Purpose-Driven Progress

80% of business happens after 5 follow-ups. Yet almost half of business owners never follow up more than once. In this tactical solo episode, Jacob Hicks breaks down exactly why you're losing deals—and how to build a follow-up system that converts without becoming the pushy salesperson everyone hates. You'll learn: The 10x10 Follow-Up Strategy Jacob teaches his clients What to say in follow-ups so...

Season 2 of Purpose Driven Progress kicks off May 6 — and we’re going BIG. We’re dropping two episodes every week , featuring amazing guests, practical strategies, and real stories to fuel your purpose-driven journey. 👀 Know someone with a great story to share — or want to be a guest yourself? 📩 Apply to be on the show here : https://jacobhickscoach.com/so-you-want-to-be-a-guest-on-purpose-drive...

Experimentation is the secret sauce to success! In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress , I share how experimenting can drive innovation and personal growth in ways you never imagined. From my own social media journey to the story of Netflix's rise from DVDs to global streaming dominance, I’ll show you how small, low-risk experiments can lead to big wins. Discover how to treat your goals, r...

In this episode of  Purpose Driven Progress , I sit down with Nick Dutson, a man whose journey is a masterclass in resilience, faith, and adaptability. From knocking on doors selling home security to diving into tech sales, custom software, and even scaling his wife’s wildly successful Etsy shop, Nick has built a career on learning, pivoting, and seizing opportunities. We dive deep into: 🔹 The fi...

In this episode of  Purpose Driven Progress , I sit down with  Eric Porter , the mastermind behind  Stria , a game-changing basketball shoe brand trusted by  pros and Olympians . From overcoming setbacks to redefining what elite athletes put on their feet, Eric’s journey is packed with insights on innovation, perseverance, and disrupting an industry dominated by giants. Key Takeaways from This Epi...

Ever felt like a fraud, even when others praise your success? In this episode, I unpack imposter syndrome, sharing insights from icons like Maya Angelou and personal stories to help you turn self-doubt into growth. Learn how to reframe negative thoughts, celebrate small wins, and embrace imposter syndrome as a sign of progress. You’re not failing—you’re growing.   More About Jacob Hicks

Holograms aren’t just science fiction anymore—Alex Ard-Kelly is bringing them into the real world in ways you won’t believe. As the founder of  HoloTABLE , Alex is making this cutting-edge technology more accessible, transforming how businesses, events, and even entire industries communicate and engage. In this episode of  Purpose Driven Progress , we dive into: 🔹  How holograms work  (and why th...

In this episode of  Purpose Driven Progress , Nicole Guzzardi shares her incredible journey from financial hardship to stepping into an already successful real estate business and, under the mentorship of her boyfriend Billy, learned the ins and outs of the industry, created a powerful women's networking group, and a nonprofit that’s changing lives. She proves that resilience, smart strategy,...

Do great leaders really need to know it all? In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress , I dive into the myth that leaders must have every answer and share how curiosity and collaboration can drive success.   I open up about my experience in a bad-fit job, the lessons I learned about leadership, and how embracing grit helped me move forward. You'll hear my thoughts on why asking the right que...

Are you struggling to grow your social media presence? Wondering how to navigate different platforms without burning out? In this episode of Purpose-Driven Progress , social media expert Alex Lazarchik shares actionable strategies for building an engaged audience, creating content that resonates, and using social media as a powerful tool for growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, content crea...

In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress , Jacob Hicks chats with Kevin Appleby , who took Rule’s HVAC business from 0 to 40 projects in just 3 years after expanding from Europe to New York. Kevin shares how he’s driving sustainable building solutions while navigating the fast-paced world of sales, client relationships, and business growth. What You’ll Learn: 🔹 How Kevin broke into a new market...

How can a dog save a life? In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress , Jacob Hicks sits down with Laura Ward , co-founder of Canine Miracles for Heroes , to uncover how service dogs are transforming the lives of military veterans and first responders battling PTSD. Laura shares her deeply personal journey—from a heartbreaking loss to building a nonprofit that pairs life-saving dogs with heroes in...

In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress , Jacob Hicks sits down with Bryan Elsesser, a seasoned sales leader with over 15 years of experience driving high-performance teams and scaling revenue to $15M+. Bryan shares his journey from cutting his teeth at Yellow Pages to leading teams in tech and enterprise sales. He reveals the secrets to building sustainable sales success, motivating teams, and...

In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress, we explore the transformative power of focusing on the journey rather than just chasing the finish line. Inspired by marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, we dive into strategies for reframing goals, celebrating small wins, and finding joy in the daily process.   Discover how embracing progress over perfection and aligning your actions with your values can lea...

On this episode of Purpose-Driven Progress, Jacob Hicks sits down with Mara Smith, founder of Inspiro Tequila. Mara shares her journey from practicing law in Chicago to creating a premium, additive-free tequila brand designed with women in mind. Discover how she identified a gap in the market, built a powerhouse all-women team, and navigated the competitive spirits industry—all while balancing ent...

What do you get when you mix high-quality beef jerky, a mission-driven business, and a whole lot of entrepreneurial grit? Meet Joli Phillips , founder of Best Buckin’ Jerky , who turned a passion for bold flavors and community impact into a thriving brand. In this episode, Joli shares her journey from culinary world date nights to crafting an environmentally conscious jerky empire that supports wo...

In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress, I’m tackling the common struggle of perfectionism and sharing how we can embrace progress instead. As a recovering perfectionist, I dive into personal stories, powerful strategies, and actionable tips to help you let go of the impossible goal of perfection.   I’ll show you how failure can be your greatest teacher, why "good enough" is often more than eno...

Startups are a wild ride—fast-paced, unpredictable, and full of lessons. In this episode of Purpose-Driven Progress , I sit down with Surya Veeravalli , a creative thinker who’s navigated the highs and lows of the startup world. From working at companies with just 10 employees to scaling with teams of 200+, Surya has seen it all. We dive into what it takes to thrive in high-growth, high-pressure e...

In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress , Jacob Hicks dives into one of his favorite strategies for thriving under pressure: experimentation . Learn how embracing the "Always Be Experimenting" mindset can help you refine your approach, tweak your processes, and succeed in both sales and life. Jacob shares real-life stories from his time in retail sales, breaking down how small adjustm...

Barbara Fox was on track for medical school—until a surprising opportunity in cannabis packaging changed her path. Now the CEO of Cannabis Supply , she’s revolutionizing branding and compliance in the industry. In this episode of Purpose-Driven Progress , we discuss: 🌱 Her bold pivot from medicine to entrepreneurship 📦 The power of packaging in a competitive market ⚖️ Navigating legal and compli...

Imagine a world where surfaces can cool themselves—no electricity, no extra energy, just pure innovation. That’s exactly what Jordan Fourcher , the founder of Cryo X , is bringing to the table with his groundbreaking radiative cooling product. In this episode of Purpose-Driven Progress , Jordan shares: 🔥 The science behind his "magic cooling paint" that drops temperatures 15 degrees bel...

Feeling overwhelmed by tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities? In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress , we explore how to build a "second brain"—a task management system designed to help you offload mental clutter and focus on what truly matters. Using tools like Todoist and strategies grounded in personal experience, I’ll share how you can create a seamless system to manage your wor...

In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress, I’m joined by Rebecca Pinner, whose inspiring career journey highlights resilience, adaptability, and the courage to pivot. From her early days as a flight attendant to thriving in sales, Rebecca shares how she navigated career transitions, found the right fit, and learned valuable lessons about autonomy and growth. We dive into her shift from aviation t...

Struggling to stay on top of your day? In this episode of Purpose-Driven Progress, we explore two proven strategies to help you take control of your time: time blocking and a powerful technique called chaos time. Learn how to schedule your day effectively without burning out and handle unexpected interruptions without losing momentum. Discover how time blocking helps you stay focused, reduce distr...

What drives you to persevere when challenges arise? In this episode of Purpose Driven Progress, we explore the powerful story of Desmond Doss, a World War II medic who saved 75 soldiers at Hacksaw Ridge—all without carrying a weapon. Desmond’s unwavering commitment to his "why" inspired extraordinary courage, even amidst chaos and danger. Discover how defining your own "why" can transform your lif...