Expert In You

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

What happens when technology is designed to solve real-world problems instead of simply chasing the latest trends?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden welcomes Latha Kumar, Founder and CEO of Zamorin Solutions, a custom software company dedicated to building innovative solutions that improve communities and help businesses grow. Inspired by a personal experience, Latha developed Park Zap, a platform designed to make playgrounds safer while helping parks and recreation organizations streamline inspections and maintenance.
 
Latha also shares how artificial intelligence is reshaping software development, why customer relationships remain a competitive advantage in the AI era, and how entrepreneurs can use technology to create meaningful impact while scaling their businesses.
 
Key Learnings: 
How a personal mission led to creating software that improves playground safety
Why custom software solves problems that off-the-shelf solutions can't
How AI is changing software development and business operations
Why human relationships still matter in an increasingly AI-driven world
Customer-first strategies for building long-term business growth
Lessons on scaling a technology company while staying true to your mission
 
Key Moments: 
04:19 Starting a playground safety business
06:24 Learning the playground industry basics
12:17 What sets us apart
14:09 Rise of human customer service
19:37 Working with government and private clients
20:30 Setting a revenue floor
26:26 Dealing with difficult clients
27:05 Addressing positioning and sales issues
31:42 The early days as a business coach
35:21 Passion for helping clients succeed
37:07 Growth through word of mouth
42:31 Book an elevation strategy call
 
Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, or technology professional, this episode offers valuable insights into using innovation, AI, and customer-focused thinking to build solutions that create lasting impact.
 
🎧 Tune in now to discover how purpose-driven software, AI, and authentic customer relationships can fuel sustainable business growth.
About the guest: 
Latha Kumar is the CEO of Zamorins Solutions Inc., leading custom software projects, AI automation, and products like ParkZapp. With 30+ years of experience, she blends engineering, finance, project management, and community leadership to deliver meaningful impact.
 
How to connect Latha: 
Company Website : https://www.zamorinstech.com
LinkedIn Profile : https://www.linkedin.com/in/latha-kumar/
Facebook Profile : https://www.facebook.com/latha.kumar.321148
 
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 do some entrepreneurs follow all the right strategies - yet still struggle to break through revenue ceilings?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Dr. Joseph Drolshagen, Rapid Revenue Architect and creator of the SMT Method, to explore how subconscious beliefs and mindset alignment can either accelerate business growth or quietly hold it back.
After a 27-year corporate career and more than a decade coaching entrepreneurs, Dr. Joseph has discovered that lasting business breakthroughs happen when strategy and subconscious programming work together - not separately.
Together, Ann and Dr. Joseph unpack why many business owners stay stuck despite having great plans, and how aligning your mindset with your goals can unlock faster, more sustainable revenue growth.
 
Key Learnings : 
Why entrepreneurs hit revenue ceilings despite working harder
How subconscious programming influences business decisions and growth
The connection between mindset, strategy, and long-term success
How the SMT Method helps identify hidden internal roadblocks
Practical ways to shift limiting beliefs and create lasting momentum
Why alignment not just action is the key to sustainable business growth
 
Key Moments: 
06:30 Subconscious impact on business success
09:31 Dealing with self-doubt and growth
11:47 Feeling misaligned in business
15:46 From sales to VP of sales
19:02 Differences in buyer motivations
23:02 Personal mission and future institute
26:32 Attracting clients through various methods
29:47 Critiquing business coaching trends
30:48 One-on-one client philosophy
35:33 Investing in personal development programs
38:38 Evaluating advice for growth strategy
 
Whether you're an entrepreneur, consultant, coach, or business leader, this episode offers a fresh perspective on achieving breakthrough results by aligning how you think with how you grow.
🎧 Tune in now to discover how mindset and strategy alignment can help you break revenue ceilings and unlock your next level of business success.
 
About the guest: 
Dr. Joseph Drolshagen is a Revenue Growth Architect, business coach, and creator of The SMT Method™, a proven framework that helps entrepreneurs align their subconscious mindset with their business goals. Combining over 28 years of corporate leadership experience, including serving as a VP of Sales, with a Doctorate in Psychology, Dr. Joseph has helped business owners and organizations overcome growth barriers, increase profitability, and achieve rapid, sustainable results. Recognized as one of the Top Business Coaches in America for five consecutive years, he specializes in transforming mindset into measurable business success.
 
