Unlock Your Way with STK

Stop talking about your prospects' problems.  Start talking about the symptoms of those problems. In this raw and honest conversation between Suzanne Taylor-King and Scottish marketing expert Darren Gibb, they break down why traditional marketing tactics are failing coaches and consultants. Key insights: Only 3% of your audience knows they have a problem Another 7% recognize the problem but aren't looking for solutions The remaining 90% need to see symptoms they relate to, not solutions they don't understand Suzanne shares her recent experience creating 900 different ways to talk about her year-long program, highlighting the reality that only 1% of followers see any given post. Darren breaks down his proven launch formula: 2 weeks pre-launch 1 week launch 2 weeks post-launch The conversation covers: Why most LinkedIn Lives fail (and how to do them right) The truth about email list building Converting leads without being pushy Building trust through borrowed authority The power of natural conversations vs structured interviews Perfect for coaches, consultants, and anyone looking to grow their business through authentic marketing that actually works in today's landscape. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unlockyourwaywithstk.com/45

Most public speaking coaches tell you to get rid of your fear. Ashley Bright, the Message Fixer, has a different take: train your butterflies to fly in formation. In this candid conversation with host Suzanne Taylor-King, Ashley breaks down how he helps technical founders and leaders tell better stories - including one who landed $250,000 in funding just two weeks after changing his pitch approach. The episode dives into how authentic stories create instant connections. Key highlights: How Ashely's personal brand evolved naturally over time The critical difference between appearing authentic versus truly being authentic Suzanne's story of throwing away her notecards before speaking to a room full of doctors How to craft different versions of your story for 30 seconds, 3 minutes, or longer talks The exact process Ashley uses to help clients identify and refine their key stories Why technical founders often default to jargon when they're nervous (and what to do instead) For entrepreneurs and leaders who want to move past basic "elevator pitch" advice and learn how to craft stories that land with investors, customers, and audiences. Ashley shares his upcoming workshops and how to find him as The Message Fixer across social platforms. Suzanne brings her signature energy and storytelling ability, making this episode both practical and highly entertaining. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unlockyourwaywithstk.com/44

Your ego is lying to you about why you're overwhelmed. Business coach Machen MacDonald reveals why CEOs who claim "busy" as a badge of honor are actually feeding an addiction to chaos. In this raw conversation with host Suzanne Taylor-King, MacDonald shares his IMAGE framework for breaking free from the "busy trap": Intention setting Magic awareness Affirmations Gratitude practice Expansion STK brings her own insights about why most leaders fail to activate their best marketing asset - their team. She shares a case study of how engaged employees brought in 30 new clients per month without spending a dollar on advertising. Key moments: - Why MacDonald believes "grinding" should be replaced with "sculpting" - How Taylor-King restructured her morning routine for 2x more learning retention - The "lime green car" test that proves we see what we're looking for - Why your 60-step commute matters more than you think - The simple morning hydration trick that sets up MacDonald's entire day This episode exposes the real reason most leaders stay stuck - it's not lack of strategy, it's addiction to overwhelm. MacDonald and STK demonstrate how slowing down and creating space between stimulus and response leads to better decisions and bigger impact. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unlockyourwaywithstk.com/43

Forget everything you thought you knew about entrepreneurship. Christian Ray Flores, a former pop star turned performance coach, reveals the shocking truth about success in this eye-opening episode of Unlock Your Way with STK. Host Suzanne Taylor-King dives deep into Flores' fascinating journey from music sensation to sought-after business consultant. Together, they explore: • The power of immersive learning and why it's the key to mastering any skill • How to overcome the fear of failure and "shake the shark" in your personal and professional life • Why asking for help is crucial for entrepreneurs (even though it's incredibly difficult) • The concept of "ignorance tax" and how it might be costing you hundreds of thousands of dollars Flores reveals the unexpected benefits of his multicultural upbringing and how it shaped his approach to business and personal growth. Suzanne adds her own insights, discussing her experience pivoting between multiple careers and the importance of connecting your past experiences to your current path. She also opens up about her own struggles with asking for help as an entrepreneur. This episode is packed with actionable advice for: • Developing a personal brand that stands out in a crowded market • Embracing failure as a necessary part of the learning process • Finding passion and purpose in your work at any age • Overcoming the shame and guilt that can hold you back from seeking guidance Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and inspire you to take massive action toward your goals. Don't miss Flores' practical tips for immersive learning and his passionate argument against the concept of retirement. This episode might just be the wake-up call you need to shake up your approach to business and life. Tune in now and discover why Christian Ray Flores believes that "possibilities are there" for anyone willing to put in the work and seek the right guidance. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unlockyourwaywithstk.com/42

