Imagine being told you have three months to live—then later, just 14 days—all before graduating high school. Now imagine not only surviving, but going on to achieve what no one in human history has accomplished. Sean Swarner’s extraordinary journey began with a dire prognosis and ended atop the world’s highest peaks. As the first cancer survivor to summit Mount Everest, and with only one functioning lung, Sean has since scaled the tallest mountains on every continent, skied to both poles, completed the Ironman World Championship, and run seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

What drives someone to transcend such extreme limits? Sean shares a powerful philosophy: “Never go after the thing—go after the thing behind the thing.” He explores how chasing deeper meaning, rather than surface goals, has led him to unparalleled achievements and profound human connections. From being adopted into Tanzania’s Chugga tribe to developing a unique lens on fear, listening, and resilience, Sean’s perspective offers transformative lessons for anyone navigating personal, professional, or emotional challenges. Discover more of his story and speaking engagements at SeanSwarner.com.

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Jeff McLarty’s journey from successful business owner to leadership coach highlights a common challenge many entrepreneurs face: losing the passion that once fueled their ventures. After growing his own company from a three-person team to 25 employees before eventually selling it, Jeff now dedicates himself to coaching others through similar transitions. His focus is on “technical founders”—those who built businesses around a specific skill but now find themselves consumed by management duties. When the joy fades and leadership starts to feel like a burden, Jeff steps in to help founders reconnect with their original purpose and build systems that support sustainable growth.

One of Jeff’s key insights compares an entrepreneur’s workload to a bucket overflowing with balls—many assign themselves 60–70 hours of tasks each week, then feel like failures for completing only 45. This unrealistic pressure creates a cycle of disappointment and burnout. Jeff encourages more thoughtful planning, treating personal appointments with the same respect as business ones. He also helps clients navigate the challenges of post-pandemic work, emphasizing the need for intentional, informal team interactions to maintain culture and connection. Whether you're transitioning into leadership or simply trying to rekindle your excitement, Jeff’s approach offers clarity and direction. Connect with Jeff through LinkedIn or at focalpointedmonton.com and rediscover why you started your business in the first place.

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Ever felt stuck between focusing on your clients and answering every incoming call? David Banco knows the struggle well. As a former gym owner using his personal number for business, he constantly had to choose between being present or staying available. That challenge inspired him to create Calimation—an AI-driven solution that handles calls, messages, and inquiries just like you would, so you never miss a beat while staying fully engaged with the people in front of you. It’s not about replacing human connection; it’s about removing distractions so business owners can show up more meaningfully for their clients.

David’s journey has resonated with entrepreneurs across industries—from roofers and med spas to business coaches—who all want to deliver top-notch service without being tied to their phones. While some worry that AI might lose the “personal touch,” David flips the script: the first interaction most people have with a business isn’t with the owner anyway. With instant, thoughtful responses, AI actually enhances the customer experience and builds trust from the first touchpoint. And the future? Calimation is evolving into a smart outbound system that follows up with leads automatically—shaping not just how businesses communicate, but how they grow. Want to experience it firsthand? Call 720-573-0211 to see how Calimation could work for your business.

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Phil Stringer is revolutionizing the way entrepreneurs engage with artificial intelligence—not through complex technical jargon, but by making it remarkably simple and practical. His breakout moment came when he earned an impressive $267,000 in a single hour during his first webinar, prompting him to hire four team members that same day. In just 18 months, Phil’s teachings reached over 1,200 students across 23 countries. His real gift lies in breaking down overwhelming tech concepts into bite-sized, actionable steps that anyone can apply. As he puts it, he became the bridge between “confusing tech talk” and real-world business impact.

In conversation, Phil offers a refreshingly honest perspective on the challenges of fast growth, balancing family priorities, and building a strong, values-driven team. He’s known for turning down major opportunities—like a Notre Dame ceremony—to be present for his daughter’s parade, and for structuring his day with a rigorous four-hour morning routine that keeps him grounded. Rather than lean heavily on virtual assistants, he strategically hires U.S.-based employees for key roles. His advice for new entrepreneurs? Say yes often in the early days, and be generous with your knowledge—give more than others charge for. To learn how Phil can help you simplify AI and drive meaningful results in your business, visit philstringer.com or follow him on Instagram @philstringer.

