

Smart Business Revolution | Turn Relationships into Revenues | Networking | More Clients | Relationship Advice
John Corcoran
"Top 100 Small Business Podcasts 2014" -- Small Biz Trends. Former Clinton White House Writer John Corcoran shows you how to build relationships intelligently to get more clients, grow your income and advance your career. Discover how you can use win-win networking and intentional relationship-building with Influencers and VIPs, even if you "hate networking" or feel like you have "nothing to offer" people who are successful. Interviews with today's top entrepreneurs and authors such as Dan Pink, Michael Port, Gary Vaynerchuk, Marie Forleo and Guy Kawasaki, who reveal how they use relationships to grow their businesses and their incomes. Find out more at SmartBusinessRevolution.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 1, 2025 • 33min
From Football to Logistics: Principles of Winning in Life and Business With Desmond Clark
Desmond Clark is the President of Bear Down Logistics, a company that provides reliable freight and transportation services across the United States. He leads the team in delivering efficient supply chain solutions for businesses of all sizes. Before founding Bear Down Logistics, Desmond built a successful career in professional football as a former NFL tight end for the Chicago Bears. He now combines leadership skills from sports and business to drive growth and excellence in logistics. In this episode… Success on the field and in business doesn't happen by chance. It takes a clear vision, relentless preparation, and the ability to adapt when life throws unexpected challenges. How can the mindset that drives a professional athlete translate into winning strategies for life and entrepreneurship? According to Desmond Clark, a 12-year NFL veteran and Super Bowl competitor, it begins with committing to the process of greatness and executing consistently. He highlights how focusing on small, daily improvements creates long-term growth. His journey — from overcoming a tough childhood to thriving in professional sports and later navigating setbacks such as financial losses and career changes — illustrates the power of resilience and discipline. By treating both sports and business as a series of repeatable processes, he demonstrates that greatness is built one deliberate step at a time. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Desmond Clark, President of Bear Down Logistics, to discuss how the discipline of professional sports can drive entrepreneurial success. They explore how early-life adversity shaped Desmond's work ethic, how NFL lessons influenced his business mindset, and how consistent execution builds lasting results. Desmond also shares his "process of greatness" approach for thriving in logistics and beyond.

Sep 26, 2025 • 37min
Why Stepping Outside Your Business Sparks Innovation and Resilience With Joaquin Cordero
Joaquin Cordero is the Founder and President of Lumen, a communications company that provides creative and advertising services including media commercialization, 360-degree agency work, BTL, print, and point-of-purchase services. He founded Lumen in 2009 in Guatemala, expanding it into El Salvador and Honduras and serving both local and global brands. Joaquin has also founded over eleven companies, and serves in leadership roles in the Entrepreneurs' Organization, including Global Board Director and EO Global Chair-Elect. In this episode… Stepping away from the day to day demands of your own company can feel risky when growth and stability are on the line. Yet some of the most successful entrepreneurs insist that leading beyond their business creates new energy and ideas. How can taking on outside leadership roles actually spark innovation and strengthen resilience? According to Joaquin Cordero, a global entrepreneurial leader, dedicating time to serve in volunteer leadership opens doors to fresh perspectives and powerful relationships. He highlights how working with peers who run their own companies forces you to lead by influence and build trust instead of relying on authority. This approach has helped him foster a stronger company culture and inspire long term loyalty among his team. Joaquin's experiences prove that growth often happens when you challenge yourself beyond your own organization. In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran speaks with Joaquin Cordero, Founder and President of Lumen, to talk about why stepping outside your business sparks innovation and resilience. They explore how serving in global leadership roles fuels personal and professional growth and how trust and collaboration transform company culture. Joaquin also shares lessons from navigating unexpected challenges and building long-term client relationships.

