executive coach Archives - Business RadioX ®

Garrett Ervin chats with Amanda Pearch

June 15, 2026 by Amanda Pearch

Chat with AP

Garrett Ervin chats with Amanda Pearch

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Garrett Ervin, Owner and Operator of Gwinnett Business RadioX

Gwinnett Business RadioX Announced its Leadership Change in January of 2026.

Garrett Ervin was named President and CEO of Gwinnett Business RadioX®, located in Duluth, Georgia. A respected corporate leader with extensive management experience in the water and environmental testing industry, Ervin brings a strong commitment to the network’s mission of producing high-quality programming while amplifying the voice of the local business community. For the past 30 years, Garrett worked with organizations ranging from entrepreneurial businesses to national companies, leading operations, improving performance and helping businesses adapt through periods of significant transition and expansion.

About your Host:

Amanda Pearch is a strategic communicator and media advisor who helps executives turn visibility into leverage by converting influence into measurable opportunity. She designs integrated marketing ecosystems that align messaging, relationship development, and business growth. Amanda Pearch helps you move beyond fragmented efforts and build disciplined systems that support long-term relationship development, brand and reputation.

When communication is intentional, momentum compounds.

A trusted facilitator and moderator for executive panels and industry associations, Amanda guides high-level conversations that engage, sharpen positioning and move organizations forward. As the host of Chat with AP & Nonprofit Nation, she strengthens partnerships while connecting missions with marketplace strategy.

Marketing is not noise. It is infrastructure. Think outside the box with AP.

For leaders committed to disciplined growth and intentional influence, connect directly, AmandaPearch.com Connect with Amanda Pearch for an event or LIVE Chat with AP.

Bill Ellis: Your Brand is The Value Clients Perceive in You

December 17, 2025 by John Ray

Bill Ellis on Client-Perceived Value, Staying Teachable, and Why Questions Matter More Than Answers (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 156), with host John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Bill Ellis: Your Brand is The Value Clients Perceive in You

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Bill Ellis on Client-Perceived Value, Staying Teachable, and Why Questions Matter More Than Answers (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 156)

Bill Ellis, brand strategist and host of the What’s the Point? podcast, joins host John Ray on The Price and Value Journey to discuss how professional service providers can build sustainable practices by understanding a fundamental truth: your brand is the value clients perceive in you, not what you think you offer.

With 24 years at Anheuser-Busch before launching his consulting practice in 2004, Bill shares challenging lessons about translating corporate expertise to small business clients. He explains why his corporate approach initially failed with solo practitioners and small firms and how learning to “remain teachable” transformed his practice. Bill discusses how client feedback led him to add “confidant” to his service offerings when clients kept seeking someone they could trust completely to discuss sensitive business and personal decisions they couldn’t share elsewhere.

Bill introduces his “ladder of success” framework, explaining how he realized his own ladder was leaning against the wrong building at Anheuser-Busch. He discusses the importance of asking the question “What’s the point?” to help clients move past assumptions and discover what they’re truly trying to accomplish, why better communication beats more communication, and his formula for culture: core values times behavior equals culture. Throughout the conversation, Bill emphasizes that questions are more valuable than answers and that staying flexible as your practice evolves is essential for long-term success.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of the Business RadioX® podcast network.

Key Takeaways You Can Use from This Episode

Your brand is client-perceived value, not what you think you offer. Success comes from understanding where clients see value, not convincing them to see it where you think they should.
Remain teachable throughout your career. Bill’s mentor gave him this two-word advice 40 years ago, and it remains central to his practice—admitting you don’t have all the answers is essential for growth.
Corporate expertise doesn’t translate directly to small business clients. Bill learned he had to “soften his corporate approach” and translate what makes corporations successful into language that relates to solo practitioners and small firms.
Questions are more valuable than answers. Asking, “What’s the point?” helps clients examine whether they’re pursuing the right goals before building plans to achieve them.
Your ladder may be leaning against the wrong building. Recognizing fundamental misalignment in your career or practice—not just working harder—is essential for fulfillment and success.
Client feedback shapes your positioning. Bill became a “confidant” because clients kept seeking that more profound relationship, not because he decided to add it as a service line.
Better communication beats more communication. When people say, “We need more communication,” they actually need clearer, more effective communication tailored to how different people receive information.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Bill Ellis
01:52 Bill’s Transition from Corporate to Coaching
05:04 Evolving as a Coach and Consultant
07:49 The Importance of Branding and Value
14:01 Defining the Role of a Confidant
22:12 The Power of Asking the Right Questions
26:07 The Role of a Confidant
27:22 Empathy and Confidentiality
29:56 Communication and Culture
35:43 Core Values and Behavior
38:21 Finding Your Purpose
40:25 Bill’s Podcast Journey
45:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

Bill Ellis

Bill Ellis

Bill Ellis is a business confidant who works with senior leaders across the United States and the Middle East. His clients range from founders and corporate executives to lawyers, psychologists, and owners of fast-moving service businesses. He helps them think clearly, manage pressure, and reconnect to what truly matters in their work.

