Just Minding My Business

The demands of the modern business world—constant decision-making, relentless competition, and perpetual connectivity—often lead to burnout and diminished performance. However, a growing body of scientific evidence is proving that meditation is not a soft skill, but a critical training regimen for the high-performing professional and their organization.Shalin Desai is a corporate leader, meditation teacher, and intuitive practitioner who bridges high-performance business environments with deep inner clarity. Trained personally by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Shalin brings over 20 years of experience teaching meditation and breathwork across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and India.Today, Shalin is here to share his unique perspective on how meditation can be the secret ingredient to unlocking high performance and sustained success within your business. He serves as Director of Programs with The Art of Living Foundation, where he leads large-scale leadership and well-being initiatives, and is a corporate leadershi

Today, we're tearing down the concept of "Clean Beauty" with a woman who built a company on the radical idea of honesty. Our guest is Kate Assaraf, founder of DIP, the sustainability-forward haircare company that's redefining beauty without plastic or pretense.After years inside the beauty machine, Kate witnessed firsthand how marketing excluded real women and, crucially, how "greenwashing" obscured the truth. She created DIP to disrupt this cycle, challenging the very language of the industry. DIP believes the era of "Clean Beauty" is over. As Kate puts it, calling something "clean" is often just a distraction—a term with no legal meaning that often fuels chemophobia, an unreasonable fear of chemicals. (Let's remember, water is a chemical, right?) DIP is calling time on misleading marketing callouts like "non-toxic," "chemical-free," and "naturally derived." Instead, they choose transparency, intentionality, and hard data.Kate Assaraf is the founder of DIP, a sustainability-forward haircare company redefinin

What happens when an engineer applies problem-solving precision to wealth building?Today’s guest, Stan Leong, is a Private Wealth Advisor and author of Engineering Your Finances: The Tech Professional’s Guide to Strategic Wealth Building. Stan helps engineers and executives in Big Tech transform complex financial challenges into simple, actionable strategies for retirement and long-term security. With his unique engineer-to-engineer perspective, he makes financial planning relatable and clear for analytical minds.Get ready to discover how to engineer a confident financial future. Stan Leong is the author of Engineering Your Finances: The Tech Professional’s Guide to Strategic Wealth Building and a Private Wealth Advisor who helps engineers and executives design the financial future they want.With his background as a former engineer, Stan brings technical precision and relatable insight to financial planning, connecting with clients in ways other advisors often can’t. He specializes in serving high-income prof

Do you feel like you are being overlooked to becoming the go-to expert in your niche. Our guest today can lead you through the journey of positioning, packaging, and pricing your expertise, launching your personal brand startup business in 90 days.Katrena Friel is an internationally recognized Business Coach and the celebrated "Business Mentor to the Awakened," dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs and leaders toward true mastery in their Field of Excellence. With over 25 years of experience, Katrena draws on her background as an award-winning author, sought-after international speaker, and TEDx presenter to empower her clients. She is the creator of the unique "Done for You Program," which delivers a clear pathway to success by helping clients transform hidden dreams into reality within just 90 days, specifically by establishing seven distinct streams of income. For anyone ready to become the authoritative expert in their field, Katrena provides the essential clarity, strategy, and inspiration needed to authent

Tired of the back-and-forth trying to secure a business loan? Small-business owners don’t live a 9-to-5 life—and your funding shouldn’t either. Today, we’re joined by Kunal Bhasin ], who understands that frustration and is here to share practical ways to get the capital you need without the runaround. Let’s dive in.”Kunal Bhasin is the Founder & CEO of 1West, a financial technology and services firm dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses grow through customized capital solutions. He and his team work closely with clients to deliver transparent, flexible funding options that support long-term success. The company also emphasizes speed, service and trust; values that have helped it stand out in a crowded and often impersonal market. Just like the small business innovators, change-makers, and entrepreneurs they serve, 1West is a team of restless, uncommon, and constructive contrarians from all backgrounds — united in their talent for turning the lending process inside out. Premiering ABLE which

