Expert In You

What if waiting for someone to be "as good as you" is the very thing preventing your business from scaling?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Dr. Jim Schleckser, CEO of The CEO Project, to explore what it really takes to lead and scale a complex organization.
Jim works with CEOs of companies typically generating $50 million and above, helping leaders navigate the challenges that come with increasing scale, complexity, and organizational responsibility. Drawing from decades of experience running companies and working directly with CEOs, he shares practical insights on leadership, delegation, peer advisory groups, recurring revenue, AI, and the importance of having experienced advisors around you.
One of the most powerful ideas Jim shares is his 70% Rule of Delegation: if someone can perform a task at roughly 70% of your level, delegate it rather than waiting for them to reach 100%. Jim explains why aggressive delegation isn't simply about getting work off your desk. It's a leadership and organizational development strategy that helps your people build capability faster while allowing CEOs to focus on higher-value responsibilities.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
The 70% Rule of Delegation and why CEOs often wait too long to delegate
How delegation can become a powerful tool for developing your people
Why businesses become dramatically more complex as they scale
How CEO peer groups can provide perspective and pressure-test major decisions
Why breakthrough thinking often comes from outside your industry
How content, books, podcasts, and speaking can build credibility with high-level buyers
Why Jim's organization moved away from cold outreach toward a content-driven, relationship-based model
What CEOs are currently thinking about when it comes to AI, efficiency, and business transformation
Why experienced human judgment still matters when AI can't distinguish between the best answer and a merely acceptable one
Why CEOs need trusted advisors and why asking for help isn't a sign of weakness
How a CEO's personal brand should ultimately serve the growth of the organization rather than simply the leader's ego
Key Moments: 00:00 The 70% Rule of Delegation
00:24 Welcome to Expert In You
01:02 How Jim Schleckser Helps CEOs Scale
01:44 Building a Business Operating System for CEOs
02:16 From CEO to Executive Advisor
03:13 Why Real CEO Experience Matters
06:14 How to Attract $50M+ CEOs Without Cold Outreach
09:00 Why Content and Books Build Authority
11:00 How CEO Peer Groups Help Leaders Scale
17:00 What CEOs Are Worried About Right Now
20:00 AI vs. Human Judgment in Business
30:08 The 70% Rule: Delegate Sooner, Develop Faster
31:39 Turning Personal Branding Into Business Growth
33:28 Final Thoughts
Whether you're a CEO, founder, business owner, consultant, or executive leader, this conversation offers practical lessons for moving from doing the work yourself to building an organization capable of operating and growing at a much higher level.
🎧 Tune in now to discover how better delegation, experienced advisors, and stronger leadership systems can help you scale your business without trying to do everything yourself.
About the guest : 
Dr. Jim Schleckser is the Founder and CEO of The CEO Project, where he works with leaders of high-growth companies to help them scale more effectively. Over 30 years, he has led global organizations across public and private environments, with his most recent company reaching a $1.6 billion valuation. Today, he and his partners work with more than 125 CEOs whose companies collectively represent nearly $50 billion in revenue and 400,000+ employees. Jim is the author of two best-selling books, including Great CEOs Are Lazy, and his work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Time, CNBC, and NPR. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering, an MBA in Marketing and Finance, and a Doctorate in Business Administration.
 
How to connect Dr. Jim Schleckser : 
Website : https://theceoproject.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimschleckser/
 
About the host: 
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
 
Why Choose Ann Carden? 
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
 
Work with Ann Carden
 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 
 
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
 
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 
 
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509
 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

Please Note: 
Investment Advisory Services offered through Krilogy Financial®, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. All expressions of opinion are subject to change. This information is distributed for informational purposes, and should not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, recommendation, endorsement or individualized advise of any particular security, products, or services. All expressions of opinion are subject to change. Investing involves risk.  You should consult with a financial professional before investing. 
 Thomas J. Lewis, JD
Legal Counsel & CCO| 314.480.3808
 