Bill’s career includes many years in branding and purpose advisory, which has shaped his belief that clarity is one of the greatest strengths a leader can develop. He brings this same curiosity to his podcast, What’s The Point?, where he explores how people find direction, meaning and resilience through their own stories.

He is also the author of Women Who Won, a collection of stories celebrating remarkable women and the achievements, large and small, that still motivate him. He wrote the book for men and women alike, including his grandchildren, as a reminder that courage often starts with a single step.

Alongside his advisory work, Bill speaks to audiences about leadership, purpose, and the power of clear thinking.

He divides his time between the US and Dubai, where his wife is based, and this cross-cultural perspective informs the way he understands leadership and purpose today.

Website | LinkedIn

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray, Author of The Generosity Mindset and Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray is the host of The Price and Value Journey.

John owns Ray Business Advisors, a business advisory practice. John’s services include business coaching and advisory work, as well as advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their pricing. John is passionate about the power of pricing for business owners, as changing pricing is the fastest way to change the profitability of a business. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, consultants, coaches, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is a podcast show host and the owner of North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their podcast using The Generosity Mindset® Method: building and deepening relationships in a non-salesy way that translates into revenue for their business.

John is also the host of North Fulton Business Radio. With over 900 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in its region like no one else.

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

John Ray is the author of the five-star rated book The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices, praised by readers for its practical insights on raising confidence, value, and prices.

If you are a professional services provider, your goal is to do transformative work for clients you love working with and get paid commensurate with the value you deliver to them. While negative mindsets can inhibit your growth, adopting a different mindset, The Generosity Mindset®, can replace those self-limiting beliefs. The Generosity Mindset enables you to diagnose and communicate the value you deliver to clients and, in turn, more effectively price to receive a portion of that value.

Whether you’re a consultant, coach, marketing or branding professional, business advisor, attorney, CPA, or work in virtually any other professional services discipline, your content and technical expertise are not proprietary. What’s unique, though, is your experience and how you synthesize and deliver your knowledge. What’s special is your demeanor or the way you deal with your best-fit clients. What’s invaluable is how you deliver outstanding value by guiding people through massive changes in their personal lives and in their businesses that bring them to a place they never thought possible.

Your combination of these elements is unique in your industry. There lies your value, but it’s not the value you see. It’s the value your best-fit customers see in you.

If pricing your value feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you, this book will teach you why putting a price on the value your clients perceive and identify serves both them and you, and you’ll learn the factors involved in getting your price right.

The book is available at all major physical and online book retailers worldwide. Follow this link for further details.

Connect with John Ray:

Website | LinkedIn | Email

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Parita Kuttappan, Professional Coach, on Energy Management

August 25, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Parita Kuttappan, Professional Coach, on Energy Management

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Parita Kuttappan, Professional Coach, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 893)

Parita Kuttappan, a certified professional coach, joined host John Ray live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit to share insights from her keynote on energy and how we manage it.

Parita explained how energy functions like a bank account, where daily choices and long-term habits determine whether we thrive or become depleted. She introduced a framework of six areas of influence, including physical, social, and emotional, that affect energy levels and encouraged participants to journal or track patterns to recognize where their energy is being drained.

She also emphasized the importance of proactive self-care, from small restorative practices to cultivating supportive relationships, so we do not end up “in the red” energetically. Her encouragement to allow ourselves grace and to stop wearing the “superwoman cape” reminded the audience that strength is built through awareness, balance, and self-compassion.

This interview was originally broadcast live from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit held on August 12, 2025, at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia. John Ray Co. and North Fulton Business Radio were the Media Sponsors for this year’s Summit.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Event Overview
00:57 Meet the Keynote Speaker: Parita Kuttappan
01:58 Understanding Energy Management
03:54 Six Areas of Influence on Energy
04:52 The Importance of Journaling
06:30 Balancing Energy in Daily Life
08:48 Encouragement and Final Thoughts

Parita Kuttappan

Parita Kuttappan is a certified and professional mindset and confidence coach for executive and professional women and working parents.

She has 16 years of experience in strategic human resources in both the professional services and defense industries. Parita earned her Certified Professional Coach (CPC) certification through iPEC (Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching) coaching, an ICF-Accredited Coaching Training Program.

