Episodes

  • Transforming Entrepreneur Burnout to Happiness - Phil Gerbyshak

    Transforming Entrepreneur Burnout to Happiness - Phil Gerbyshak
    Aug 21 2025
    Join Coach Dan Gordon as he sits down with Phil Gerbyshak, an expert in sales and leadership who aims to combat worker burnout and enhance happiness among entrepreneurs. Phil shares his insights on achieving work-life balance, the importance of gratitude, and practical steps to build a happiness practice. Discover how focusing on happiness now rather than later can transform your productivity and overall wellbeing. Phil's stories and strategies will inspire you to take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling entrepreneurial journey. Tune in for a robust discussion that could change how you approach work and life.

    Five Badass Q&As
    Q1: Why is burnout such a common issue among entrepreneurs?
    A1: The hustle culture promotes working harder without considering efficiency. Entrepreneurs often see burnout as a badge of honor, leading to exhaustion.
    Q2: What are some signs that an entrepreneur is experiencing burnout?
    A2: Burnout manifests as chronic fatigue, inability to move forward, and feeling stuck. It often leads to less productivity and less connection with family and personal life.
    Q3: How does gratitude play a role in managing stress and enhancing happiness?
    A3: Gratitude rewires the brain to focus on positive aspects, reducing the focus on stress and problems. It helps one feel more fulfilled and improves overall well-being.
    Q4: What practical steps can entrepreneurs take to start a happiness practice?
    A4: Start with simple actions like writing down three things you're grateful for daily. Over time, incorporate other practices like walking, journaling, or organizing your space.
    Q5: How does being happy affect sales performance?
    A5: Happiness boosts confidence and energy, making client interactions more positive. Happy salespeople are more likable and trusted, leading to better sales outcomes.

    Five Badass Quotes
    1. Burnout is not a badge of honor; it's a signal to change your approach.
    2. Happiness is new, not something you achieve after success.
    3. Gratitude rewires your brain to look for the good, reducing stress.
    4. If you can’t find the answer, try stepping away and gaining a new perspective.
    5. Sales and happiness intersect in the humanity of connection.

    Five Badass Takeaways
    1. Burnout results from the hustle culture and needs a shift in mindset.
    2. Gratitude can rewire your brain to focus on positive aspects, reducing stress.
    3. Happiness practices are essential for maintaining productivity and well-being.
    4. Stepping away from problems can help in finding creative solutions.
    5. Happy entrepreneurs make better connections and drive more sales.

    Contact Info
    Email: Phil@PhilGerbyshak.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philgerbyshak
    Blog: https://happyaf.substack.com
    Text HAPPY to 213-409-8366 for more information.

    Chapters
    1:35 Introduction
    2:37 The Issue of Burnout
    4:03 Importance of Happiness Now
    10:31 The Happiness Practice
    18:46 Starting a Happiness Practice
    22:26 Strategic Happiness Practices
    24:54 Intersection of Sales and Happiness
    27:56 Final Thoughts and Contact Info
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    30 mins
  • Cold Calling Secrets From Top Sales Expert - Odile Faludi

    Cold Calling Secrets From Top Sales Expert - Odile Faludi
    Aug 8 2025
    Join Coach Dan Gordon as he sits down with Odile Faludi, a renowned cold-calling expert, on this episode of For Badass Entrepreneurs ONLY! Odile shares her journey from setting CEO appointments to running sold-out cold-call workshops. Learn how to transform cold calls into engaging conversations, overcome objections, and develop the confidence to pitch your ideas effectively. Odile also offers practical advice for podcasters on leveraging cold-calling techniques to expand their reach. Whether you're a seasoned salesperson or new to the game, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed. Take advantage of Odile's invaluable tips and strategies!

