Podcast
The Pursuit of Purpose
Hosted by Chris Kiefer · EN
Wisdom, stories, and advice from successful entrepreneurs and inspirational people. Hosted by Chris Kiefer.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
206 How AI Tools Like ChatGPT and Claude Are Changing Everything with Brandon Turner
1w ago00:56:22Tap to summarizeWhat happens when AI becomes part of everyday business and life?In this episode, Brandon Turner breaks down how he uses AI every single day to scale content creation, analyze real estate deals, streamline business operations, and boost productivity across multiple companies.From using ChatGPT and Claude to speed up workflows, uncover patterns in spreadsheets, and improve decision-making, Brandon shares practical ways AI is already changing how entrepreneurs operate.He also dives into why he believes AI will reshape real estate, small businesses, and the future of work over the next decade—and what that means for investors, creators, and business owners.We also explore how AI impacts automation, investing, parenting, education, and everyday life as this technology becomes impossible to ignore.If you're interested in AI, business automation, entrepreneurship, real estate investing, or the future of technology, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest perspectives.🔥 Topics Covered:• AI tools for business• ChatGPT and Claude workflows• Real estate investing with AI• Content creation and automation• The future of work• Entrepreneurship and productivity systems📚 Books Mentioned:Rich Dad Poor Dad: Click hereCashflow Quadrant: Click hereThe Compound Effect by Darren Hardy: Click here📺 TV Show Mentioned:Sons of Anarchy: Click here🔗 Connect with Brandon:YouTube: Click hereInstagram: Click here
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205 From Paintbrush to CEO: Leadership Lessons Most Owners Learn Too Late with Rocky Cherry
2w ago00:48:26Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pursuit of Purpose, Chris Kiefer sits down with Rocky Cherry to talk about leadership, growth, and what it really takes to build a business that lasts.Rocky shares how he worked his way up through the family business, why starting at the bottom shaped his leadership style, and how he now develops people across a growing, multi-state company. They get into coaching vs. controlling, learning through failure, and simple communication shifts that can completely change how you lead and build trust. Rocky also shares a moment early in his career where emotion almost cost him a key relationship and the lesson that stuck with him.If you’re building a team, scaling a company, or trying to become a better leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about control, coaching, and long-term success.👉 Watch until the end to hear Rocky’s biggest leadership mistake that almost cost a major relationship and the lesson that changed how he communicates forever.📚 Books mentioned:= Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss: Click here= Atomic Habits by James Clear: Click here= Essentialism by Greg McKeown: Click here🔗 Connect with Rocky Cherry:LinkedIn: Click hereWebsite: Click here
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204 The Secret to Better Conversations and Stronger Relationships with Marcus Sheridan
3w ago01:00:40Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pursuit of Purpose, Chris Kiefer sits down with bestselling author and entrepreneur Marcus Sheridan to explore the deeper philosophy behind his success, and it has nothing to do with marketing tactics.Before building companies, writing They Ask, You Answer, and becoming a global keynote speaker, Marcus spent two years as a missionary in Chile. It was there that he discovered a skill that would shape his entire career, learning how to ask better questions.This conversation goes beyond business into communication, parenting, leadership, and the mindset shifts that drive real connection and growth.🚀 What you’ll learn in this video:= The powerful story that shaped Marcus Sheridan’s communication philosophy= Why asking the right question matters more than having the right answer= The “3 P’s” of a perfect question and how to use them in real life= How great communicators guide others instead of telling them what to do= The difference between instructors, dictators, lawyers, and pathfinders= A simple framework to handle resistance, objections, and tough conversations= How Marcus teaches his kids confidence, communication, and independence= Why traditional education may be broken and what actually matters todayThis episode is about more than marketing. It is about influence, self-discovery, and learning how to truly connect with people in a way that creates lasting impact.👉 Watch until the end to hear Marcus share how one simple question can transform relationships, uncover truth, and unlock breakthroughs in seconds.📚 Book recommendations from Marcus:= How to Win Friends and Influence People: https://a.co/d/0iKT5Kkv= Good to Great: https://a.co/d/0bZi9adh= 10x Is Easier Than 2x: https://a.co/d/03OPpHw3🎬 Movie recommendation:= Braveheart: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112573/🔗 Connect with Marcus Sheridan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan/Website: https://www.marcussheridan.com
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203 The Hidden Framework That Transforms Teams & Work Fulfillment with Kevin Banks
