Podcast
Measure Success Podcast
Hosted by Carl J. Cox · EN
This is the Measure Success Podcast, which features top leaders on how they measure success in their business and life. We talk with CEOs, entrepreneurs, authors, and extraordinary high achievers.
The host, Carl J. Cox, is the CEO of 40 Strategy. 40 Strategy guides leaders to take their organization to the next level by designing world-class strategic plans and keeping them accountable to get it done. Go to 40strategy.com to learn more. As an entrepreneur and executive, Carl has been with 7 different companies that have grown from 2x to 7x.
Carl is the author of Lost at CEO, An Entrepreneur's Guide to Strategy. This book reached #1 Amazon bestseller in 12 separate categories at launch, and a must-read for entrepreneurs and leaders.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Leaders Must Act on AI Right Now
1w ago00:43:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl talks with Trey Taylor about the real impact of AI on business today. AI is not coming, it is already reshaping how companies operate, compete, and grow. Trey shares how AI tools can replace entire workflows, reduce costs, and unlock new value in minutes. One example: AI identified over $146K in financial adjustments, adding more than $1.5M in value to a business deal. Key takeaways: AI is moving from tools to autonomous agents Businesses must adapt now, not later Cost structures and roles are changing fast Daily learning and application create advantage Listen now to understand what is changing and how to respond. Connect with Trey: LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Book: A CEO Only Does Three Things: Finding Your Focus in the C-Suite Website
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Why Most Brands Fail to Stand Out Today
2w ago00:44:36Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl sits down with Jason Sherwood, founder of Phase 23, to discuss how businesses can stand out in a crowded market. As AI reshapes search and marketing, many companies struggle to stay visible. Jason explains why strong positioning and clear messaging still matter most. They explore a simple exercise: ask your best customers to describe your company in two words. If the answers are not consistent, your brand lacks clarity. Key takeaways: AI is changing how customers search and find businesses Clear positioning reduces price competition Strong messaging builds trust and drives growth Branding is not design—it is strategy Listen now to learn how to sharpen your message and build a brand that connects. Connect with Jason: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonsherwood/ Website https://phase23.com/
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Why Growth Requires Better Processes
3w ago00:36:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox welcomes back Adi Klevit from Business Success Consulting Group. They discuss how strong systems, clear processes, and smart use of AI help businesses grow faster and operate better. Adi explains why documented procedures matter, how leaders can improve hiring and workflows, and why AI still needs human oversight. She also shares trends she sees in the market and how business owners can stay efficient without adding chaos. If you want stronger operations and better results, this episode is packed with practical advice. Listen now. Connect with Adi: Website: https://www.bizsuccesscg.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adiklevit/
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How to Win Without Being the Biggest
4w ago00:31:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox talks with Alex Smith, founder of Basic Arts and author of No Bullsht Strategy*. They discuss why many companies chase being better when they should focus on being different. Alex explains how businesses can cut through noise, build clear positioning, and create real competitive advantage. He also shares why simple strategy often works better than overcomplicated plans. If you lead a business, manage a team, or want smarter growth decisions, this episode is for you. Listen now and rethink how your company stands out. Connect with Alex: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-m-h-smith/ Twitter https://x.com/smithesq Book No Bullsh*t Strategy Book Link https://basicarts.org/book/ Website https://basicarts.org/
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From Revenue to Real Business Value Explained
Apr 2800:52:20Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Carl sits down with George Sandmann of Growth Drive to discuss how business owners can increase the value of their company by building strategic capacity. They explore the gap between what owners think their business is worth and what it could be worth. The conversation highlights how improving leadership, systems, and execution can increase valuation multiples and create predictable growth. Key takeaways: Strategic capacity drives higher business value Revenue alone does not determine worth Most businesses are too dependent on the owner Private equity rewards structure and discipline Exit outcomes depend on preparation, not timing If you want to build a business that creates long-term wealth and runs without you, this episode gives you a clear path. Listen now and apply one idea this week. Connect with George: Guest Assets: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-sandmann/ Book: The Growth-Driving Advisor: Proven Strategies for Leading Businesses from Stuck to Best-in-Class Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Growth-Driving-Advisor-Strategies-Best-Class/dp/164225875X Website: https://www.growth-drive.com/
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How to Build Systems That Create Real Results