    Five Badass Q&As
    Q1: What is cold calling?
    A1: Cold calling is an unscheduled call from someone you don’t know. You essentially interrupt them but with grace.
    Q2: How did you get started as a cold-calling expert?
    A2: As a business development manager, I set appointments for C-suite executives. My boss challenged me to create a cold-calling course, which led to sold-out workshops and the start of my own business.
    Q3: How can cold-calling skills benefit podcasters?
    A3: Cold calling teaches you to have engaging conversations, which is crucial for creating compelling podcast content and connecting with your audience.
    Q4: What’s the most significant mistake people make in cold calling?
    A4: Trying to sell something immediately. Instead, focus on sharing something you love and having a meaningful conversation.
    Q5: How do you overcome objections in cold calls?
    A5: Understand that objections are just questions with tension. Reassure the person by showing confidence and respectfully addressing their concerns.

    Five Badass Quotes
    1. Interrupt with such grace.
    2. Cold calling is about having an excellent energy exchange.
    3. Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.
    4. You're sharing something you love.
    5. An objection is a question with tension.
    Five Badass Takeaways
    1. Focus on having meaningful conversations, not just selling.
    2. Confidence and self-belief are crucial in overcoming objections.
    3. Research and relevance are vital in making effective cold calls.
    4. Consistency in having daily conversations builds a robust pipeline.
    5. Leverage your warm market before approaching the cold market.

    Contact Info
    Website: http://odilefaludi.com.au
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odilefaludi628a7413
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odile.faludi

    Chapters
    0:00 Welcome and Introduction
    5:35 What is Cold Calling?
    7:06 Odile’s Journey to Cold Calling Expertise
    10:24 Relevance of Cold Calling for Podcasters
    14:22 Starting a Podcast Interview
    20:43 Overcoming Objections in Cold Calls
    27:19 The Importance of SelfBelief
    33:27 Research and Relevance in Cold Calling
    39:07 How to Connect with Odile
    For more badass episodes, check us out at For Badass Entrepreneurs ONLY! https://dangordonenterprise.com/badass.
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    46 mins
  • Branding Guru Explains How to Sell with Love - Sasha Strauss

    Branding Guru Explains How to Sell with Love - Sasha Strauss
    Jul 18 2025
    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sasha Strauss, a leading voice in brand strategy and founder of Innovation Protocol. With over 25 years of experience, Sasha shares his unique approach to branding, emphasizing the importance of empathy, love, and understanding your audience. Discover how he turned personal struggles into professional triumphs, working with global giants like Google and Disney. Learn the secrets behind building a brand that resonates deeply with customers and fosters genuine connections. This episode has actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their brand strategy and make a lasting impact.

    Five Badass Q&As:
    Q1: What inspired your TED Talk about branding with love?
    A1: I wanted to write something that made people uncomfortable and challenged their notions about sales. The idea of wrapping sales in love was meant to disrupt and make people rethink their approach.
    Q2: How does love fit into brand strategy?
    A2: Brand strategy is about making your audience feel seen and understood. It's not just about the product but about connecting with the people who use it and making them feel valued.
    Q3: What advice do you give small business owners who are skeptical about brand strategy?
    A3: Small businesses have the advantage in brand strategy. They can build direct, authentic connections with their audience without the baggage of a large corporation's history.
    Q4: How do you handle the internal branding within a company?
    A4: It's crucial to include employees in the branding process. They need to feel heard and seen, so they advocate for the brand.
    Q5: How did your early experiences influence your approach to branding?
    A5: Growing up with parents dedicated to their work instilled in me the value of hard work and empathy. This translates into my branding work, where understanding and compassion are essential.

    Five Badass Quotes:
    1. Sell things wrapped in love.
    2. Nobody likes to be sold to; they want to feel connected.
    3. Your entrepreneurial energy must be something other than your brand's energy.
    4. Life is suffering, but we are lucky to live it.
    5. Empathy is crucial in understanding your audience.
    Five Badass Takeaways:
    1. Empathy is critical to successful branding.
    2. Include your team in the branding process.
    3. Small businesses have a branding advantage.
    4. Authentic connections matter more than product features.
    5. Overcoming personal struggles can fuel professional success.