Sep 24, 2025 • 34min
Building Future-Proof Tech Skills With Ghazenfer Mansoor
Ghazenfer Mansoor is the CEO of Technology Rivers, a Virginia-based firm that helps startups and healthcare organizations build compliant, AI-powered software through a structured product strategy approach. Under his leadership, the company has developed nearly 60 apps across industries, with a focus on healthcare and AI-driven productivity. Originally from Pakistan, Ghazenfer's early adoption of emerging technologies such as Java led to a career in the US, pioneering roles in mobile app development, and eventually founding Technology Rivers. He is also the author of Beyond the Download, where he shares practical strategies for app growth and innovation. In this episode… Staying ahead in a fast-changing tech world is no easy feat, especially when innovation often outpaces the ability to keep up. What does it take to transition from humble beginnings to making a real impact in the modern tech landscape? And with AI revolutionizing industries at breakneck speed, how do today's leaders prepare themselves and their teams for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead? Ghazenfer Mansoor tackled these challenges head-on by embracing emerging trends before they hit the mainstream. Growing up in poverty in Pakistan, Ghazenfer leveraged unique educational opportunities to build a foundation in computers, then differentiated himself by mastering Java just as it was becoming a market disruptor. This decision not only opened doors to a career in the US during the dot-com boom but also allowed him to pivot successfully into mobile app development before the smartphone era exploded. Through lessons learned from his first startup, he pivoted to founding Technology Rivers, helping startups, especially in healthcare, develop compliant, AI-powered software. Currently, Ghazenfer focuses on leveraging AI tools to increase productivity tenfold, ensuring his team stays ahead by integrating the latest technologies into every layer of their workflow. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Ghazenfer Mansoor, CEO of Technology Rivers, about building a future-proof career in technology. Ghazenfer shares strategies for spotting emerging trends, integrating AI into technical and non-technical roles, and differentiating yourself in a competitive marketplace. He also explores continuous learning, productivity, and creating apps that users truly love and keep.

Sep 19, 2025 • 16min
Adapting Podcasting and SEO in the Age of AI With John Corcoran
John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… The world of podcasting and digital marketing is changing fast as generative AI and shifting SEO rules redefine how audiences find and consume content. With so much uncertainty, how can businesses ensure their podcasts remain visible, relevant, and powerful tools for authority building? According to John Corcoran, a seasoned podcaster and business strategist, the fundamentals of SEO and relationship-driven marketing remain more important than ever. He emphasizes that while AI and search engines may evolve, building credibility, cleaning up websites, and delivering valuable content are timeless strategies for growth. John highlights how tools like Ahrefs can uncover hidden technical issues and how reading the right resources can sharpen SEO strategy. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen interviews John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, to discuss adapting podcasting and SEO in the age of AI. They explore how generative AI impacts podcast growth, why tools like Ahrefs are essential for visibility, and the SEO books every marketer should read. John also shares how podcasting helps professionals in even the smallest markets attract clients and build authority.

Sep 17, 2025 • 43min
How Psychedelics Are Helping Entrepreneurs Heal and Grow With Matt Zemon
Matt Zemon, MSc, is an educator, author, and leader in psychedelic wellness who focuses on the impact of psychedelics on mental health. He is the best-selling author of Psychedelics for Everyone, Beyond the Trip, and The Veteran's Guide to Psychedelics. His work centers on expanding access to psychedelic therapies, supporting veterans, and helping people find purpose, connection, and healing. In this episode… Psychedelics have moved from counterculture to boardroom, and more entrepreneurs are turning to them for healing and personal growth. But can these substances really transform the way business leaders think, feel, and lead? According to Matt Zemon, a bestselling author and educator in psychedelic wellness, the answer is yes. He explains how a guided journey helped him reconnect with his late mother, opening the door to profound emotional healing. He highlights the importance of mindset, environment, and source when approaching these medicines responsibly. For Matt, psychedelics didn't just shift his inner world; they made him a more present father, a more grounded entrepreneur, and an advocate for veterans and others seeking transformation. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Matt Zemon, an educator, author, and leader in psychedelic wellness, to discuss how psychedelics are helping entrepreneurs heal and grow. Matt also shares insights on the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, MDMA, and 5-MeO-DMT. Discover how psychedelics can enhance emotional availability, why set and setting are vital for safety, and how these tools are supporting veterans with PTSD.