How to connect Joseph: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IFGTcoach
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ifgtcoach/Website: https://josephadrolshagen.com
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 makes a business truly valuable?
It's not just revenue - it's building a company that can grow, operate, and eventually sell without depending on the owner.
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden welcomes Zack Tomlin, entrepreneur, business coach, and author of The Expedition of Business. After successfully building and selling his engineering firm, Zack now helps business owners create organizations that are aligned, scalable, and built for long-term success.
Together, Ann and Zack explore the leadership principles that separate businesses that survive from those that thrive - and why building the right team is the foundation of a truly sellable company.
Key Learnings: 
What makes a business attractive to buyers
How to build leadership teams that operate without the founder
Why culture and alignment drive long-term business value
How to shift from working in your business to leading through your organization
The leadership habits that improve growth, profitability, and employee engagement
Lessons Zack learned from building and successfully exiting his engineering firm
Whether you're planning to sell your business someday - or simply want to build a stronger company today - this episode provides practical strategies for creating a business that delivers freedom, value, and lasting impact.
 
Key Moments: 
03:41 The four pillars of business success
08:02 Seeking continuous personal growth
12:07 Starting and Managing an Engineering Firm
15:02 Discovering Employee Engagement Insights
18:22 Managing employee relationships
23:39 Defining job roles and tasks
25:54 Understanding employee motivation
28:01 Developing Leadership Intuition and Skills
31:35 Transitioning from Craft to Leadership
34:55 Discussing holistic business approach
38:01 Elevating your business strategy
 
🎧 Tune in now to learn how great leadership, aligned teams, and intentional culture can help you build a business that's both highly profitable and truly sellable.
 
About the guest : 
Zack Tomlin is a business coach, founder of Your Craft Your Climb, and author of CRAFT: The Expedition of Business. After founding, growing, and successfully exiting his own engineering firm, Zack now helps founders and leadership teams build organizations that are scalable, sellable, and built to thrive. Drawing from real-world entrepreneurial experience, he teaches leaders how to move beyond business frameworks and develop the judgment, leadership, and organizational design needed for long-term success.
This version is concise, authoritative, and aligned with the Expert In You audience while highlighting Zack's entrepreneurial journey, business exit, coaching expertise, and book.
How to connect Zack : LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-tomlin/
Website: https://www.yourcraftyourclimb.com/
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 separates people who build lasting wealth from those who simply earn a good income?
In this episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Freddie Rappina, founder of Optifinancial and author of Playing the Wealth Game, to explore how successful entrepreneurs and wealthy individuals build financial freedom through strategic thinking - not just traditional saving and investing.
Drawing from his unique journey from police officer to trusted wealth advisor, Freddie shares the mindset shifts and financial strategies that helped him see wealth differently. He explains why relying solely on savings accounts, retirement plans, and compound interest often isn't enough to create long-term financial independence.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
Why the wealthy focus on building multiple income streams
The difference between earning a high income and creating lasting wealth
How business ownership, real estate, and strategic investing work together to build financial freedom
Why traditional financial advice doesn't always lead to wealth
How to think strategically about money instead of simply managing it
Practical mindset shifts that can help you create long-term financial security
Whether you're an entrepreneur, consultant, business owner, or professional looking to grow your wealth, this episode offers practical insights to help you move beyond conventional financial planning and start building assets that generate income for years to come.
Key Moments:
04:56 Understanding different financial games
09:04 Discussion on checkers vs. chess
10:13 Wealth and success perceptions
15:17 Limitations of compound interest
16:18 The golden wheelchair plan
19:23 Importance of personalization in business
24:21 Independent investment strategy
26:34 Business as Wealth Building Strategy
29:52 Real estate investment strategy
33:07 Discussing business and investment options
36:11 The challenges of running a business
39:25 Building from the business core
42:46 Importance of Having Assets
47:30 Impressed by Freddie's unique approach
51:06 Importance of Personal Relationships
🎧 Tune in now to discover how the wealthy build multiple income streams - and how you can begin creating a smarter, more resilient path to financial freedom.
 
About the guest : 
Freddie Rappina is the Founder and Wealth Advisor of Opta Financial and the author of Playing the Wealth Game. A former police officer turned financial strategist, Freddie helps entrepreneurs, business owners, families, and retirees build long-term wealth through comprehensive financial planning, retirement income strategies, tax-efficient investing, and wealth preservation. With multiple advanced financial designations, Freddie is a sought-after speaker who is passionate about helping people think differently about money and create lasting financial freedom.
 