Apr 2100:39:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Carl speaks with Will Spengler about what it takes to build success that lasts. They discuss the role of discipline, clarity, and execution in business and leadership. Many people focus on ideas, but this conversation highlights the importance of systems and consistent action. Key takeaways include: • Why clarity drives better decisions • The role of discipline in long-term success • How systems improve performance • What separates high performers from others This episode offers a practical look at how to think, act, and lead with purpose. Listen now and apply these ideas to your own work. Connect with Will: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-spengler-2193433a/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FrederickFoxGroup/ Website https://frederickfox.com/
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How to Sell High Value Services the Right Way
Apr 1400:43:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Carl speaks with Mike Garrison about referral-based sales and how service businesses grow. Mike shares why most sales approaches fail and how business owners must shift their thinking from price to lifetime value. He explains how referrals should be treated as a system, not a hope. Key takeaways include: • Why predictable referrals matter • How buyers think about long-term value • The role of trust in high-value sales • Why sales is the core of every business This episode gives a clear and direct look at how to improve your sales process. Listen now and rethink how you grow your business. Connect with Mike: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikegarrisoncaniborrowyourcar/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mike.garrison.73 Book Can I Borrow Your Car: How Financial Advisors Can Grow Their Business And Love Their Life Book Link https://www.amazon.com/Can-Borrow-Your-Car-Successful/dp/B0BKSCTHL7/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Wur7S3XBKsl32zDYadB-n5EZHgRFOY9ADL7zcZIcVT9SBeddbgLweBkt9dmaT_lLSJ_Htrph1NoPw5y3vfj1NN-qkkNte_3kRBe0bfL1eOedDvsVI-sW_q58OG8D1nH9xB7mnlmn8XFb_a4y3kQZN0hqPI_h1JbpoAQEcf0SfzpmzgY_EzhLbNUbjGxqyXqPvcfrEadDRKIS-7I1EmTRT62ZK0e2RobTI1nEUvWYtss.-nT483q5EJsYXxxYwUL6iDwKU_1T3BCqdYNV6AW4UJQ&qid=1760356398&sr=8-1 Website www.caniborrowyourcar.com
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How to Move from Employee to Business Owner
Apr 700:32:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Carl speaks with Jon Ostenson about franchising, business ownership, and the shift happening in today's workforce. As AI reshapes jobs, many professionals are exploring ways to build their own income streams. Jon shares what he sees across the market and what separates successful business owners from those who struggle. Key takeaways include: • Why following a proven system matters • The role of mindset in business success • How "non-sexy" businesses can drive strong returns • What to expect when transitioning from employee to owner This episode gives a clear look at risk, opportunity, and long-term income strategy. Listen now and start thinking about your next move. Connect with Jon: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JonOstenson1 Book Non-Food Franchising: https://www.amazon.com/Non-Food-Franchising-Better-Business-Ownership/dp/B0BJNDCGN4 Website https://franbridgeconsulting.com/
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Why Leaders Burn Out and How to Prevent It
Apr 100:40:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox speaks with Dr. Tracy Gapin, founder of the Gapin Institute and a leading expert in executive health and performance. After years of success in traditional medicine, Dr. Gapin realized that many high-performing professionals were neglecting their own health while pursuing business success. The conversation explores how stress, poor sleep, hormones, and lifestyle habits affect leadership performance and long-term health. Key takeaways include: • Why many entrepreneurs wait until health problems appear • How small daily habits can improve energy and focus • The role of sleep, hormones, and stress in performance • Why leaders must align their health with their purpose If you lead a business, team, or organization, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you measure success. Listen now and start building a strategy for both business and health. Connect with Tracy: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracygapin/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/drtracygapin/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drtracygapin/ Twitter https://x.com/DrGapin Book Male 2.0 and Codes of Longevity Book Link https://www.amazon.com/Male-2-0-Cracking-Limitless-Vitality/dp/0578605961 , https://www.amazon.com/Codes-Longevity-Leading-Potential-Optimized/dp/1735373850 Website https://gapininstitute.com/
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How to Actually Use AI to Scale Smarter
Mar 2400:39:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox sits down with business strategist and performance coach Ashley Shaw. Ashley shares how she transitioned from the fitness industry into entrepreneurship and built a thriving business focused on helping entrepreneurs scale smarter through systems, recurring revenue, and AI-driven processes. Key insights from this episode include: • Why entrepreneurs must deeply understand their ideal customer • How recurring revenue creates financial freedom • The role mindset plays in scaling a business • How Ashley reduced marketing costs by $384,000 using AI Ashley also shares lessons from her entrepreneurial journey, including moving to Vietnam to start an online business and building a seven-figure company. Listen to the full episode to learn how strategy, systems, and AI can transform the way you run your business. Connect with Ashley: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/theashleyshaw/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/theashleyshaw Instagram https://www.instagram.com/theashleyshaw/ Website https://ashleyshaw.ca
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