Small Business Straight Talk

326 | Simple Tech Upgrades To Maximize Your Efficiency

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into eight simple upgrades to the technology you use in your business every day that can help you maximize your efficiency. What You'll Discove...

325 | Burnout Prevention & Recovery With Charlène Gisèle

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Charlène Gisèle, The Burnout Prevention Adviser, to dive into burnout prevention strategies, as well as tools to help you heal from ...

324 | 5 Steps To Developing A Strong Team

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into what it takes to develop and maintain a strong team so you can maximize the benefits of having a team who supports you in achieving your b...

323 | Leveling Up Your Email Management With Yaro Starak

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the co-founder of email management company InboxDone.com, Yaro Starak, to dive into an effective email management solution that could ...

322 | How To Stop Micromanaging Your Team

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the root causes of why you're micromanaging your team so you can stop doing so and instead, empower your team to grow in their roles and i...

321 | Lessons In Leadership & Building A Strong Culture With Jaime Taets

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the Founder and CEO of Keystone Group International, Jaime Taets, to dive into the leadership role a business owner plays in building ...

320 | 6 Tips To Manage Your Time Blindness

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the topic of time blindness so you can learn how it might be affecting you and your business, then take action to minimize its unintention...

319 | How Intentional Action Leads To Exceptional Results With James Brackin

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I sit down with personal coach James Brackin to discuss how intentional action can fuel y...

318 | The Hidden Cost Of Perfectionism

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the different kinds of perfectionism and how you can use guardrails to curb your perfectionism tendencies so you can stop sabotaging yours...

317 | How To Create A Marketing Plan You'll Actually Stick To With Lauren Tilden

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with retail shop owner and marketing coach, Lauren Tilden, to dive into strategies to cut the noise, devise an effective marketing plan, an...

316 | Eliminating The Biggest Threat To Your Productivity

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into discovering the root cause of why you aren't more productive so you can take action to eliminate the biggest threat that is holding you ba...

315 | Tracking Operational Metrics To Skyrocket Profitability With Marcel Petitpas

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I sit down with Marcel Petitpas, the CEO & Co-Founder of Parakeeto, a company dedicated t...

314 | 10 Ways To Starve Your Distractions & Feed Your Focus

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into how you can ruthlessly starve your distractions and feed your focus so you can consistently show up your best during scheduled work time. ...

313 | Self-Care Or Self-Destruct: Your Choice With Katie McDonald

12 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with self-care strategist and the owner of B.Nourished.com, Katie McDonald, to dive into her journey to becoming an expert on self-care whi...

312 | How To Create Time To Work On Your Business

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into strategies to create time to work ON your business so you can stop spending so much time working IN your business and instead, invest your...

311 | Applying Your Learning To Supercharge Your Success With Nick Hutchison

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Nick Hutchison, the visionary force behind BookThinkers and author of Rise of the Reader, to dive into strategies to consume informati...

310 | Hold The Line: Reflecting On The Last Year In My Business

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Small Business Straight Talk Podcast, I reflect on the last year in my business and give you a behind-the-scenes look at the ch...

309 | Self-Discipline: The Driving Force Behind Showing Up Consistently With Dre Baldwin

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the CEO and Founder of Work On Your Game Inc., Dre Baldwin, to dive into what he believes is the real key to showing up consistently a...

308 | Vision Of Success: Setting Business Goals Worth Achieving In The New Year

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Not every idea or project is worth pursuing. Not every goal is worth creating. When deciding what you want to accomplish in your business this year, m...

307 | A New Year, A New Microhabit

18 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into committing to one new microhabit that will help you enjoy the journey of being a business owner so you can be sustainable for the long hau...

306 | Cleaning The Slate For A Fresh Start

04 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into how taking time to gain clarity on what hasn't been working in your business  this year and cleaning the slate of that baggage this month...

305 | Task Management: Going Beyond Your Business

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into some of my favorite task management strategies I use in my business and discuss how they can easily be implemented into your personal life...

304 | A Special Message From Amber

06 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I'm going to share with you a big decision that I recently made in my business and why I made it to help you determine if you are in need of making a ...

303 | Mastering The Hiring Process With Jamie Van Cuyk

30 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the owner of Growing Your Team, Jamie Van Cuyk, to dive into some effective strategies to help you to grow your team by quickly attrac...

302 | Organizing Your Space For Optimal Productivity

22 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into strategies to organize your workspace effectively so you can significantly increase your efficiency and improve your productivity. What Yo...

301 | Unraveling The Secret To Building Confidence With Nicole Kalil

16 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you want to learn how you can build confidence and harness it to be a more effective, successful business owner? Then tune into today's episode of ...

