Podcast
Atomic CEO
Hosted by Adam Hurd & Tom Marino · EN
Atomic CEO Podcast: Real conversations. Real lessons. No fluff. Each week on the Atomic CEO Podcast, Adam Thomas Hurd and Tom Marino, co-founders of Atomic Business Coaching, sit down with a guest CEO to talk about what’s really going on in their world, their clients’ world, and the world of small business. They’re not teaching preplanned lessons or reading from a script. They’re having open, unfiltered conversations about what it takes to "Be the CEO" of both your life and business. Expect stories, insights, and the occasional tangent. From leadership to mindset, from family to freedom, from mistakes to breakthroughs. Every episode connects back to one question: How do you stop running your business… and start leading it? 🎧 New episodes every week. Subscribe and join the conversation. Learn more about Adam & Tom → https://www.BeThe.CEO
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Escaping the Founder Trap | How Entrepreneurs Become True CEOs
1w ago00:17:26Tap to summarizeAre you building a business… Or did you accidentally build yourself a job? In this episode of the Atomic Business Coaching Podcast, Tom Marino and Adam Hurd dive deep into The Founder’s Trap — the stage where entrepreneurs become overwhelmed, overworked, and stuck doing everything inside their business, essentially they have become the best employee in their business.Many business owners hit a ceiling before reaching $1 million in revenue because they stay trapped in the identity of the employee instead of evolving into the CEO. In this conversation, Tom and Adam break down: * What the Founder’s Trap actually is * Why entrepreneurs feel overwhelmed even when they’re successful * The hidden mindset keeping business owners stuck * Why delegation alone doesn’t solve the problem * The identity shift required to become a true CEO * How systems, people, and leadership create scalable growth * Why many founders lose themselves in their business * The difference between being self-employed and being a business ownerIf you’re constantly wearing every hat in your business, struggling to scale, feeling burned out, or wondering why success still feels exhausting — this episode is for you. ## Topics Covered ✔ Founder’s Trap Explained ✔ Entrepreneur Burnout ✔ CEO Mindset ✔ Small Business Growth ✔ Leadership Development ✔ Business Systems & Processes ✔ Scaling a Business ✔ Entrepreneur Identity Shift ✔ Business Coaching ✔ Revenue Ceiling Problems Whether you’re a solopreneur, startup founder, coach, consultant, or small business owner, this episode will help you recognize the patterns holding your business back and show you how to start thinking like a true CEO. 👇 Connect with Atomic Business Coaching 🌐 https://atomicbusinesscoaching.com
Transcribe →The Truth About Building a Content Business | Steve DeAngelis on Storytelling & Growth
2w ago00:36:23Tap to summarizeSteve DeAngelis didn’t set out to become a CEO—he set out to create.What started as a simple Instagram DM turned into years of collaboration, storytelling, and building alongside others. From producing music festivals and independent films to founding MMP Creations, Steve’s journey has always been rooted in one core belief: if you can bring the right people together, you can make anything happen.That belief now shows up fully in Bella Vita Studios, a professional podcast and content studio in Huntington, NY, designed to help entrepreneurs and brands create high-quality, authentic content without the overwhelm. More than just a studio, it’s a space built for real conversations and real storytelling—because in today’s world, authenticity builds trust.In this episode, Steve breaks down how he turned content creation into multiple businesses by focusing on what he does best—vision, strategy, and storytelling—while building a team to execute. Instead of trying to do everything himself, he leaned into collaboration, allowing him to scale faster and more effectively.If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or content creator looking to grow, this conversation will challenge how you think about building a business. From CEO mindset and leadership to content creation and scaling, Steve shares what actually works—and what most people get wrong.Whether you're just starting out or trying to take your business to the next level, this episode is a reminder that becoming the CEO isn’t about doing more—it’s about trusting others, staying focused on your strengths, and building something bigger than you could alone.Connect with SteveInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bella.vitastudios/ and https://www.instagram.com/mmpcreations/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-deangelis-media/Atomic CEO We help business owners escape the Founder Trap | Stop thinking and acting like the best employee in your own company and start leading like the CEO. https://www.bethe.ceo
Transcribe →“If They Can Do It, Why Can’t I?” – Brandon Havrilla on Becoming a CEO