Sep 12, 2025 • 31min
Google vs. Gen AI: The New SEO Frontier With Dave Burnett
Dave Burnett is the CEO and Founder of AOK Marketing, a digital marketing agency specializing in AI-driven SEO, paid media, and lead generation. AOK Marketing helps companies grow by optimizing their online presence through modern tools and strategies. Dave is a digital transformation expert who has mentored over 1,000 businesses and trained professionals through the Canadian Marketing Association. He previously co-founded Achievers.com, which was acquired for $110 million, and has started multiple other ventures, including PromotionalProducts.com. In this episode… Google's dominance in search is being questioned in the age of AI. With new tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity changing how people find information, is traditional SEO becoming obsolete? And how can companies ensure they're still discoverable when clicks are disappearing? Online marketing and AI expert Dave Burnett unpacks the changing landscape of online search and explains why businesses need to look beyond backlinks and keywords. Dave emphasizes that entity authority — how consistently your business is represented online — is now crucial for visibility in AI-driven search. He shares strategies for optimizing websites, tracking prompts, and maintaining your brand's visibility in both traditional and AI-powered search results. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dave Burnett, CEO of AOK Marketing, about the intersection of SEO, AI, and digital marketing strategy. Dave shares insights on entity optimization, tracking AI search performance, and the tools that help him scale faster. The conversation also touches on ABM campaigns, technical SEO, and building AI-friendly web infrastructure.

Sep 10, 2025 • 51min
Is SEO Dead in the Age of AI? Jason Barnard on the Future of Digital Visibility
Jason Barnard is the CEO and Founder of Kalicube, a digital brand consultancy operating in France and the US. Kalicube helps business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers understand how search engines and AI platforms interpret and display online information. With over 20 years of experience in digital marketing, Jason is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. In this episode… AI-generated summaries and chatbot answers are quickly changing how people search, sparking debate over whether SEO is becoming obsolete. Some business leaders fear the rise of AI will wipe out traditional strategies, while others believe the fundamentals of digital visibility remain unchanged for now. What does this massive shift mean for businesses trying to get found online? Jason Barnard, a digital brand management expert, believes you can — but only if you adapt. He shares why keyword-first SEO strategies are no longer effective and how to instead focus on expanding human knowledge through content. Jason explains how machines perceive online credibility, why citations and mentions are the new backlinks, and how companies can restructure their sites to better serve AI bots. From reducing friction for crawlers to reframing personal branding stories, Jason outlines a roadmap for digital success in the AI era. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jason Barnard, CEO of Kalicube, about how generative AI is transforming SEO and online reputation. Jason dives into reframing brand narratives, optimizing for AI comprehension, and the importance of educating algorithms to build trust and visibility. He also shares strategies for utilizing AI as a writing partner and provides tips on minimizing technical friction on your site.

Sep 5, 2025 • 44min
Final Approach: Courage in Flight and Compassion at Home With Dr. Jonathan Knaul
Dr. Jonathan Knaul, PhD, CD, is a retired Royal Canadian Air Force test pilot with over 30 years of service, including 23 years in flight testing on helicopters, UAVs, and specialized aerospace systems. He now serves as a Rotary-Wing Flight Test Pilot Instructor and Safety Manager at the National Test Pilot School in Mojave, California, where he trains the next generation of test pilots and engineers. An Associate Fellow of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots and licensed Professional Engineer, Dr. Knaul has contributed to both aviation and space research while holding leadership roles in the military and industry. He is also the author of Final Approach: A Test Pilot's Story of Caring for Loved Ones, blending his experiences in aviation with powerful lessons in resilience and caregiving. In this episode… Balancing a demanding career with the responsibility of caring for aging parents can feel overwhelming and isolating. Many face the emotional strain of supporting loved ones through illnesses like cancer or dementia while still trying to maintain their stability. How do you endure such challenges without burning out? Dr. Jonathan Knaul, a highly accomplished aerospace engineer, shares how he navigated these challenges by drawing on lessons from aviation and military service. He emphasizes the importance of discipline, preparation, and compartmentalization — skills he relied on both in the cockpit and at home. Dr. Knaul also emphasizes the value of recognizing vulnerability, particularly when burnout begins, and taking action by seeking medical advice or professional caregiving support, much like putting on your oxygen mask before assisting others. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Dr. Jonathan Knaul, test pilot instructor at the National Test Pilot School, about his book, Final Approach. Dr. Knaul discusses the complexities of balancing service and family and opens up about emotional vulnerability, caregiving strategies, and mental health in the aviation profession.

