

The Thoughtful Entrepreneur
Josh Elledge · UpMyInfluence.com & PodVerified.com
The Thoughtful Entrepreneur features candid, commercial-free conversations with the founders, CEOs, and B2B leaders building the companies and ideas shaping their industries.
Each episode runs 15-25 minutes, built for busy professionals who want substance without the filler. Guests include agency owners, consultants, coaches, and executives with real stories, hard-won lessons, and specific insight for business leaders focused on growth.
Host Josh Elledge has conducted 3,000+ interviews, helped launch 300+ podcasts, and has been directly involved in generating $40M+ in client results through relationship-driven media. He knows what makes a guest worth featuring and what makes an appearance actually worth the guest's time.
Want to be featured?
Guests are selected through PodVerified, the platform built by podcast hosts to restore trust and quality to podcast guesting. If you're a serious B2B expert with a clear message and a story worth sharing, apply here:
👉 https://PodVerified.com/podcast
Each episode runs 15-25 minutes, built for busy professionals who want substance without the filler. Guests include agency owners, consultants, coaches, and executives with real stories, hard-won lessons, and specific insight for business leaders focused on growth.
Host Josh Elledge has conducted 3,000+ interviews, helped launch 300+ podcasts, and has been directly involved in generating $40M+ in client results through relationship-driven media. He knows what makes a guest worth featuring and what makes an appearance actually worth the guest's time.
Want to be featured?
Guests are selected through PodVerified, the platform built by podcast hosts to restore trust and quality to podcast guesting. If you're a serious B2B expert with a clear message and a story worth sharing, apply here:
👉 https://PodVerified.com/podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 29, 2022 • 12min
1393 – Allowing you to Run Your Business Smoothly with MadeWithLove’s Andreas Creten
In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with Andreas Creten, Cofounder and CEO of madewithlove. Andreas shares his fascination with software tools that began when he was just 18 years old. As co-founder of madewithlove, he shares some of their successes working with clients – big and small. He also highlights their mission, values and services. In business for over a decade, he is proud to say that they have served many companies around the world. They help build startups from the ground up by covering everything technical: from craftsmanship to building roadmaps - they are the technical voice of their clients. He also says that they not only provide ideas on where to start, but also help manage their tools. Key Points from Episode:The origin storyThe services offered by MadeWithLoveSuccess stories About Andreas Creten: Andreas is founding partner and CEO of madewithlove. Operating as interim CTO or VP of Product Management, he is focused on helping product businesses succeed by pivoting the organization; be user-centric, be able to help employees thrive, and leverage technology in the best way to optimize usability, quality, and speed. About madewithlove: Madewithlove helps its clients to create digital products and build teams that will improve their business. They only work on projects that are at the heart of our client's business. They love challenges; they make their clients shine. They have the brains and the heart to take the most complex projects to the finish line. They can also help with software engineering, product management, managing technical teams, audits, and technical consulting. Tweetable Moments:04:57 - "It's not that they're firing them, but the situation may be that the CTO might take it up wrong and then leave. So we prepare ourselves to step in."08:23 - "Most of the time, people don't know that they have an issue or don't want to share it with the outside world." Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out madewithlove’s website at https://madewithlove.com/Check out madewithlove on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/madewithlove/Check out Andreas Creten on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreascreten/Check out Andreas Creten on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/andreascreten/Check out madewithlove on Twitter at https://twitter.com/madewithloveDon’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time! More from UpMyInfluence:We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE. Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

