Former UFC Fighter → Elite Leadership Coach: Cliff Starks on Calm Power, Tenacity & Values-Driven Success


Cliff Starks joins Nicole’s Business Notebook to show how “speak softly and carry a big stick” becomes a leadership superpower. A former UFC fighter and now a world-class leadership coach, Cliff helps high achievers blow past their wildest dreams—grounded in tenacity, responsibility, and values-based leadership. If you’re chasing big outcomes without losing your soul, this episode is your blueprint.


In this episode you’ll learn:




How to turn pressure into presence when everything’s on the line




The difference between tenacity vs. toxic hustle—and why standards - goals




A 3-part framework for values-based decisions that scale your impact




Rituals to build responsibility, resilience, and composure every day




How to lead softly, execute decisively, and win without yelling




Who this is for: founders, executives, sales leaders, creators, athletes, and anyone ready to lead with quiet confidence and deliver extraordinary results.





About Cliff Starks

Former UFC fighter turned leadership coach, Cliff is known for his grounded presence, soul-led wisdom, and results-driven frameworks that help high performers lead with integrity—and win.


About Nicole’s Business Notebook

A high-impact podcast where founder Nicole Banks interviews elite performers, unpacking the systems, mindsets, and moves that create outsized success.



If this hit home:



Subscribe for more high-performance conversations




Comment “TENACITY” if you’re committing to values-based leadership this week




Share this with the most disciplined leader you know





Keywords (SEO):


#Leadership #CliffStarks #UFC #HighPerformance #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #ExecutiveLeadership #ValuesBasedLeadership #Tenacity #NicoleBanks

What does it take to scale from $12M to $87M in under 18 months and grow across 100+ countries? Today, marketing savant and serial founder Jim Lupkin breaks down the systems behind predictable growth—so you can stop guessing and start scaling.


👇 Try Six Sigma Funnels

https://sixsigmafunnels.com/xa2bT1Yd

Start building data-driven funnels that convert!

FTC Disclosure: I’m an affiliate and may earn a commission if you sign up using my link.


In this episode, you’ll learn:



Predictive Social Media: how to engineer content that reliably turns attention into revenue




Funnel Architecture: the exact steps to remove friction, raise AOV/LTV, and accelerate cash flow




From 12M → 87M: the growth levers Jim pulls first (and the ones he ignores)




Global Scaling: operating across 100+ countries without breaking your systems




Referral Engines: why partnerships and affiliates beat cold ads for speed and trust




Metrics That Matter: the handful of KPIs that actually move the needle




Why this matters

If you’re serious about predictable growth, Jim’s frameworks compress the learning curve. This is the episode you’ll rewatch with a notebook.


About Jim Lupkin

Jim is the founder of Predictive Social Media and Six Sigma Funnels, a builder who has helped companies scale in 100+ countries, including taking one from $12M to $87M ARR in 18 months. He’s part strategist, part savant—and fully obsessed with measurable outcomes.


Links & Resources



🎯 Six Sigma Funnels (Affiliate): https://sixsigmafunnels.com/xa2bT1Yd


If this helped, like, subscribe, and share with a founder who’s ready to scale with receipts—not vibes.


#JimLupkin #SixSigmaFunnels #PredictiveSocialMedia #FunnelMarketing #ScalingUp #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ReferralMarketing #AffiliateMarketing #DigitalMarketing #NicolesBusinessNotebook #NicoleBanks

What happens when a high-energy sales pro with a heart for relationships sits down with a power connector? In this episode, I’m joined by Dino Klein, host of The Dino Show—a fun, whip-smart salesman who builds trust first and closes deals second. We dig into how to turn conversations into clients, why relationship capital beats ad spend, and the simple daily habits that keep your pipeline full.
In this episode you’ll learn:


How Dino opens doors with value-first outreach


The follow-up rhythm that converts warm hellos into warm leads


What to say in the first 30 seconds to earn credibility


Networking plays that grow a real referral engine


The mindset that makes sales fun (and repeatable)


If you’re building a brand, selling a service, or growing a network, this one’s a playbook. Tap play, take notes, and tell me your favorite takeaway in the comments.
—

Guest: Dino Klein — The Dino Show

Subscribe for weekly conversations with top connectors, founders, and creators.

Want to collaborate with The NICHEwork? DM me “NICHE” on Instagram/LinkedIn.

Hashtags

#NBN #NicolesBusinessNotebook #TheDinoShow #DinoKlein #SalesTips #RelationshipSelling #Networking #ReferralMarketing #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #PersonalBranding #BusinessGrowth #B2B #CloseTheDeal #FollowUp #MindsetMatters #PhoenixBusiness #ArizonaEntrepreneurs #PodcastInterview #CreatorsWhoConnect

Rafael Ramirez splits his time between Phoenix and El Paso, mentoring student-athletes from youth sports through college (in close collaboration with UTEP)—and championing programs that support the senior community. In this episode of Nicole’s Business Notebook, Rafael shares wise, heart-led insights on mentorship, teamwork, and building collaboration that lifts every generation.

What you’ll learn:

• Behind-the-scenes perspective on partnering with universities like UTEP

• Why investing in seniors strengthens entire communities

• Practical steps to create win-win, cross-city partnerships (Phoenix ↔ El Paso)

About Rafael: A mentor and community connector known for his wisdom, passion, and collaboration-first mindset, Rafael is dedicated to helping kids thrive in sports and life—and ensuring seniors stay active, engaged, and valued.

If this episode helped you, like, subscribe, and share it with a parent, coach, student-athlete, or senior advocate. Drop your biggest takeaway in the comments!