LinkedIn isn't just a platform - it's a goldmine for business growth In this episode of Unlock Your Way with STK, host Suzanne Taylor-King sits down with Joe Apfelbaum, CEO of Ajax Union, LinkedIn maestro, and creator of evyAI to uncover the hidden power of the world's largest professional network. Joe shares his journey from being interested in LinkedIn to becoming an evangelist, revealing how Microsoft's $26.2 billion acquisition of the platform in 2016 sparked his interest and led to millions in revenue for his business. Suzanne, a self-proclaimed "fangirl" of Joe's work, brings her own insights to the table. She shares her "Taylored 20" technique for LinkedIn engagement, demonstrating how she keeps track of influencers, peers, and prospects using Joe's AI tool, evyAI. Key takeaways from this episode: 1. The power of consistent engagement: Joe explains how leaving 5-10 thoughtful comments daily can dramatically increase your visibility and network. 2. Quality over quantity: Why one LinkedIn connection is worth ten Instagram followers when it comes to business growth. 3. The art of the ask: Joe breaks down how to craft questions that drive referrals and expand your network. 4. Visibility as currency: Suzanne and Joe discuss how increased visibility on LinkedIn translates to real business opportunities. 5. AI as your LinkedIn assistant: How tools like evyAI can help you maintain authentic engagement at scale. Joe leaves listeners with a powerful message: "The secret to living is giving." He encourages everyone to share their knowledge and passion, emphasizing that enthusiasm is infectious. Whether you're a LinkedIn novice or a seasoned pro, this episode offers actionable strategies to leverage the platform for business growth, networking, and personal branding. Don't miss out on the wealth of knowledge shared in this conversation. Tune in now and start unlocking your way to LinkedIn success. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unlockyourwaywithstk.com/41

In this episode of Unlock Your Way with STK, host Suzanne Taylor-King sits down with human impact strategist Cory Firth to explore the frontiers of personal growth and consciousness. Cory shares his journey of breaking free from traditional mental health models after discovering he had a suppressed gene affecting serotonin regulation. This led him to explore alternative paths to well-being, including psychedelics. The conversation takes an unexpected turn as Cory reveals how becoming a father to a 3-year-old daughter has expanded his capacity for both love and grief. He and his partner now face the daily challenge of allowing their toddler to fully express her emotions - something many parents struggle with. Suzanne opens up about her own parenting journey with her now 15-year-old son, reflecting on the importance of being present in those early years. The discussion then dives deep into the current state of psychedelic research and usage. Cory explains the tension between grassroots exploration and slow-moving regulatory systems. He emphasizes the need for safety standards in recreational settings, not just clinical ones. Listeners will gain insights into: - The limitations of willpower in creating lasting change - How environmental inputs shape our beliefs and behaviors - The emerging field of psychedelic first aid - Balancing ancient wisdom with modern science in psychedelic practices Whether you're curious about expanded states of consciousness or simply want to be a more conscious parent, this episode offers a fresh perspective on human potential and growth. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unlockyourwaywithstk.com/40

Gary Searle built a thriving business by harnessing an ability most people take for granted: being curious about others. In this episode of Unlock Your Way with STK, host Suzanne Taylor-King dives deep with Gary into how he turned his natural gift for connecting people into a revolutionary approach to marketing and referrals. Gary reveals his unique brain trait called "low latent inhibition" which allows him to see connections others miss. He explains how this led him to develop a referral-based marketing system that goes against conventional wisdom. "Put out the value that you would like to receive back," Gary advises. He shares how focusing on serving others first, rather than self-promotion, counterintuitively leads to more business opportunities. Suzanne and Gary discuss the power of showing up authentically in business relationships. Gary emphasizes that by simply being himself, he naturally attracts the right people and repels those who aren't a good fit. The conversation explores how to build genuine reciprocity in professional networks. Gary explains his philosophy: "I'm always thinking in terms of who can I serve today? How can I serve them? What goodwill can I put out into the world?" Suzanne shares her own experiences with referral-based marketing, highlighting how quality trumps quantity when it comes to business connections. She describes how a single high-value referral can be worth dozens of lower-quality leads. The episode offers practical tips for listeners looking to improve their own referral marketing: • Ask people what a quality referral looks like for them • Look for opportunities to connect others, even if there's no immediate benefit to you • Focus on creating mutual value rather than expecting tit-for-tat exchanges Gary's unique approach proves that success in business doesn't have to mean constant self-promotion or aggressive sales tactics. By leading with curiosity and generosity, he's built a thriving business and vibrant network. This conversation is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business owners looking for a more authentic, fulfilling way to grow their network and attract ideal clients. Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.unlockyourwaywithstk.com/39