May 500:46:28Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pursuit of Purpose, Chris Kiefer sits down with Kevin Banks, entrepreneur, real estate consultant, and passionate advocate of the Working Genius framework, to explore how understanding your natural wiring can completely transform the way you work, lead, and collaborate.Kevin shares how a simple 10-minute assessment gave him language for what he had always felt but couldn’t explain, and how that clarity reshaped not only his work, but the teams he leads and serves.But this conversation goes deeper than productivity.From building businesses and navigating slow seasons, to marriage, purpose, and even how technology like AI is reshaping our lives, this episode is about alignment, fulfillment, and doing the work you were actually designed to do.🚀 What you’ll learn in this episode:-What the Working Genius framework is (and why it’s NOT a personality test)-The 6 types of work that every successful team needs-Why most teams struggle with execution (and don’t know why)-How to identify your natural strengths—and avoid burnout-The power of “language” in improving communication and leadership-A real story of how one opportunity changed everything-How to think about AI, technology, and staying human in your workIf you have ever felt stuck, drained, or misaligned in your work, or if you lead a team and want better results without burnout, this episode will give you a completely new lens on productivity and purpose.👉 Watch, Listen until the end, and FOLLOW for a powerful reflection on marriage, presence, and a story that might just change how you show up in your own life.📚 Book recommendation:The Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni: Click hereThe Life We’re Looking For by Andy Crouch: Click hereLive No Lies by John Mark Comer: Click here🔗 Connect with Kevin Banks:Instagram: Click here
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202 The Truth About Profit, Pricing & Growth in Contracting with Chris Moore
Apr 2800:46:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pursuit of Purpose, Chris Kiefer sits down with Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, to break down the real reason most contractors struggle to grow… and it’s not what you think.From running his own painting company to advising businesses doing millions in revenue, Chris shares the hard truths about why so many entrepreneurs are stuck chasing revenue without actually making money.This conversation dives deep into the gap between craftsmanship and business—and why understanding your numbers might be the most important skill you’re ignoring.But it doesn’t stop there.They unpack the mindset traps, pricing psychology, and leadership shifts that separate overwhelmed business owners from those who build companies that actually run without them.🚀 What you’ll learn in this episode:= Why contractors can hit $2M+ and still have no idea if they’re profitable= The “North Star Metric” every business owner should know (but most don’t)= The real reason customers pay premium prices (hint: it’s not quality)= When a high close rate is actually hurting your business= Why most entrepreneurs stay stuck in the “operator” role= The simple shift from doing the work → leading a teamIf you’re a contractor, entrepreneur, or business owner trying to scale without chaos, this episode will completely change how you think about growth, profitability, and leadership.👉 Watch until the end to hear Chris’s take on why most business owners sabotage themselves—and how to finally get out of your own way.📚 Book Recommendations:= The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster by Darren Hardy: Click here= Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell: Click here= The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell: Click here🎬 Show Recommendation:= Suits: Click here🔗 Connect with Chris Moore:Email: chris@elitebusinessadvisors.comWebsite: Click hereLinkedIn: Click here
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201 The 5-Step Cloud Integration Framework Smart Companies Are Using in 2026 with Jeffrey Atizado
Apr 2101:01:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pursuit of Purpose, Chris Kiefer sits down with Jeffrey Atizado, CEO & Co-Founder of SMB Consultants, to break down what most businesses get wrong about software, integration, and scaling.Jeff didn’t just build a company—he helped define an entire category: cloud integration. What started from a broken POS system in 2008 turned into a multi-award-winning consultancy working with retail, wholesale, and manufacturing businesses across Australia and New Zealand.But this conversation isn’t really about software.It’s about how businesses think, operate, and evolve in a world where tools are endless—but clarity is rare.From “app paralysis” to failed implementations, Jeff explains why most companies don’t have a software problem… they have a blueprint problem.And why the real work isn’t installing tools—it’s redesigning how people, processes, and systems actually function together.🚀 What you’ll learn in this episode:How most businesses choose the wrong software for the wrong reasonsWhy integrations fail even when the tools are “right”The concept of data blueprinting and why it’s the foundation of scaleHow to eliminate app paralysis and build a system that actually worksWhy people and processes matter more than the technology itself👉 Watch until the end to hear Jeff’s perspective on the future of AI, why human experience will become more valuable, and how to stay adaptable in a rapidly changing world.🎧 Podcast recommendations mentioned:Diary of a CEO: Click hereLex Fridman Podcast: Click hereHuberman Lab: Click here🎬 Classic films mentioned:Blade Runner: Click hereTerminator: Click hereThe Shawshank Redemption: Click here🔗 Connect with Jeffrey Atizado:LinkedIn Jeffrey Atizado: Click hereEmail: j@smbconsultants.com.auWebsite: Click hereIf you’re a business owner or entrepreneur trying to scale with technology, this episode will change how you think about systems, software, and growth.