    Contact Info:
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sashastrauss
    Website: https://www.innovationprotocol.com

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    02:22 Sasha Strauss' background
    06:26 The concept of branding with love
    09:29 How love fits into brand strategy
    18:34 Empathizing with your audience
    26:40 Sasha's early influences
    32:19 Overcoming ADD and Early Struggles
    41:14 The importance of empathy in business
    51:46 The inception of the Innovation Protocol
    1:01:02 Dealing with mistakes and failures
    1:09:41 What's next for Sasha Strauss

    For more badass episodes, check us out at For Badass Entrepreneurs ONLY
    https://dangordonenterprise.com/badass
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    56 mins
  • Build Teams That Outperform the Rest - Damon Pistulka

    Build Teams That Outperform the Rest - Damon Pistulka
    Jun 23 2025
    Join Coach Dan Gordon as he interviews Damon Pistulka, Managing Director of Exit Your Way. He’s the guy CEOs call when they’re tired of burnout, flat sales, or not knowing how to sell the business they’ve built. Damon brings 30+ years of hands-on business-building wisdom and shares the truth about what it really takes to scale up, step back, and sell high.

    From why most businesses aren’t actually sellable, to how content marketing now outperforms paid ads, to the secret weapon for success: B players with values, this episode is packed with field-tested, no-fluff advice every founder should hear.

    If you're building to sell, lead, or scale, this is your roadmap.

    🧠 Five Badass Q&As

    Q1: What’s the biggest myth about selling a business?
    A1: That making money = sellable. Without a team, systems, and structure, your business dies when you leave.
    Q2: What defines a high-performance team?
    A2: Shared values, clear expectations, and personal accountability. Not job titles or résumés.
    Q3: Why are so many founders their own bottleneck?
    A3: Because they never build a team that can operate without them. Buyers see that instantly and walk.
    Q4: How should leaders balance caring about people and demanding performance?
    A4: Relationships matter, but the role comes first. You can care and coach while still making hard calls.
    Q5: What makes content marketing essential today?
    A5: Paid ads are expensive and cold. Content builds trust, drives real interest, and scales your brand 24/7.

    🔥 Five Badass Quotes1. “Your business can’t be worth more than your ability to walk away.”
    2. “People don’t buy companies. They buy culture, consistency, and cashflow.”
    3. “I’d take a loyal B player over a toxic A+ rockstar any day.”
    4. “Don’t market to sell. Market to serve, and the sales will follow.”
    5. “Growth isn’t optional if you want to exit. It’s the expectation.”

    💡 Five Badass Takeaways1. Scalability comes from systems, not just sales.
    2. Your exit is only as strong as your team.
    3. Marketing has evolved. Content is now the front door.
    4.Founders must shift from doer to builder of doers.
    5. Value = Vision + Values + Velocity.

    📲 Contact Info
    LinkedIn: Damon Pistulka √
    Email: damon@exityourway.us
    Website: www.exityourway.com

    ⏱️ Chapters
    0:00 Damon Pistulka's Introduction and Background
    2:29 Common Mistakes in Business Sales
    4:27 Building High-Performance Teams
    7:33 The Importance of Shared Values in Teams
    10:44 Balancing Relationships and Performance in Teams
    16:12 Marketing and Messaging Strategies
    22:24 Content Marketing for Business Growth
    27:32 Scaling Up a Business
    33:46 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    For more badass episodes, check us out at For Badass Entrepreneurs ONLY!
    https://dangordonenterprise.com/badass
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    35 mins
  • Conquering Self-Judgment To Inspire Thousands - Rae Fung