Parita truly believes her coachees are the experts in their lives, while she is the expert in the coaching process. She uses powerful questions and tools to help her clients overcome unhelpful blocks, manage their energy, and understand how to create thoughts and feelings that lead to fulfillment and joy. Regardless of who she is working with, Parita’s core mission is to empower working women and parents everywhere to unlock their inner goal-getters, bring awareness to what is most important to them, and live more joyful and confident lives.

Connect with Parita on LinkedIn

2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit

The 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit was held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

The mission of BOLD—Businesswomen Organizing for Leadership and Development—is to connect businesswomen to build outstanding networks and spheres of influence, to collaborate with each other and with partner organizations to develop their businesses, and to celebrate and recognize the women of North Fulton.

Website

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC)

The Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit, member-driven organization comprised of over 1,400 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Their service area includes Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, Mountain Park, Roswell, and Sandy Springs. GNFCC is the leading voice on economic development, business growth, and quality of life issues in North Fulton County.

As a five-star accredited chamber, GNFCC’s vision is to be the premier organization driving member and community success across the region, and they are dedicated to pursuing this vision based on the guiding principles of advocacy, inclusivity, and operational excellence.

GNFCC promotes the interests of their members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play, and stay. They provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision-makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live.

For more information on GNFCC and its North Fulton County service area, follow this link or call (770) 993-8806. For more information on other GNFCC events, follow this link.

Connect with GNFCC: Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 890 episodes and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates businesses by sharing positive stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, host of North Fulton Business Radio, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, host of *North Fulton Business Radio* and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. John and the team at North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, produce the show, and it is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants, bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

If you’re a law firm, medical practice, or manufacturer, there’s one headline you would rather not make: “Local Business Pays Thousands in Ransom After Cyberattack.” That’s where Beyond Computer Solutions comes in. They help organizations like yours stay out of the news and in business with managed IT and cybersecurity services designed for industries where compliance and reputation matter most.

Whether they serve as your complete IT department or simply support your internal team, these professionals are well-versed in HIPAA, secure document access, written security policies, and other essential aspects that ensure your safety and well-being. Best of all, it starts with a complimentary security assessment.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | YouTube

Katie Moore, Sonal Chandler, Diamond Ford, and Teresa Caro on Trademarks, Cybersecurity, Senior Salon Services, and Leadership

July 17, 2025 by John Ray

Family Business Radio

Katie Moore, Sonal Chandler, Diamond Ford, and Teresa Caro on Trademarks, Cybersecurity, Senior Salon Services, and Leadership

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Katie Moore, Sonal Chandler, Diamond Ford, and Teresa Caro on Trademarks, Cybersecurity, Senior Salon Services, and Leadership (Family Business Radio, Episode 66)

In this episode of Family Business Radio, host Anthony Chen welcomes four dynamic women whose work spans business law, cybersecurity, senior hair salon services, and leadership coaching but whose stories are deeply rooted in family, legacy, and personal mission.

Katie Moore, founder of Katherine Moore Law, LLC, shares how childhood exposure to trademark law shaped her path and why intellectual property is essential for growing businesses.
Sonal Chandler, founder of Minerva Consulting, opens up about the loss of her father, her pivot from corporate cybersecurity to entrepreneurship, and how small businesses can proactively protect themselves in an age of AI threats.
Diamond Ford, founder of Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood, shares her journey from childhood beauty salons to creating a luxury experience for seniors, reminding us that dignity and care never grow old.
Teresa Caro, founder of Liminist, explains how she helps business owners, and particularly family-led businesses, navigate growth plateaus, generational succession, and team dynamics to build something that lasts.

This episode, spanning from trademarks to transitions, is brimming with practical wisdom and heartfelt insight. Whether you’re building a business, protecting a legacy, or redefining success, these stories will stay with you.

Anthony concludes the show with thoughts on crafting a legacy of memories, reminding us that you can’t buy time or memories.

Family Business Radio is underwritten and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. The show is produced by John Ray and the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Katie Moore, Katherine Moore Law, LLC

Trademarks protect the identity, value, and recognition your business builds, not just your logo.
You don’t have to wait to register. “Intent to use” filings can reserve your rights as you grow.
Descriptive names are weak trademarks; creative, distinctive names offer stronger protection.

Sonal Chandler, Minerva Consulting

Small businesses are attractive targets for hackers due to limited cybersecurity defenses.
Basic protections like strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and staff training go a long way.
Don’t just chase AI tools. Focus on how they fit your business strategy and strengthen operations.