Nov 28, 2022 • 20min
1392 – Getting Motivation from Accomplishment with Bellwether Hub’s Jim Frawley
In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with Jim Frawley, executive coach, business consultant, speaker and Founder of Bellwether Hub. He is the author of "Adapting in Motion: Finding Your Place in the New Economy" and host of the Bellwether Hub podcast. Jim shares the main objectives of Bellwether, which is above all to help all leaders and entrepreneurs in the financial sector. He has observed over the years that many still lack the knowledge and skills to be successful, so coaching is needed. With his knowledge and skills, Jim has developed a roadmap that will enable businesses to become stronger, more productive and more efficient.Jim also briefly shares the processes they use to build trust through authentic communication. He says a high level of understanding is needed for greater credibility. He also stresses the importance of creating a work environment where people feel safe and well supported. This strategy will help solve many problems related to lack of motivation in the workplace. Key Points from the Episode:What is Bellwether?Importance of communication for business leadersRoadmap to improve lack of motivation in the workplaceThe key to authentic communication About Jim Frawley: Jim is the founder of Bellwether, an executive development community dedicated to helping individuals and organizations build resilience, adapt to change, and thrive in rapidly changing environments.Jim provides a range of services, including keynote speaking, executive and business coaching, and workshop development and facilitation. He is the author of "Adapting in Motion: Finding Your Place in the New Economy" and host of the Bellwether Hub podcast, creating a library of resources for teams and individuals to continuously grow.He has worked with clients in eight countries and thirty-nine states to date to create and implement change management, corporate training and strategic planning programs, as well as organizational redesigns.Her specialties include executive communications, self-efficacy and accountability, and preparing for change when we don't know what change is coming.Jim has a unique ability to get people to do things they didn't think they could (as evidenced by convincing an Irish cousin to swim in the Hudson River). About Bellwether: Bellwether is for executives or entrepreneurs who recognize they are capable of more. From career development to C-Suite readiness, they co-create a development solution that is both repeatable and sustainable into the future. From workshops to one-on-one coaching, they'll prepare you for where you want to go.At Bellwether, they have strong opinions about how coaches should operate and how coaching relationships are formed. To this end, Bellwether guarantees a successful coaching outcome for all clients who work with us. They believe that coaching engagements are only successful when the client, the organization AND the coach are aligned and held accountable to each other and to the process. Tweetable Moments:04:36 - "Many of them [people in high-pressure roles] aren't told how to behave, act, or advocate for themselves within such a high-pressure environment."05:29 - "A lot of these people have really high potential. They have a desire to be successful. They just don't have the basic knowledge." Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out Bellweather’s website at https://bellwetherhub.com/Check out Bellwether on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimfrawley/Check out Jim Frawley on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimfrawley/Check out Jim Frawley on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jimfrawleyny/Check out Bellwether on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bellwetherhubDon’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time! More from UpMyInfluence:We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

Nov 27, 2022 • 21min
1391 – Succeeding as a Founder with Pilot’s Gillian O’Brien
1391 - Succeeding as a Founder with Pilot's Gillian O'Brien

Nov 26, 2022 • 15min
1390 -How to Reach People with DFY Meetings’ Michael Gardiner
1390 -How to Reach People with DFY Meetings' Michael Gardiner

Nov 25, 2022 • 23min
1389 – Conflict Resolution in the Workplace with Doug Noll
1389 - Conflict Resolution in the Workplace with Doug Noll

Nov 24, 2022 • 17min
1388 – Knowing Your Worth with Rocky Mountain Agency’s Ethan Nkana
Maximizing Physician Potential with Ethan Nkana: Insights from Rocky Mountain Physician Agency
In our latest podcast episode, we sat down with Ethan Nkana, principal of Rocky Mountain Physician Agency (RMPA). Known as the "Jerry McGuire for Doctors," Ethan brings a unique perspective to the healthcare industry by representing physicians in contract negotiations, much like professional athletes rely on agents to secure the best deals. His mission? To create opportunities for doctors and help them maximize their earning potential.
Advocating for Fairness in Medicine
Ethan sheds light on a pressing issue in the medical profession: pay inequities. Drawing from personal experience and data, he reveals the significant income disparity faced by women physicians, who often earn 15-25% less than their male counterparts for the same work. Highlighting these gaps isn’t about evoking pity but fostering awareness and empowering doctors to demand equitable treatment.
Ethan also discusses the challenges brought on by recent global events, sharing a case where surgeons faced income losses due to temporary OR closures. These examples underscore how physicians, despite their perceived affluence, encounter vulnerabilities similar to those in other professions.
Building Bridges Between Physicians and Employers
Ethan’s approach blends data analysis with strategic negotiation. By reviewing a physician’s work history and aligning it with market demands, he advocates for better compensation packages. His expertise ensures that doctors not only receive fair pay but also avoid the stress of managing complex negotiations. One of his standout success stories involves helping a group of OBGYNs secure over $1 million annually through renegotiated contracts, proving that skilled representation can transform careers.
Resources for Empowered Physicians
RMPA's website, rmpa.co, serves as a starting point for understanding how Ethan and his team operate. For physicians eager to advocate for themselves, Ethan recommends following their Instagram and LinkedIn profiles for practical tools and insights. With a commitment to providing the tools, time, and training doctors need, Ethan’s mission is clear: empowering physicians to achieve their best.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the medical field looking to take control of their career. Tune in to learn how Ethan is leveling the playing field for physicians everywhere.
Additional Resources:
Gender Pay Gap in Medicine (AAMC)
How Physician Shortages Impact Healthcare
Contract Negotiation Tips for Physicians
Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Want to learn more?
On LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethannkana/
On Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/physicianagency/
On YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheDoctorsAgent
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time!
More from UpMyInfluence:
We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.
Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.
What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.
Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

Nov 23, 2022 • 21min
1387 – Reaching Your Business Goals with G-Spire Group’s Ryan Goral
1387 - Reaching Your Business Goals with G-Spire Group's Ryan Goral

Nov 22, 2022 • 21min
1386 – Building a Sustainable Business with Ascend Ecom’s Will Basta
1386 - Building a Sustainable Business with Ascend Ecom's Will Basta

