Podcast
Business Growth Spotlight
Hosted by Heidi Schalk · EN
Welcome to Business Growth Spotlight, the podcast where we shine a light on innovative business leaders, cutting-edge strategies, and the latest trends shaping the world of business growth. Whether you're a corporate leader, entrepreneur, or online educator, this podcast delivers actionable insights and expert conversations to help you scale your business, increase revenue, and stay ahead in a competitive market.
Join host Heidi Schalk as we dive deep into the stories and strategies of industry leaders, uncovering the tools and tactics they use to drive success. From navigating corporate challenges to mastering online visibility, this podcast is your go-to resource for scaling your business and reaching your goals.
Tune in weekly for inspiring conversations, practical advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in today’s ever-evolving business landscape.
59episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 215 42 Years of Physical Therapy Wisdom with Jeff Petersen
4d ago00:48:03Tap to summarizeShow Notes:Pain affects everyone, yet many people misunderstand what pain really means and how to recover from it.In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Jeff Petersen, founder of Petersen Physical Therapy, who brings more than four decades of experience helping people regain mobility, improve their quality of life, and overcome chronic pain.Jeff shares why pain is not always a reliable indicator of injury severity, the role mindset plays in recovery, and why movement remains one of the most powerful tools for healing. He also discusses the culture behind building a successful multi location practice and offers a preview of his upcoming book, Shadow of Pain.Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply interested in living a healthier life, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and hope.Bio:Jeffrey Petersen, PT, MOMT, studied physical therapy at the University of New England and has been a practicing physical therapist since 1984. He studied exercise science at Arizona State University and completed advanced studies, earning a Master of Orthopedic Manual Therapy through the Ola Grimsby Institute. He founded Petersen Physical Therapy and has served as its CEO for 35 years. His volunteer activities include: Healing The Children, AZ, Tempe Neighbors helping neighbors, Tempe sister cities.Mr. Petersen has worked with thousands of patients living in the shadow of pain. Drawing from decades of clinical experience, leadership, and personal reflection. He has written a book that distills the most important principles he has learned about pain, resilience, and healing. "Shadow of Pain Due out 8/1/26To connect with our guest, click on the links below:https://petersenpt.com/ https://www.facebook.com/PetersenPhysicalTherapy/ https://www.youtube.com/c/petersenphysicaltherapy Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint: https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint
Transcribe →Ep. 214 How Rebel Health Is Reinventing Healthcare for Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
1w ago00:50:54Tap to summarizeShow Notes:Goldman, Founder and CEO of Rebel Health Alliance, to discuss how he's challenging traditional healthcare and creating a completely different model centered around prevention, longevity, optimization, and personalized care.John shares how his own health struggles led him to build a national healthcare company focused on helping people take ownership of their health before disease becomes a problem.The conversation also dives deep into entrepreneurship, founder led marketing, personal branding, customer acquisition, AI, accountability, and what it really takes to grow a successful business from the ground up.Whether you're interested in optimizing your health, scaling your business, or building a stronger personal brand, this episode delivers practical insights and real world lessons.Bio:John Goldman is a precision medicine entrepreneur and human performance advocate. As the Founder and CEO of Rebel Health Alliance, he built a concierge healthcare company that combines top physicians, dietitians, strength coaches, and epigenetic counselors into one coordinated team built around the individual. Frustrated by a healthcare system that only reacts when people get sick, John set out to change the model entirely. To prove what's possible, he's currently running "Project Unreasonable", a personal experiment to transform himself from an average founder into a Boston Marathon qualifier in 18 months or less using his own company's protocols. His approach is simple: data-backed, proactive, and deeply personal.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:X: https://x.com/rebelhealth_Instagram: :https://www.instagram.com/rebelhealth_/X: https://www.x.com/johngoldman Website: https://rebelhealthalliance.io/ Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint: https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint
Transcribe →Ep. 213 The Hidden Challenges Every CEO Faces with Brent A. Hafele
1w ago00:43:09Tap to summarizeShow Notes:In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with leadership coach and business strategist Brent Hafele, founder of Vibrancy Unlocked. Brent shares what really happens behind the scenes for CEOs and why leadership challenges often become the biggest growth barriers organizations face.From loneliness at the top and decision fatigue to burnout and team development, Brent provides powerful insights into what separates struggling leaders from thriving ones.He also explains why most growth challenges are actually leadership challenges, how CEOs can build stronger teams, and why self awareness may be the most important skill a leader can develop.Whether you're a CEO, founder, executive, or business owner looking to grow your organization, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leading with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.Bio:Brent A. Hafele, M.A., PCC, President & Coach to CEOsHi, I'm Brent.Over my career, I led in the number one or number two role in multiple businesses and nonprofits on the local, national, and international level. Starting in 2008, I also worked as a consultant, partnering with 180+ CEOs and senior leaders across North America on fundraising, board governance, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.That