Diamond Ford, Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood

Seniors want luxury, dignity, and routine in their grooming just like anyone else.
Salon environments using nostalgic music and décor create healing, memory-rich experiences for aging clients.
Stories from elders—like a 110-year-old who said “right now” is the best time to be alive—remind us to live gratefully and stay present.

Teresa Caro, Liminist

Founders often become the bottleneck to growth when they don’t shift leadership mindsets.
Succession planning can take seven or more years. Start before you feel “ready.”
Build a business that can thrive without you; systems and strategy matter more than solo effort.

Anthony Chen, Lighthouse Financial and Host, Family Business Radio

True legacy means living without regret—making memories, not just money.
Overworking can cost you the life experiences you’re working so hard to afford.
“You can’t buy time or memories”—use your success to support the life you want to live now.

Katie Moore, Katherine Moore Law, LLC

Katie Moore is an attorney specializing in corporate law, contracts, and trademarks. With a focus on helping business owners protect and grow their enterprises, Katie guides her clients through the legal requirements and best practices that can help them achieve their goals.

In her trademark practice, Katie assists clients in safeguarding their brand identities. Katie’s passion lies in empowering businesses to establish and maintain strong legal foundations for the brands they have worked so hard to build.

Katie’s approach to law is characterized by her dedication to providing personalized attention and tailored solutions to each client’s unique needs.

Katie is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Catholic University in Washington, DC.

Website | LinkedIn

Sonal Chandler, Minerva Consulting

Sonal Chandler is the founder and CEO of Minerva Consulting, a woman-owned business based in Alpharetta, GA. Minerva helps small and mid-sized organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and harness the power of AI with clarity and confidence. Her firm specializes in cyber risk management and AI readiness & integration, bridging strategy, implementation, and education to make complex technology feel actionable.

With over 20 years of experience in technology consulting, Sonal’s background spans Fortune 500 enterprises, boutique firms, and high-growth startups. She is the host of the Minerva Meets podcast and author of the Mind Spark blog, where she explores how AI and cybersecurity are shaping the future of work.

Sonal holds a Master’s in Information Technology from AIU and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management from the University of South Carolina. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, kayaking, cooking, watching sports, especially football, and traveling. Her favorite role of all is being a mother and role model to her two young daughters.

Website | LinkedIn

Diamond Ford, Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood

Diamond Ford is the visionary founder and CEO of Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood, a luxury salon management company revolutionizing beauty care within senior living communities. With nearly a decade of experience specializing in beauty services for seniors, Diamond has built a brand rooted in dignity, consistency, and elevated self-care.

Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood is a salon management company delivering luxury pampering and grooming services to senior living communities. Infused with Old Hollywood charm from iconic starlet imagery to the intentional use of music therapy featuring classic jazz, soul, and swing, they create an experience that restores dignity, evokes joy, and celebrates legacy. Through exclusive memberships, they provide not just beauty care but a place to gather, feel seen, and be treated. The team takes pride in serving with excellence, compassion, and purpose, making every appointment a moment of care, connection, and confidence.

In addition to her leadership in salon management, Diamond is a certified trichologist, a specialist in the study of hair loss. Her work blends science, beauty, and heartfelt service to restore dignity, confidence, and personal style to aging adults. She is known for building a brand that marries glamor with purpose and for mentoring other women in business through her journey as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur.

Website | LinkedIn

Teresa Caro, Liminist

Teresa Caro is the founder and CEO of Liminist, where she utilizes her proprietary LIMINAL methodology—Learn, Investigate, Measure, Innovate, Navigate, Adapt, Lead—to catalyze growth and elevate performance among C-suite executives, senior leaders, and high-potential teams.

With over twenty years of leadership experience in complex environments, Teresa is recognized for her strategic acumen and empathetic, grounded style. Her career includes award-winning work across sectors like CPG, retail, fintech, and B2B SaaS, and she has held notable leadership roles at organizations such as Razorfish, Engauge (acquired by Publicis), and Atlanticus. Her expertise lies in guiding organizations through acquisitions and digital transformations, consistently building strong foundations for success.

Teresa’s commitment to developing future leaders extends beyond her executive coaching, as she serves as a mentor coach for initiatives such as OnBoard and the UGA Digital Marketing Competition. She is a co-author of The Purpose Playbook, which promotes purpose-driven leadership. Teresa’s credentials include an MBA from Georgia State, executive coach certifications from CEC and ICF, and specialized expertise in assessment tools and mental fitness. A devoted golfer and yoga enthusiast, Teresa exemplifies the balance of professional drive and personal fulfillment, encouraging clients to do the same.