Nov 21, 2022 • 19min
1385 – Creating Positive Emotions with Rachel Jimenez
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks to Digital Creator, Writer, & Blogger of Money Hacking Mama, Rachel Jimenez. Rachel uses her website to teach people about money hacks and productivity hacks. A solid background in psychology makes her the right person to talk to about how a mental mindset affects an organization's success. On this matter, she emphasized that one of the foundations of any successful business is having the grit to stick around and not giving up when the going gets tough. Rachel also shared tips on getting into a creative mindset to attract productivity and positive emotion. She said doing something that brings joy is a way of doing it, and taking breaks is crucial for business owners to achieve that level of productivity they're after. Key points from the Episode:Overcoming a bad month with positive emotionsTips on how to get into a creative modWhy is finding balance between stress and productivity important?Principles that help leaders inspire a great work cultureWhat is the effect of relaxation in your organization’s productivity? About Rachel Jimenez: In less than 2 years, Rachel went from working a full-time job she wasn’t passionate about, being a part-time student, raising two young children, and struggling with postpartum depression. She dreamt of starting a business that would allow her to earn an income passively and give her more control of her time and life. Quitting her full-time job, running her own business, making a bigger impact, and easily bringing in over $12,500 a month. Since she started her career, she's helped thousands of women, business owners, and students save time, and money, reduce their stress, achieve their goals and increase their happiness. She's passionate about positive psychology and financial independence and believes successful, happy people can make the world a better place.She's the proud owner of a six-figure Etsy store that only sells digital things. Rachel is also interested in freelance writing and publishing. Personal finance, entrepreneurship, positive psychology, business management, marketing, and SEO are areas of interest and skill. Tweetable Moments:01:58 - "Having that grit and having a strong mental attitude when you're a business owner is so important."03:47 - "A lot of times, we get in this negative cycle when there's a bad month, then we have these negative thoughts that lead to negative emotions that lead to maybe us not taking action because we're demoralized." Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guestLinks Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out the Money Hacking Mama website athttps://moneyhackingmama.com/Check out the Money Hacking Mama on Twitter athttps://twitter.com/moneyhackingmomCheck out the Money Hacking Mama on Instagram athttps://instagram.com/moneyhackingmamaCheck out Rachel Jimenez on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelawjimenez/Don’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time! More from UpMyInfluence:️ We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.

Nov 20, 2022 • 22min
1384 – Avoid Messaging Mistakes in Your Marketing with Parker Nash Marketing’s Parker Nash
In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with Brand Strategist and Founder of Parker Nash Marketing, Parker Nash. Parker works with people who have innovative products and services who are trying to scale or established businesses working to surpass their plateau. He talked about messaging mistakes businesses make that stagnate their business growth. With his long years of working with Nike, he learned that people are more attracted to buying products with identity transformational value than just "products." For businesses to stand out competitors, identifying their unique messaging will help filter out their ideal audiences. Key points from the Episode:How to not be a victim of your own success?Key foundations of branding and marketingHow to use the right words and messaging to attract active customers?4 messaging mistakes businesses make in messagingDisadvantages of being everything to everyone in business About Parker Nash: Parker Nash is an 11-year veteran of Nike where he grew lines of business to more than half a billion in annual revenue. While at Nike, Parker realized what made Nike successful wasn’t their billion-dollar marketing budgets, they were successful because of their relentless consumer focus, their ability to communicate their purpose clearly, and their process to convert customers into passionate fans.While at Nike, he realized the process they used to market and build their brand was something all businesses could do which inspired him to build his own copywriting and marketing agency helping mission driven businesses attract devoted customers.Parker lives and works in Portland, Oregon and does his best to keep up with his wife Melissa, a former 6-time All-American D-1 runner and current product manager at Nike, and their 2-year-old daughter Maddie. He has a BA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Washington About Parker Nash Marketing : Parker Nash Marketing helps great brands find the right words to use in their marketing to attract more customers. With a compelling brand message and marketing plan, businesses will be able to identify and attract new leads easily with a lead generator. This creates an unbreakable relationship by nurturing new customers with an email campaign and increasing sales conversions. Links Mentioned in this Episode:Want to learn more? Check out the Parker Nash website athttp://www.parkertnash.com/http://www.parkertnash.com/boostCheck out Parker Nash on LinkedIn athttps://www.linkedin.com/in/-parkernash/Check out Parker Nash on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/parker_nash_/Check out Parker Nash on Email atParker@parkertnash.comDon’t forget to subscribe to The Thoughtful Entrepreneur and thank you for listening. Tune in next time! More from UpMyInfluence:We are actively booking guests for our The Thoughtful Entrepreneur. Schedule HERE.Are you a 6-figure consultant? I’ve got high-level intros for you. Learn more here.What is your #1 Lead Generation BLOCKER? Take my free quiz here.Want to learn more about all the podcasts managed by UpMyInfluence? Opt in here.