How to connect Freddie: 
 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-rappina/
Website: https://www.optafinancial.com/
 
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 isn't replacing great teams - it's transforming how they work.
In this episode of Expert In You, Ann Carden sits down with John Munsell, CEO and Co-Founder of Bizzuka Inc., to explore what it really takes for organizations to succeed with AI. From AI literacy and governance to workforce transformation and measurable ROI, John shares a practical roadmap for leaders who want to move beyond experimentation and build true AI capability.
Drawing on decades of experience in technology, digital marketing, and enterprise AI, John explains why the biggest competitive advantage isn't simply adopting AI it's creating an organization where people know how to use it responsibly, strategically, and effectively.
Key Learning: 
Why AI mastery starts with people, not technology
The different levels of AI maturity inside organizations
How AI governance reduces risk while accelerating innovation
Common AI adoption mistakes that cost companies time and money
How to build AI-fluent teams that improve productivity and decision-making
Why AI should amplify subject matter experts - not replace them
Practical strategies for creating measurable ROI from AI initiatives
Whether you're a CEO, consultant, executive, business owner, or team leader, this conversation provides practical insights to help you build an AI-ready organization and lead confidently through rapid technological change.
🎧 Tune in now to discover how AI mastery, governance, and workforce transformation can become your organization's next competitive advantage.
Key Moments: 
06:05 Training AI for specific tasks
11:26 Teaching AI adoption and change management
20:35 Creating a transformation plan
22:03 AI governance and training oversight
29:21 Building then scaling down the business
36:51 Need for specialized AI training
38:32 Impact of AI on HR jobs
46:53 Discussing AI and knowledge accessibility
53:58 Being of service before sales
55:27 Hiring for business growth
About the guest : 
John W. Munsell is the CEO of Bizzuka Inc, author of "INGRAIN AI: Strategy Through Execution" and the creator of the AI Strategy Canvas® and Scalable Prompt Engineering™ frameworks. These frameworks help companies scale AI effectively and efficiently across all departments. Most companies lack a unified approach, resulting in a lack of ability to share knowledge or scale expertise. John’s proven frameworks solve this problem by providing every team member with a common foundational understanding of AI, from strategy development all the way through to tactical execution. The result is a workplace where people actually want to use AI and spread their enthusiasm and expertise throughout the organization.
How to connect John Munsell: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwmunsell/ 
Website:  http://www.bizzuka.com 
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/bizzuka
 
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

In this fascinating episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Eric Lowe, CEO and co-founder of Aptiva Health, to discuss how his company is transforming healthcare through a model built on transparency, affordability, convenience, and patient empowerment.
At a time when healthcare costs continue to rise and patient experiences often suffer, Aptiva Health is challenging traditional systems with an innovative approach that combines multi-specialty care, technology, data-driven decision-making, and direct employer partnerships.
Eric shares the vision behind Aptiva Health’s rapid growth and explains how a patient-first mindset is creating better outcomes while reducing costs.
 
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
How Aptiva Health is redefining outpatient healthcare delivery
The benefits of a multi-specialty, patient-centered care model
Why transparency and affordability are becoming competitive advantages in healthcare
How data and technology are driving smarter expansion and better outcomes
The future of healthcare access, employer partnerships, and patient advocacy
Whether you're a healthcare leader, entrepreneur, business executive, or patient advocate, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most innovative healthcare models emerging today.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how entrepreneurial thinking and patient-first innovation are reshaping the future of healthcare.
Key Moments: 
03:54 Getting started in medical billing
08:16 Paying for medical imaging options
10:33 Expanding a healthcare business
15:35 Expanding medical facilities in the Midwest
17:24 Challenges of outpatient care costs
20:13 Aptiva Health employment model
24:59 Word-of-mouth referrals boost business
26:43 Affordable employee wellness program
29:47 Improving information delivery with AI
34:01 Setting up payment terms and space usage
38:23 Being resourceful during tough times
42:11 Implementing AI in revenue management
 
About the guest : 
Eric Lowe is a healthcare entrepreneur, operator, and author who has built one of the fastest-growing outpatient healthcare platforms in the region. As CEO and Co-Founder of Aptiva Health, he has led the expansion of a multi-specialty organization spanning orthopedics, mental wellness, imaging, and physical therapy across multiple locations in Kentucky and Indiana.
 
Eric’s journey to building Aptiva Health was anything but traditional. After rising to the top of his law school class, he was dismissed in his final semester, an experience that forced him to rebuild his life and ultimately led him into healthcare. Starting with a medical-legal consulting company and later a medical billing business that he exited in 2021, Eric developed a relationship-driven approach to growth that became the foundation for scaling Aptiva Health into a regional force.
 
He is the author of the upcoming book Be the Broker, where he shares his framework for building through relational capital, alignment, and systems that create long-term value. Eric is passionate about helping leaders think differently about success, shifting from ownership to stewardship and from transactions to relationships.
How to connect Eric:  
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericloweaptiva/
Website : https://www.aptivahealth.com/
 
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