Website | LinkedIn

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Family Business Radio is sponsored and brought to you by Anthony Chen with Lighthouse Financial Network. Securities and advisory services are offered through OSAIC, member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of OSAIC. The main office address is 575 Broadhollow Rd., Melville, NY 11747. You can reach Anthony at 631-465-9090, ext. 5075, or by email at anthonychen@lfnllc.com.

Anthony Chen started his career in financial services with MetLife in Buffalo, NY, in 2008. Born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens, he considers himself a full-blooded New Yorker while now enjoying his Atlanta, GA, home. Specializing in family businesses and their owners, Anthony works to protect what is most important to them. From preserving to creating wealth, Anthony partners with CPAs and attorneys to help address all of the concerns and help clients achieve their goals. By using a combination of financial products ranging from life, disability, and long-term care insurance to many investment options through Royal Alliance, Anthony looks to be the eyes and ears for his client’s financial foundation. In his spare time, Anthony is an avid long-distance runner.

Follow this link to access the complete show archive of Family Business Radio.

Cultivating Future Leaders, with Randy Hain, Author of Practical Virtue

April 7, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Cultivating Future Leaders, with Randy Hain, Author of Practical Virtue

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Cultivating Future Leaders, with Randy Hain, Author of Practical Virtue (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 861)

In this engaging episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes back executive coach and prolific author Randy Hain to discuss his newest book, Practical Virtue: An Actionable Guide to Help You Become a Leader Worth Following. Aimed at Gen Z and early-career professionals, the book serves as a resource for building essential leadership skills and virtues. Randy emphasizes the importance of mentorship, encouraging senior professionals to invest in the younger generation by sharing their own experiences and wisdom. The conversation covers key virtues like accountability, generosity, hard work, candor, and humility, offering practical tips and stories. Randy also introduces the “One Plus Three” project, urging mentors to guide three young professionals through the book. The episode calls for a collective effort to prepare future leaders by modeling and teaching virtuous leadership.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, and recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Randy Hain, Author of Practical Virtue: An Actionable Guide to Help You Become a Leader Worth Following

Randy Hain is the founder and president of Serviam Partners and the co-founder of the Leadership Foundry.

With a successful 30+ year career in senior leadership roles, corporate talent and executive search, Randy is a sought-after executive coach for senior leaders at some of the best-known companies in the U.S. and globally who are seeking candid and expert guidance on how to overcome obstacles to their success or develop new leadership skills.

Randy is a husband, father, and active community leader and serves on the boards of the causes he cares about most. Randy has earned a reputation as a creative business partner and generous thought leader through his books, articles and speaking engagements.

Randy is the award-winning author of 12 books, including the newly released Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, and a past guest of North Fulton Business Radio.

Website | LinkedIn

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:29 Introducing Randy Hain and His New Book, Practical Virtue
02:16 The Importance of Mentoring Gen Z
07:31 Book Structure and Virtues
09:56 Deep Dive into Key Virtues
17:58 The Power of Encouragement
18:27 Understanding Candor
21:38 The Importance of Humility
23:23 Destigmatizing Mentorship
24:42 The “One Plus Three” Project
27:38 Call to Action for Mentors
32:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 850 shows and having featured over 1,300 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Exceptional Leadership Insights with John Ott

April 2, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Exceptional Leadership Insights with John Ott

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Exceptional Leadership Insights with John Ott (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 858)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews John Ott from Exceptional Leaders. Ott shares his journey into leadership coaching, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and understanding group dynamics, personal growth, and effective communication. He discusses the significance of being “inwardly sound” and “others focused” as key leadership qualities. John also highlights the importance of self-awareness and presents a 360-degree feedback tool to help leaders understand their strengths and areas for improvement. The episode concludes with John sharing success stories and offering insights into the holistic growth of leaders and their businesses.

John Ott, Co-Founder & Executive Coach, Exceptional Leaders

John Ott

Since 1999, John has led and developed hundreds of leaders in a variety of organizations: corporations, small businesses, startups, and non-profits. He is a co-founder and principal of Exceptional Leaders, LLC, a venture focused on guiding leaders and teams to achieve long-term, sustained excellence through advanced leadership development and integral coaching.

In the coaching context, John blends creative strategy with a deep understanding of human behavior and development. His approach is rooted in a long-standing curiosity around three questions:

How do people grow?
How do groups of people work together to accomplish amazing things?
How are ideas effectively communicated from one person or group to another?

John’s work consistently revolves around the alignment of people and resources with a unified mission. While portions of his time have been spent honing these skills in the non-profit sector, he has also actively consulted with a variety of for-profit and non-profit organizations in the areas of strategic operations and leadership development.