What does it really take to build a successful financial advisory business from the ground up?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Michael Brown, an experienced wealth advisor with 18 years in the financial services industry, to discuss the realities of building a lasting advisory practice in a competitive and rapidly changing market.
With a background that includes social work and entrepreneurship, Michael took an unconventional path into wealth advising. He shares the lessons he learned while building his practice, from the importance of perseverance and patience to navigating compliance, networking, branding, and the changing world of digital marketing.
At the heart of Michael's approach is a simple but powerful principle: serve people well, build genuine relationships, and stay committed to the process.
Ann and Michael also explore the importance of mentorship, legacy, and creating a business that goes beyond financial success to make a meaningful impact on clients and the broader community.
Key Learnings: 
What it takes to build a financial advisory business from the ground up
Why patience and consistency are critical to long-term success
How genuine client relationships can become a powerful business advantage
The role of networking and community in growing an advisory practice
How financial advisors can adapt to today's digital marketing landscape
The challenges of balancing compliance with authentic client connection
Why mentorship and legacy matter when building a long-term career
How to stay committed when business growth takes longer than expected
The importance of integrity and service in building a trusted financial brand
Key Moments: 
03:26 Starting a career in finance
08:46 Building a Legacy in St. Charles
11:53 Meeting entrepreneurs and their stories
12:47 Struggles after company buyout
17:32 Building a career in finance
21:06 Building a successful financial team
23:44 Building a Client Base Over Time
25:35 Putting clients first over profit
30:57 Building brand recognition
33:58 Early days on Facebook Messenger
35:09 Discussing modern workforce transitions
39:53 Surrounding Yourself with Good People
42:41 Helping business owners exit
45:02 Acquiring culture companies in Midwest
Whether you're a financial advisor, wealth manager, entrepreneur, or business owner, this conversation offers practical lessons on building a business based on trust, perseverance, meaningful relationships, and long-term thinking.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how Michael Brown built his financial advisory practice from the ground up and why patience, integrity, and a commitment to serving others can become your greatest competitive advantages.
About the guest : 
Michael Brown is a Wealth Advisor and Partner at Krilogy, with more than 25 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners build confidence in their financial futures. With a background spanning financial literacy, commercial banking, mortgage planning, and entrepreneurship, Michael brings a practical understanding of the financial challenges business owners face.
For the past 18 years, he has focused on wealth advising, helping clients align investments, retirement planning, and financial strategies with their long-term goals. Beyond his professional work, Michael is deeply involved in his community, serving on several boards and supporting charitable initiatives in the U.S. and Haiti. He is also a frequent speaker on financial planning and leadership.
How to connect Michael: 
Company Website:  https://www.krilogy.com/
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-r-brown-64119318/
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/Krilogy
 
About the host: 
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
 
Why Choose Ann Carden? 
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
 
Work with Ann Carden
 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 
 
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
 
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 
 
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509
 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

What happens when your sales process is designed for buyers who aren't actually your buyers?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden explores one of the most overlooked factors in high-value sales: buyer sophistication.
As businesses move upmarket and pursue larger clients and contracts, the sales conversation needs to evolve. Experienced buyers don't need to be convinced with generic scripts, aggressive follow-ups, or basic sales tactics. They expect sellers to understand their business, respect their expertise, and engage them at the right level.
Drawing from her own recent experiences as both a buyer and a seasoned business professional, Ann reveals how poorly matched sales approaches can quickly undermine trust and cause high-value opportunities to disappear.
Key Moments: 
Why understanding your buyer's level of sophistication is critical to high-value sales
How generic sales scripts can turn experienced buyers away
Why relentless follow-up can damage relationships instead of creating opportunities
How to adapt your sales conversations to sophisticated decision-makers
What changes when you're selling to larger companies and higher-level buyers
How to position your services for bigger clients and better contracts
Why high-value buyers want insight and expertise rather than traditional persuasion
How to recognize when your sales process is working against your positioning
The difference between trying to convince a buyer and creating a strategic business conversation
If you're a consultant, coach, expert, professional service provider, or business owner looking to move upmarket, this episode will help you rethink how you approach sophisticated buyers and create sales conversations that match the level of business you're trying to win.
🎧 Tune in now to discover how understanding your buyer can transform your sales conversations, strengthen your positioning, and help you win higher-value opportunities.
About the host: 
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
 
