GSD with Jeni

What does it take to cold call your way into a career - and eventually into the CEO seat of an 80-year-old family business? In this episode of GSD with Jeni, I sit down with Melanie White, CEO of Hellwig Suspension Products, for a conversation that is equal parts raw and inspiring. Melanie didn't inherit the top job - she earned it, one cold call, one hard lesson, and one courageous decision...

What if you could make price irrelevant in your sales? In this episode of GSD with Jeni , Jeni sits down with customer experience expert, entrepreneur, author, and speaker John DiJulius to unpack what it really means to create a customer-obsessed organization. From his early entrepreneurial journey to becoming one of the leading voices in service excellence, John shares powerful lessons on buildin...

In this episode, referral expert and author Stacey Brown Randall is back to break down the real driver behind sustainable, relationship-based growth: building a referable client experience . She shares why doing great work alone won’t generate referrals and how emotional connection, intentional touchpoints, and organizational alignment play a bigger role than most businesses realize. We dive into...

In this episode of GSD with Jeni , Jeni chats with Emmy-nominated science host Tamara Robertson (Mythbusters, SciJinks) to talk about her incredible journey from engineering to national television and how she’s on a mission to make STEM exciting, accessible, and empowering for the next generation. Tamara shares how storytelling, hands-on experimentation, and curiosity can transform the way we thin...

What does it really take to lead boldly—without guilt, burnout, or waiting for permission? In this episode of GSD with Jeni , Jeni sits down with Jaclyn Bradham, Chief Revenue Officer at Oracle Lighting , for a candid conversation about leadership, career growth, and the power of curiosity in building both people and businesses. Jaclyn shares her non-linear career journey in the automotive industr...

At just 17, Harry Sanders found himself homeless on the streets of Melbourne. Today, he’s the founder of StudioHawk , one of the world’s largest dedicated SEO agencies. In this raw and inspiring conversation, Harry shares his journey from survival to success — revealing how he built a global business through grit, networking, and laser-sharp focus . He opens up about the mindset shifts that helped...

In this SEMA special edition episode of GSD with Jeni , 20-year-old entrepreneur Riley Schlick-Trask —founder of Riley’s Rebuilds—shares how a $300 garage hobby turned into a viral carburetor rebuilding business that’s shaking up the automotive industry. Riley opens up about the grit behind her journey, from learning independence in her dad’s shop to hiring friends as her business exploded overnig...

In this special SEMA edition of the Get Shit Done podcast, Jeni sits down with two powerhouse women who are transforming how brands show up in the automotive and motorsports world. You’ll hear from Lee Riser , VP of Marketing at RealTruck , who’s led a major rebrand and built a lifestyle-first approach that inspires people to get outdoors, upgrade their rigs, and actually use their trucks. Joining...

In this SEMA special edition episode, Jeni sits down with Dana Wilke to explore what it truly means to build community with purpose. Drawing from the powerful legacy of Jessi Combs , Dana shares how the Jessi Combs Foundation is redefining what’s possible for women in trades—providing over $250,000 in scholarships , creating opportunities for hands-on learning, and fostering a network of unwaverin...

In this special SEMA Show edition of the GSD with Jeni podcast, host Jeni Bukolt sits down with Megan Meyer , two-time NHRA World Champion and powerhouse entrepreneur. Megan opens up about her evolution from life on the drag strip to life as a business owner, sharing how she built a thriving career by mastering sponsorships and leveraging social media long before it became the norm in motorsports....

In this episode, Joanna Agosta Shere opens up about leading through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons that shaped her role as CEO. She shares how calm communication, adaptability, and change management became critical tools for guiding her company through crisis. Joanna reflects on the challenges of transitioning from peer to leader, the importance of rebuilding trust after...

In this inspiring episode, Theresa Contreras—automotive designer, painter, and co-founder of Real Deal Revolution —shares her journey as a creative force in the male-dominated automotive industry. From her roots in the garage with her family to building a career that spans custom design, off-road, and SEMA highlights, Theresa opens up about the grit, resilience, and community support that fueled h...

