Podcast
The Decision by EO Nashville
Hosted by EO Nashville · EN
This is The Decision by Nashville EO. On this podcast, you will hear the rest of the story after tough decisions were made by Entrepreneurs who faced adversity and lived to tell about it.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Jim Fisher - Lessons in Entrepreneurship, Sales, and Walking Away at the Right Time
Apr 1700:34:11Tap to summarizeJim Fisher is the Founder and CEO of Jucebox, a digital marketing and sales platform for life insurance agents and advisors. He is also the Managing Director at JB Growth Partners, where he leads retirement planning and financial education initiatives. With years of experience in retirement income planning, Jim focuses on helping financial professionals scale their production to serve clients more effectively. In this episode… Growth often comes from moments that don't look like wins. Entrepreneurs frequently face decisions where holding on feels safer than letting go, even when the path forward is unclear. Sometimes walking away turns out to be the most strategic move you can make. As a sales coach in the financial services industry, Jim Fisher's journey is shaped by a series of calculated risks and hard-earned lessons. Early in his career, he absorbed a customer-first philosophy that emphasized solving problems rather than pushing products, a mindset that later defined how he trained others. Along the way, Jim faced a defining setback when a business partnership unraveled, forcing him to choose between a prolonged legal fight or redirecting his energy elsewhere. He chose to move forward, channeling his focus into refining his craft and helping others master sales through clarity, conviction, and purpose. Jim emphasizes narrowing your focus and committing to where you can create the most value. In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson sit down with Jim Fisher, Founder and CEO of Jucebox and Managing Director of JB Growth Partners, to discuss entrepreneurship, sales, and decision-making. Jim explains how to niche down for growth, what traits define high-performing salespeople, and why walking away from a business can lead to greater long-term success.
Transcribe →David Waddell - The Power of Vulnerability and Fast Decision-Making in Business Growth
Apr 1000:41:42Tap to summarizeDavid Waddell is the CEO and Chief Investment Strategist at Waddell & Associates, an SEC-registered investment advisory and wealth management firm. He leads the firm's investment committee, using macroeconomic forecasting, market analysis, and risk assessment to guide clients' portfolio strategies. With over two decades of experience, David is a recognized economic and investment expert and has been featured in major media outlets like Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. In this episode… Success in business often looks like confidence, certainty, and control — but the reality is often far messier. Behind strong outcomes are moments of doubt, difficult decisions, and the willingness to admit what isn't working. Sometimes, the advantage isn't having the answers, but knowing when to question them. As an investment strategist with decades of experience guiding entrepreneurs, David Waddell's journey was shaped as much by missteps as by wins. From humble beginnings — sleeping in a sparse apartment while working at Charles Schwab — to stepping into his father's firm and challenging its core business model, David learned early that conviction comes with risk. Years later, after a long stretch of success, shifting market dynamics exposed flaws in his approach, forcing him into a difficult period of reflection and reinvention. That experience reshaped his leadership style, grounding it in humility and decisiveness. In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson sit down with David Waddell, CEO and Chief Investment Strategist at Waddell & Associates, to discuss decision-making and growth as an entrepreneur. David explains the importance of vulnerability in EO forums, lessons from shifting a business model, and how market changes forced a strategic reset.
Transcribe →Carla Pierson - Building a Scalable Platform Business: Lessons in Growth, Risk, and Focus
Apr 300:31:03Tap to summarizeCarla Pierson, DNP, RN, is the Co-founder and Chief of Business Operations at Smiley Aesthetics, a medical aesthetics company that provides clinical services, training, and business support to aesthetic providers. With over a decade of experience in nursing leadership and healthcare operations, she combines critical care, hospital administration, and business strategy. Before launching the company with her twin sister, Carla held leadership roles at major healthcare companies. In this episode… Building a business often looks straightforward from the outside: identify a need, create a solution, and grow. Yet behind that simplicity are decisions that carry weight, especially when stability, identity, and risk are all intertwined. How do entrepreneurs know when to leap and when to hold steady? Seasoned healthcare operator Carla Pierson didn't set out to become an entrepreneur overnight. After years of managing large-scale hospital operations, she partnered with her twin sister to explore a small, scrappy idea — bringing aesthetic services directly to clients. What began as a side hustle quickly gained traction, forcing her to confront a defining moment: leave a secure career or fully commit to something uncertain. As the business scaled, Carla leaned on structure, discipline, and her clinical background to build systems that empowered others, all while navigating the complexities of partnership, growth, and opportunity. Her advice to others: focus is everything, and splitting your energy limits your ceiling, but committing fully can unlock exponential growth. In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson sit down with Carla Pierson, DNP, RN, Co-founder and Chief of Business Operations at Smiley Aesthetics, to discuss transitioning to entrepreneurship. Carla talks about her transition from healthcare leadership, building a scalable platform model, and the decision to walk away from a potential sale.