300 | An Open Letter To My Listeners

09 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Well, we made it! 300 episodes of Productivity Straight Talk. Wow! It seems like only a few short months ago I was coming up with ideas for my very fi...

299 | A Look At Fractional COOs With Lauren Goldstein

02 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the founder and CEO of business consulting firm Golden Key Partnership, Lauren Goldstein, to dive into the world of fractional COOs an...

298 | No Systems? No Bueno

25 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into how you can get started creating systems in your business so you can gain more control, diminish overwhelm, and run a more efficient, prof...

297 | Dumping The Head Trash That's Killing Your Productivity With Renie Cavallari

18 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the My guest on today's episode of Productivity Straight Talk, I sit down with the CEO and Founder of Powered by Aspire, Renie Cavalla...

296 | Back To The Basics Of Growing Your Business

11 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Productivity Straight Talk, I dive into numerous ways you can stay true to yourself and take your marketing and visibility back to ...

295 | Planning For What's Possible: A Client Case Study With Ellen Nystrom

04 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down for a indepth client case study interview with the owner of interior design firm Ellen Nystrom Design. Ellen and I take a look back at her ...

294 | 6 Steps To Create & Maintain An Organized Digital File System

28 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into how you can create an organized digital file system and maintain it with ease so you can optimize the efficiency of you and your team! Wha...

BONUS Invite: Calling All Design Professionals!

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Calling all newbie and seasoned designers, builders, window treatment specialists! In this episode, I personally invite you to join myself, LuAnn Niga...

293 | De-Escalating Conflicts The Fastest & Most Effective Way With Doug Noll

21 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with highly experienced mediator Doug Noll to dive into his work as a highly experienced mediator who is passionate about using proven stra...

292 | Are You Overcomplicating Your Business?

16 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Productivity Straight Talk, I dive into the tendency of many business owners to overcomplicate their businesses and discuss strateg...

290 | The 4 D's Of Prioritizing Your Tasks & Projects

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into a simple method to make your task list more manageable and prioritize the tasks and projects on it, so you can stay focused on the activit...

291 | From Maximalist To Minimalist: Choosing To Run A Cozy Small Business With Lydia Lee

31 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Work Reinvention Coach & Solopreneur Strategist at Screw The Cubicle, Lydia Lee, to dive into her entrepreneurial journey that started...

289 | Using AI To Hire For The Skills Your Business Needs With Robyn Grable

24 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the Founder and CEO of Talents ASCEND, Robyn Grable, to dive into how AI is being used by businesses all over the world to successfull...

288 | Pomodoro Technique Not My Thing But It Might Be Yours

17 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the much utilized Pomodoro Technique so you can decide if it would be an effective time management tool to use in your business. What You'...

287 | Writing A Book To Grow Your Business With Michael DeLon

10 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the President of Paperback Expert, Michael DeLon, to dive into the marketing strategy of writing a book to find new clients and grow y...

286 | Ask Amber: Should I Combine My Work And Personal Calendars?

03 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the long, drawn-out answer to this specific question I get asked by my clients a lot: should I combine my work and personal calendars? The...

285 | Practicing Emotional Intelligence To Show Up Your Best With Joshua Freedman

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the CEO and Cofounder of Six Seconds Emotional Intelligence Network, Joshua Freedman, to dive into the practice of emotional intellige...

284 | How To Get Unstuck

19 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the topic of getting unstuck so you can get clarity on the root cause of why you're stuck and start working toward a solution. What You'll...

283 | Small Business Phoenix: A Client Case Study With Vita Vygovska PART 2 [Update]

12 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down for an update interview with my past client Vita Vygovska, the owner of window treatment company Vitalia, Inc., to discuss how she navigate...

282 | Onward To $1 Million With Vita Vygovska PART 1 [Replay]

05 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Vita Vygovska, the owner of window treatment company Vitalia, Inc. We take an in-depth look at how she went from being a corporate dro...

281 | A Roadmap For Approaching Tough Conversations With David Wood

29 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with life coach David Wood to dive into a healthy structure for approaching tough business conversations you want to avoid, so you can effe...

280 | Slowing Down To Speed Up

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into some great opportunities that can often be found during slower periods in your business so you can embrace them and benefit from taking ac...

279 | Making Documenting Processes Non-Intimidating With Adrienne Bellehumeur

15 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the Owner of Risk Oversight and Bellehumeur Co., Adrienne Bellehumeur, to dive into six practical steps for navigating process documen...

278 | The Magical Power Of A Reset

08 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the what, when, why, and how of doing a reset so you can get right back on track to achieving your goals after a misstep.  What You'll Di...