Are you suffering from "Profititis"—that frustrating condition where revenue climbs but your bottom line refuses to follow? Every small business owner and entrepreneur has felt the pinch of a competitive market, wondering how national chains manage to thrive even in the most diverse and challenging towns. The secret isn't more complexity; it's clarity. Dr. Ben Hansen, widely known as the "Profit Doctor," is here to share the prescription. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, Ben reveals the simple, practical strategies that drive real business growth. Forget the theoretical fluff—Ben specializes in diagnosing and curing Profititis by focusing on the single most critical factor for long-term success: differentiation.Ben Hansen is a 5-time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur and founder of an 8-figure staffing firm. In his previous business, he built a team of over 100 employees in just 8 years and consistently achieved fast growth and high profit. Today, he helps CEOs solve their profit problems fast - he understands f

Human intelligence is a complex, multi-faceted capability—reasoning, learning, problem-solving, and abstract thought—marked by profound self-awareness and adaptability. Orchestrated by the brain’s frontoparietal network, it integrates perception, memory, and language to navigate real-world environments. And unlike artificial intelligence, it’s distinguished by emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, and real-time, autonomous, general-purpose cognition.Few people personify these qualities more vividly than our guest, Don Weber—a global communication strategist, human intelligence (HUMINT) expert, and executive coach whose life tells a story of survival, reinvention, and mastery. For over 15 years, Don worked in international intelligence operations across 90+ countries, operating under multiple identities and navigating environments where one wrong move could have cost him his life. During his years as a U.S. government field operative under the George Bush administration, he gathered intelligence across Sou

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the search for high-caliber talent is a constant challenge for U.S. businesses. Yet just a short flight away, a vibrant and largely untapped reservoir of skilled professionals is driving innovation across Latin America. Plugg Technologies was founded on the recognition of this immense potential, creating a dedicated pathway for U.S. companies to access the exceptional tech expertise found in countries like Argentina, Mexico, and beyond. This is the story of how a bold vision turned into a company that is redefining staff augmentation and forging powerful, cross-border partnerships.In 2015, Brian Samson, made a bold move. He left San Francisco for Buenos Aires, taking on the challenge of growing a FinTech startup. What started as a small team quickly evolved into a thriving workforce of 85 talented professionals in Argentina. This eye-opening experience revealed a powerful truth: Latin America is home to a wealth of untapped tech talent ready to drive global inn

In a world where challenges often seem overwhelming, it's inspiring to see organizations dedicated not just to addressing needs, but to creating sustainable, positive change. Our guest today is at the forefront of that movement.   Danielle Buckson is the Founder and President of The Phoenix House Incorporated, a Baltimore-based nonprofit dedicated to providing transitional housing for women and families. With more than 20 years of experience in leadership, program management, and community engagement, she has a proven track record of developing supportive services that foster independence and stability.In addition to leading The Phoenix House, Danielle has served as a Direct Support Specialist with Abilities Network, where she assists individuals in achieving personal goals related to housing, employment, and education. A certified life coach, she brings expertise in counseling, financial literacy, and personal development to her work. Danielle’s professional background includes roles in nonprofit leadership,

If you’re tired of stitching together a pricey, time-sucking podcast stack, you’ll love this. Nathan Gwilliam is a serial entrepreneur whose latest exit was Adoption.com. After hosting 350+ episodes on digital monetization, he found the typical toolkit fragmented and costly—around two grand a month—and built PodUp, an AI-powered, single-login platform with 50+ integrated tools to create, grow, and monetize. For time-strapped teams, he also started PodAllies, a done-for-you agency that handles production and marketing once you hit stop. Today, Nathan shares how to go from fragmented to frictionless—and scale your show at a fraction of the cost.Nathan Gwilliam is a serial entrepreneur who has created and sold 3 digital ventures. His most recent exit was Adoption.com, which was the world's most-visited adoption site. After selling Adoption.com Nathan started hosting a podcast about digital monetization, where he published more than 350 episodes. After a few months of publishing audio, video, biogs, social, a web

