. That clarity allowed her to rebuild her business from a place of alignment and ease.

Human Design combines ancient wisdom and modern science to map out your Authority (how you’re best equipped to make decisions) and Energy Type (how you work, rest, and engage with others). Stefanie emphasizes that once entrepreneurs begin trusting their internal guidance—whether it’s emotional clarity, gut response, or mental reflection—they experience less stress, better results, and more joy in their work.

She also shares how simple practices like daily walks, avoiding fear-driven content, and intentional media consumption help her stay grounded and focused. By learning to tune out external noise, Stefanie believes entrepreneurs can lead more intuitively, parent more effectively, and grow businesses that feel purposeful and sustainable.

Stefanie Carlstedt is a certified Human Design coach who helps entrepreneurs realign with their true selves and build businesses that reflect their natural strengths. Through her coaching, Stefanie empowers clients to escape burnout and rediscover clarity through self-awareness and energetic alignment.

Stefanie Carlstedt Coaching supports entrepreneurs with personalized Human Design charts, reports, and coaching. Stefanie’s mission is to help business owners thrive by honoring their energy and making decisions that align with who they truly are.

• Stefanie Carlstedt’s Website
• Connect with Stefanie on LinkedIn

• Stefanie’s burnout-to-alignment journey through Human Design
• How to use your Human Design Authority for better business decisions
• The impact of understanding your Energy Type on productivity and well-being
• Grounding habits that improve focus, reduce stress, and increase clarity
• Human Design as a tool for more effective leadership and relationships

Stefanie Carlstedt offers a refreshing approach for entrepreneurs who are tired of one-size-fits-all business advice. Through Human Design, she helps leaders reconnect with their internal compass and build success from a place of alignment and authenticity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to create impact without burning out.

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In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Aasha LaCount, CEO of BeyondEQ International, to discuss how emotional intelligence can be used as a gateway to deep healing and authentic leadership. Aasha shares her personal journey from anxiety and illness to empowerment through energy work, movement, and emotional awareness. She offers listeners a new lens on personal development—one that integrates mind, body, and energy for lasting transformation.

Aasha believes emotional intelligence (EQ) goes far beyond self-awareness and empathy—it’s about understanding the energy beneath your emotions and learning to regulate it. By combining neuroscience, energy healing, and authentic self-expression, she helps individuals break free from old narratives that drive stress and disconnection. Her approach blends science and spirituality, empowering clients to feel their emotions fully without being controlled by them.

She also introduces the importance of fun and play as tools for healing and leadership. Through activities like roller skating and dance, Aasha encourages leaders to reconnect with their inner joy, creativity, and authenticity. Fun, she says, isn’t frivolous—it’s essential for balance, innovation, and genuine connection.

Ultimately, Aasha challenges leaders to embrace sovereignty—owning their truth while allowing others the same freedom. By releasing control, healing core wounds, and prioritizing authentic expression, individuals can achieve both emotional mastery and sustainable success. Her framework transforms EQ from a corporate skillset into a lifestyle of self-awareness, vitality, and purpose.

Aasha LaCount is the CEO and founder of BeyondEQ International, an emotional intelligence consultancy helping leaders and organizations achieve personal and professional transformation. Through a unique blend of science, energy work, and emotional coaching, Aasha empowers clients to build healthier relationships, stronger leadership presence, and deeper self-understanding.

BeyondEQ International is a global coaching and consulting firm dedicated to elevating emotional intelligence through integrative methods that combine data-driven assessment with energetic healing. The company works with executives, entrepreneurs, and teams to create sustainable success rooted in authenticity, alignment, and emotional balance.

• BeyondEQInternational.com
• Aasha LaCount LinkedIn Profile

• Emotional intelligence is more than mindset—it’s energy, embodiment, and authenticity.
• Healing core wounds and integrating fun can unlock creativity and resilience.
• True sovereignty means accepting what you can’t control while staying grounded in self-awareness.
• Aasha’s method combines neuroscience and energy work for fast, lasting breakthroughs.
• Emotional mastery is the foundation of personal freedom and effective leadership.

Aasha LaCount’s approach redefines what it means to be emotionally intelligent in today’s world. By integrating science, energy, and joy, she shows that true growth isn’t about managing emotions—it’s about transforming them into wisdom, balance, and power. Her insights challenge entrepreneurs and leaders to lead with heart, authenticity, and...

In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Joe Abreu, founder of GLOVISOR and creator of the Profit Optimization Program. Joe shares practical strategies for business owners to increase profitability, streamline operations, and regain balance in their lives. Drawing on years of experience advising entrepreneurs, he outlines actionable methods to uncover hidden costs, optimize systems, and improve both financial and personal well-being.

