Expert In You

In this thought-provoking episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden welcomes back Judy Ryan, award-winning consultant and CEO of Lifework Systems, to explore one of the most important business challenges of our time: how to build a thriving company culture in the age of AI.
As technology rapidly transforms the workplace, many organizations are investing heavily in tools and automation - but overlooking the human systems that drive trust, collaboration, innovation, and long-term success. Judy shares why the companies that thrive won't be the ones with the most technology - they'll be the ones with the strongest cultures.
🤖 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
Why healthy workplace cultures outperform fear-based organizations during times of change
The human skills AI cannot replace - and why they matter more than ever
How leaders can build trust, accountability, and collaboration at scale
Strategies for reducing resistance and increasing engagement during transformation
Why people-first leadership is a competitive advantage in a technology-driven world
Whether you're a business owner, executive, consultant, or team leader, this episode provides practical insights for creating a resilient organization where people and technology work together to drive extraordinary results.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to unlock human potential and build a culture that thrives - no matter how fast the world changes.
Key Moments: 
05:06 Improving workplace communication
07:26 Dealing with hostile consultants
13:11 Replacing employees with AI mistakes
16:51 Fear of losing leadership power
20:26 Introducing the Mind Trust tool
22:41 AI complementing critical thinking
26:01 AI as a research tool
30:34 AI and human workforce tension
33:42 Realistic business expectations
35:33 Building supportive communication skills
About the guest : 
JUDY RYAN is a recognized thought leader in workplace culture transformation, and personal, professional and leadership development. She is an award-winning System Developer, Consultant, Trainer, Author, Columnist, Show Host, international Speaker and is frequently interviewed on TV, radio, and podcasts. Since 2002, Judy has been the CEO of LifeWork Systems, leading innovative methods to favorably impact the most important aspect of any organization: its people. She has created CultureEX™,  her scalable culture transformation system and implementation on a digital platform. Judy’s purpose is to create a world in which all people love their lives.
How to contact Judy : 
LinkedIn business link: https://www.linkedin.com/company/9282367
Facebook link:  https://www.facebook.com/judy.ryan1/ 
Twitter link: twitter.com/lifeworksystems
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/user/judyryan888
Website: lifeworksystems.com
Email: judy@lifeworksystems.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

In this inspiring episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Natalia Zacharin, founder and CEO of Zacharin Consulting to explore her remarkable journey from earning $7 an hour as a single mom to building an Inc. 5000-recognized fractional CFO firm.
Natalia shares the real story behind her success - the setbacks, self-doubt, market shifts, and hard-earned lessons that shaped her into an award-winning entrepreneur and business leader.
This conversation goes beyond accounting and finance to reveal what it truly takes to build a resilient, scalable business in a constantly changing market.
🚀 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How Natalia built and scaled a successful fractional CFO firm from the ground up
The mindset shifts that helped her overcome adversity and self-doubt
Why sales, networking, and strategic partnerships are critical to growth
How to navigate economic uncertainty and changing markets
The importance of multiple revenue streams and business resilience
Whether you're a consultant, service-based entrepreneur, founder, or aspiring business owner, this episode delivers practical insights and inspiration for building a profitable business that can withstand challenges and continue growing.
🎧 Tune in now to discover how resilience, strategy, and determination can turn obstacles into opportunities - and create extraordinary business success.
 
Key Moments: 
05:26 Inspired to Start a Business
06:48 Starting a business journey
11:04 Dealing with early career doubts
15:25 Dealing with business ups and downs
17:40 Building multiple income streams
20:45 Doing Your Own Sales
23:02 Joining a mastermind group
28:11 Creative problem-solving and learning
31:21 Delegating sales to an agency
33:34 Updating ad strategy with new agency
37:58 Challenges in Business Growth
40:35 Training new hires and challenges
 
About the guest : 
Natalia Zacharin is the Founder of Zacharin Consulting, an award-winning accounting firm and Inc. 5000 honoree. She partners with founders of service businesses generating between $1 million and $30 million in annual revenue. Natalia specializes in elite fractional CFO services  and strategic financial planning. She brings unmatched perspective to her advisory work, having personally scaled her own firm from a solo operation born out of poverty to a $3 million powerhouse in just six years.
Her core philosophy is simple: profit does not equal cash, and more sales will never fix broken systems. Natalia empowers entrepreneurs to use their financials as a forward-facing GPS rather than a backward looking historical report. By helping leaders identify silent cash leaks, optimize pricing models, and forecast decisions six months in advance, she turns chaotic growth into sustainable profitability. Her proven frameworks build resilient companies that operate independently and ultimately become highly sellable assets.
 