Transcribe →Nancy Stabell - Why Networking and Community Support Are Crucial for Entrepreneurs
Feb 2000:22:12Tap to summarizeNancy Stabell is the Founding Member of Wood Stabell Law Group, PLLC, which provides strategic, business‑oriented legal services to entrepreneurs, investors, and growing companies. As a fourth-generation attorney, she has over two decades of experience in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial real estate. Before founding Wood Stabell, Nancy gained experience in private practice and as a senior in‑house counsel. In this episode… What does it take to transition from a corporate career to owning your own business? This leap requires a clear vision and the courage to take risks. How can you navigate the uncertainty and build a thriving business from the ground up? Fourth-generation attorney Nancy Stabell always knew she was destined for a career in law. However, after years in a corporate job, she faced a pivotal moment when a company restructuring left her unemployed. Rather than seeking another position, Nancy took the plunge and began her own firm. At first, she worked out of a closet and built her client base through coffee meetings. Nancy emphasizes the value of working with entrepreneurs and building meaningful relationships that align with your passions. In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson sit down with Nancy Stabell, Founding Member of Wood Stabell Law Group, PLLC, to discuss her journey as a founder. She talks about starting her firm after being laid off, navigating her first year in business, and the value of joining EO for growth.
Transcribe →Scott Scovill - The Power of Tenacity: Turning Fear and Failure Into Success in Music and Business
Feb 1300:58:10Tap to summarizeScott Scovill is a Nashville‑based country music singer‑songwriter known for his booming baritone and blend of classic and contemporary country. In addition to his music, he is the Owner of Moo TV, which provides equipment for concert tours and live events, and Moo Creative Media, which provides video production services. Scott also owns The Steel Mill, a premier rehearsal facility. In this episode… Success doesn't come easy, especially when the path is filled with fear, failure, and setbacks. What does it take to overcome these obstacles and push forward toward your dreams? Country music artist and entrepreneur Scott Scovill believes that tenacity fueled his success. He began his entrepreneurial journey by overcoming the fear of failure that had held him back. Scott advises entrepreneurs and creatives to embrace their fears, take risks, and work toward their passions — even when the road seems impossible. Not trying is a form of failure in itself, so pushing through discomfort is crucial. In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson sit down with country music artist Scott Scovill to discuss overcoming fear and embracing persistence. Scott shares how sneaking into U2 shows shaped his career, how he conquered glossophobia, and how he began living a life worth writing about.
Transcribe →Buddy Teaster - How To Rebuild Trust, Culture, and Strategy After Mismanagement
Feb 500:35:53Tap to summarizeBuddy Teaster is the President and CEO of Soles4Souls, a global nonprofit that creates opportunities for people through the collection and distribution of shoes and clothing. As a thought leader, speaker, and author, he has written books on leadership and social impact and hosts a podcast about purpose-driven leadership. Before Soles4Souls, Buddy held executive roles in business and nonprofit organizations, including the National Association of Local Advertisers and Executive Business Services (EBS). In this episode… Major decisions often arise when the path forward is unclear — when the numbers don't add up, the pressure mounts, and leadership is tested. In those moments, performance depends less on having perfect answers and more on having the courage to face reality and rebuild with intention. How can leaders push through uncertainty and turn a struggling organization into something sustainable? According to purpose-driven leader Buddy Teaster, the first step is radical transparency: focusing on actual cash flow, telling the truth about challenges, and creating systems that keep everyone aligned. He also highlights the role of trusted peer communities like EO, where vulnerability, mentoring, and one-on-one connections help leaders navigate tough seasons. Together, these practices show how discipline and openness create the foundation for mission-centered leadership that can withstand uncertainty. In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson sit down with Buddy Teaster, President and CEO of Soles4Souls, to discuss leading through organizational turnaround to catalyze impact-driven growth. Buddy talks about rebuilding transparency after a financial crisis, shifting from transactional models to deeper partnerships, and launching bold new programs during uncertainty.
Transcribe →Casey Riggs - How Entrepreneurs Can Identify Business Problems and Make Informed Decisions
Dec 1200:33:48Tap to summarizeCasey Riggs is a Member of Riggs Davie PLC, a boutique law firm specializing in corporate and securities law, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital/private equity, and estate and tax planning. In his practice, he focuses on estate planning, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives for individuals and families. Casey also advises clients on corporate matters such as entity formation, financing, equity compensation, and mergers and acquisitions. In this episode… Entrepreneurs can struggle to define the underlying problem behind the urgent issue they bring to advisors. Questions get buried under assumptions, and complex challenges get reduced to overly simple requests. Uncovering the actual problem can be one of the most valuable skills a business owner develops. According to business attorney Casey Riggs, clarity is the starting point for every effective solution. He recommends digging past the surface by asking targeted questions and resisting the urge to fix what hasn't been fully defined. Casey also emphasizes the importance of working with people familiar with professional processes and leveraging AI tools to improve accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making. In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson chat with Casey Riggs, a Member of Riggs Davie PLC, about identifying client needs. Casey shares how he diagnoses core issues, how EO shaped his leadership style, and how AI is transforming his legal work.