John began his career on the staff of a church in Nashville, TN, where he gained exposure to a broad spectrum of leadership opportunities. He went on to help found an industry-leading, high-tech, audio-visual firm. After that firm had gained sufficient traction, John went back into the non-profit sector, eventually joining the staff of North Point Ministries—one of the largest and most influential churches in the country. While at North Point, John led the development of leader training and operational infrastructure accessed by more than 1500 volunteer leaders locally and thousands more globally. Prior to co-founding Exceptional Leaders, John was the president of a private capital group specializing in real estate development, residential construction, and cellular tower development.

John holds professional coaching credentials with New Ventures West and a Bachelors Degree in Biblical Studies with a minor in Greek from Lipscomb University. He currently lives in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, with his amazing wife and four children.

Connect with John Ott: Website | LinkedIn

Connect with Exceptional Leaders: Website

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:26 Meet John Ott: Exceptional Leaders
01:51 John Ott’s Journey to Coaching
02:20 The Role of Curiosity in Career Development
03:46 Taking the Leap: Starting a Business
06:23 The Importance of Leadership
08:16 Defining Leadership Effectiveness
11:58 Inwardly Sound and Others Focused
14:15 The Identity Crisis of Business Leaders
15:45 The Isolation at the Top
18:23 Navigating Leadership Challenges
19:57 Recognizing the Need for Coaching
25:40 Self-Awareness and Leadership
27:49 Success Stories and Outcomes
30:37 Connecting with John Ott
31:15 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, with Randy Hain, Author and Executive Coach

October 30, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, with Randy Hain, Author and Executive Coach

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Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, with Randy Hain, Author and Executive Coach (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 812)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Randy Hain to discuss his latest book, Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader. The conversation covers several key themes of the book, including being a considerate and attentive leader. Randy shares practical insights on improving leadership skills, such as the importance of workspace environment, maintaining connections, and the art of walking for reflection. They also discuss Randy’s philosophy of leading with generosity and actionable advice for busy professionals. This episode is packed with strategies for meaningful personal and professional growth.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Randy Hain, Author of Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader

Randy Hain is the founder and president of Serviam Partners (ServiamPartners.com) and the co-founder of the Leadership Foundry (MyLeadershipFoundry.com).

Randy is the award-winning author of 11 books, including the newly released Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, and a past guest of our show.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:34 Meet Randy Hain: Author and Executive Coach
02:38 Exploring the Concept of Thoughtfulness
03:52 Practical Tips for Thoughtful Leadership
07:55 The Importance of Workspace
11:33 Addressing Workplace Disconnectedness
13:40 The Power of Simple Gestures
16:20 The Art of Walking and Reflection
20:58 Generosity in Leadership
26:50 Conclusion and Contact Information

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Unleashing Potential: Revolutionizing HR Strategies

April 5, 2024 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

Unleashing Potential: Revolutionizing HR Strategies

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Unleashing Potential: Revolutionizing HR Strategies

In this lively episode of Phoenix Business Radio, Karen Nowicki kicks off the conversation by inviting the Disrupt HR Tucson team to the mic, sparking a vibrant discussion on revamping workplace cultures and bringing HR into the modern age. Kindra Maples shares her journey with Culture Crush Business, stressing the need for resources to transform company dynamics. Tamica Sears and Holly Norton champion human-centered HR practices that prioritize employee well-being and trust. Ashley Bright shares her take on HR innovation, advocating for adaptation to meet workforce challenges head-on. Together, they unpack the unique format of Disrupt HR events, highlighting their role in building connections and sharing a tapestry of HR insights.

As the discussion flows, the team shifts gears to the importance of integrating HR into strategic business decisions and fostering a workplace that embraces personal challenges. This episode celebrates the evolving role of HR in shaping workplace culture, showcasing the transformative power of Disrupt HR events in redefining HR practices for the future.

DisruptHR is an innovative information exchange designed to energize, inform, and empower people in the HR field. It’s a series of fast-paced events where speakers get 5 minutes each to share their fresh ideas on how to shake up the traditional HR landscape.

Sears Coaching helps create inclusive, innovative, and authentic organizations through one-on-one coaching, group coaching, workshops, and retreats. Through their work, they create profitable organizations that welcome people as they are and treat people with compassion, empathy, and kindness.

Tamica Sears is an HR consultant and Executive coach as well as a volunteer for DisruptHR Tucson.

She has 20 years of Human Resources experience including organizational development, talent management, coaching, and training.

She has held HR leadership roles in organizations ranging from small veterinary hospitals to major media outlets like The USA Today Network.

As a PCC level Certified Executive Coach, she believes that the keys to leadership development are self-awareness, inclusion, and authenticity. She holds certifications in Change Management, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Everything DiSC, The Five Behaviors, and is a Human Resources Certified Professional.

