Business, Bourbon & Cigars

Prices can get undercut. Processes can get cloned. But relationships are yours to keep. So, if you look honestly at your business, are you playing the features game or the relationship game?  In this episode, Scott Joseph breaks down seven powerful, client-centric strategies that no competitor can steal. Drawing from decades of experience in building businesses and leading high-performing tea...

Are you leading a team of thinkers or babysitting order takers? In this episode, Scott breaks down how powerful leaders create teams that think, innovate, and deliver results without constant hand-holding. He shares the frameworks and mindsets that turn order takers into owners, focusing on questions, outcomes, debriefs, accountability, and trust.  Join Scott Joseph as he explores:  (00:...

What blind spots are silently draining your revenue right now? Blind spots in leadership, operations, and strategy quietly sabotage growth and profits. In this episode, Scott reveals how to identify these hidden weaknesses before they multiply into million-dollar problems.  Join Scott Joseph as he explores: (00:53) Why blind spots exist in every business and how they quietly drain millions wi...

As a business leader or a CEO, how can you turn weak signals into a competitive advantage? In this episode, Scott reveals a powerful 5-step system that smart businesses use to predict change before competitors even notice. He breaks down how AI-driven agents can turn scattered data into actionable insights, helping leaders stay ahead of disruption. This episode will guide you through a practical b...

How do you spot market shifts before competitors see them? Also, what steps can you take today to disrupt yourself before others do?  This episode unpacks the three steps every leader must master to lead innovation and transform a business fast. Scott shares lessons from the auto industry, where resistance to change caused many to lose ground, and explains how leaders can avoid the same mista...

As a business leader, are you surrounding yourself with people who truly challenge and elevate you? In this solo episode, Scott Joseph pulls back the curtain on the lies we believe about success—and where real growth actually happens. He shares why hustle and surface-level advice often keep business leaders stuck, and explains how true transformation begins with proximity to the right people.&nbsp...

Are you using AI in a way that actually grows your business? Ethan King joins Scott Joseph to unpack how AI, automation, and systems thinking can scale your business without adding stress. From his early days starting a college project to building multiple eight-figure brands, Ethan shares actionable frameworks and mindset shifts that empower smart, sustainable growth.  Ethan King is an award...

What’s the best way to outsell a direct competitor without putting them down? In this episode, Scott Joseph shares a powerful two-question technique for positioning yourself above direct competitors—without ever going negative. He explains how these questions shift the sales conversation by revealing what matters most to your prospects and where your competitors fall short.  Join Scott as he...

What leadership framework can help you stay calm under intense pressure? In this powerful episode, Scott Joseph sits down with Navy SEAL-turned-leadership-coach Errol Doebler to unpack the SMACC decision-making framework. Together, they explore how emotional awareness and structured planning can elevate leadership, whether you're in combat or in the boardroom. From stories of FBI standoffs to busi...

Growth is not about doing more. It's about becoming more. But what if you’re chasing the wrong version of growth? This episode dives deep into the powerful inner shift that distinguishes top-tier entrepreneurs from the rest. Scott Joseph shares a personal transformation story that redefined how he led his business and life, moving from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. Join Scott as he explores...

What is a “virtual hot seat” in a mastermind group?  In this episode, Scott Joseph explores how the virtual hot seat technique, which he used in his mastermind group, helped him launch a new business from scratch. The virtual hot seat process helps business leaders overcome challenges by providing a structured environment for problem-solving and feedback. For Scott, it  forced him to foc...

Are your goals truly aligned with the life you want to live—or are you just checking off boxes? Also, how can you transition from chasing financial success to creating meaningful impact? Join Scott as he explores:  (01:45) Are You Living the Life You Want? * Most people treat goal setting like a to-do list instead of a pathway to purpose. * Real growth comes from aligning personal and profess...

What are the fundamental differences between scaling and growing a business? Also, when is the right time to bring in a fractional COO or CFO?  In this episode, Scott and his guest break down the key differences between scaling and growing, the financial blind spots that business owners often overlook, and how fractional leadership can be a game-changer Today’s guest is Michael Straza, a frac...