Transcribe →Aimee Romero - How Intuition and Analysis Shape Business Decisions
Dec 500:35:40Tap to summarizeAimee Romero is the Founder and CEO of Love and Science, an agency that specializes in brand and business strategy, digital optimization, and data analysis. Under her leadership, the firm has grown from a boutique consultancy into a full-service agency working across industries — from startups and e-commerce brands to media organizations. In this episode… Some entrepreneurs build their companies on data, others on instinct, but the most compelling paths often emerge where both forces collide. The interplay of intuition, empathy, and analysis can shape how leaders make choices and view opportunities. What can leaders learn from someone who finds clarity by moving through complexity rather than escaping it? Early experiences taught brand strategist Aimee Romero to translate messy, unstructured input into patterns, a skill that later sharpened inside an agency where she saw firsthand how misaligned decisions could quietly undermine a client's success. That moment became a catalyst, pushing her toward a more intentional, strategy-driven approach. Through micro-decisions, intuitive breakthroughs, and embracing friction as a creative engine, Aimee maintains that clarity comes from questioning everything until your "why" emerges. In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson sit down with Aimee Romero, Founder and CEO of Love and Science, to discuss how intuition and analysis shape entrepreneurial decisions. She explains why empathy matters in branding, how micro-decisions guide progress, and the agency experience that pushed her toward strategy-first work.
Transcribe →Adam Sinks - The Entrepreneurial Turning Points That Shape Leadership and Growth
Nov 2800:36:39Tap to summarizeAdam Sinks is the President of Sinkers Beverages and Bluegrass Beverages, two family-owned liquor and wine-spirits retailers. Founded by the Sinks family in 1973, Bluegrass Beverages has served Nashville as the premier destination for wine, spirits, and beer. Under Adam's leadership, the family legacy maintains community-focused service and a wide selection for customers. In this episode… Some paths into entrepreneurship are well thought-out, while others begin on a circumstantial whim and a willingness to say yes before you feel ready. Yet, when it's time to walk away from the business that shaped you, how can you rebuild clarity and purpose? Long-standing family entrepreneur Adam Sinks entered his first venture young, where he learned to lead seasoned teams, solve cash-flow crises, and navigate a capital-intensive industry. Along the way, he discovered the value of community, strategic thinking, and stepping out of the weeds long enough to see the bigger picture. Adam maintains that progress begins when you stop fighting the chaos and start shaping the direction of your own work. In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson sit down with Adam Sinks, President of Sinkers Beverages and Bluegrass Beverages, to discuss learning through adversity. He shares his early leadership challenges, what EO taught him about working on his business, and why he chose to exit and start fresh.
Transcribe →Tyler Cauble - Rebuilding After a Million-Dollar Loss
Nov 1400:46:41Tap to summarizeTyler Cauble is the Founder of The Cauble Group, a commercial real estate firm that helps entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners buy, lease, develop, and manage properties. Through The Cauble Group, he has established a reputation for transforming underperforming properties into thriving, income-producing assets, guiding clients through purchases, sales, and leasing strategies that maximize value. As the founder of Parasol Property Management, Hamilton Development, and CREcentral.com, Tyler has created a vertically integrated ecosystem that serves every stage of the commercial real estate journey. He is also the author of Open for Business, a resource for business owners navigating property leasing. In this episode… Entrepreneurship is rarely a straight line; it's a path filled with bold risks, painful lessons, and moments that test conviction. What does it take to rebuild after a million-dollar loss and still find the courage to keep investing in your vision? As a commercial real estate expert, Tyler Cauble built his career by betting on himself when few others would. From dropping out of college to sourcing and developing properties, he turned setbacks into strategy and uncertainty into opportunity. When his business hit a devastating financial blow, Tyler chose resilience — repaying investors from his own pocket and rethinking how he led and grew. He advises surrounding yourself with partners in EO forums who challenge you to rise higher. In this episode of The Decision, Robert Hartline and Eric Jackson sit down with Tyler Cauble, Founder of The Cauble Group, to discuss how he rebuilt after major setbacks. Tyler shares how he turned YouTube into a growth engine, the lessons he learned from a failed real estate deal, and the importance of building accountability through EO forums.
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