How to connect Natalia: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/growyourbottomline/
Website: https://zacharinconsulting.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

In this powerful episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Dan Grech, CEO and founder of YBYS and author of Your Business Is Your Story, to explore why authentic storytelling has become one of the most valuable business assets in today’s AI-driven marketplace.
Dan reveals how founders can leverage their personal journey, values, struggles, and mission to build stronger brands, attract premium clients, and create deeper trust with customers, teams, and partners.
Together, Ann and Dan unpack the critical difference between brand messaging and true story alignment - and why businesses that disconnect from their authentic story often lose trust, momentum, and long-term relevance.
 
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
Why your founder story is your greatest competitive advantage
How authentic storytelling helps attract higher-paying clients
The difference between branding and genuine story-driven positioning
How personal adversity and transformation shape resilient businesses
Why storytelling matters even more in the age of AI and automation
 
With real-world examples - including lessons from companies like Starbucks - this episode offers a fresh perspective on how entrepreneurs can turn their experiences into meaningful business growth and lasting influence.
 
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to transform your story into a strategic business asset - and unlock deeper connection, clarity, and growth.
 
Key Moments: 
05:25 Focusing on customer pain points
07:16 Discussing authenticity in marketing
10:34 Understanding your business story
14:24 Journalism career and public setback
17:59 Switching to legacy-focused storytelling
20:10 Adapting stories for new ventures
23:03 Building a lasting business story
26:33 Overcoming business challenges
31:41 Howard Schultz's origins and controversies
34:08 Prioritizing shareholders over values
37:16 Story to strategy transformation
42:01 Elevate your business strategy
 
About the guest : 
Dan Grech is a serial entrepreneur, storytelling strategist, and founder of YBYS (Your Business Is Your Story), where he helps founders turn their story into a growth engine that drives revenue, aligns teams, and creates lasting momentum.
Over the course of his career, Dan has built and scaled six startups—including a company that exited for $15 million—and also founded Miami’s first podcast company. Blending his entrepreneurial experience with a background in journalism, Dan specializes in helping leaders uncover the stories that differentiate their businesses in crowded markets.
Dan is the creator of the Story-Driven Growth framework, a 2023 Minority-Owned Business of the Year honoree, a former member of a Pulitzer Prize-winning team, and has testified before Congress on AI and small business. He is also the author of the upcoming book Your Business Is Your Story: The Growth Strategy Your Competitors Cannot Copy.
 
How to connect Dan : 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangrech/
Book a free 30-minute consult with Dan: https://ybys.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

In this powerful episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with renowned economist, leadership expert, and author of The Perfect Plan, Dr. Don Barden, to uncover the mindset and decision-making strategies behind elite business performance.
Drawing from decades of research into high achievers, leadership psychology, and institutional finance, Dr. Don Barden reveals the science behind what separates top-performing leaders from everyone else - and how entrepreneurs can apply those same principles to accelerate growth and influence.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
The leadership principles elite performers use to scale faster
How understanding the “why” behind behavior drives stronger decisions and better results
The neuroscience of influence, communication, and high-performance leadership
Dr. Don Barden’s 3-step “Perfect Plan” framework for business growth
Why gratitude, emotional intelligence, and clarity create lasting success
Whether you’re a founder, consultant, executive, or coach, this episode delivers practical insights on leadership, sales, and strategic thinking that can help you elevate your business and impact.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how elite leaders think, communicate, and execute - and how you can apply the Perfect Plan to your own success.
Key Moments: 
05:14 Working on international deals
07:27 Backing insights with science
09:55 Staying present to extend success
12:52 Corporate structure and communication
16:47 Return on Time Investment
20:10 Effective presentation techniques
22:23 Co-creating with buyers
25:58 Building Genuine Connections Through Gratitude
28:57 Making work easy for others
32:04 Evolving meaning of "perfect"
 
About The Guest : 
Dr. Don Barden is a classically trained economist and globally recognized expert in leadership and decision-making. He spent 25 years as a corporate executive in institutional finance and global economics, building teams that averaged over $1 billion in annual revenue. During his doctoral studies at Columbia International University, he identified a common thread among elite leaders that became the foundation for his book The Perfect Plan, now published in 39 countries worldwide.
 