Why Choose Ann Carden? 
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
 
Work with Ann Carden
 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 
 
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
 
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 
 
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509
 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

What happens when your expertise is strong, but your online presence doesn't communicate your value?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with content marketing strategist Alison Ver Halen to explore how established business owners can use strategic content, branding, storytelling, and SEO to stand out in crowded markets and attract higher-value clients.
Alison shares her journey from English major to SEO-focused content strategist and explains why content marketing isn't simply about publishing more. It's about creating the right message, positioning your expertise clearly, and building an online presence that gives potential clients a reason to trust you.
Ann and Alison also explore the often-missed connection between marketing and sales, why referrals alone aren't enough to build a scalable pipeline, and how businesses can approach AI without losing the human expertise that makes their brand unique.
Key Learnings: 
Why your online presence needs to reflect your level of expertise
How strategic content can help attract higher-caliber clients
The role of storytelling in building trust and differentiation
How SEO and content strategy work together to generate better leads
Why marketing and sales need to work together to drive business growth
How to differentiate yourself in an increasingly crowded marketplace
Why relying solely on referrals can limit your growth
What AI means for content marketing and where human expertise still matters
How to strengthen your positioning so you can compete at a higher level
Key Moments: 
05:30 Focus on website content writing
09:09 Importance of Visual Branding
12:50 Aligning sales and marketing teams
13:42 Analyzing Marketing and Sales Alignment
17:32 Improving CRM communication flow
20:20 AI SEO misconceptions
Whether you're a consultant, coach, professional service provider, or established business owner, this episode will help you rethink your content strategy and build a digital presence that positions you as the obvious choice for the clients you want to attract.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how strategic content, storytelling, SEO, and strong positioning can help you move beyond referrals and attract the high-value clients your expertise deserves.
 
About the guest : 
Alison Ver Halen is the Founder and CEO of a content marketing and SEO company, as well as a professional speaker with more than eight years of experience in content marketing and search engine optimization. She specializes in turning complex marketing and SEO concepts into practical, engaging strategies that help businesses strengthen their online presence and grow. Through her speaking and consulting work, Alison helps entrepreneurs and marketing professionals create more effective content and online campaigns that attract the right audience and drive business results.
 
How to connect Alison: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-ver-halen/
Website: https://avwritingservices.com/speaking-engagements/
 
About the host: 
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
 
Why Choose Ann Carden? 
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
 
Work with Ann Carden
 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 
 
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
 
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 
 
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509
 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

Why isn't more visibility automatically leading to more clients, revenue, and profit?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden challenges one of the most common assumptions in modern business growth: that if you simply get more attention, create more content, appear on more podcasts, and speak on more stages, the revenue will follow.
It doesn't.
Drawing from more than 35 years of business experience, Ann explains why visibility is only one piece of the growth equation—and why highly visible experts can still struggle to generate consistent, profitable revenue.
The real difference comes from what happens after people see you: your positioning, your revenue model, your offers, and the strategic systems that turn attention into qualified opportunities and paying clients.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Why visibility alone doesn't create business growth
The missing pieces between being seen and generating revenue
How clear market positioning helps turn attention into qualified leads
Why your revenue model matters more than simply reaching more people
How to turn speaking, podcasting, and content into actual business opportunities
Why "more" isn't always better when it comes to marketing and visibility
How to engineer a strategic growth plan around your business goals
What highly visible experts often get wrong about converting attention into profit
How to make every opportunity to show up work harder for your business
Key Moments: 
06:08 Importance of clear positioning
09:03 Creating a strategic podcast approach
13:01 Elevating business visibility strategy
 
Whether you're a consultant, coach, speaker, expert, or established business owner, this episode will help you stop measuring success by how many people see you and start focusing on what actually moves your business forward.
🎧 Tune in now to discover why visibility without strategy can leave you stuck—and how to turn your visibility into clients, revenue, and real business growth.
About the host: 
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
 