3w ago00:31:05Tap to summarizeBrandon Havrilla’s story is one of natural entrepreneurship evolving into intentional leadership. Now the CEO of Redmax Life, a creative ecosystem that produces large-scale experiential builds for major brands, Brandon didn’t arrive at success through a single breakthrough moment. Instead, his journey reflects a steady progression from instinct-driven hustle to strategic, CEO-level thinking.From a young age, Brandon was wired differently. Whether it was running lemonade stands, shoveling snow, or cutting lawns, he was always looking for ways to create income and opportunity. That early mindset became the foundation for everything that followed. He didn’t wait to be taught entrepreneurship—he practiced it.His first real venture began in the DJ and entertainment space, but like many entrepreneurs, he faced a defining challenge during COVID. Rather than retreat, Brandon pivoted. That shift led to what Redmax is today: a company that designs, fabricates, and installs immersive brand experiences for events, trade shows, and major activations across the country. What appears seamless to attendees is, in reality, the result of complex logistics, creative design, and relentless execution behind the scenes.Central to Brandon’s success are a few core beliefs. One stands out above all: “If they can do it, why can’t I?” That perspective fueled his confidence early on, allowing him to approach high-level corporate clients in his early twenties without hesitation. He paired that belief with discipline—defined not by rigid routines, but by his ability to trust his gut and block out external noise, even when it came from people close to him.Failure, in Brandon’s view, is simply part of the process. He frames it through perspective: if most efforts are working, the occasional miss is not a setback—it’s expected. That mindset keeps him moving forward without hesitation.Today, his growth strategy reflects his forward-thinking approach. Instead of relying on traditional marketing, Brandon invested in content creation, documenting the behind-the-scenes of his work to build visibility and trust. This consistent presence has become a major driver of new opportunities.At his core, Brandon operates with a simple philosophy: take action, learn quickly, and let the business evolve. For him, success isn’t about waiting until everything is perfect—it’s about doing the thing and figuring it out along the way.Connect with Brandon:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonhavrilla/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonhavrilla/Website: https://redmax.lifeEvents Page: https://redmax.eventsAtomic CEOWe help owners who build small business CEOs installing a CEO Operating System so they can think differently, lead differently, and grow the business beyond themselves.Https://www.atomicbusinesscoaching.com
Transcribe →Why Land Investing is the Best Kept Secret in Real Estate: A Conversation with Mike Deaton
4w ago00:45:20Tap to summarizeMike Deaton’s journey begins on a familiar path—college, career, and climbing the corporate ladder. Without a clear long-term vision early on, he found his footing in big tech, building a career with companies like Motorola, Nokia, and Microsoft.At Motorola and Nokia, Mike developed his foundation in operations during the rise of the mobile industry. He later joined Microsoft, where he led supply chain operations across the Americas for hardware products like Xbox and PCs. In these roles, he operated as a senior leader—managing teams, budgets, and business units—essentially running “businesses within businesses.”His career offered stability, growth, and the traditional promise of success—until 2016.Mike was laid off from Microsoft, and within days, his wife also lost her job. Faced with uncertainty, his instinct was to return to corporate life. But something didn’t feel right. Instead, he paused and, with his wife, began asking deeper questions about their values, lifestyle, and what they truly wanted next.That moment sparked a complete shift.Transitioning into entrepreneurship required more than a career change—it demanded a new identity. Mike leaned on his operational background, implementing structure through KPIs, goal-setting, and disciplined execution. But he quickly realized that mindset—not tactics—was the real challenge.Exploring new opportunities, he was drawn to land investing—a niche in real estate with strong returns and low competition. He and his wife committed, invested in education and coaching, and within a year built a business capable of replacing their income.At the same time, they made a bold move from Texas to Colorado, creating space to reinvent themselves away from familiar expectations.Today, Mike blends corporate discipline with entrepreneurial freedom. His journey reflects a powerful truth: success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about who you become in the process.Connect with Mike:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbdeaton/Website: https://flippingdirt.us/realitycheck/Atomic CEO We help owners who build and maintain buildings install a CEO Operating System so they can think differently, lead differently, and grow the business beyond themselves.Https://www.atomicbusinesscoaching.com
Transcribe →Everyone is Afraid of AI... This Tech Optimist Isn’t with Steve Ghiassi