In this conversation, we introduce a speaker and author whose journey began in a small cafe, where she learned that leadership is truly about human connections rather than just metrics. Her story offers inspiration and motivation for fostering effective interactions in the workplace that bring harmony.Lisa Even (ee-ven) is on a mission to help leaders and organizations create the ultimate ripple effect, the kind that moves people and drives impact.Better leaders. Better culture. Better results.A nationally recognized keynote speaker, best-selling author of Joy Is My Job, and host of the Have Good Ripple Effect podcast, Lisa has partnered with top organizations across the world to help teams navigate change and create remarkable performance. Through her signature S.E.A. Model (Show up, Engage, Adapt), Lisa teaches that culture and performance aren’t built in meetings; they’re built in the moments in between, through our attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs. She helps leaders recognize that their ripple effect, th

Today, we're joined by a guest whose journey is a masterclass in seeing potential and turning it into something truly extraordinary. He is the can-do entrepreneur behind Ink'd Stores, a venture he launched with a simple but powerful idea: to help small businesses thrive, and then, as he puts it, he "figured it out." His career path is defined by vision, refinement, and execution, spanning ventures from radio and private aviation to luxury villas.Jay built his success on a discerning eye for quality, a commitment to integrity, innovation, and adaptability, always understanding that true success lives in the details—the craftsmanship, the experience, the feeling something evokes. That meticulous perspective is precisely what inspired Ink'd Stores.Beyond the business world, our guest is a dedicated family man, married for 27 years with three kids, Cat, Ben, and Maddie. His home is clearly a lively one, with an animal roster that includes two beagles, Arkie and Hazel Mae, and two cats, Steve and Elton. He and his

Today, we have a true force for global good joining us. Our guest, Christian Lefer, has an incredible track record: he's personally been instrumental in launching around 5,000 nonprofits and counting for founders who are making an impact across the globe. This dedication to facilitating world-changing organizations has not only helped countless causes but has also earned Christian the honor of leading the highest-rated service of its kind in the entire business. Get ready to dive into the world of impact with Christian Lefer.Christian believes we are in the age of the “convergence of cause and commerce" – and that every entrepreneur, business owner, and community leader should be aware of the power of aligning a nonprofit with their life’s work. Christian grew up steeped in nonprofits when his developmentally disabled sister first competed in Special Olympics decades ago, and our company was born out of Christian’s “moral outrage” over how difficult it is for people to do good in this world by starting a nonp

Today, we're diving deep with a true Silicon Valley powerhouse, Kevin Surace. This man is a legendary innovator, serial entrepreneur, and "edutainer" who has graced the stages of TED, the US Congress, and hundreds of major events, earning accolades like INC Magazine's Entrepreneur of the Year and a CNBC Top Innovator of the Decade. With 93 worldwide patents under his belt, Kevin has led pioneering work on everything from the first cellular data smartphone to human-like AI virtual assistants, and even the energy retrofits of iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building—and he's here to share his dynamic insights on the most disruptive forces shaping our world, including ChatGPT, AI, and digital transformation.Kevin Surace is a Silicon Valey innovator, serial entrepreneur, CEO, TV personality and EDUTAINER. Kevin has been featured in Businessweek, Time, Fortune, Forbes, CNN, ABC, MSNBC, FOX News, and has keynoted hundreds of events, from INC5000 to TED to the US Congress. He was INC Magazines’ Entrepreneur o

In a world where traditional financial advice often leads to endless debt and delayed dreams, a new path to true financial independence is emerging. Meet Joey Muré who is shattering the myths of conventional wealth-building.Joey Muré is co-founder and Partner at Wealth Without Wall Street, dedicated to helping individuals achieve financial independence through passive income strategies. After over a decade of success in the mortgage industry, Joey shifted his focus to empowering others to break free from traditional financial systems and build lasting wealth. As co-host of The Wealth Without Wall Street Podcast and co-author of Wealth Without Wall Street: 3 Steps to Freedom Through Passive Income, Joey shares practical steps for achieving financial freedom.Guided by Proverbs 3:5-6—”Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path”—Joey integrates his faith into his work and life. A devoted husband and father, Joey is