Identifying self-esteem as a common issue with many leaders, Tamica published “You Are Enough”, a book of motivational quotes designed to increase self-esteem in 30 days and a leadership development book, “How to Tell if You’re an A**hole Boss”.

Connect with Tamica on LinkedIn.

Strunk Group, an employee benefit and HR consulting firm, providing a complete range of health insurance and employee benefit resources and services. They help business care for their people.

If you’re an organization with ten employees or thousands, and you’re tired of navigating the murky waters of employee benefits, compliance, and HR alone, Strunk Group is here.

Employers want to provide the best employee benefits customized to your company’s unique needs. They support that pursuit of providing the best for their people. Strunk Group provides their clients with corporate benefits, human resources, technology and payroll consulting, and 401(k)s.

Working in the best interests of people – and organizations

Strunk Group leads the way in committed advocacy – the practice of consistently acting in the best interests of an organization and their people. Committed Advocacy creates engaged environments by encouraging collaboration and openness. As a result, cultures flourish, health improves and happiness is increased – at work and in life.

Holly Norton is not your average HR Executive. As the driving force behind Strunk HR, a division of the Strunk Insurance Group, she is redefining what it means to be in human resources.

Gone are the days of cookie-cutter HR strategies; Holly is a visionary leader, constantly innovating and inspiring change in the people operations space. With over two decades in HR and top-tier industry certifications, she has discovered a better way in her relentless pursuit of revolutionizing HR.

Holly empowers and supports leaders and business owners to create a work culture that is nothing short of stellar. Her philosophy? Employees who feel valued don’t just work—they thrive, collaborate, and elevate the entire team’s performance.

Holly’s approach to hiring and onboarding isn’t just about filling positions. It’s about crafting lasting relationships from day one, fostering a work environment that transcends mere compliance. She’s not about ticking boxes; she’s about creating bespoke HR experiences that resonate deeply with every client. But Holly knows that a company’s true strength lies in its people.

As a key player in DisruptHR Phoenix and Tucson, Holly’s influence extends beyond her immediate sphere. She’s bringing together bold, innovative voices in HR from across the globe, reshaping the industry’s landscape.

Living in North Phoenix with her teenage son, significant other, and beloved dog. Holly’s life outside the workplace mirrors her professional ethos—dynamic, unconventional, forward-thinking, and infused with a blend of humor. This blend of wit and wisdom not only sets her apart but also exemplifies her belief that the workplace can be both a place of serious achievement and genuine enjoyment.

Connect with Holly on LinkedIn and follow Strunk Group on Facebook and Instagram.

The Message Fixer is on a mission to help purpose-driven leaders break through barriers and gain support for their ideas. We work with individuals, companies, and organizations at the intersection of technology, education, and community to make a positive impact.

Our IMPACT Speaking Method was designed to equip leaders with communication skills and stage presence to attract attention, resources, and allies to their cause. Our founder brings almost two decades of experience pitching ideas to Fortune 500 companies and we’ve distilled those learning into this methodology to ensure success for our clients.

We offer personalized 1:1 coaching to address individual communication challenges and group workshops on storytelling, public speaking, relationship building, and overcoming status quo bias. Whether starting a new business or launching a product, training a sales team, or pitching to an investor we ensure our clients gain the communication skills they need to get results.

Ashley Bright is The Message Fixer.

Clients hire him to bring clarity, boldness, and impact to their communication.

As a former Creative Director, presenting to companies like Apple, Target, and AT&T he knows how to leverage storytelling and empathy to break through listener resistance and status-quo thinking to get buy-in for life-changing ideas.

United Way, Kimberley-Clark, and the University of Arizona are among the many clients who rely on Ashley’s IMPACT Speaking Method to teach their people how to present with confidence, increase their influence, and build meaningful relationships to ensure they get results.

Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Culture Crush Business is your premier destination for building thriving company cultures. We are dedicated to revolutionizing the way companies approach their people and culture strategies.

At Culture Crush Business, we understand the importance of cultivating a workplace environment where employees thrive. Our three step approach is comprehensive, focusing on three levels of support and always focusing on our eight key areas that form the foundation of vibrant cultures. We have over 200 partners across the country that bring experience and expertise in the areas of:

Leadership/Professional Development
Employee Recognition/Employee Appreciation
Conscious Communication and Connection
Fundamentals: Pay and Medical Benefits
Mental Health and Wellness
Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Accessibility
Systems and Processes
Fun/Excitement in the Workplace

Kindra Maples, Founder of Culture Crush Business, brings a unique journey to the business world. With a background in animal behavior and over 15 years in the zoo industry, Kindra transitioned her passion from training animals to empowering people. From polar bears to individuals, she seamlessly blends diverse experiences.

