Podcast
Business Lunch
Hosted by Roland Frasier · EN
How much more successful would you be if you had lunch once a week with an insanely successful entrepreneur who shared their biggest secrets on how they think and achieve success? Well, now you can! Grab your seat at the table as successful entrepreneurs reveal their step-by-step strategies, fascinating stories, travel hacks and other delicious tidbits each week with serial entrepreneur/business strategist, Roland Frasier.
96episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Secret to Authentic Connections (For People Who Hate Networking!)
Yesterday00:28:09Summary readyIn This Episode of Business Lunch: We dive into the world of networking, something that many dread but is crucial for business success. They discuss the difference between transactional and relational networking, the importance of curiosity, and how to build genuine connections without feeling forced or awkward. You'll hear real-life examples of what works, what doesn’t, and how even self-proclaimed introverts can become great networkers by leading with curiosity and kindness.Chapters:00:45 — Why Most People Hate Networking 03:55 — Transactional vs. Relational Networking 07:05 — Curiosity Over Strategy 09:30 — Networking for Introverts 12:45 — Creating Opportunities for Others 16:00 — The Power of Being Generous 19:15 — Building a Trustworthy Network 22:30 — Leveraging Super Connectors 27:15 — Final Thoughts: Becoming a Great NetworkerConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉 HereResources:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREEMentioned in this episode:Build Your CEO DashboardGet one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard!CEO Dashboard
SummaryBuilding an AI Chief of Staff with Obsidian and Claude Code
3d ago00:20:50Summary readyIn This Episode of Business Lunch: We discuss how to transform note-taking apps into AI-powered chief of staff systems that manage daily operations, leveraging architectural insights and local data storage for security and efficiency.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to AI as a Chief of Staff00:29 The Limitations of Current AI Tools01:25 Architectural Insights and the Obsidian System02:14 Building a Memory-Enabled AI System03:13 Why Plain Text Markdown Matters04:34 The Web of Interconnected Notes06:03 Traversing the Knowledge Network07:00 Simulating a Human Chief of Staff08:27 Automating System Setup with a Single Prompt09:22 Ensuring Transparent and Permanent Memory11:45 From Thinking to Acting: Automating Operations12:12 Command Line Interface and External Tools14:30 Remote Control and Autonomous Agents15:01 Security Risks of Fully Autonomous AI16:29 Mitigating Prompt Injection Attacks18:26 Balancing Capability and Security19:23 Reflections on AI and Business ManagementConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉 HereResources:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREEMentioned in this episode:Build Your CEO DashboardGet one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard!CEO Dashboard
SummaryBuilding Collaboration and Ownership
1w ago00:25:50Summary readyIn This Episode of Business Lunch: We get into the importance of shared goals and alignment in achieving success, whether in business relationships or personal interactions. Join us as we explore strategies for fostering collaboration, owning mistakes, and reframing conflicts towards mutually beneficial outcomes.Chapters:00:00 - Matt's Dramatic Exit00:49 - Post-Integration Challenges03:15 - Mindset in Communication05:39 - Owning Mistakes and Finding Solutions08:02 - Establishing Clear Shared Goals09:58 - Addressing Goals and Misalignment10:26 - Unachievable Goals and Finger Pointing14:29 - Effective Communication Strategies16:50 - Collaborative vs. Combative Mindset24:02 - Embracing CollaborationConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉 HereResources:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREEMentioned in this episode:Build Your CEO DashboardGet one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard!CEO Dashboard
SummaryGetting Off The Org Chart, Part 2: How to Exit the Day-to-Day and Still Control Your Business
2w ago00:51:44Summary readyIn This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore how business owners can effectively exit the org chart while maintaining control and generating revenue. Topics include compensation strategies, onboarding processes, and structuring deals with profits-only interests and phantom equity.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Exiting the Org Chart02:57 Understanding Compensation for New Roles05:45 The Importance of Role Clarity08:59 Navigating the Hiring Process11:59 Strategies for Exit Readiness14:55 Compensation Structures and Considerations18:07 Exploring Synthetic Equity Options27:53 Establishing Value and Compensation Structures30:02 Understanding Profits Interest and Phantom Equity32:49 Navigating Executive Compensation Negotiations37:54 Onboarding and Transitioning New Leadership47:59 Redefining Roles and Business IdentityConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉 HereResources:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREEMentioned in this episode:Build Your CEO DashboardGet one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard!CEO Dashboard
SummaryThe $10M Exit Mistake Most Founders Make
2w ago00:21:17Summary readyIn This Episode of Business Lunch: The conversation breaks down why most founders lose millions when selling their business, not because of poor performance but because they misunderstand how buyers think. It highlights that valuation at exit is driven less by growth and more by the removal of risk and uncertainty. The discussion walks through how buyers interpret financials, identify hidden risks, and use deal structure to protect themselves, ultimately showing that certainty and clean structure command premium outcomes.Chapters:00:00 The $10M Exit Mistake Most Founders Make 01:24 Why Growth Hurts You at Exit 02:24 How Buyers Think About Risk 07:03 The Real Fight Happens in the Financials 09:23 How EBITDA and Reserves Impact Valuation 10:34 Why Working Capital Becomes Emotional 12:52 Finding the Right Buyer with Urgency 14:05 Controlling Buyer Psychology in the Data Room 15:56 The Hidden Trap in Deal Structure 18:01 Two $30M Deals, Completely Different Outcomes 19:21 The Final Exit PlaybookConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉 HereResources:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREE
SummaryGetting Off The Org Chart: How to Hire a CEO Who Fits Your Next Chapter