Introverts aren't just quiet wallflowers - they might be the secret weapon your company needs. In this episode of Unlock Your Way with STK, host Suzanne Taylor-King sits down with Eric Moore, a coach who specializes in helping introverts become powerful leaders. Eric shares surprising research that shows introverted leaders often outperform their extroverted counterparts, especially when managing proactive employees. He explains that introverts' natural ability to listen deeply and think before speaking gives them a distinct edge in today's fast-paced business world. Suzanne, a self-proclaimed extrovert, brings her own insights to the table. She talks about her journey to become a better listener and how it transformed her coaching practice. Her personal experience adds depth to the conversation, showing that both introverts and extroverts can learn from each other. The discussion takes an interesting turn when Eric introduces the concept of polyvagal exercises - simple techniques anyone can use to calm nerves before important meetings or presentations. Suzanne shares her own favorite method of using scents to ground herself in stressful situations. But this episode isn't just about coping mechanisms. Eric and Suzanne dive deep into practical strategies for introverts to shine in networking situations and meetings. They discuss the power of asking open-ended questions and the importance of clarity in communication. Perhaps most importantly, Eric emphasizes that being an effective leader isn't about changing who you are. It's about leveraging your natural strengths and creating an environment where both introverts and extroverts can thrive. Whether you're an introvert looking to step into a leadership role, an extrovert wanting to better understand your quieter colleagues, or anywhere in between, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their communication and leadership skills. Don't miss this chance to rethink everything you thought you knew about personality types in the workplace. Tune in now and discover the unexpected power of quiet leadership.  Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.unlockyourwaywithstk.com/38

In this episode of Unlock Your Way with STK, host Suzanne Taylor-King sits down with Nicky Cuesta, founder of BALM Global and author of "Building a Leadership Mindset." Nicky shares her journey from a frustrated corporate employee to a thriving entrepreneur and leadership coach. She reveals how a single YouTube video planted the seed for her future success and why perfectionism nearly derailed her dreams. Suzanne and Nicky dive deep into the importance of sharing our stories as women. They discuss how vulnerability and openness can create powerful connections and foster growth in unexpected ways. Key takeaways from this episode: 1. The power of "doing it anyway" - even when you don't feel ready 2. How to give yourself permission to succeed 3. The impact of bringing your authentic self to your work 4. Why involving younger generations in women's empowerment is crucial 5. The importance of building a supportive tribe Nicky also shares insights from her book, including the 13 mindsets that spell out "CREATE SUCCESS." She emphasizes the need for women to step into their power and live their purpose intentionally. Suzanne adds her own experiences to the mix, discussing the value of systems and processes for entrepreneurs and the transformative power of receiving "permission" to be your true self. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to make a change in your life, this conversation between Suzanne and Nicky will inspire you to take action and build your own leadership mindset. Tune in now and get ready to unlock your way to success! Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unlockyourwaywithstk.com/37

Sean Murray, high-performance coach and author, shares insights from the 1984 US Men's Olympic Volleyball team that will transform how you think about leadership and teamwork. In this episode of Unlock Your Way with STK, host Suzanne Taylor-King and Sean Murray explore: - The surprising decision that took volleyball players to snowy mountains - Why the best individual players don't always make the best team - How feedback loops between coaches and players led to gold medal performance - The power of shared experiences in building trust and resilience - Practical ways to get your team out of their comfort zone (without a 3-week wilderness trip) Suzanne shares her own experiences as a swimmer inspired by Olympic athletes, and how she implements disconnection to reconnect with family and boost productivity. Sean reveals: - His father's role as team psychologist for the 1984 Olympic team - How business simulations can replicate high-pressure decision-making - Why camera-off meetings are hurting team performance Whether you're leading a sports team or a Fortune 500 company, this conversation offers valuable lessons on communication, trust-building, and creating a culture of excellence. Don't miss Sean's insights on decision-making in the age of AI and how to apply Olympic-level performance strategies to your own team. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.unlockyourwaywithstk.com/36