Don was named one of the Top 30 Most Transformational Leaders in North America by John Maxwell, the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and received full honors from the Department of Defense and the 75th US Army Ranger Regiment. He lectures at Oxford University, The Wharton School of Business, and Wake Forest University, and is a frequent instructor at the US Army Ranger Leadership and Professional Development Program.
 
His newest work, Here Come the Girls, is a #1 Amazon release in economics exploring the global leadership shift that will occur between 2028 and 2032 as women take over global leadership roles. Don is the founder of Perfect Plan Consulting and The Perfect Plan community, where he brings his frameworks directly to entrepreneurs and leaders ready to grow.
 
How to connect Dr. Don Barden : 
Website : https://www.linkedin.com/in/donwbarden/
LinkedIn: https://donbarden.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

In this insightful episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Marilyn Jenkins, founder and CEO of Law Marketing Zone, to explore how specialization, systems, and smart marketing strategies can transform a service business into a scalable growth machine.
After building and selling multiple businesses, Marilyn found her sweet spot helping law firms dominate their local markets through targeted marketing, strategic positioning, and strong lead generation systems.
Together, Ann and Marilyn unpack why niching down creates faster growth, how AI is reshaping digital marketing, and why the most successful agencies combine technology with human expertise and relationship-driven strategy.
⚖️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why specialization gives agencies a major competitive advantage
How law firms can leverage local SEO and lead generation for consistent growth
The role of AI in modern marketing - and where human strategy still wins
How to build scalable systems and expert-led teams
Why marketing success depends on both lead generation and strong sales processes
Whether you’re an agency owner, consultant, or service-based entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights on scaling smarter, positioning stronger, and building a business designed for long-term success.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to stand out in a crowded market and create sustainable growth through specialization and strategy.
Key Moments: 
04:05 Digital marketing strategies overview
08:20 Importance of Specializing in Business
11:35 Ideal client criteria for law firms
14:53 Improving client intake process
17:29 Qualifying guests for the podcast
20:11 Specializing in a niche field
25:07 Working with AI and prompts
27:13 Critiquing business strategy
31:56 Embracing remote work benefits
33:35 Hiring full-time employees
36:48 Hiring experts for changing fields
41:31 Knowledge sharing and exit strategies
46:19 Working with various business types
About the guest : Marilyn Jenkins is a digital growth strategist and founder of Law Marketing Zone®, specializing in helping law firms scale their business. Since the early 90s, she has developed strategic digital marketing plans spanning paid ads, SEO, Google Business Profile optimization, and a 24/7 bilingual call center. Her expertise has generated remarkable results, including some clients exceeding seven-figure revenues and achieving a return on investment over 14x.
An expert in her field, Marilyn hosts the top 2.5% podcast, *Leadership In Law*, where she interviews prominent legal professionals on topics vital to growth and team building. Her cable TV show, The Marketing Zone, is on NowMedia.TV networks. 
 
How to connect Marilyn: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynjenkins/
Website: https://lawmarketingzone.com/
Get Marilyn’s book at https://amzn.to/4h6j4ra
 
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 powerful episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Chris Majer, founder and CEO of the Human Potential Project (HP2), whose leadership work has impacted everyone from Army Special Forces and Olympic athletes to Fortune 500 giants like Microsoft, Boeing, and AT&T.
Chris shares his extraordinary journey and reveals what it really takes to create lasting transformation inside organizations not just temporary motivation or surface-level training.
From driving massive business turnarounds to helping leaders develop “embodied competence,” this conversation dives deep into the future of leadership, learning, and high performance.
🚀 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Chris Majer’s proven framework for transformational leadership
Why practice and embodiment matter more than theory alone
How the Human Potential Project creates measurable organizational growth
The leadership shifts required for modern teams and businesses
Lessons from coaching elite performers from Special Forces to Fortune 500 executives
Whether you’re a founder, executive, consultant, or team leader, this episode offers practical wisdom on building stronger leaders, scaling performance, and creating change that actually sticks.
🎧 Tune in now to discover how to unlock human potential and drive extraordinary results in business and leadership.
 