How this company is solving one of the sector's most persistent challenges: efficiently connecting preschools with high-quality, specialized talent.Paul Buckley is the Founder and Managing Owner of Ratio Staffing, a groundbreaking platform reshaping how preschools connect with substitute teachers, enrichment educators, and speech pathologists. A former preschool teacher with nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, Paul’s mission is deeply personal: to help children thrive by supporting the educators who shape their early years.Before founding Ratio Staffing, Paul spent nearly a decade in biotech manufacturing leadership, where he trained global teams, revised over 300 SOPs, and earned a Six Sigma Green Belt. Today, he fuses that systems expertise with his passion for education to create a platform that offers true flexibility, transparency, and community impact.Ratio Staffing removes the predatory norms of traditional staffing agencies, allowing schools to choose their teachers and educators to negotiate fair

Dr. Shaurice Mullins, known as Dr. M, is a distinguished business strategist, entrepreneur, and thought leader with over 25 years of experience driving transformational change for individuals, organizations, and communities worldwide. As President and CEO of multiple successful enterprises including The Elite Group, Inc., Elite Disaster Consulting International, and Shaurice Mullins International, she has established herself as a premier voice in economic innovation, leadership development, and sustainable business growth.Through these ventures, she delivers actionable strategies that help clients unlock new levels of access, leadership, and financial freedom. Dr. M’s hallmark is her unique ability to transform challenges into opportunities. By fusing cultural insights with cutting-edge solutions, she elevates individuals and communities to their fullest potential—cultivating a legacy of wealth, empowerment, and enduring success. Her vision resonates deeply with creatives, professionals, entrepreneurs, and in

Nancy Griffin is a connector and influencer. She attributes her success to personal courage, determination, and joy, when focusing on women’s health and wellness, hence creating Women, Worth & Wellness®. Nancy enjoys every opportunity to inspire and inform women about their personal health and wealth, net worth and self-worth, philanthropy and legacy—so that women feel fabulous, generous, joyful, confident, and on top of their game every day.Nancy Griffin established Women, Worth & Wellness in 1994 as a Private Client Wealth Advisor for her female clients and their families. Nancy continues to promote and inspire Daring & Caring Leaders, encouraging them to step up and lead in the world, following in the footsteps from many other powerful Women Leaders in the past. Nancy’s overall purpose is to connect and influence for positive impact every chance she gets.Contact Details:Email: nancygriffin99@gmail.com Company: Women, Worth & WellnessWebsites: https://womenworthwellness.com/ Social Media:Lin

With almost 25 years of experience as a financial advising professional, Jeff Panik knows that his job is to help clients strike a balance between living well today and planning for the future. Jeff founded Balance Wealth Partners with a simple goal in mind: to create tailored plans for intentional living.Throughout his career, Jeff has worked with hundreds of families, individuals, and small businesses to help them set goals, strategically manage their assets, and work towards achieving their dreams. The first in his family to attend college, Jeff attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. After graduating, Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Army, spending much of his service in South Korea and later at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. When Jeff completed his service, he was honorably discharged and began working as a Financial Advisor trainee at a large brokerage firm. Jeff has worked at both large investment and independent financial planning firms, and today believes that being independent allows him to offer th

Laura Rehbein is guiding successful professionals—retired or not—with straightforward strategies that replace financial uncertainty with confidence and clarity.Laura Rehbein is a Private Wealth Advisor and founder of Impavid Wealth Advisors, a franchise of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. With 30 years of experience, she specializes in helping successful professionals and recent retirees turn financial uncertainty into clear, confident action. Laura works with those who’ve saved and succeeded— but now wonder what’s next. Her planning process is designed to simplify complexity and provide practical peace of mind.Laura is the author of Fearless Finance, a relatable guide that helps people avoid “bad math,” plan for longevity, and address overlooked essentials like digital assets and pet trusts. Having taken on financial responsibility at just 12 years old, she brings empathy, realism, and wisdom to every conversation. Through personalized income strategies and ongoing support, Laura helps clients face the fu