277 | From Project Management To Business Management: A Client Case Study With Anabeth McConnell

01 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Anabeth McConnell who is the owner of Inbound Design Partners. We dive into her entrepreneurial journey and pull back the curtain on t...

276 | Do You Live To Work Or Work To Live?

24 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into how you can Increase your fulfillment beyond running a successful business by setting intentions for each season of your life and choosing...

275 | There's No Such Thing As Balance With Jennifer Szpigiel

17 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the owner and founder of Becoming Iconic®️, Jennifer Szpigiel, to dive into business owners' quest to create work/life balance. We ...

274 | Unnormalizing Your Normal

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the strategy of taking a hard look at your business to recognize that you've normalized certain behaviors that aren't normal at all. Once ...

273 | 5 Practical Ways To Scale In Uncertain Times With Benjamin Friedman

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the Owner of Build Scale Grow, Benjamin Friedman, to dive into 5 practical ways to make scaling your business in uncertain times less ...

272 | Stepping Up Your CEO Game: A Client Case Study With Tim Clothier PART 2 [Update

27 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down for an update interview with my long-term coaching client, Tim Clothier, CEO of Illusion Projects, to gain insight into the inner-workings ...

271 | Stepping Up Your CEO Game: A Client Case Study With Tim Clothier PART 1 [Replay]

20 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with my long-term client and the CEO of Illusion Projects, Tim Clothier, to discuss how he's been stepping up his CEO game during our years...

270 | One Damn Thing

13 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into how doing just this one damn thing will make everything else in your business easier, help you stay in your focused zone for much longer, ...

269 | The F-Bomb You Need To Move On From With Erin Diehl

06 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, and Professional Zoombie Erin Diehl to dive into how failing to process your failures can negatively i...

268 | The #1 Scheduling Mistake Business Owners Make

27 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the topic of scheduling white space on your calendar so you can minimize the chaos that ensues when you don't. What You'll Discover In Thi...

267 | Changing The Game Of SOPs & Processes With Jennifer Smith

20 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the Cofounder and CEO of Scribe, Jennifer Smith, to dive into the world of SOPs and processes. We discuss how Scribe's innovative soft...

266 | Breaking Free From Imposter Syndrome With Melody Wilding

13 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with best-selling author Melody Wilding to discuss imposter syndrome and the many ways to break free from it so you can find the confidence...

265 | I Got Operational Efficiency And You Can Too!

06 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I go behind the scenes of my business to show you exactly how I've been creating operational efficiency so you can gain insights on how and where to c...

264 | Got Operational Efficiency?

30 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into ways to create operational efficiency in the areas that will provide the biggest impact so you can increase profits and reduce the stress ...

263 | ADHD And Business Ownership: An Entrepreneurial Case Study With Diann Wingert

23 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Business Strategist, Coach, and Mentor, Diann Wingert, for an in-depth conversation about the intersection of ADHD and business owners...

262 | Flip The Script

16 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Productivity Straight Talk, I dive into areas of your business that can feel especially difficult and discuss a simple strategy to ...

261 | Hiring: The Often Missed Skill Gap With Tatiyana Cure

09 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with executive recruiter and talent acquisition leader Tatiyana Cure to dive into the skill set of hiring, a skill set which many small bus...

260 | Shh! Listen To What Your Calendar Is Telling You…

02 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the strategy of tracking your time and analyzing your calendar to help you identify where you can make small improvements in your time man...

259 | Questioning Bill Gates' Time Management Strategies

12 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dissect the time management strategies Bill Gates uses, uncover why they won't work for your small business, and discuss what to do instead to manag...

258 | 3 Gifts Every Small Business Owner Needs This Holiday Season

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the three gifts you should give yourself this holiday season to reduce holiday stress, make running your business more manageable, and mak...

257 | Creating Freedom With Structure: A Client Case Study With Jessica Risko Smith

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Jessica, the owner of Jessica Risko Smith Interior Design, to pull back the curtains on her business and discuss what wasn't working, ...

256 | Emotional Resilience: A Calm Response To Adversity With Robin Hills

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the Director of Ei4Change, Business Psychologist and Emotional Intelligence Trainer, Robin Hills to dive into his world of emotional i...

255 | Work/Life Balance: Is It Achievable?

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the topic of work/life balance and discuss how getting clear on what you don't want and do want to experience can lead you to take action ...

254 | Make It A NO-vember To Remember

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the idea that you should say no to anything that's not serving you so you can free up your time and energy for the activities that do! Wha...

253 | The Big Bad Habits Of Business Owners

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In celebration of Halloween, I dive into the BIG BAD HABITS of business owners to help you identify which ones are the main villains in your business ...