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200 Building a Family Business That Lasts Generations with Mark Dabiero
Apr 1400:45:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pursuit of Purpose, Chris Kiefer sits down with Mark Deiro, founder of Lasting Impressions, to unpack a remarkable 50-year journey from selling t-shirts out of his mom’s basement to building a multi-million dollar business with Fortune 500 clients and professional sports partnerships.But this conversation goes far beyond business.Mark shares how community involvement, relentless networking, and strong family values became the foundation of his success and how he built a company that all four of his children now run together.This episode is about legacy, leadership, and what really matters when the business is done for the day.🚀 What you’ll learn in this video:= How Mark turned a basement side hustle into a nationally ranked company= The power of community involvement and why “networking is everything.”= The unexpected opportunity that changed his business overnight= The smart way to transition a business to your children (without entitlement)= How hardship, like economic downturns, can shape long-term success= The mindset shift from working in the business to building a legacyIf you’re an entrepreneur, parent, or someone thinking about building something that lasts beyond you, this episode will challenge how you think about success, family, and what you’re really working for.👉 Watch until the end to hear Mark’s powerful perspective on raising kids, building trust, and why the simplest habits like Sunday dinners can shape generations.Movie/Show recommendations:= Godfather: Click here🔗 Connect with Mark Dabeiro:Email: info@liteam.com Phone: 316-366-912 Website: Click here
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199 Stop Working 80 Hours! Use AI to Run Your Small Business Smarter with Brandon Vaughn
Apr 1101:10:18Tap to summarizeHow AI Is Changing Entrepreneurship (And What Most People Get Wrong)In this episode of The Pursuit of Purpose, Chris Kiefer sits down with entrepreneur Brandon Vaughn to unpack a powerful journey from working with his dad as a kid to building businesses, facing failure, and now leading in the AI revolution.They dive deep into the real impact of AI on business, creativity, and family life and why this technology might be the biggest shift humanity has ever seen. But with that opportunity comes risk.This conversation isn’t just about AI tools it’s about mindset, discipline, and how to use technology without losing what makes us human.🚀 What you’ll learn in this video:= How Brandon went from a struggling entrepreneur to retiring his parents= The harsh reality of failure and how it can fuel massive growth= Why AI is a “double-edged sword” for business owners and families= How to use AI to buy back your time without becoming lazy= The danger of instant gratification and how it affects your kids= Why discipline and delayed gratification still matter more than ever= How AI is transforming small businesses through automation and systems= The rise of AI agent teams and what that means for the future of work= Why human creativity and craftsmanship may become more valuable in an AI world If you’re an entrepreneur, parent, or leader trying to navigate the fast-changing world of AI while building a meaningful life and business, this episode will challenge how you think and how you operate.👉 Watch until the end to hear the powerful perspective on why hard things still matter in an age of easy tools and don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations on business, leadership, and purpose-driven success📚 Book Mentioned:=The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly: Click here=The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy: Click here=How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale: Click hereMovie/Show Recommendations:=The Office: Click here=The Greatest Showman: Click here🔗Connect with Brandon Vaughn:Email: bvaughn@hirebus.comInstagram: Click hereLinkedIn: Click hereFacebook: Click hereWebsite: Click here
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198 From High School Painter to $12M Business Owner (No Subcontractors!) with John MacFarland
Apr 400:44:33Tap to summarizeHow do you build a winning business culture that actually scales?In this episode of The Pursuit of Purpose, Chris Kiefer sits down with entrepreneur John McFarland to break down how he grew a painting company from a high school side job into a $12M powerhouse—without subcontractors. You’ll discover how intentional culture-building, smart systems, and performance-based incentives can transform your team into owners—not just employees.🚀 What you’ll learn in this video:=How to build a strong company culture that doesn’t rely on the owner=Why most businesses fail at scaling their team (and how to fix it)=The power of incentive-based pay structures=Systems and processes that create consistency and better customer experience=How to empower employees to take ownership and perform at a higher levelIf you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader looking to scale your company while building a motivated team, this episode is packed with actionable insights you can apply today.🔔 FOLLOW for more insights on business, leadership, and purpose-driven successBook Recommendation:Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink: Click here12 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni: Click hereGood to Great by Jim Collins: Click hereConnect with John Macfarland:LinkedIn: Click hereWebsite: Click hereEmail: john@macfarlandpainting.com
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197 From the Streets to $10M: The Tom Heiler Painting Story
Mar 2800:52:17Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Pursuit of Purpose, Chris Kiefer sits down with Tom Heiler, owner of Heiler Painting, who shares his incredible journey of overcoming 7 surgeries to build a thriving business. Tom's story is a powerful testament to motivation and self improvement, highlighting the mindset needed to achieve success. He discusses the crucial success habits that allowed him to not only recover but also excel, offering valuable self development insights for anyone looking to build a resilient mentality.What if your toughest challenges are actually pointing you toward your true purpose?If you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or unsure about your path, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on how to move forward with intention and confidence. Watch until the end and reflect on your own journey—then share in the comments what purpose means to you and how you're currently pursuing it. If this resonated with you, make sure to Follow for more conversations on growth, mindset, and building a life with intention.Book Recommendation:Seven Habits of Highly Effective People: Click hereThe Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni: Click hereHyper Sales Growth by Jack Daly: Click hereTraction by Gino Wickman: Click hereMovie/TV recommendation:Dark: Click hereConnect with Tom Heiler through:Email: tom@heilerpainting.com
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