Key Moments: 
07:04 Length of cultural shift programs
11:53 Building trust in coaching relationship
14:03 Working with people in Seattle
15:59 Learning to delegate leadership
19:47 Manufacturing airplane doors efficiently
25:12 Young manager challenges the status quo
27:21 Investment in Human Potential Project
30:41 Building trust and team commitment
33:01 Introducing new leadership practices
38:01 Feedback from workshop attendees
41:14 Early days in advisory services
43:36 Struggling with financial decisions
47:32 Challenges with HR and budget constraints
51:12 Identifying your real buyers
About the guest : 
Chris Majer is the Founder and CEO of The Human Potential Project (HP2) and a globally recognized leadership and transformation expert. Over the past three decades, he has worked with everyone from Army Special Forces and Olympic athletes to Fortune 500 companies including Microsoft, AT&T, Intel, and Boeing - helping organizations unlock high performance and generate measurable business results.
An Amazon best-selling author and sought-after keynote speaker, Chris is known for his groundbreaking work in leadership, organizational culture, and Commitment Based Management, with clients documenting more than $4 billion in value created through his transformational strategies.
How to connect Chris: 
Website: http://www.humanpotentialproject.com 
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismajer/ 
Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/chris.majer.75 
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 high-impact episode of Expert In You, Ann Carden tackles one of the biggest mistakes consultants and service-based entrepreneurs are making today: moving downmarket in response to AI, competition, and economic pressure.
While many are lowering prices and chasing volume, Ann explains why this strategy leads straight into the competition trap—and how going upmarket is the real path to profitability, differentiation, and long-term growth.
If you want to future-proof your business in an AI-driven world, this episode will challenge your thinking and show you a smarter way forward.
🚀 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
Why lowering your prices can damage your brand and profitability
How AI is widening the gap between commodity services and premium expertise
The key to attracting high-end clients who value results—not discounts
How to reposition your services to stand out in a crowded market
Why “working higher” beats working harder every time
If you’re an experienced consultant, coach, or B2B service provider ready to escape the race to the bottom and move into premium positioning, this episode gives you the clarity and strategy to do it.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to elevate your expertise, attract better clients, and win in the new economy.
Key Moments: 
06:07 Moving your business upmarket
08:20 Staying valuable in tough times
11:46 Elevating your business strategy
14:08 Considering investing in a business
17:12 Podcast disclaimer and subscribe reminder
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 thought-provoking episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with renowned economist and leadership expert Dr. Don Barden to explore a bold prediction: women could dominate global leadership roles by 2028.
Drawing from his research and insights from his book Here Come the Girls, Dr. Don breaks down the economic, cultural, and leadership trends driving this major global shift - and why businesses that fail to adapt may get left behind.
This conversation explores the real data behind women’s rising influence in leadership and how this transformation could reshape organizations, industries, and economies worldwide.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Why women are positioned to lead the next major leadership shift
The economic impact of increased female leadership globally
How women leaders influence retention, innovation, and company culture
Why organizations must adapt to remain competitive
What this leadership evolution means for the future of business
Whether you’re an executive, entrepreneur, or emerging leader, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the biggest leadership shifts happening right now - and what it means for your future.
🎧 Tune in now to explore the data, trends, and opportunities shaping the next era of leadership.
 
Key Moments: 
05:47 Observing women in leadership change
06:30 Predicting women leading by 2028
11:26 Complexity of family dynamics
13:19 Men supporting women in leadership
17:50 Reflecting on personal growth
20:12 Embracing humility in business
24:07 Women's evolving role in society
28:44 Cultural dynamics in South Korea
31:48 Balancing family and work changes
34:30 Impact of changing leadership styles
36:12 Discussing women's leadership strengths
39:42 Retaining and reshuffling loyal employees
42:39 Traditional male leadership approach
47:22 Improving employee retention
51:36 Collaborating for mutual growth
 
About The Guest : 
Dr. Don Barden is a classically trained economist and globally recognized expert in leadership and decision-making. He spent 25 years as a corporate executive in institutional finance and global economics, building teams that averaged over $1 billion in annual revenue. During his doctoral studies at Columbia International University, he identified a common thread among elite leaders that became the foundation for his book The Perfect Plan, now published in 39 countries worldwide.
 