Her skills encompass business relations, operations management, strategic planning, and team building. Dedicated to fostering growth, she is passionate about supporting leaders and cultivating exceptional company cultures.

Through the events, podcast, partnerships, and three levels of support for companies- Kindra connects businesses to the culture resources they need to build thriving cultures and thriving people.

Kindra is dedicated to revolutionizing the way companies approach their people and culture strategies and does this through assessments, events, and supporting companies in a Fractional Chief People Officer role.

Outside the business realm, Kindra finds joy in paddleboarding, conquering Spartan races, and embarking on adventurous pursuits to continually embrace new challenges.

Connect with Kindra on LinkedIn and follow Culture Crush Business on Instagram.

Ryan Kauth, Kauth & Associates, and Host of The Fractional Executive Podcast

May 2, 2023 by John Ray

Business Leaders Radio

Ryan Kauth, Kauth & Associates, and Host of The Fractional Executive Podcast

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Ryan Kauth, Kauth & Associates, and Host of The Fractional Executive Podcast

Ryan Kauth, founder of Kauth & Associates and host of The Fractional Executive Podcast, joined host John Ray on this edition of Business Leaders Radio to discuss his business coaching practice and his podcast. Ryan talked about what led to his founding the entrepreneurship program at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, creating courses for entrepreneurship, the five areas he coaches his clients on, the value of coaching, his podcast, and more.

Business Leaders Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton Studio of Business RadioX® in Atlanta.

The Fractional Executive Podcast

Growing a company beyond a certain point can be incredibly challenging, particularly for smaller businesses with limited resources. These executives find themselves facing a range of issues, from a lack of funding and resources to market saturation and increased competition.

Ryan’s guest experts share their insights and experiences on the most effective strategies for overcoming these challenges, including building a strong team, expanding into new markets, leveraging technology, discussing the importance of developing a clear vision and strategy, and how to effectively communicate this to stakeholders.

YouTube | Facebook

Ryan Kauth, Founder, Kauth & Associates and Host of The Fractional Executive Podcast

Ryan Kauth is a business coach and executive who founded the current entrepreneurship program at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. Over the past 25 years, he has helped hundreds of founders and family business owners grow their businesses. Ryan holds several business degrees and certifications, and has taught undergraduate and graduate business students and entrepreneurs.

Website | LinkedIn

Questions and Topics in this Interview

Why does a founder or family business owner need a business coach?
How has your professional career path lead you to coaching founders and family business owners?
What are the five areas you work on with founders and family business owners?
Why have you hired business coaches for yourself throughout your career?

Business Leaders Radio is hosted by John Ray and produced virtually from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® in Alpharetta. The show can be found on all the major podcast apps and a full archive can be found here.

Garrett Ervin, Owner and Operator of Gwinnett Business RadioX

When communication is intentional, momentum compounds.

Marketing is not noise. It is infrastructure. Think outside the box with AP.

Bill Ellis on Client-Perceived Value, Staying Teachable, and Why Questions Matter More Than Answers (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 156)

Key Takeaways You Can Use from This Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Bill Ellis

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John’s book, The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices

Connect with John Ray:

Parita Kuttappan, Professional Coach, LIVE from the 2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 893)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Parita Kuttappan

2025 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit

Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC)

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond Computer Solutions supports North Fulton Business Radio

Katie Moore, Sonal Chandler, Diamond Ford, and Teresa Caro on Trademarks, Cybersecurity, Senior Salon Services, and Leadership (Family Business Radio, Episode 66)

Key Takeaways from This Episode

Katie Moore, Katherine Moore Law, LLC

Sonal Chandler, Minerva Consulting

Diamond Ford, Don’t Touch My Hair by Hollywood

Teresa Caro, Liminist

Anthony Chen, Host of Family Business Radio

Cultivating Future Leaders, with Randy Hain, Author of Practical Virtue (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 861)

Randy Hain, Author of Practical Virtue: An Actionable Guide to Help You Become a Leader Worth Following

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Exceptional Leadership Insights with John Ott (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 858)

John Ott, Co-Founder & Executive Coach, Exceptional Leaders

Topics Discussed in this Episode

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader, with Randy Hain, Author and Executive Coach (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 812)

Randy Hain, Author of Becoming a More Thoughtful Leader

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Unleashing Potential: Revolutionizing HR Strategies

Ryan Kauth, Kauth & Associates, and Host of The Fractional Executive Podcast

The Fractional Executive Podcast

Ryan Kauth, Founder, Kauth & Associates and Host of The Fractional Executive Podcast

Questions and Topics in this Interview

Our Mission

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