252 | How To Work Effectively With Independent Contractors With Lacey Updegraff

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the Owner of Lacey & Co. Consulting, Lacey Updegraff, for an insightful discussion on the ins and outs and do's and don'ts of working ...

251 | Doubling Down On What's Working

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into an alternative strategy to focusing your time and efforts on what could work.  And that's leveraging what's working already! Doubling dow...

250 | Evolving From Expert To Thought Leader With Carol Cox

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the founder and CEO of Speaking Your Brand, Carol Cox to dive into her expertise of helping entrepreneurs evolve from experts in their...

249 | 15 Actions To Lead Your Team Effectively

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I'm going to discuss 15 actions to take to lead your team effectively so you can retain them and get the results you want! A few might sound familiar....

248 | Sprinkling More Joy & Fun Into Your Workday With Mike Rucker

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the organizational psychologist, behavioral scientist, and charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association, Mike R...

247 | Identifying Your Next Hire

18 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into how you can find clarity on making your next hire so you can move easily and confidently through the hiring process when it's time. What Y...

246 | What Story Is Your P&L Telling You? With Anne Gannon

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Certified Public Accountant Anne Gannon to dive into the valuable insights your P&L can provide in an effort to help you understand wh...

245 | Lessons Learned From Slowing Down

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into how I spent my summer and discuss how my business and life were impacted when I made the intentional choice to slow down. What You'll Disc...

244 | The Accidental Business Owner

06 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I walk you through the brainstorming session I had with one of my team members which ended with us moving forward with a brand new po...

243 | Exploring The Effect Of Emotional Intelligence On Your Success With Alex Resnick

30 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the Founder & President of Evolve Leadership, Alex Resnick, to dive into his world of emotional intelligence. We discuss its correlati...

242 | The Big O You Don't Want

23 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the three big O's in your business that lead to overwhelm and discuss what you can do about them to keep them from robbing you of joy and ...

241 | Normalizing Mental Health Conversations With Jessica Rodriguez

16 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with my friend and owner of Freedom Driven Success, business strategist Jessica Rodriguez, to have an honest conversation about navigating ...

240 | Firefighter: Whose Fires Are You Putting Out In Your Business?

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the concept of firefighting in your business, get to the bottom of who is at fault for many of the fires taking up your time and energy, a...

239 | Biohacking Your Way To Better Sleep & Less Brain Fog With Tanessa Shears

02 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Kinesiologist and Certified Sleep Science Coach, Tanessa Shears, to dive into the concept of biohacking your way to better sleep and l...

238 | From Task List To Action List

25 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into a simple yet impactful strategy to turn your task list into an action list that is guaranteed to reduce stress, manage your time, and get ...

237 | Thinking Deeply To Lead Your Team With Ron Price

18 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Ron Price, a business advisor, executive coach, speaker, and author who specializes in helping leaders enhance individual and organiza...

236 | Gold Star For Execution, Not Your Great Idea

11 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You may be a great visionary full of intelligent ideas but only you can choose to use your gifts to bring a great product or service into the world. G...

235 | Coachable & Actionable: A Client Case Study With Robyn Howard

04 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down for an entrepreneurial case study with my client Robyn Howard. We dive into Robyn's journey as an entrepreneur that led her to want a produ...

234 | Addressing The Fear Of Success & Failure

28 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into the fear of failure and the less common but still damaging fear of success that often plague business owners. I break down what such fears...

233 | Getting Unstuck + Rapidly Overcoming Obstacles & Head Trash With Erin Pheil

21 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the Founder of The MindFix Group, Erin Pheil, to discuss how many people are living life with one foot on the gas and the other foot o...

232 | Red Flag Clients: Recognizing The Warning Signs

14 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into strategies to recognize red flags in both potential clients and current clients and lay out what to do about them to make sure you're not ...

231 | Building A Company Culture Of High Performers Who Never Want To Leave With Yuri Elkaim

07 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with the founder and CEO of Healthpreneur®, Yuri Elkaim, to dive into how he built an amazing team of stars and seeds who support his visi...

230 | An In-depth Look At The Strategies I Use To Schedule My Time

28 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I give you a behind-the-scenes tour of my personal, color-coded calendar as I divulge the detailed strategies I use to schedule my time that helps me ...

229 | Discovering Your Self Mastery With Rob Cressy

21 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Coach, Speaker, & Entrepreneur Rob Cressy to discuss how you can show up with the intention to live by design instead of by default an...

228 | Falling In Love With Your Business

14 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I dive into strategies to fall back in love with your business because let's be honest… just like a romantic relationship, your love for your busine...