The Thoughtful Entrepreneur

823 - Cannabis and CBD Accounting with Dope CFO's Andrew Hunzicker

822 - Legally Protecting Your Business with Robert Sciglimpaglia

821 - Innovation and Engagement with Symmetri Consulting's Bella Rushi

820 - The Result-Driven Principles of Business with Israel Duran

819 - Building a Scalable Infrastructure with Alex & Leila Hormozi

Unlocking Leadership Potential with Victoria Song: Insights from a Podcast Interview In a recent episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, I had the pleasure of speaking with Victoria Song, a leadership advisor and author of Bending Reality: How to Make the Impossible Probable. Victoria’s work with tech CEOs and founders provides a transformative lens on leadership, blending emotional intelligence with business acumen to drive impactful results. Redefining Leadership for Modern Entrepreneurs Victoria’s journey from early-stage venture capitalist to leadership advisor highlights her passion for helping entrepreneurs thrive beyond just financial success. Having worked with notable clients like the founder of Honey, acquired by PayPal for $4 billion, Victoria emphasized the importance of integrating emotional intelligence into leadership. She noted that while analytical skills are often prioritized, it’s the ability to handle setbacks, give and receive feedback, and inspire teams that sets truly impactful leaders apart. She explained how unresolved personal patterns often show up in professional settings, creating barriers to effective leadership. For founders and leaders facing high stress and uncertainty, developing a grounded emotional state is critical for long-term success. The Path to Expansion: Overcoming Contraction Victoria shared a powerful framework from her book: the contrast between "contraction" and "expansion" states. Contraction, she explained, is characterized by stress, anxiety, and a lack of creativity, while expansion fosters curiosity, creativity, and openness. She works with her clients to transition from the former to the latter, teaching them how to sustain an expansive mindset even during challenging times. Her practical tips, such as outsourcing soul-draining tasks and visualizing success, resonated deeply. Victoria stressed the value of practicing success, sharing an inspiring story about a coach who trained his team to celebrate wins to lock in the feeling of achievement. Tools for Bending Reality Victoria’s book, Bending Reality, provides actionable techniques for leaders seeking to transform their mindset and unlock their potential. Free resources on her website, including a 15-minute mission statement guide, values alignment exercises, and a unique breathing technique, offer a starting point for those eager to embrace personal and professional growth.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode: To learn more about Victoria’s work and access her free resources, visit victoriasong.me. On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/victoria-song-executive-coaching/   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. Additional Resources: Victoria Song’s book, Bending Reality, on Amazon Leadership and Emotional Intelligence Research Simon & Schuster - Bending Reality

817 - Profitable Amazon Companies with Just One Dime's Seth Kniep

Empowering Insurance Professionals with Ryan Evans of Enterprise Training School, Inc. On this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, we had the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Evans, founder and CEO of Enterprise Training School, Inc.. With nearly two decades in the insurance training industry, Ryan shared insights into his journey, the growth of his company, and the innovative ways Enterprise Training School supports insurance professionals across the U.S. A Vision Ahead of Its Time Ryan and his father, Tom Evans, acquired Enterprise Training School in 2005, starting with classroom-based education in Maryland. Over the years, they expanded the company's reach to all 50 states, adapting to industry trends by introducing online courses and live webinars. Their foresight into virtual learning positioned them as industry leaders, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when demand for remote education skyrocketed. What Sets Enterprise Training School Apart? Enterprise Training School specializes in pre-licensing courses for aspiring insurance agents and continuing education (CE) for licensed professionals. Unlike traditional training methods, their online and webinar-based formats provide flexibility and convenience. This innovative approach allows agents to complete their training from anywhere while maintaining compliance with state requirements. Ryan emphasizes the company’s commitment to building long-term relationships with clients and partners. Enterprise Training School collaborates with organizations to create branded training solutions, offering exclusive discounts and resources tailored to their needs. Their ability to adapt and innovate keeps them ahead in a competitive industry. Looking to the Future While insurance remains their core focus, Ryan shared plans to expand into HR compliance and CPA continuing education. With compliance becoming a critical issue across industries, Enterprise Training School is developing courses on topics such as diversity, COVID-related regulations, and more. How to Get Started Whether you're entering the insurance industry or renewing your license, Enterprise Training School offers comprehensive solutions. Visit their website at eTrainingSchool.com to explore courses, take advantage of current promotions, or learn more about their services. For aspiring insurance agents, Ryan has a special offer: use the promo code POD20 to receive 20% off pre-licensing courses. Additional Resources: The Benefits of Online Learning https://www.edutopia.org/article/benefits-online-learning Careers in the Insurance Industry https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/insurance-sales-agents.htm HR Compliance Trends https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/legal-and-compliance/pages/default.aspx   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest   Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? http://www.etrainingschool.com/ On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enterprise-training-school-inc On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enterprisetrainingschool On X: https://twitter.com/EITINS 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.

815 - Awakening Your Inner Light with Keira Poulsen

814 - Award-Winning Self-Publishing with MindStir Media's JJ Hebert