3w ago00:50:09Summary readyIn This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore the critical process of getting off the org chart, hiring a CEO, and preparing your business for a successful exit. They discuss strategies, common pitfalls, and the importance of systems, culture, and right-fit leadership.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Business Lunch and Topic Overview02:00 The Importance of Getting Off the Org Chart05:50 Defining 'Off the Org Chart' and Its Implications11:54 Common Mistakes in Transitioning Roles17:58 Preparing for the Transition and Identity Shift24:08 Steps to Successfully Exit the Org Chart26:13 Building a Self-Sustaining Business30:02 Defining the CEO Role37:00 Finding the Right CEO43:00 Vetting Candidates and Cultural FitConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉 HereResources:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREEMentioned in this episode:Build Your CEO DashboardGet one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard!CEO Dashboard
SummaryMastering Business Valuation: The Power of Quality of Earnings
4w ago00:38:10Summary readyIn This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore the critical factors that influence business valuation, focusing on Quality of Earnings (Q of E), recurring revenue, customer and channel diversity, and deal structures. They share actionable insights for entrepreneurs aiming to maximize their business value and prepare for successful exits.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:06 Understanding Quality of Earnings (Q of E)10:44 The Importance of Recurring Revenue15:45 Optimizing Quality of Earnings20:41 Customer and Channel Diversity25:29 Preparing for a Business Sale30:15 The Role of EBITDA and Growth Metrics35:37 Final Thoughts and Key TakeawaysConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉 HereResources:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREEMentioned in this episode:Build Your CEO DashboardGet one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard!CEO Dashboard
SummaryThe Morality of Mass Layoffs: What Business Leaders Need to Know
Apr 900:37:30Summary readyIn This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore the ethics and practicalities of layoffs, the importance of stewardship in business, and how to handle difficult decisions with empathy and professionalism. Roland Frasier and Ryan Deiss share insights from their experiences, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking and human-centered leadership.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes03:10 The Human Side of Business and Customer Relationships04:22 Innovations in Music Technology and Business Networking07:55 Discussion on Oracle's Layoffs and Business Morality09:58 Context and Morality of Business Decisions During Hard Times13:03 Stewardship and Responsibility in Business Leadership15:57 The Impact of Layoffs on Employees and Society20:12 Media Portrayal of Business and Leadership Attitudes22:59 Turning Adversity into Opportunity and Resilience27:55 Practical Approaches to Large-Scale Layoffs34:04 Effective Communication Strategies for Workforce Reductions35:45 Final Thoughts and Audience EngagementConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉 HereResources:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREEMentioned in this episode:Build Your CEO DashboardGet one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard!CEO Dashboard
SummaryThe Future of Business: Single Person Companies vs Giants
Apr 200:30:21Summary readyIn This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore the dynamics of single person companies versus scaled organizations, the impact of AI on workforce and productivity, and strategic decisions for business growth in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and guest credentials00:15 Recent business and personal updates01:07 Elon Musk's prediction on trillion-dollar companies01:37 Single person companies and their growth potential02:07 Oracle layoffs and business efficiency02:51 Discussion on business culture and layoffs03:05 Should businesses aim to be single person companies?03:51 Balancing lean architecture and business scale04:21 Impact of layoffs on company size and efficiency05:18 AI's role in increasing productivity and profitability06:09 Revenue per employee as a key metric07:37 Profitability and competitive advantage with lean teams08:42 The importance of great teams in AI integration09:37 Leverage and productivity gains from AI10:35 Change management and AI implementation11:22 Performance levels and workforce evolution12:29 Business decisions on personnel and technology13:35 The role of AI in employee roles and management14:38 Upskilling and career progression in AI era15:38 The widening productivity gap with AI16:13 Big companies' strategic layoffs and AI17:01 Automation replacing roles and job functions17:59 Addressing automation and job displacement19:18 Flattening organizational structures with AI20:12 Roles that are truly replaced by AI21:20 Monitoring and oversight roles in AI-driven processes22:25 Opportunities for career advancement in AI-enabled companies23:47 The future of work and new job creation24:38 The trend of returning to human-centric activities25:16 The evolution of social media and in-person interactions26:04 Business decisions and the impact of AI on employment27:02 Focusing on practical AI solutions over bleeding-edge tech28:24 Avoiding distractions and focusing on effective AI use29:10 Closing thoughts and audience engagementConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉 HereResources:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREEMentioned in this episode:Build Your CEO DashboardGet one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard!CEO Dashboard
SummaryStop Hiring Operators. Start Building Systems.
Mar 2600:35:23Summary readyIn This Episode of Business Lunch: We explore the multifaceted role of an operator in a business, discussing how to define, find, and leverage operators at various organizational levels. They share insights on building effective operating systems, recruiting strategies, and the importance of clear role definitions for sustainable growth.Chapters:00:00 Understanding the Role of an Operator in Business00:40 Different Levels of Business Operators and Their Responsibilities03:25 Why Entrepreneurs Often Need an Operator Instead of a COO07:14 Defining the Job Description and Qualifications for an Operator14:22 How to Find and Recruit the Right Operator20:41 Common Mistakes in Hiring and Onboarding Operators25:47 Building an Operating System Before Hiring an Operator31:59 The Value of Networking and Content in Finding OperatorsConnect with me on social:TikTok: Check out my TikTok HereInstagram: Check out my Instagram HereFacebook: Check out my Facebook HereLinkedIn: Check out my LinkedIn HereSubscribe to my YouTube 👉 HereResources:• 7 Steps to Scalable workbook• Get my book, Zero Down, FREEMentioned in this episode:Build Your CEO DashboardGet one report every week of the key metrics you need to know with the CEO Dashboard!CEO Dashboard
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