Why Choose Ann Carden? 
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
 
Work with Ann Carden
 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 
 
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
 
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 
 
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509
 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

What does it take to grow a law firm 20X without creating a business that depends entirely on the owner?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Simone Fulmer Gaus, co-founder of a thriving Oklahoma law firm, to explore how she challenged the traditional law-firm model and transformed her practice into a scalable, sustainable business.
Simone shares the difficult realities behind her growth journey, including the days when making payroll was a struggle and the pivotal decisions that forced her to rethink how the firm operated. Instead of relying on outdated hierarchies and owner-dependent systems, she focused on building stronger pipelines, empowering her team, and creating a structure that could support significant growth without sacrificing people's well-being.
Now, Simone is taking what she learned beyond her own firm through a new advisory business, a book, and a growing community for women law firm owners.
 
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
How Simone grew her law firm 20X by challenging conventional approaches
Why traditional law-firm structures can limit growth and scalability
How building effective pipelines and systems can create more predictable growth
Why empowering your team is essential to building a firm that can operate without you
How to move from being the primary expert and decision-maker to becoming a true business owner
The difficult lessons Simone learned from struggling to make payroll
How law firm owners can create sustainable growth without sacrificing their team's well-being
Why succession planning and ownership structures matter when building a long-term legacy
How to turn your professional expertise into an advisory business that helps other firm owners succeed
 
Key Moments: 
04:18 Starting a Consulting Business
07:50 Delegating responsibilities effectively
11:16 Recognizing internal systems and processes
16:18 Shifting from referrals to self-marketing
19:13 Managing business finances
23:34 Branding strategy and streaming ads
24:08 Marketing for lower-value cases
30:28 The responsibility of running a firm
32:40 Employee compensation strategy
34:32 Starting The Setup venture
37:51 Creating a law firm cohort
43:26 Opportunities in writing and ambition
 
Whether you're a law firm owner, attorney, professional services entrepreneur, or expert building a scalable practice, this episode offers practical lessons on leadership, systems, team empowerment, and sustainable business growth.
 
Tune in to discover how Simone Fulmer Gaus broke the traditional law-firm mold, grew her practice 20X, and built a business designed to thrive beyond the founder.
 
About the guest : 
Simone Fulmer Gaus is co-founder of Fulmer Sill, a personal injury and mass torts law firm in Oklahoma City that has grown its revenue more than twenty times in nearly twelve years. She built The Set-UpTM a five-pillar law firm management framework - to prove that law firm owners can build sustainable,  profitable practices without burning out the people inside them.
 
How to connect  Simone Fulmer Gaus: 
Email : sfulmer@fulmersill.com
Company Website: https://theset-up.co/
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonefulmergaus
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/fulmersill
 
About the host: 
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
 
Why Choose Ann Carden? 
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
 
Work with Ann Carden
 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 
 
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
 
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 
 
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509
 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

What happens when the business you're building starts costing you your fulfillment?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with leadership coach and keynote speaker Jeff Koziatek to explore his unconventional journey from entertainment and performing on stage to building a coaching business focused on leadership, values, courage, and personal growth.
Jeff's transition wasn't simply a career change. After experiencing the pressure and burnout that came with his previous path, he had to rethink what success really meant and build a business around a deeper sense of purpose.
Together, Ann and Jeff explore what it takes to transition into coaching, build a strong foundation for an expert business, attract the right clients, and create success without losing yourself in the process.
 
Key Takeaways:
How Jeff transitioned from performer to executive coach
The lessons burnout can teach entrepreneurs about sustainable success
Why your core values should influence the business you build
How to create deeper connections with coaching clients
What aspiring coaches need to know about finding and winning clients
Why mindset, courage, and personal worth matter in leadership
How to build an expert business that supports both growth and fulfillment
 
Key Moments: 
05:24 Separating self-worth from work
06:19 Discovering passion for coaching
11:45 Shifting mindset and balancing work
14:35 Transitioning to coaching and speaking
17:29 Types of entertainers explained
21:12 Starting with First Clients
22:52 Discussing personal and professional values
27:54 Overcoming stigma of asking for help
30:37 Starting an entertainment business
32:21 Meeting Jeff at the expo
38:05 Speaking engagements vs. service offers
41:04 Achievers striving for work-life balance
 
Whether you're a coach, consultant, speaker, entrepreneur, or executive, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that business growth isn't just about making more money. It's about building a business that reflects your values, creates meaningful impact, and allows you to succeed without sacrificing what matters most.
🎧 Tune in now to discover how Jeff Koziatek turned an unexpected career transition into a purpose-driven coaching business and learn how you can build success on your own terms.
 