Joe explains that most business owners operate in constant motion but lack clarity about where their profits truly come from—or where they’re being lost. He introduces the concept of identifying “ghost expenses,” or overlooked costs that quietly erode margins. By conducting detailed audits and setting clear financial goals, owners can reclaim thousands in profit and reinvest strategically.

Beyond cost control, Joe emphasizes operational efficiency and mindset. His 12-step Profit Optimization Program helps entrepreneurs design scalable systems, delegate effectively, and prepare their business as if it were being sold—even if it’s not. He also connects wellness to profitability, stressing that sustainable success requires a healthy, focused leader.

Joe’s approach blends data-driven analysis with human insight. By combining coaching, technology, and accountability, he empowers business owners to gain clarity, reduce stress, and build companies that thrive. As he notes, “Profitability isn’t just about numbers—it’s about freedom.”

Joe Abreu is the founder of GLOVISOR and author of the Profit Optimization Program, where he helps business owners optimize profits, systems, and leadership. Through a unique blend of financial clarity, operational strategy, and personal development, Joe has guided entrepreneurs across multiple industries toward greater profitability and balance.

GLOVISOR is a business optimization and coaching company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve clarity, profitability, and freedom. The firm’s Profit Optimization Program combines hands-on coaching, digital resources, and accountability systems to help business owners streamline operations and increase financial performance.

• GLOVISOR Website
• Joe Abreu LinkedIn Profile

• How to uncover and eliminate hidden “ghost expenses”
• Building scalable systems and processes for growth
• The importance of wellness in business performance
• Combining coaching and automation for clarity and results
• Actionable steps to optimize profit and reclaim freedom

Joe Abreu’s framework for profit optimization shows that business success isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. By clarifying finances, tightening systems, and prioritizing well-being, owners can transform their businesses into profitable, sustainable ventures. Whether you’re scaling, restructuring, or simply seeking balance, Joe’s strategies offer a clear path forward toward more profit and peace of mind.

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In this episode, host Josh Elledge interviews Joe Bergin, Co-founder of Commonwealth M&A, about how home services business owners—such as those in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, roofing, or landscaping—can prepare their companies for a successful sale. With his blend of blue-collar roots and M&A expertise, Joe shares how to transform years of hard work into a legacy-defining exit. He provides straightforward, actionable advice to help business owners position their companies for maximum value and long-term success.

Joe explains that selling a home services business isn’t something to rush—it’s a process that ideally begins three to five years before you plan to exit. Investors are drawn to these companies for their recurring revenue, resilience, and workforce stability, but only if the business can operate independently of its owner. To increase your company’s value, Joe recommends shifting from an owner-operator mindset to that of an asset manager—documenting systems, empowering leaders, and ensuring your business thrives without daily oversight.

Financial clarity is equally vital. Moving from cash-based to accrual accounting and cleaning up your financial records gives buyers confidence and accurately reflects your company’s true performance. Joe emphasizes the power of predictable, recurring revenue through maintenance contracts and service plans, which not only stabilize cash flow but also make your business more attractive to investors seeking long-term value.

Ultimately, Joe’s message is about intentional preparation. By treating your company as a scalable asset, investing in your people, and planning early, you’ll attract premium buyers and secure better terms. With experienced advisors like Commonwealth M&A guiding the process, home services business owners can navigate the complexities of selling while protecting the legacy they’ve built.

Joe Bergin is the Co-founder of Commonwealth M&A, a boutique mergers and acquisitions firm that helps home services business owners plan and execute profitable exits. Combining blue-collar experience with corporate M&A strategy, Joe specializes in helping entrepreneurs turn their businesses into sellable assets that deliver maximum value and freedom.

Commonwealth M&A is a boutique advisory firm serving small to mid-sized home services companies. By limiting the number of clients each year, they provide high-touch, customized support through every stage of the M&A process—from readiness assessment and valuation to negotiation, due diligence, and closing. Their mission: helping business owners achieve their “deal of a lifetime.”

• Commonwealth M&A Website
• Joe Bergin LinkedIn Profile

• Why home services companies are in high demand among investors
• Four key steps to prepare for a successful sale
• How accrual accounting boosts credibility and valuation
• The importance of recurring revenue and team empowerment
• Why early preparation leads to stronger deals and smoother transitions

Selling your business is one of the most impactful financial decisions you’ll ever make. Joe Bergin’s advice underscores the importance of early preparation, strong systems, and a clear exit...