    Conquering Self-Judgment To Inspire Thousands - Rae Fung
    Jun 7 2025
    Join Coach Dan Gordon as he interviews Rae Fung, a powerful speaker who transformed her self-doubt and societal pressure into a global mission. Rae shares her journey from struggling with self-worth in a rigid cultural environment to having tough conversations with herself and others, leading her to create Own Your Voice. Rae's inspiring story of overcoming low self-esteem and helping others find their voice will captivate you. Discover how Rae empowers rising leaders to design their lives and businesses authentically. Take advantage of this engaging conversation that delves into the importance of inner work, self-awareness, and creating a life driven by purpose and passion. Tune in for an episode filled with valuable insights and actionable takeaways for every entrepreneur.
    Five Badass Q&As
    Q1: How did growing up in a culture with immense pressure affect your self-esteem?
    A1: Growing up, I was told to do well in school, get good grades, and be the best in everything. This pressure made me feel unworthy because I couldn't meet those expectations. It created a tormenting cycle of self-doubt and judgment.
    Q2: What was the turning point that made you start having tough conversations with yourself?
    A2: When I was around 15, I reached a breaking point where I felt overwhelmed by my unworthiness. I realized I needed to stop seeking validation from others and start addressing my emotions and thoughts.
    Q3: How did you begin your journey into personal development and finding your voice?
    A3: I started by sharing my journey and learnings on social media. This led to unexpected opportunities, like speaking at events and receiving positive feedback, which helped me see the value of my voice.
    Q4: What challenges did you face when transitioning from seeking external validation to owning your voice?
    A4: Even after finding my voice, I struggled with tying my self-worth to my work and seeking validation from mentors. It was a continuous process of self-awareness and breaking old patterns.
    Q5: How do you help others own their voice, and what impact does it have?
    A5: I help rising leaders strengthen their trust in their voice through inner work and practical strategies. This empowers them to develop a unique sense of self, improve their communication, and lead authentically.
    Five Badass Quotes
    1. I realized I needed to stop seeking validation from others and start addressing my emotions.
    2. When you don't feel good about yourself, the idea of what you want doesn't exist.
    3. I have the power to design my life and create my path to success.
    4. You need to own your voice; if you don't, someone else will own it for you.
    5. Focusing on being in service rather than seeking validation brings genuine fulfillment.
    Five Badass Takeaways
    1. Self-awareness is the first step to overcoming self-doubt and building self-worth.
    2. Seeking validation from others can lead to a cycle of disappointment and unfulfillment.
    3. Building a solid trust with your voice is crucial for authentic leadership.
    4. Personal development and inner work are essential for long-term success.
    5. Helping others and focusing on service brings true joy and recognition.
    Contact Info
    Instagram: @raeglobal
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/today/author/raefung
    Website: http://www.raefung.com
    Chapters
    0:00 Introduction
    2:40 Starting the conversation with Rae Fung
    5:26 Rae's journey to Los Angeles
    9:27 Growing up with self-doubt
    12:22 Impact of societal pressure
    18:58 Seeking validation and its consequences
    24:23 The importance of self-awareness
    35:55 Creating Own Your Voice
    42:57 Taking responsibility for your life
    48:32 What is Own Your Voice?
    51:11 Conclusion and contact information
    For more badass episodes, check us out at For Badass Entrepreneurs ONLY!
    https://dangordonenterprise.com/badass
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    44 mins
  • Visionary Turned Tinnitus Into a Booming Business - Wayne Altman