consulting work gave me a front-row seat to executive leadership—I observed their styles, traits, quirks, struggles, and blind spots. While I wasn't contracted specifically for leadership coaching, I often found myself helping those CEOs navigate the human side of leadership as we tackled their organizational challenges together.The work world can too easily strip away our humanity with expectations that prevent you from being you. Given the chance, it will challenge your values, divide your family, and leave you beat up.I founded Vibrancy Unlocked in 2022 because I saw a better way. CEOs needed more than strategic advice—they needed a partner who understood the weight of executive leadership and could help them break free from the patterns keeping them stuck.There are few things I love more than supporting a leader and their team as they press on into the next season.And it is my joy to walk with you toward vibrancy. To listen. To Question. To Strategize. To Encourage. To Celebrate. Bring on the real and the raw. Let's get to work.CredentialsICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC)Gallup-Certified Strengths CoachM.A. in Nonprofit Leadership & PhilanthropyB.A. in Organizational Communication20+ years leading for-profit and nonprofit organizationsWorked with 180+ CEOs as a consultant and coach since 2008PersonalBeliever. Husband. Father. Friend. Leader. Coach.Location: Based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn: Brent A. Hafele, M.A., PCC | LinkedIn Website: https://www.vibrancyunlocked.com/Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint: https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint
Transcribe →Ep. 212 Leadership Lessons from the Battlefield with David Fivecoat
2w ago00:41:06Tap to summarizeShow Notes:What if the best leadership training wasn't in a conference room but on a historic battlefield?In this fascinating episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with leadership expert, executive coach, author, and retired Army Colonel David Fivecoat. After serving 24 years in the military and leading organizations ranging from 40 people to several thousand, David has developed a unique approach to leadership development that takes executives and leadership teams directly to historic battlefields.From Normandy to Gettysburg, David uses real historical events, leadership decisions, and moments of extreme pressure to help business leaders strengthen communication, decision making, initiative, and resilience.David also shares the entrepreneurial journey of launching a consulting company during the height of COVID, the lessons he learned about grit, and why persistence is often the deciding factor between success and failure.If you're looking for a fresh perspective on leadership, team development, and business growth, this episode delivers valuable insights you won't hear anywhere else.Bio*After 24 years as a US Army paratrooper, as well as 4 combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Colonel David Fivecoat, US Army, Retired, founded The Fivecoat Consulting Group. The author of the book Grow Your Grit, he now develops leaders through executive coaching, keynote speeches, workshops, and battlefield based leadership experiences (corporate staff rides). A native Ohioan, David Fivecoat resides in Columbus, Georgia.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tfcg-llc Website: https://www.thefivecoatconsultinggroup.com/ Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint: https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint
Transcribe →Ep. 211 The Three C's of Persuasive Communication Every Leader Needs to Know with Danny Bobrow
2w ago00:38:43Tap to summarizeShow Notes:In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Danny Bobrow, founder of The Persuasion Blueprint, to explore how authentic communication can transform relationships, leadership, business growth, and everyday interactions.Danny shares his remarkable journey from overcoming significant visual impairment challenges to building successful businesses and developing a proven framework for persuasive communication. His approach is built on a simple but powerful principle: people make decisions emotionally and justify them logically.Together, Heidi and Danny dive into the three pillars of persuasive communication: Caring, Connection, and Collaboration, while discussing why listening may be the most valuable communication skill of all.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannybobrow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanielABobrow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielabobrow Website: www.DannyBobrow.com Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint: https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint🎁 Looking for the solution to missed calls and leaking revenue? Check out Leah, our AI employee then get your free custom demo for your business: myhlhgrowthsolutions.com/leah
Transcribe →Ep. 210 Why Most Leaders Focus on Performance Instead of Purpose and Pay the Price with Olivier Lemaignen
2w ago00:38:49Tap to summarizeShow Notes:What does it really mean to build a high performing organization?In this powerful episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with leadership coach, marketing strategist, and author Olivier Lemaignen to explore the leadership principles that drive sustainable growth, stronger teams, and meaningful impact.After spending more than 30 years climbing the corporate ladder and serving as a marketing executive in Silicon Valley, Olivier made an intentional pivot into coaching. What began as a desire to escape corporate politics became a mission to help leaders become better versions of themselves while creating high performing organizations built on clarity, purpose, and service.Throughout the conversation, Olivier shares why many leaders focus too heavily on performance metrics while overlooking the most important question: What are we actually trying to accomplish?Together, Heidi and Olivier dive into leadership development, organizational growth, servant leadership, coaching, AI, business development, and the importance of defining your personal and professional True North.If you're a business owner, executive, team leader, or entrepreneur navigating growth, this episode offers practical insights that can help you lead more effectively while building a legacy that lasts.Bio:Over the past 30+ years, I have led and grown B2B, B2C, and marketplace-driven platforms across companies such as Intuit, LegalZoom, Credit Sesame, and Align Technology. My work has consistently focused on building repeatable revenue engines — aligning product, go-to-market, pricing, and operations to create durable growth and strong unit economics.I’ve operated both inside Fortune 500 environments and growth-stage companies. Then I pivoted to my true passion (which also turned out to my secret sauce for my success as a marketing executive): helping people grow into better versions of themselves, making sure the rising tide lifts all boats.