Don was named one of the Top 30 Most Transformational Leaders in North America by John Maxwell, the 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and received full honors from the Department of Defense and the 75th US Army Ranger Regiment. He lectures at Oxford University, The Wharton School of Business, and Wake Forest University, and is a frequent instructor at the US Army Ranger Leadership and Professional Development Program.
 
His newest work, Here Come the Girls, is a #1 Amazon release in economics exploring the global leadership shift that will occur between 2028 and 2032 as women take over global leadership roles. Don is the founder of Perfect Plan Consulting and The Perfect Plan community, where he brings his frameworks directly to entrepreneurs and leaders ready to grow.
 
How to connect Dr. Don Barden : 
Website : https://www.linkedin.com/in/donwbarden/
LinkedIn: https://donbarden.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

In this powerful episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Cathy Fyock, a renowned book coach who has helped over 275 authors bring their business books to life.
If you’ve ever thought about writing a book - or wondered how authors leverage books to build authority, attract clients, and open new doors - this conversation breaks it down with clarity and strategy.
Ann and Cathy explore how a well-positioned book can elevate your brand, strengthen your message, and become a powerful asset for thought leadership and business growth.
 
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
Why writing a book is one of the fastest ways to build authority and credibility
How to turn your expertise into a clear, compelling message
The role of AI tools in accelerating the writing process (and where they fall short)
Common mistakes experts make when they skip strategy before writing
How a book can unlock speaking, clients, and high-value opportunities
 
Whether you’re a consultant, coach, speaker, or entrepreneur, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to turn your knowledge into a book that works for your business- not just your bookshelf.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to write smarter, position stronger, and use your book to elevate your influence and income.
 
Key Moments: 
05:18 Helping people discover their value
06:28 The transformative power of writing
11:52 Balancing AI use with hard work
14:19 Repurposing blog content into books
16:13 Discussing book end goals
21:05 Challenges of using AI effectively
23:27 Managing and marketing past books
27:46 Transitioning from doing to teaching
30:18 Engaging readers with examples
34:39 Downsides of traditional publishing
38:49 Hiring experts for better results
About the guest : 
Cathy Fyock is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals who want to write a nonfiction book about their expertise as a strategy for growing their business, brand, and influence. She is the author of 12 books, including On Your Mark, The Speaker Author, and Writer Crisis Hotline. She has helped more than 275 professionals become published authors, and believes that authors change the world, one word at a time.
Website : https://www.cathyfyock.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-fyock-973b735/
 
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
 💟I nstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anncardenconsulting/
 💟 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anncarden-business-consultant-coach

In this inspiring episode of Expert In You, host Ann Carden sits down with Lesle Lane of Studio 13, a third-generation entrepreneur who transformed a traditional family photography business into a modern, scalable enterprise.
From navigating succession without a clear roadmap to evolving through the shift from film to digital and now AI Lesle shares how she reimagined her business model to stay relevant, competitive, and profitable.
This conversation dives into what it really takes to modernize a legacy business, expand beyond local markets, and build new revenue streams while staying true to your brand.
 
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How to evolve a traditional business in a rapidly changing industry
The key to scaling from a local service to a nationwide operation
How to leverage freelancers and systems for flexible growth
How to innovate without losing authenticity in the age of AI
Lessons in resilience, leadership, and breaking industry barriers
Whether you’re running a family business, creative venture, or service-based company, this episode offers practical insights on adapting, innovating, and building long-term success.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how to transform your business, expand your reach, and create a modern brand that stands the test of time.
 
Key Moments: 
03:51 Taking over the family business
08:08 Switching from film to digital
10:33 Adapting to market changes
16:14 Expanding beyond local markets
18:46 Securing long-term photography contracts
21:56 Managing quality control challenges
24:51 Expanding services to grow revenue
29:54 Planning a branding consulting business
31:20 Planning for business transition
35:06 Building a standout photography website
39:53 Wrap-up and business growth tips
 
About the Guest : 
Lesle Lane is the founder and lead photographer of Studio 13, Inc., a commercial and corporate photography studio serving regional, national, and international clients. A third-generation photographer with more than three decades of experience, she transformed her family’s legacy business into a modern brand focused on helping companies strengthen their visual identity through high-quality imagery. Under her leadership, Studio 13 specializes in corporate, industrial, architectural, and branding photography for organizations across a wide range of industries.
 
How to connect Lesle : 
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/studio-thirteen/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studio13indy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/studio13adphoto
 
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