How can self-assessment tools transform your leadership approach? In this episode, Scott Joseph explores the pivotal role of self-awareness and self-assessment in business and leadership growth. Sharing his journey with J&L Marketing, Scott reveals how confronting his blind spots led to dramatic business growth. Tune in to learn practical steps, powerful tools, and actionable insights to unloc...

What are the biggest barriers to change, and how can you overcome them? How does embracing transformation unlock both personal and professional success? In this episode, Scott shares his own journey of breaking through stagnation, shifting his mindset, and embracing continuous growth. Listeners will walk away with a simple, actionable framework to adapt to change, build resilience, and achieve las...

Is your business ready for a successful exit? If it isn’t, what are the critical steps to prepare your business for a profitable sale?  Today’s guest is Marty Fahncke, a marketing and M&A pro with over 30 years of experience turning small businesses into giants. Known for his billion-dollar strategies and knack for making complex deals look easy, Marty’s here to share his wisdom.  Jo...

What strategies can you use to differentiate your business from competitors and attract premium clients? This episode of Business Bourbon & Cigars dives into actionable strategies for attracting high-value clients and growing your business. Host Scott Joseph shares personal stories and insights from his mastermind group, emphasizing the importance of detailed client personas, seamless sales pr...

How does trust directly impact a company’s top and bottom line? Natalie Doyle Oldfield is a recognized thought leader when it comes to the topic of trust. The founder of Success Through Trust Inc, she is on a mission to make trust the cornerstone of every business.  Join Scott and Natalie as they explore:  * Natalie’s new book, Trusted: The Proven Path to Customer Loyalty and Business Gr...

Why is collaboration between you, your attorney, and your accountant essential for business success? Matthew Fornaro is a business attorney who knows the entrepreneurial journey firsthand. He helps entrepreneurs succeed with strong legal strategies and practical advice. Join Scott and Matthew as they explore:  * The importance of creating a written business plan to set a strong foundation. *...

What are the six key plays for achieving a healthy, profitable business? Today’s guest is Stewart Ervin, the founder of Bracket Management and a seasoned fractional CFO who loves helping businesses thrive. With a knack for turning chaos into clarity, Stewart has spent his career empowering leaders to grow their companies and create lasting value. Join Scott and Stewart as they explore:  * Wha...

What steps could you take to start building generational wealth today? In this episode, Scott talks with a powerhouse real estate investor with over $1 billion in multifamily transactions. Veena Jetti shares her journey of breaking into the male-dominated industry, building generational wealth, and empowering others through her community-focused initiatives.  Today’s guest, Veena Jetti, is a...

How can companies effectively leverage AI to drive digital transformation and enhance client experience?     West Stringfellow is a product and technology visionary with a knack for driving innovation and a track record that includes top roles at Amazon, PayPal, Visa, and Target. He's also the founder of HowDo, a company dedicated to coaching and consulting businesses on how to...

How can business owners plan and execute a successful business exit?  This episode offers expert insights on planning for a lucrative business exit, including building a strong succession plan, identifying and filling value gaps, and protecting your business during economic downturns. Wayne Zell, a seasoned business transaction expert, shares invaluable advice and real-world examples, emphasi...

How can entrepreneurs use AI and tech-driven platforms to solve real world problems?  Have you ever met a tech startup expert who also dabbles in filmmaking, music, and writing? Meet Jason Sherman, the award-winning filmmaker turned tech entrepreneur who's here to inspire you to embrace innovation and achieve your most audacious goals. Jason is also the CEO of Vengo AI and the Spinnr app.&nbs...

Why do some companies continuously innovate while others struggle to keep up? Also, as an entrepreneur, how can you foster innovation within your business?  Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale, is a leading innovator and business leader with a passion for helping organizations build a culture of innovation. With experience working with clients like NASA, Comcast, and Doctors Without Borders, Nick bri...