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivierlemaignen/ Website: https://www.hpocoach.com Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint: https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint🎁 Looking for the solution to missed calls and leaking revenue? Check out Leah, our AI employee then get your free custom demo for your business: myhlhgrowthsolutions.com/leah
Transcribe →Ep. 209 The Power of Purpose Leadership and Smart Scaling for Business Owners with Steve Smith
3w ago00:41:07Tap to summarizeShow Notes:In this episode of the Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Steve Smith, founder of Growth Source Coaching, to discuss the challenges business owners face as they grow, scale, and evolve. With more than 45 years of business experience and nearly two decades as an executive coach, Steve shares practical insights on leadership, growth strategy, business infrastructure, coaching, visibility, and AI.Steve explains why many business owners eventually lose connection with the purpose that originally drove them, how to identify growth ceilings before they become major obstacles, and why scaling too quickly can create more problems than opportunities.The conversation also explores Steve's unique visibility strategy, including how Google Business Profile became one of his most powerful lead generation tools, generating a significant percentage of new business over the years.Whether you're a founder, CEO, consultant, coach, or business owner looking to grow sustainably, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom and real world experience.Bio:Steve Smith, a professional business coach in Orange County, CA. has a mission. This mission is to provide an extraordinary coaching experience that helps business professionals develop a keen sense of clarity, confidence and belief about being able to achieve what is most important to them and their organizations.Since 2008, Steve has worked with over 1,000 business professionals from a wide variety of industries and roles to ensure these clients could envision a future of growth, profitability and long lasting success.His specialties in leadership effectiveness, management practices and marketing strategy make him ideal for professionals who want to become world-class business owners or company executives. To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachstevejsmith/ Website: https://www.growthsourcecoaching.com/ Podcast: www.businesswingmen.com Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint: https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint🎁 Looking for the solution to missed calls and leaking revenue? Check out Leah, our AI employee then get your free custom demo for your business: myhlhgrowthsolutions.com/leah
Transcribe →Ep. 208 The Coaching Model That Helps Business Owners Scale, Exit, and Actually Enjoy the Journey
3w ago00:46:35Tap to summarizeShow Notes:In this episode, Heidi Schalk sits down with Dave Pennington, founder of Penn Coaching & Consulting, for a conversation packed with hard-won insights on leadership, business scaling, exit strategy, and the smart use of AI. Dave shares his journey through ministry, private education, and now a coaching practice built around helping business owners unlock their strengths, build the right teams, and position their businesses for maximum value when it's time to sell or transition. Bio:Dave spent the last 35+ years managing and leading organizations. He has served on national & international boards. He has built strong teams, developed his personal leadership, managed financials, and developed and sustained visionary leadership.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-pennington-phd-35042714/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/penncandc/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/penncandc/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@penncoachingconsulting Website: https://penncoaching.com Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint: https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint🎁 Looking for the solution to missed calls and leaking revenue? Check out Leah, our AI employee then get your free custom demo for your business: myhlhgrowthsolutions.com/leah
Transcribe →Ep. 207 What Got You Here Will Not Get You There Leadership Lessons for Growth with Adam Cubbage
3w ago00:46:35Tap to summarizeShow Notes:What separates businesses that scale from those that stall?In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Dr. Adam Cubbage, Founder and Principal Consultant of CenterPoint Leadership Development, to discuss the systems, leadership frameworks, and mindset shifts that businesses need to achieve sustainable growth.Drawing from his military background and years of leadership development experience, Adam shares why leadership is not inspiration. It is a repeatable system.The conversation explores common mistakes founders make as they grow, the dangers of relying on one person for critical knowledge, how AI is changing business operations, and why business owners must continuously evolve if they want to reach their next level.Adam also introduces his upcoming book, Nobody Gave Me a Playbook, designed for leaders who were promoted into management without ever receiving a roadmap.Bio: With over two decades of unique and hands-on leadership experience ranging from the combat zone to the c-suite, Adam Cubbage is a recognized expert in leadership & organizational development. He’s passionate about developing the next generation of leaders because he knows that great leaders are made only through a combination of experience, learning, and behavior. As the owner and Principal Consultant of Center Point Leadership Development, a certified executive coach, and