    Visionary Turned Tinnitus Into a Booming Business - Wayne Altman
    May 8 2025
    Join Coach Dan Gordon as he talks with Wayne Altman, a military veteran who turned his tinnitus into a successful business, Melody Clouds. Wayne shares how he discovered the power of binaural beats and solfeggio frequencies to relieve his condition and decided to help others by creating an affordable, effective solution. In this episode, learn about Wayne’s journey from military service to entrepreneurial success, his challenges, and the lessons he learned along the way. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or seeking inspiration to tackle challenges, this episode has valuable insights and motivational stories.
    Five Badass Q&As
    Q1: What caused your tinnitus?
    A1: Bombs and bullets during my eight years in the military.
    Q2: How did you discover the solution to your tinnitus?
    A2: Someone introduced me to binaural beats, and within seconds, I realized they could provide me with silence for the first time in 30 years.
    Q3: Why did you decide to share your solution with others?
    A3: I wanted to help other people who suffer from tinnitus and provide an affordable solution, unlike overpriced alternatives.
    Q4: How did you start Melody Clouds?
    A4: I bought a domain and started putting together files, learning about licensing along the way so that I could own all my content.
    Q5: What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?
    A5: Surround yourself with positive people, focus on something you’re passionate about, and use analytics to understand and reach your audience.
    Five Badass Quotes
    1. The power of yes led me to incredible opportunities and connections.
    2. Silence for the first time in 30 years was life-changing.
    3. Don’t look in your sister’s bowl unless you put more in it.
    4. Know your audience and provide real value to them.
    5. You're right Whether you think you can or can’t.
    Five Badass Takeaways
    1. Embrace the unknown to find unexpected opportunities.
    2. Turn personal challenges into solutions that help others.
    3. Use the power of yes to open doors and create connections.
    4. Focus on customer experience and provide real value.
    5. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people.
    Contact Info
    Melody Clouds website: https://melodyclouds.com
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction
    05:31 Meeting Wayne Altman
    08:27 Wayne’s military background and tinnitus
    10:55 Discovering binaural beats
    14:25 Transitioning to an entrepreneurial mindset
    19:52 Starting Melody Clouds
    24:52 Customer experience focus
    29:33 Using analytics to find customers
    36:26 Managing uncertainty
    49:54 Plans for Melody Clouds
    For more badass episodes, check us out at For Badass Entrepreneurs ONLY!
    https://dangordonenterprise.com/badass
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    35 mins
  • Undocumented Immigrant to $100m Company Cofounder - Tal Zlotnitsky

    Undocumented Immigrant to $100m Company Cofounder - Tal Zlotnitsky
    Apr 6 2025
    Join Coach Dan Gordon as he interviews Tal Zlotnitsky, a managing partner at Ignite IT Consulting and host of the top-ranking podcast Braving Business. Tal shares his incredible journey from being an undocumented immigrant to speaking at the White House and founding multiple successful businesses, including the $100M company iControl mobile, which ultimately became ParkMobile. Discover how Tal overcame immense setbacks, stayed true to his values, and continuously strived for self-improvement. Learn valuable insights on resilience, the impact of generative AI on industries, and the importance of maintaining personal integrity in business. Don’t miss this inspiring episode for all badass entrepreneurs!

    Five Badass Q&As:
    Q1: What was one of your most significant early setbacks in business?
    A1: My first startup ended with me blowing up a power washer in my face. I thought I'd never get into business again, but I eventually started another company that became a $100M success.
    Q2: How do you handle days when you don’t want to get out of bed?
    A2: My dog got me out of bed when I fell. It’s essential to have something or someone else to think about, like family or a pet, to keep you going.
    Q3: What does being true to yourself mean to you?
    A3 means valuing other humans, respecting everyone, and not sacrificing your values. It's a continuous journey of self-discovery and staying centered.
    Q4: How did you react when someone at work challenged your preferences?
    A4: Instead of reacting aggressively, I calmly reiterated my reasons and asked for cooperation. It’s crucial to handle conflicts with composure and maintain mutual respect.
    Q5: What should entrepreneurs be aware of nowadays?
    A5: Generative AI is revolutionizing industries. Every entrepreneur must understand its potential impact on their business to harness its benefits and mitigate risks.

    Five Badass Quotes:
    1. The setbacks have made the journey worthwhile.
    2. If you act in a way that represents the best version of yourself, you'll feel proud of the journey.
    3. Most people are good and want to do the right thing.
    4. When you lose everything, you finally have the opportunity to find yourself.
    5. Discomfort is where we find growth and our greatest selves.

    Five Badass Takeaways:
    1. Resilience is critical to overcoming setbacks in entrepreneurship.
    2. Staying true to your values is crucial for long-term success.
    3. Generative AI will significantly impact all industries; understanding it is essential.
    4. Respect and compassion in business interactions lead to better outcomes.
    5. Personal growth often comes from discomfort and challenges.

    Contact Info:
    Tal Zlotnitsky: Ignite IT Consulting: https://igniteitconsulting.com/
    Braving Business Podcast: https://bravingbusiness.com/
    Coach Dan Gordon: https://dangordonenterprise.com

    Chapters:
    00:00 Introduction
    01:18 Tal’s Background and Achievements
    04:45 Overcoming Early Failures
    09:50 Staying True to Yourself
    15:00 Handling Conflict in Business
    19:20 Importance of Generative AI
    25:40 Lessons Learned from Setbacks
    31:00 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

    For more badass episodes, check us out at For Badass Entrepreneurs ONLY! https://dangordonenterprise.com/badass.
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    44 mins
  • Turning Simple Ideas Into Billion Dollar Industries - Simon Leslie

    Turning Simple Ideas Into Billion Dollar Industries - Simon Leslie
    Jan 23 2025
    Join Coach Dan Gordon as he interviews Simon Leslie, a media mogul whose innovations have transformed air travel marketing. From creating inflight magazines to establishing the largest airport TV network, Simon's journey is a testament to resilience and creativity. Discover how he turned simple ideas into billion-dollar industries, survived economic downturns, and navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gain insights into his strategies for success, the importance of celebrating teams, and his unique approach to customer care. This episode contains valuable lessons for entrepreneurs looking to overcome obstacles and achieve greatness.

    Five Badass Q&As
    Q1: How did Simon Leslie develop the idea for inflight magazines?
    A1: Simon was on a flight in the early 1990s and thought, If I gave millions of air travelers a free magazine, they'd probably read it, and advertisers would pay to reach those readers. This led to the creation of his Company, Inc., in 1994.
    Q2: What was the central turning point for Inc. in the inflight magazine market?
    A2: In 2005, after a board meeting, Simon decided to dominate the inflight magazine space. They went from having a few clients to winning about 70 airlines, taking advantage of a rapidly growing airline industry.
    Q3: How did Simon Leslie manage to grow Reach TV?
    A3: Simon joined an existing team, added his expertise and passion, and focused on providing engaging content for airport terminals. Reach TV grew to have over 2,500 screens across North America, partnering with major brands like Netflix, Sony, and Hilton.
    Q4: What strategy did Simon Leslie use to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic?
    A4: Simon contacted industry experts and motivational speakers to inspire and inform his team. This support helped them stay resilient and find new ways to innovate during the crisis.
    Q5: Why does Simon Leslie believe in celebrating his team?
    A5: Simon emphasizes that celebrating his team, regardless of their sales figures, is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive work culture. He believes feeling appreciated and part of the company’s success motivates employees to perform better.

    Five Badass Quotes
    1. Opportunities are gifts wrapped in problems.
    2. If my energy is low, my results are low.
    3. Success is not about never failing; it's about returning stronger.
    4. Advertising isn't linear; it's about planting seeds for the future.
    5. Creating magical moments leaves people better than you found them.

    Five Badass Takeaways
    1. Resilience Matters: Overcoming multiple industry crises, including 9/11 and COVID-19, showcases the importance of resilience.
    2. Celebrate Your Team: Recognizing and celebrating your team's efforts, regardless of sales, fosters a positive work environment.
    3. Innovate Constantly: Success comes from continuously innovating and improving upon existing ideas.
    4. Customer Experience: Going above and beyond for clients ensures lasting business relationships.
    5. Belief in Your Vision: Confidence and belief in your vision are crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

    Contact Info
    Simon Leslie: LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonleslie21
    Dan Gordon: Text GAP to 213-409-8366 for a free copy of Jumping the Gap
    Chapters

    0:00 Introduction
    4:44 Simon Leslie’s Background
    10:34 The Creation of InFlight Magazines
    16:35 Importance of Celebrating the Team
    20:16 The Art of Customer Experience
    24:17 Growth of Inc. and Reach TV
    30:09 Navigating the Pandemic
    38:44 Facing and Overcoming Devastation
    42:11 Insights from Industry Experts
    50:03 The Power of Positive Energy
    58:23 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
    For more badass episodes, check us out at For Badass Entrepreneurs ONLY!
    https://dangordonenterprise.com/badass
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    1 hr and 4 mins