Business Growth Spotlight

In this episode, Heidi Schalk sits down with James Coddington to explore how SkillsVR is transforming corporate training and leadership development through immersive technology. They discuss the limitations of traditional training methods and explain how virtual reality (VR) is improving knowledge retention, employee engagement, and overall performance. James shares how VR training is already bein...

In this episode, Heidi sits down with David Chase of Ministry Safe —a leader in child protection and abuse prevention—who shares how the organization is building a safer world and scaling its mission strategically. David dives deep into the operational blind spots many organizations face when it comes to abuse prevention and how Ministry Safe helps close those gaps with training, systems, and acco...

  Show Notes: In our 50th episode Heidi sits down with Yotis Tonellier, managing partner of Yobe Ventures, shares insights on what investors look for in startups, common mistakes founders make when pitching, and the transformative impact of AI on business strategy. He emphasizes the importance of professionalism in pitch decks and the need for founders to focus on solving problems rather than sell...

In this episode, Heidi and Richard Harris dive into the shifting world of sales and what it takes to succeed today. He breaks down some of the most common mistakes sales teams make and explores how AI is changing the sales process. Richard emphasizes the critical role of communication skills, especially for younger professionals who may find face-to-face interactions more challenging. The conversa...

In the latest episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi sits down with Joan Burge, founder and CEO of Office Dynamics International, shares her trailblazing journey in elevating the role of administrative professionals. Since launching her company in 1990, Joan has been on a mission to transform how assistants are trained, viewed, and valued in the business world. Joan talks about the mindset sh...

In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight , host Heidi Schalk sits down with Kelly Leonard, Vice President of Creative Strategy at the legendary comedy institution, The Second City. Together, they dive into the surprising but powerful connection between improv and business—revealing how improvisational techniques can unlock creativity, build trust, and elevate team communication. Kelly shar...

Show Notes: In this episode, Heidi and Jonathan Reynolds discuss the importance of mindfulness in both personal and professional contexts. He shares insights on the mission of his company, Mindful Life, Mindful Work, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and simplicity in leadership. The discussion also covers the launch of a new mindful social media platform, Mindset Social, and how mindfulness...

In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight , host Heidi Schalk sits down with Jay Hurt, COO of the Academy of Creative Coaching, for an insightful conversation about what it really takes to grow and lead a successful business today. Jay opens up about the power of creative coaching, not just as a personal development tool, but as a smart business strategy that drives innovation and growth. He an...

 Ready to rethink your sales strategy for 2025 and beyond? In this episode, Tom Starck joins us for a powerful conversation about how the sales landscape is shifting and what today’s businesses need to do to stay ahead. Tom breaks down why having a clear, structured sales plan is more important than ever and shares the common pitfalls he sees sales teams make (and how to avoid them). We dive into...

In this episode, Heidi sits down with Bob Kulhan to explore how the principles of improvisation can transform the way we lead and communicate in business. They dive into the power of agility, collaboration, and clear communication, and how these skills can strengthen both personal and professional development. Bob shares how Business Improv helps teams become more adaptable, enhances emotional int...

In this episode, Heidi and Ursula Pottinga, (CEO and co-founder of Profound Growth), discuss her journey in coaching, emphasizing the importance of neuroscience in understanding human behavior. She highlights the need for a growth mindset among leaders and the significance of overcoming internal roadblocks to achieve personal and professional growth. Ursula also addresses the evolving landscape of...

In this enlightening conversation, Pavel Solin (Founder) and Leonard LaFrance, (President) of NCLab, dive into the future of education and workforce development. They challenge the traditional higher education model by championing a "learning by doing" philosophy that equips students with real-world skills. Pavel and Leonard share how gamification has dramatically boosted engagement and...

In this podcast episode, host Heidi Schalk interviews Dr. Leah Hanes, discussing her journey in education and the innovative approaches of her company, Exodexa. They explore the importance of gamification in learning, the challenges of traditional education systems, and the need for individualized learning experiences. Dr. Leah shares insights on how to engage students effectively and the future o...

In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight , Heidi welcomes Tom LeNoble, a philanthropist, CEO, and transformational coach, for a powerful and heartfelt conversation. Tom opens up about his evolution from corporate leadership into coaching, and how his personal journey, including moments of challenge and growth, has shaped the way he leads and serves today. From guiding new coaches to supporting...

In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi interviews Javier Cuesta, co-founder of B&B Executive Leadership. They discuss Javier's journey from Spain to the US, the founding of his company, and the importance of leadership and talent development in today's dynamic job market. Javier shares insights on fostering high-performance teams, the significance of company culture,...

In this episode, host Heidi Schalk interviews Dani Marks from Neil Asher Education. They discuss Dani's journey from being a soccer player to his role in healthcare education, focusing on manual therapy and the importance of patient advocacy. The conversation highlights the challenges in healthcare education, the significance of alternative healing methods, and the need for individuals to tak...

In this conversation, Christian Jerusalem, CEO of Wise Force Advisors, discusses the importance of recognizing the value of an aging workforce. He emphasizes the need for organizations to shift their mindset from viewing older employees as a challenge to seeing them as assets. The discussion covers practical steps for creating an inclusive workplace, addressing misconceptions about older employees...

In this Episode, Heidi interviews Daniel O'Reilly, founder and CEO of Fuel Sales Academy. They discuss the importance of effective sales training, the unique approach of Fuel Sales in training and supporting new sales professionals, and the key components that contribute to long-term success in sales. Dan shares insights on the common mistakes new sales reps make, the significance of relation...

In this episode, Bryan Murray discusses his journey as a coach and entrepreneur, detailing the evolution of his business from the Village of Voices to the Ascent Coach. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth, the integration of technology in coaching, and the challenges faced in business growth.  Bryan shares his strategies for business evolution, effective marketing, and the significance...

In this conversation, Jonathan Shore, CEO of CodeMonkey, discusses the company's mission to teach coding to children through a game-based approach. He shares insights on the importance of teaching real programming languages, the challenges faced in scaling the business, and the strategies employed to stay current with technological advancements, including AI. Jonathan emphasizes the need for...

In this conversation, Heidi and Tyler Van Horn discuss the unique approach of Cairn Leadership in developing leadership skills through outdoor experiential learning. Tyler shares his background in the military and how it shaped his understanding of leadership. They explore the importance of trust, vulnerability, and tailored programs for diverse organizations, emphasizing the need for experiential...

  In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight podcast, Dr. Jim Guilkey, president of S4 NetQuest, discusses the importance of effective training methodologies and the role of technology in enhancing learning experiences. He introduces the Impact Learning methodology, which focuses on problem-based learning rather than traditional memorization techniques. Dr. Guilkey shares insights on measuri...

In this episode, Mike Handcock and I explore the core of conscious leadership, where authenticity, inner work, and alignment shape true success. Our guest highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with growth-minded peers, defining success through the value you offer, and recognizing that while AI is a rising trend, human connection remains essential. We also discuss the role of personal d...

In this conversation, Jim Garrison, founder and president of Ubiquiti University, discusses the innovative approach of the university in integrating inner development with academic studies. He highlights the challenges faced in the traditional education system and how Ubiquiti University aims to prepare students for a hyper-complex world by fostering personal growth alongside academic knowledge. T...

In this episode, Heidi interviews Adam Klein from New Ventures West to discuss leadership coaching, emotional intelligence, and the challenges leaders face today. Adam emphasizes that for businesses to grow, leaders must be willing to evolve themselves and prioritize personal development. They explore the role of AI in coaching, recognizing its potential to enhance the process while affirming that...