#NicolesBusinessNotebook #RafaelRamirez #YouthSports #StudentAthlete #UTEP #ElPaso #Phoenix #Mentorship #SeniorAdvocacy #Collaboration #nicolebanks #nicolebusinessnotebook

Episode 9 — Leadership Makes the Difference | Nicole’s Business Notebook ft. Chris Reeves (Leadership of Legacy)

Great businesses aren’t built on tactics alone—they’re built on leaders. In this episode, Nicole sits down with Chris Reeves, speaker and founder of Leadership of Legacy, to unpack how leadership turns vision into results. From culture and communication to decision-making and accountability, Chris shares pragmatic moves leaders can make today to elevate their teams and leave a lasting impact.
What you’ll learn

• The difference between management, influence, and true leadership
• How to build a legacy-driven culture (even with a lean team)
• Communication frameworks that reduce friction and boost execution
• Decision-making under pressure: principles that keep you out of “firefighting mode”
• Daily/weekly leadership rituals that compound into organizational wins
• How to develop leaders at every level so growth becomes inevitable

About Chris Reeves

Chris is a speaker and leadership strategist behind Leadership of Legacy, helping entrepreneurs and executives create cultures that perform, scale, and sustain.

About Nicole’s Business Notebook

Real-world conversations with elite operators, founders, and experts—so you can fund, scale, and lead with confidence.
If this episode helps, like, subscribe, and share it with a leader who’s building something that matters.

Hashtags:

#Leadership #BusinessLeadership #Entrepreneurship #FounderTips #LeadershipDevelopment #CompanyCulture #Communication #DecisionMaking #Legacy #ScaleYourBusiness #TeamBuilding #NicoleBanks #NBN #ChrisReeves #LeadershipOfLegacy

Dive deep into resilience, authenticity, and high-impact connections on this week’s episode of Nicole’s Business Notebook! Nicole sits down with Tab Pierce of Networked Live and Caliber Security, to uncover:

• From $1 M in Debt to Success: Tab’s hard-earned blueprint for financial recovery and business turnaround

• Authentic Networking: Why genuine relationships trump transactional tactics every time

• Leadership with Integrity: Building teams and cultures founded on trust and transparency

• Power of Your Story: How sharing your journey opens doors and creates opportunities

• Mentorship That Matters: Tab’s top tips for giving—and getting—real guidance

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or emerging leader, Tab’s raw stories and actionable insights will inspire you to tackle adversity head-on and build connections that last.

Like if you believe in the power of authenticity!
Comment below: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from failure?

Connect with Tab Pierce
Networked Live: https://networkedlive.com
Caliber Security: https://calibersecurity.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tabpierce

Hit the bell icon so you never miss an episode of Nicole’s Business Notebook!

#BusinessNetworking #AuthenticLeadership #Resilience #DebtRecovery #Mentorship #NetworkingTips #CaliberSecurity #NetworkedLive #TabPierce #Entrepreneurship #Storytelling #TrustBasedNetworking #NicoleBanks #SuccessJourney #BusinessGrowth #Thenichework #nicolesbusinessnotebook

Get ready for an epic conversation on Nicole’s Business Notebook! This week, Nicole sits down with world-renowned power connector Dave Waltzer, founder of Wicked Awesome Happy Hour, to unlock the secrets of building and leveraging networks that drive business success. They dive deep into:

• 
  The Power of Connection: Why authentic relationships are your most valuable asset

• 
  International Networks: Strategies for expanding your reach across borders

• 
  Starting a Networking Group: A step‑by‑step blueprint to launch and grow your own community

• 
  Role of Relationships in Business: How to turn connections into lasting partnerships and revenue streams

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, sales leader, or seasoned executive, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you ignite your network and fuel growth.

Subscribe to Nicole’s Business Notebook!
Like & Share if you believe in the power of connection!
Comment below: What’s the most valuable connection you’ve ever made?

Never miss an episode—hit the bell icon and stay tuned for more networking mastery!

#Networking #PowerConnector #BusinessNetworking #RelationshipMarketing #InternationalNetwork #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #WickedAwesomeHappyHour #DaveWaltzer #NetworkingEvents #StartupTips #BusinessStrategy #LeadGeneration #BuildYourNetwork #BizTips #NetworkingGroup #RelationshipBuilding #ProfessionalNetworking #BusinessRelationships #NicoleBanks

Unlock the power of connections with Catherine Pierce, co-owner of Networked Live and Caliber Security! In this episode of Nicole’s Business Notebook, Catherine breaks down why networking isn’t just small talk—it’s your secret weapon for growth, referrals, and long-term success. Learn how to build authentic relationships, leverage your network for strategic partnerships, and avoid the common pitfalls that leave your contact list gathering dust.

Don’t miss out—hit subscribe and ring the bell for weekly business-boosting insights!
If this episode supercharged your networking game, give it a thumbs up and share your biggest takeaway below.
Follow Catherine on LinkedIn and check out Networked Live and Caliber Security for next-level events and corporate security solutions.

#Networking #NetworkedLive #CaliberSecurity #CatherinePierce #BusinessNetworking #ReferralMarketing #ProfessionalGrowth #EntrepreneurTips #NetworkingStrategy #ConnectionCulture #NetworkingHacks #StrategicPartnerships #BuildYourNetwork #NetworkingEvents #LeadGeneration #RelationshipBuilding #B2BNetworking #EntrepreneurLife #SecurityAndNetworking #NicoleBusinessNotebook #TheNichework #nicolebanks