About the guest :
Jeff Koziatek works with executives who understand that results alone are not enough. Sustainable performance requires courage - the courage to confront hard truths, lead difficult conversations, hold standards without losing trust, and stay grounded when the stakes are high.
 
As a certified coach with The Values Conversation and the John Maxwell Team - and with more than 25 years as a business owner, entrepreneur, and former producer - Jeff brings real-world leadership pressure into every room. His work blends performance psychology, leadership development, and practical strategy to help executives amplify courage under pressure.
 
Organizations and associations partner with Jeff to help senior leaders show up decisive, credible, and composed - especially when the path forward isn’t obvious.
 
His sessions are known for being high-energy, deeply practical, and immediately actionable - equipping leaders not just to perform, but to lead with clarity when it matters most.
 
How to connect Jeff: 
Company Website http://www.CoreAuthenticity.com
LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkoziatek/
Facebook Profile https://www.facebook.com/coreauthenticity
 
About the host: 
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
 
Why Choose Ann Carden? 
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
 
Work with Ann Carden
 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
 
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 
 
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509
 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

Why are some experts getting booked to speak, appearing on podcasts, and generating plenty of visibility but still struggling to turn that attention into revenue?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden reveals why speaking and visibility alone don't guarantee business growth. Whether you're presenting on a stage, appearing as a podcast guest, hosting a webinar, or going live online, every opportunity has the potential to create significantly more business if you have the right strategy behind it.
Ann breaks down the three critical gaps that cause experts to leave money on the table and explains how to strategically connect your message, offers, and follow-up to turn visibility into high-value opportunities.
 
Key Moments:
The three gaps that prevent experts from monetizing their speaking opportunities
Why visibility doesn't automatically translate into revenue
How to turn podcasts, webinars, stages, and virtual events into business opportunities
What needs to happen before, during, and after a speaking engagement
How to position your expertise for higher-value conversations and clients
Why strategic speaking can create significantly bigger revenue opportunities than simply collecting more appearances
How to stop treating speaking as marketing and start treating it as a revenue-generating business strategy
 
If you're a consultant, coach, founder, speaker, or professional expert who is already using your voice to build visibility, this episode will help you identify what's missing between being seen and actually getting paid.
 
🎧 Tune in now to discover the three speaking gaps that could be holding back your revenue and how to turn your next opportunity into a much bigger business result.
 
About the host: 
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
 
Why Choose Ann Carden? 
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
 
Work with Ann Carden
 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 
 
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
 
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 
 
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509
 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

What if the thing you once struggled with became the foundation of your success?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with bestselling author, communication coach, TEDx speaker, and founder of Uplevel Communication, Mike Acker, to explore how powerful communication can transform your career, business, and influence.
Mike's journey is anything but ordinary. After struggling with a childhood speech impediment, he went on to become a professional speaker, bestselling author, and sought-after communication coach. His story offers a powerful reminder that confidence isn't something you're simply born with. It can be developed, practiced, and turned into a competitive advantage.
Ann and Mike also explore what it really takes to build a successful speaking career, why great speakers need a clear and focused message, and how books and speaking opportunities can create new doors for entrepreneurs and experts.
Key Moments: 
How Mike transformed a speech impediment into confident communication
The skills that can help you become a more effective public speaker
Why having one signature talk can help speakers stand out
How speaking can create opportunities for career and business growth
Why books can become powerful tools for building authority
How to develop a message that people remember
What aspiring keynote speakers need to know about building their speaking career
How communication skills can increase your influence and open unexpected doors
Key Moments: 
05:59 Struggles with language and insecurity
07:44 Learning Public Speaking Skills
11:01 Basics of Soccer Communication
14:31 Managing energy and mirroring others
16:38 First writing and overcoming fear
21:33 Evolving business strategies and content
25:39 Standing out in communication coaching
29:10 Boosting discoverability with SEO
30:23 Establishing an Austin event hub
35:03 Building business through public speaking
38:15 Praising Mike's business success
 
Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, consultant, coach, or aspiring keynote speaker, this episode offers practical strategies for becoming a more confident communicator and using your voice to create greater influence and opportunity.
🎧 Tune in now to discover how mastering communication can become one of your greatest business and career advantages.
 
About the guest : 
Mike Acker is a bestselling author, executive communication coach, speaker, and founder of Uplevel Communication. After overcoming a speech impediment and fear of speaking, he dedicated his career to helping leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals communicate with confidence, clarity, and influence.
 
Mike is the author of Speak With No Fear, Speak With Confidence, Lead With No Fear, and Connect Through Emotional Intelligence. His work has been featured in Forbes, Inc., and Business Insider, and he has spoken at TEDx events and on numerous podcasts. Today, he helps individuals and organizations strengthen executive presence, tell compelling stories, and communicate in ways that create opportunities, build trust, and drive results.
 
How to connect MIke: 
Company Website https://uplevelcommunication.com/
LinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeackerdotcom
Facebook Profile https://www.facebook.com/mikeackerdotcom
 
About the host: 
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
 
Why Choose Ann Carden? 
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
 
Work with Ann Carden
 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
 
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 
 
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509
 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

Artificial intelligence has made it easier than ever to create content, build a brand, and appear credible.
But there's one thing AI still can't manufacture: trust.
In this episode of Expert In You, Ann Carden explores the growing rise of what she calls the "Stepford Expert" professionals who use AI to create the appearance of expertise without the experience, credibility, or results to back it up.
As AI-generated content floods every platform, buyers are becoming more skeptical than ever. That means the businesses that thrive won't be the ones producing the most content they'll be the ones building the most trust.
In this episode, you will learn: 
Why trust is becoming the most valuable business asset in the AI era
How to distinguish authentic authority from AI-generated personas
Why experience and real client results matter more than polished content
Practical ways to elevate your positioning and become the obvious choice
How to build a brand competitors and AI can't easily replicate
Why authenticity is becoming the ultimate competitive advantage
Key Moments: 
01:22 Discovering Old Money Secrets Videos
03:15 Building trust in business today
08:43 Importance of online credibility
12:07 Offering business growth consultations
Whether you're a consultant, coach, founder, or service-based entrepreneur, this episode will help you build an authority brand that stands out for the right reasons and earns lasting trust in an increasingly crowded marketplace.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to rise above the noise, build genuine authority, and become the trusted expert your ideal clients are looking for.
About the host: 
Ann Carden is a highly sought-after Business Growth Consultant, Marketing Strategist, and #1 Bestselling Author, with over 41 years of experience helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, and coaches scale their success. As a Professional Speaker and three-time published author, Ann has coached and consulted hundreds of professionals across more than 80 industries.
 
Why Choose Ann Carden? 
With a diverse background that spans over four decades, Ann has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in business growth, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship. She spent 13 years in corporate management before launching her own businesses, where she thrived for 35 years. Ann’s entrepreneurial journey began out of financial necessity, and she successfully grew her first business to an international level - even before the Internet era.
 
Work with Ann Carden
 If you're ready to take your business to the next level, Ann offers customized solutions to help you grow. Whether you’re a coach, consultant, or small business owner, Ann’s proven strategies can drive significant growth in revenue and market reach. 
Get Free Resources:
➡️ Access Ann's Free Training: www.expertinyou.biz 
➡️ Read the latest edition of Expert in You Magazine: https://expertinyoumagazine.com/magazine
 
Ready to grow your business? 📞 Book a strategy call today: https://acarden.com 🔗 
 
🌐Website: https://annlcarden.com
 📞Contact Us: www.acarden.com
 💟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.carden.509
 💟Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach