The Built Authority Podcast

Too many entrepreneurs let fear and self-doubt keep them from starting the thing they know they’re called to do—whether it’s launching a business, writing a book, or simply sharing their story. In this episode, we’re joined by David Trent —entrepreneur, coach, and author of Elevate Others —to explore how we break through that inertia and take bold action. After selling his company, David set out o...

As a former third-generation owner of a successful family produce business, Matt Curry shares the pivotal moment when he went from being “just a sales guy” to running a $40M company overnight after his father’s passing. That experience sparked his passion for helping entrepreneurial teams lead with clarity, confidence, and energy. Now a coach to growth-minded leaders as the founder of Giant Result...

Are you running your business—or is it running you? In this episode, JR Lay welcomes back Daniel White to explore a simple but powerful framework that can transform how B2B entrepreneurs operate: the difference between obligation and commitment. Too often, entrepreneurs feel stuck, drained, or overwhelmed because they’re acting from a sense of obligation rather than true commitment. Daniel breaks...

Joe Pulizzi —entrepreneur, author, and founder of The Tilt and CEX —shares the truth most B2B entrepreneurs miss: success starts with belief and is sustained by purpose. Drawing from the highs and lows of his own journey, Joe unpacks how to find your tilt —the unique combination of experiences and insights that sets you apart in a noisy, AI-driven market. Belief isn’t a luxury—it’s a daily discipl...

Are you feeling stuck in the chaos of the day-to-day grind, unsure of what the future holds for you as an entrepreneur? In an era of rapid change, uncertainty, and AI disruption, many entrepreneurs lose sight of their vision, forget their worth, and fall into the trap of complacency. That’s why this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast is a must-listen. Host JR Lay sits down with Bryan Sweet —...

What happens when the business you built starts to break you ? Shannon McLay , founder of Collective Wellness Revival and former CEO of The Financial Gym joins JR Lay for a conversation that goes far beyond entrepreneurship. After 12 intense years of building a business and raising over $14 million in funding, Shannon found herself at rock bottom—burned out, disconnected, and questioning everythin...

Rory Sylvia , founder of The Ways We Work , joins JR Lay to explore how leaders can create more human-centric, adaptive teams in the face of exponential change. Rory unpacks his RIDE framework—Reflect, Ideate, Design, Experiment—as a practical, repeatable rhythm for modern leadership. Together, they discuss why traditional top-down management models are failing, how fear and comfort hold teams bac...

When your podcast feels transactional, it shows. You miss the chance to build real trust—and in B2B, that trust is everything. Especially now, when AI-generated “slop” is everywhere and people crave something real. Robb Conlon , founder of Westport Studios , joins JR Lay to break down why authentic connection is your podcast’s secret weapon. They talk about building real relationships, creating co...

What does the first year of business really look like—without the highlight reel? In this episode, JR Lay sits down with Chris DuBois , founder of Dynamic Agency OS , to unpack the real lessons from year one of building his business. Chris doesn't hold back. He shares the wins, the struggles, and the mindset shifts that helped him go from nearly taking a job… to designing an agency that works for...

Most entrepreneurs today are chasing the latest technology -AI, automation, analytics- believing it’s the key to scaling. But what if the most powerful tool in your business doesn’t live in the cloud... but in your mind? In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast , JR Lay is joined by Roderick Walker , Owner & CEO of Tavros Care , who shares his incredible journey from driving UPS trucks...

What would you do if your $20 million business exit collapsed just 30 days before closing? That’s exactly what happened to Steve Patti , a seasoned B2B marketing leader who has built and scaled companies across 12+ industries. In this episode, Steve shares the hard-earned wisdom from that moment and how it transformed his approach to business, branding, and life. Steve and JR also explore the powe...

Wealth is often measured in dollars. But what if the real scoreboard for success tracks something far more meaningful? In this episode JR Lay is joined by Cory Proctor , a former NFL offensive lineman turned entrepreneur and founder of Pro Capital Wealth Management . Cory brings a no-fluff perspective to what it really takes to grow a business, protect your wealth, and stay grounded in what matter...