In this episode of GSD with Jeni , we sit down with Baily Soto, a leader in electric vehicle (EV) education and high voltage safety training, to talk about breaking down barriers in a rapidly evolving industry. From launching CTE programs worldwide to designing safety certifications changing how the industry trains its workforce, Baily shares how she's driving real change. We get into the cha...

Cora Jokinen’s path to entrepreneurship didn’t start with an off-road rig — it started in architecture. Now the owner of Torque Masters Industries, Cora shares how she made the leap from the design world to the dirt, turning her passion for off-roading into a thriving business. In this episode, Cora opens up about navigating the challenges of acquiring a company, marketing in a fast-changing digit...

Melanie Henry has done more than bring people together through her car shows — she’s sparked a movement rooted in community, purpose, and giving back. As a marketing strategist and lifelong car enthusiast, Melanie shares how her passion for automotive culture has helped raise over $300,000 for local nonprofits. In this episode, she talks about the power of showing up, staying curious, and leading...

In this episode of GSD with Jeni , we sit down with Haley Keelin—marketing strategist, community builder, and all-around GSD leader in the automotive world. From navigating irate customer calls to launching products under the Hoonigan umbrella, Haley shares how she turned passion into purpose and adversity into opportunity. We dive into her journey as a woman in a male-dominated industry, the mome...

In this episode, Lee Riser takes us behind the wheel of her journey from passionate marketer to VP of Marketing at RealTruck. She opens up about the grit it takes to lead in a male-dominated industry, how aligning your team can move mountains, and why saying "yes" before you're ready might be the best thing you ever do. She reminds us that leadership isn’t about having all the answe...

In this episode of GSD with Jeni , we sit down with Kara Redman—CEO and founder of Backroom, a brand strategy and activation agency known for breaking the mold. Kara shares her journey from working with global brands like Pepsi and Hellmann’s to building an agency that prioritizes people over processes and purpose over profit. Kara opens up about the power of having a supportive network and how he...

In this conversation, Vanessa Mathews, Founder and CEO of Asfalis Advisors, shares her journey into crisis management and business resilience, sparked by a personal experience with a natural disaster. She discusses the importance of understanding crisis management, the entrepreneurial spirit, and practical steps for small businesses to prepare for unexpected disruptions. Vanessa emphasizes the sig...

What does it take to build a thriving team and a powerful brand? Jake Petersen, VP of Product and Marketing at Warn Group, breaks it down in this episode of GSD with Jeni . From clear communication to balancing fun and accountability, Jake shares real-world strategies for setting expectations, leading diverse teams, and creating a workplace where people want to show up and win. He also dives into...

In this episode of GSD with Jeni , we sit down with the dynamic and fearless Page Fehling , who made the bold leap from a 20-year career in television news to becoming a sought-after keynote speaker, corporate trainer, and communication expert. Page shares her journey of reinvention, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the power of storytelling in building authentic connections. From mastering...

In this episode of GSD with Jeni , Jeni Bukolt sits down with Diona Kidd, a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing strategist, to dissect the world of digital marketing. They cut through the industry’s buzzwords and empty promises, emphasizing the need for clarity and strategy in marketing efforts. Diona shares her journey from programmer to marketer, shedding light on how businesses can align their...

In this conversation, Stacey Brown Randall and Jeni Bukolt explore the significance of referrals in business growth, emphasizing the importance of authentic relationships and effective communication. They discuss the role of behavioral economics in understanding client behavior, the necessity of a well-structured referral system, and the impact of mindset on entrepreneurial success. The conversati...

In this conversation, Jeni Bukolt and Sel Watts explore the significance of intentional workplace culture and the role of values in employee success. Sel shares her journey from Australia to the US, discussing the challenges and differences in HR practices between the two countries. They delve into the importance of measuring employee success, creating operational values, and understanding the rea...

In this episode of the GSD podcast, Nicholle Overkamp shares her mission to empower women to take control of their finances and live life on their own terms. As a bestselling author and founder of Wilcox Financial Group, she discusses the emotional aspects of financial management, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the creation of the Money Bitch movement. Nicholle emphasizes the importance of v...