professional facilitator Adam has extensive experience working with leaders at every level of an organization discovering the best ways to lead people, develop teams, & achieve results. The outcomes are undeniable: increased employee engagement, high-performing teams, and improved performance. Adam earned a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership from Hood College, is an official member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a contributing writer to Forbes Magazine, a TEDx speaker, an adjunct professor, and a decorated combat veteran. He brings his love of learning, an ability to connect with people, and a keen sense of humor to deliver high-impact / high quality training programs all across the nation. To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atcubbage/Website: https://www.centerpointleadership.co/Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint: https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint🎁 Looking for the solution to missed calls and leaking revenue? Check out Leah, our AI employee then get your free custom demo for your business: myhlhgrowthsolutions.com/leah
Transcribe →Ep. 206 The Power of One Conversation and How It Can Transform Your Business
4w ago00:48:23Tap to summarizeShow Notes:What if the biggest growth strategy in your business is not another tool, platform, or process but a better conversation?In this episode of Business Growth Spotlight, Heidi Schalk sits down with Ginine Capozzi, Founder of Knowledge Force Consulting, to explore how leadership, culture, mindset, and intentional conversations create sustainable business growth.Ginine shares the story behind her "Power of One" philosophy and explains why one conversation, one idea, and one intentional action can change the trajectory of a business and a career.The conversation dives into leadership development mistakes organizations commonly make, how AI is changing the future of work, why human skills are becoming more valuable than technical skills, and lessons learned from navigating business challenges over the last 14 plus years.Ginine also introduces her new program, The Long Arc Journey, a transformational experience designed for leaders asking themselves, "What's next?"Bio:Ginine M. Capozzi, Talent Development Consultant and ICF-Certified CoachAs president and founder of KnowledgeForce Consulting LLC, Ginine Capozzi is a hands-on leader who pushes the boundaries of training excellence. Ginine expertly combines her knowledge of adult learning and change management with sharp business acumen, delivering impactful solutions across her work. With over 20 years of industry experience, her expertise is focused on making a difference by co-creating learning at the intersection of business and people’s needs. In 2012, she started KnowledgeForce Consulting to develop Training Reimagined® learning solutions that power businesses and help her clients expand their people’s knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences to create sustained change.Throughout her career, Ginine has held impactful roles in education and training, including instructional designer, learning solutions architect, professional coach, and business owner. She has worked with over 125 organizations, many of which are part of the US Fortune 500. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) from Rochester Institute of Technology in Printing Management and Packaging Science and a Master of Education Degree (M.Ed.) in Career and Technical Education with a concentration in Adult Education from Buffalo State College. She is certified in Hogan Assessments, HBDI® Assessments, Whole Brain® Thinking and The B▢X® Experience. Additionally, Ginine is an ICF-ACC Certified CoActive Coach and Sententia Gamification Master Craftsman.Ginine served as a panelist alongside several notable industry leaders, including Siemens president Barbara Humpton and Empire State Development CEO Hope Knight, to discuss Upskilling for the Digital Future at the University at Buffalo's School of Engineering and Sciences. Ginine has shared her expertise as a featured speaker on numerous podcasts, panels, and industry conferences, most recently presenting insights at NYPWA’s Winter Conference (2026) and at GamiCon48V (2026). She is also a published author who has a featured contribution to a best-selling anthology on learning experience design.Several regional media outlets and industry organizations have featured her work and expertise, including Buffalo Business First, WIVB Buffalo News 4, University at Buffalo’s Center for Entrepreneurship, and ATD Buffalo Niagara.__________________________________________About KnowledgeForce Consulting LLCKnowledgeForce Consulting LLC is a certified NYS woman-owned talent development firm providing training and development services to a vast array of New York State government agencies, companies, businesses, and organizations throughout the U.S. KnowledgeForce Consulting’s president, Ginine Capozzi, is a strategic learning and development (L&D) professional who founded the firm in 2012 based on her belief that an organization’s workforce is its “knowledge force” and that leveraging people’s knowledge and experience is the secret to sustained success. KnowledgeForce Consulting’s service offerings include L&D strategic planning, customized instructional design, e-learning and behavioral assessments, and in-person or virtual facilitation, including leadership coaching. Through its services, the firm partners with organizations in all industries to expand the knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences of their greatest asset – their people – to drive change and improve performance. To learn more about KnowledgeForce Consulting LLC, visit www.knowledgeforceconsulting.com.To connect with our guest, click on the links below:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gininecapozzi/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@trainingreimagined Website: www.knowledgeforceconsulting.com Website: www.longarcjourney.com Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidischalkcoaching/🎁 Grab your Spotlight to Scale Blueprint: https://spotlighttoscale.com/blueprint🎁 Looking for the solution to missed calls and leaking revenue? Check out Leah, our AI employee then get your free custom demo for your business: myhlhgrowthsolutions.com/leah
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