Apr 1500:45:40Tap to summarizeStevie Ghiassi is not your typical tech entrepreneur. Based in Australia and operating on a global scale, he’s spent over a decade at the forefront of innovation—building and scaling technologies across major internet protocols like VoIP, WebRTC, and blockchain. As the co-founder of Techno Ventures, Stevie describes himself as a “techno-optimist,” someone who doesn’t just believe in the future of technology but is actively building it.In this episode, Stevie shares a journey that is anything but linear. From growing up under the influence of a high-performing father—a professional athlete turned successful entrepreneur—to navigating his own path through sports, business, and eventually technology, Stevie’s story is one of evolution, discomfort, and relentless curiosity.What makes Stevie’s perspective so compelling is that he didn’t arrive in tech through a traditional route. In fact, much of his career has been shaped by stepping into rooms where he felt he didn’t belong and choosing to move forward anyway.Stevie opens up about one of the most difficult transitions a person can face: letting go of an identity. As a young athlete, his world revolved around performance, competition, and the expectation of success. But injuries forced him to confront a new reality, one where he had to redefine who he was and what he was capable of.That shift, while challenging, became a turning point. It taught him that identity is not fixed, it’s something we continuously shape. And often, growth begins the moment we’re willing to step away from who we thought we were supposed to be.At the core of Stevie’s philosophy is techno-optimism, the belief that technology, despite its risks, is one of humanity’s greatest tools for progress.He acknowledges that we are living in a time of massive uncertainty:AI is reshaping industriesCareer paths are becoming less predictableThe pace of change is accelerating faster than everYet, instead of fear, Stevie sees opportunity. He believes that technology will eliminate much of the “meaningless work” that consumes our time, allowing people to focus on creativity, strategy, and human connection.Today, he’s actively building AI-first, agent-driven companies, rethinking not just how businesses operate, but also what it means to be a leader in this new era.Connect with Stevie Ghiassi🌐 Techno Ventures:https://www.techno.ventures/#intro💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ghiassi
Transcribe →Why You DON’T Need a Brand to Start a Business with Ryan Musselman
Apr 800:37:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Atomic CEO Podcast, Tom and Adam sit down with Ryan Musselman—former Google leader and VP of Content at Cinemark turned entrepreneur—to explore what it really takes to step out of the corporate world and build a business on your own terms.Ryan shares his journey from leading digital content companies and scaling startups to walking away from structured corporate systems and embracing experimentation, iteration, and agency. The conversation dives into unlearning process-heavy thinking, navigating pivots, and building businesses in today’s rapidly evolving AI-driven landscape.If you’ve ever felt stuck between “doing it right” and just getting started—this episode is your permission slip to move.👤 About Ryan Musselman Ryan Musselman is a content strategist, entrepreneur, and former corporate executive with a background in sales, marketing, and digital media.Former Google employeeLed multiple startup content companies through acquisitionServed as VP of Content at Cinemark, exploring new media models like bringing YouTubers to the big screenBuilt a successful business in LinkedIn content, ghostwriting, and coaching.Now focused on AI-driven marketing and content systems, with a specialty in bottom-of-funnel strategy that drives action—not just attention.Ryan is known for his sharp thinking, simple execution philosophy, and ability to challenge conventional “build a brand first” advice.Connect with Ryan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmuss/ Website: https://www.coacheswhoclose.com/ Atomic CEO.We help owners who build and maintain buildings install a CEO Operating System so they can think differently, lead differently, and grow the business beyond themselves.➡️ https://www.atomicbusinesscoaching.com/
Transcribe →CEO Isn’t a Title – It's a Mindset : Real Talk with TJ Arella
Apr 100:37:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Atomic CEO Podcast, we sit down with TJ Arella, Co-founder and Coach at 8Well, to talk about what it really means to take ownership of your life and business.TJ isn’t your typical “CEO.” He represents a new wave of leaders—people who aren’t hiding behind titles but instead are actively building, evolving, and leading from the front.As a co-founder of 8Well, TJ is focused on helping individuals elevate their standards, take control of their decisions, and step into a more intentional way of living. His approach blends personal growth, accountability, and real-world experience—making his perspective both relatable and actionable.What stands out about TJ is his ability to simplify what leadership actually looks like:Owning your decisionsTaking responsibility for your outcomesLeading yourself before trying to lead othersThis conversation goes beyond business—it’s about identity, growth, and what it truly means to become the CEO of your own life.TJ Arella is the Co-founder and Coach at 8Well, where he works with individuals to elevate their mindset, take ownership of their lives, and operate with greater clarity and intention.Through his coaching and leadership, TJ helps people move from passive participation to active leadership in both business and life.Connect with TJ:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tjarella/ ; https://www.instagram.com/8well.life/?hl=en Website: https://8welllife.com/Atomic CEO.We help owners who build and maintain buildings install a CEO Operating System so they can think differently, lead differently, and grow the business beyond themselves. ➡️https://www.atomicbusinesscoaching.com/