Sep 3, 2025 • 33min
Why Great Leaders Read What's Not Said With Rani Dabrai
Rani Dabrai is a Certified EOS® Implementer and the only one currently based in Ireland. She is a seasoned entrepreneur who started her first business at 25 and went on to lead ventures ranging from a global virtual assistant company to coordinating international trade missions for US governors and senators. After a successful exit, Rani served as Director of the World Trade Centre in Dublin, driving FDI and international trade. She now sits on UNICEF Ireland's advisory council and is a Senior Partner to the Monaco Foundry. In this episode… Understanding what lies beneath the surface of a team is one of the most overlooked aspects of leadership. Missed cues, unspoken frustrations, and unaddressed conflicts can quietly derail growth and morale. How can leaders better "read the room" to unlock stronger communication, trust, and results? Seasoned entrepreneur Rani Dabrai emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence and the ability to tune into what's not being said. Drawing on her entrepreneurial journey — from founding a global virtual assistant company to coordinating international trade missions — Rani highlights the value of identifying gateway products, facilitating difficult conversations, and staying present with her teams. For her, long-term success depends on a leader's willingness to address hard truths, adapt to change, and leverage human connection even in an AI-driven world. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Rani Dabrai, Certified EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide, about the power of reading the room in business. Rani shares how her upbringing shaped her emotional intelligence, the origins of her concierge company Miss Moneypenny, and how a drug dealer helped her discover her best marketing strategy. She also discusses EOS tools, team accountability, and the human advantage in the AI age.

Aug 29, 2025 • 30min
Inside the Mind of a Fifth-Gen Entrepreneur: Michael Richman on Growth, EOS, and Exit Strategy
Michael Richman is a Professional EOS Implementer with EOS Worldwide, a company that helps entrepreneurial leadership teams gain clarity, traction, and results through a proven operating system. With a background as a fifth-generation entrepreneur, he brings decades of firsthand experience in building and scaling businesses. Before becoming an EOS Implementer, Michael owned and operated a second-generation multimillion-dollar custom manufacturing company, culminating in a successful exit. He holds a degree in communications from the University of Southern California (USC) and an MBA in small business entrepreneurship from California Lutheran University. In this episode… Many entrepreneurs face the challenge of running and growing a family business while balancing legacy, leadership, and long-term sustainability. Scaling can feel overwhelming, employees may resist change, and eventually, the emotional weight of selling a business becomes unavoidable. How do you create clarity, build respect, and prepare a company for both growth and transition? Michael Richman shares how he navigated these challenges as a fifth-generation entrepreneur. By securing major accounts like Starbucks, Panda Express, and Family Dollar, Michael proved his value and helped expand his family's custom manufacturing business nationwide. Later, he turned to the EO community and the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to implement simple tools, such as scorecards, accountability charts, and people management systems — changes that unlocked growth, revealed hidden problems, and ultimately prepared the business for a successful exit. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Michael Richman, Professional EOS Implementer at EOS Worldwide, about transitioning a legacy business and scaling with systems. Michael discusses custom manufacturing, high-trust B2B partnerships, and how the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) changed his trajectory.