Ever feel stuck as an entrepreneur—like you’ve hit a wall that no strategy, system, or scale tactic can break through? The truth is, your business growth is limited by your personal growth. Growth-minded entrepreneur Michael Pine , Managing Partner and Co Founder at thinkWealth, LLC , joins JR to unpack how investing in yourself—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—is the key to leveling up your...

Feeling stuck, scattered, or like you’re not where you “should” be by now? You’re not alone—and you’re not done. In this episode of The Level Up Business Podcast , JR Lay sits down with Darren Violette , a financial advisor and B2B entrepreneur who opens up about his long road from insecurity and failure to clarity and growth. Darren shares how he spent years learning the “hard skills” of his busi...

What if the lessons you’ve learned as a B2B entrepreneur could become a powerful new income stream and help others avoid the painful pitfalls you’ve already overcome? In this episode of The Level Up Business Podcast , JR Lay is joined by Ron Cuff , Co-Founder of Forge , to explore how authentic, hard-earned wisdom can be transformed into real systems that scale businesses—especially in the home se...

Entrepreneurs often live in chaos—either dragging it from business into the home or vice versa. This lack of alignment leads to communication breakdowns, emotional disconnection, and stalled dreams. Left unchecked, this chaos breeds unresolved conflict, financial stress, and even resentment. Eventually, couples find themselves completely out of sync, unsure how they got there or how to find their...

Megan Bowen , CEO of Refine Labs , joins JR Lay to break down how forward-thinking B2B brands can embrace change through adaptability, strategic reflection, and an evolved demand gen model. From redefining brand, demand, and expansion strategies to building internal change management discipline, this conversation offers a path forward to those ready to level up.

Think conflict is something to avoid? Think again. In this episode, JR Lay and Matthew Abrams , Certified EOS Implementer & Coach, blow up the myth that conflict is bad for business — or for you. The truth? Conflict is where your next big breakthrough is hiding. They dive deep into how early life experiences secretly shape how you lead today, why most entrepreneurs unconsciously sabotage their...

Entrepreneurs often experience unexpected energy drain, friction, or stagnation — not just within themselves, but also within their teams and collaborations — without understanding why. Left unchecked, this misalignment can silently sabotage momentum, drain confidence, and create persistent bottlenecks that prevent business growth. Entrepreneurs may mistakenly blame skills, motivation, or even the...

Entrepreneurship is rising — but what happens when your career success still leaves you feeling empty? In this inspiring episode, host JR Lay talks with Lori Pine , executive leadership coach and former corporate VP at Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, and Campbell’s, about what happens when you've checked all the boxes... but life still feels off. Lori shares her deeply personal journey of leaving the c...

As entrepreneurs, we often chase the future by sacrificing the very thing that powers us—our health. In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, host JR Lay is joined by Regan Archibald , founder of East West Health and leading voice in peptide therapy and regenerative medicine. Together, they explore what it truly means to create an ageless future —one where mind, body, and spirit are align...

In the noisy world of B2B marketing, most brands are forgotten the moment after a prospect scrolls past their feed. Why? Because they’re focused on features, price, and parroting the same tired messages—without ever truly standing for something. Instead of building real connection and recognition, they blend into the crowd. If your brand feels invisible, it might be because you’re missing the foun...

Too many entrepreneurs grind through frustration, stuck on the revenue rollercoaster—growing fast, crashing hard, then repeating the cycle. That’s exactly where Jeremey Newberg , CEO of Capital Access , found himself at 50. Stagnant. Burned out. And wondering what it would take to break through. In this episode, Jeremey shares how he transformed from a “grumpy grinder” into a “fantastic facilitato...

What if the real threat to your business isn’t the market... but your own thoughts? In this vulnerable and high-impact episode of the Level Up Business Podcast , JR Lay sits down with Ben Ward , bestselling author of Pluck the FUD and CEO of Forward Leadership , to explore how fear, pride, and ego can sabotage even the most successful entrepreneurs—from the inside out. Ben shares the raw story of...

What if the reason you're stuck isn’t strategy… but your subconscious? In this powerful episode, JR sits down with wealth coach Lisa Smith , who helps six- and seven-figure entrepreneurs break through self-imposed financial ceilings and reach early retirement— without sacrificing their soul or sanity . Together, they unpack the concept of your “deserve level” —a subconscious set point that can qui...