Transcribe →Stepping into the CEO with Joe Beauchamp
Mar 2500:39:33Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we sit down with Joe Beauchamp—a seasoned leadership development specialist, executive coach, and founder of Beauchamp Team Growth Solutions—for a powerful conversation on what it truly takes to grow as a business owner and leader.With over 30 years of experience in corporate management and education, Joe brings a rare combination of real-world business expertise and academic depth, holding both an MBA and a Master of Science degree. Throughout his career, he has trained and coached hundreds of professionals across multiple industries, helping them improve performance, increase productivity, and drive profitability.Joe’s approach stands out because he doesn’t just teach concepts—he focuses on implementation that sticks. By combining training with coaching, he ensures that business owners and leaders don’t just learn new strategies, but actually apply them consistently to create long-term results.As a Certified Executive Program Leader, Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with the Maxwell Leadership Team, Joe is equipped with world-class leadership frameworks from John Maxwell, widely recognized as one of the most influential leadership experts in the world.Joe is deeply committed to helping individuals become the best version of themselves while building organizations rooted in growth, accountability, and excellence.Connect with Joe:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-a-beauchamp-mba-ms-42348072/ Website: https://www.beauchampteam.com/ ____________Atomic CEO.We help owners who build and maintain buildings install a CEO Operating System so they can think differently, lead differently, and grow the business beyond themselves. ➡️https://www.atomicbusinesscoaching.com/
Transcribe →Why Most Business Owners Are Trapped in Their Own Business
Mar 1800:30:10Tap to summarizeAdam and Tom from Atomic Business Coaching help entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and small business owners simplify how they grow their businesses. As business coaches, authors, and speakers, they share practical strategies, leadership insights, and mindset shifts that help business owners stop feeling overwhelmed and start leading with clarity and confidence. Tom Marino brings extensive operational leadership experience. Today, he helps entrepreneurs build discipline, strengthen decision-making, and overcome the limiting beliefs and sabotaging behaviors that often hold business owners back. Adam focuses on business strategy, accountability, and practical execution, helping entrepreneurs turn ideas into focused action that drives real results. Through the Be The CEO Coaching Program, their podcast, Adam and Tom help business owners move beyond working in their business and start leading it like a true CEO. If you're an entrepreneur looking to grow your business, develop a CEO mindset, and build sustainable success, this channel is for you. Topics We Cover Small business growth CEO mindset for entrepreneurs Leadership and business strategy Sales and business development Overcoming limiting beliefs Productivity and focus for business owners 🌐 Learn more: https://atomicbusinesscoaching.com
Transcribe →Danny DelVecchio – Top LinkedIn Creator
Mar 1100:37:39Tap to summarizeDanny DelVecchio is known for simple and stress-free content systems for ambitious founders who want visibility that drives revenue. He has helped 250+ companies and generated $20M+ in pipelines.Three and a half years ago, he quit his corporate job to build an online business. Since then, he’s landed 250+ clients and made over 7 figures from my organic content, without any paid ads. The most important "content hack" that he's realized is that the best content doesn't come from brainstorming. It comes from the conversations you're already having: sales calls, client meetings, podcasts, workshops. So he built Content on Easy Mode, the only content consultancy that builds a complete program around the conversations already happening in your business. He combines social selling, content, and video creation into one stress-free system.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydelvecchio/LinkedIn Business Page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/contentoneasymode/Book a call with Danny: https://calendly.com/coachdcreates/video
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