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Lindsay Anderson brings two decades of social media expertise to this energizing conversation about creating authentic digital marketing strategies that truly convert. As the founder of a successful social media agency for service-based businesses, Lindsay shares refreshingly honest insights—starting with the truth that “you are not an influencer.” Her method centers on consistency and clarity: she turns a single monthly interview into 30 strategic posts using AI, encouraging entrepreneurs to focus on one platform where their audience actually is, rather than spreading themselves too thin. Her advice directly tackles the biggest challenge most business owners face—maintaining a consistent presence without burning out.

Lindsay also reframes the role of content in a business’s growth, calling it “frosting” while emphasizing the importance of community-building and authentic connections. With algorithms now prioritizing personalized content over follower counts, she makes the case for quality over vanity metrics. She dives into the power of systems and team-building, especially for visionary founders like herself who aren’t naturally detail-oriented. By hiring the right people and embracing time-blocking, she’s built a thriving business while raising three kids. For those ready to turn social media from a chore into a lead-generating machine, her masterclass at LindseyA.com provides the roadmap to building a social presence that drives real business growth.

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Ever wondered how to scale your business without burning out? In this episode, Adam Ludlow of Rewired Fitness joins Ryan Van Arm to share how he built and manages four successful businesses in Spokane, Washington. Starting with his first gym in 2013, Adam quickly learned that doing everything alone led to burnout and bottlenecks. Over time, he cracked the code to sustainable growth: stay a generalist, but hire specialists. This strategic shift accelerated his success, allowing him to achieve in three months what once took nearly a decade.

Beyond the business strategies, Adam offers a refreshing take on work-life balance. Instead of chasing freedom as a future goal, he built his companies to support the lifestyle he wants now. He also explores why physical gyms are thriving post-COVID despite the rise of online fitness—people are craving connection and a sense of community, or what he calls the "third place." Adam’s story is packed with valuable insights for entrepreneurs in any field, especially his advice to "define what winning looks like in this season."

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Kyle Schlichter’s journey from Iowa football fields to Navy SEAL training facilities and, ultimately, to Chicago’s real estate market is a testament to resilience and reinvention. After playing Division I football at the University of Iowa and briefly pursuing the NFL, he spent 14 years as the head strength coach for Naval Special Warfare, preparing recruits for the rigors of SEAL training. When the Navy facility relocated, Kyle faced a career crossroads that unexpectedly led him into real estate through a connection with his own realtor.

Just months into his new career, Kyle’s mentor and broker passed away from cancer, forcing him to navigate the industry on his own. His straightforward, no-nonsense approach resonated with clients, helping him close over 100 transactions in less than five years. Even the challenges of the 2023 real estate market couldn’t shake his resolve—his background in football and military training had already prepared him for adversity. Now with Coldwell Banker, Kyle balances professional excellence with family time while offering honest advice to aspiring realtors: financial stability, mentorship, and full commitment are key. Connect with Kyle on Facebook or just Google his name—his football background makes him easy to find!

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Diego Lujan, founder of Alphalete Plumbing, shares his remarkable journey of resilience, innovation, and leadership. Despite facing a $2 million deficit and overwhelming advice to declare bankruptcy, he refused to give up. Instead, inspired by Tommy Mallow's Elevate, Diego reimagined his business, creating "Alphalete 2.0" with a strong foundation built on leadership, culture, marketing, recruiting, and systems. His story is a masterclass in accountability and perseverance.

Beyond business strategy, Diego discusses how a million-dollar investment in trenchless sewer rehabilitation has transformed his services. By offering CIPP lining solutions with lifetime warranties, free camera inspections, and transparent pricing, Alphalete Plumbing has set itself apart in the industry. Whether you're an entrepreneur, tradesperson, or business enthusiast, Diego's insights into mentorship, education, and overcoming challenges provide invaluable lessons. Connect with him at alphaleteplumbing.com or on Instagram (@Diego_lujan_aep) and Facebook.

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