John Ray Archives - Page 16 of 66

Beyond IT and Into Community Impact, with Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

December 19, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Beyond IT and Into Community Impact, with Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

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Beyond IT and Into Community Impact, with Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 829)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Jason Etheridge, Founder and CEO of Logic Speak. Jason discusses the mission and philosophy behind Logic Speak, a managed IT and cybersecurity company. Jason shares insights on proactive IT management, the importance of operational maturity, and the role of technology in business growth. The conversation also highlights LogicSpeak’s commitment to community service, showcased by their Volunteer Time Off program and involvement with local organizations like North Fulton Community Charities. Jason also elaborates on the impact of receiving the 2024 Community Service Excellence Award from the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the value of chamber involvement. The episode concludes with a discussion on the positive feedback from Logic Speak’s clients and their approach to treating clients with kindness and respect.

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.

Jason Etheridge, Founder and President, Logic Speak

Jason Etheridge, Logic Speak

Jason Etheridge is the Founder and President of Logic Speak, a managed IT service provider that empowers the modern workforce through technology strategy, support, and security.

Through Jason’s leadership, Logic Speak recently celebrated its 20-year anniversary. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has over 25 years of experience in the IT field in Georgia.

Prior to founding Logic Speak, Jason worked as a Technology Consultant for Hewlett-Packard and served as the Director of Information Technology at Extreme Logic, where he received the Extreme Logic Excellence through Results award for his work with Ernst Young. He has also consulted for small businesses in the Atlanta area and has implemented systems to streamline corporate processes and reduce overall IT costs.

Jason serves on many industry advisory boards, including Datto, IT Glue, and Mailprotector. He is also a member of an MSP-Ignite peer group and a facilitator of peer groups for smaller MSPs.

Jason lives in Johns Creek, GA, with his wife Jennifer, two boys, Jameson and Jackson, and Harbins, their labradoodle. He is an Enneagram 7, was recently voted life of the party by his co-workers, and loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle when he is not spending time with his family, coaching baseball, or thinking about technology.

Logic Speak

Logic Speak, based in Alpharetta, GA, is a dedicated IT managed services provider that focuses on empowering small to medium-sized businesses through tailored technology solutions. Founded in 2004 by Jason Etheridge, the company operates with a philosophy centered on relationship-building and technology humility, aiming to demystify IT for its clients. Logic Speak emphasizes understanding each client’s unique needs and challenges, ensuring that technology serves as a facilitator for business growth rather than a hindrance. Their services range from proactive technology strategy and support to comprehensive cybersecurity measures, all designed to help businesses operate efficiently and securely.

The team at Logic Speak prides itself on being approachable and responsive, fostering an environment where clients feel valued and understood. They believe that effective communication is key to successful IT management, which is why they strive to avoid technical jargon and instead focus on clear, helpful dialogue. By combining technical expertise with a genuine care for their clients’ success, Logic Speak positions itself not just as a service provider but as a strategic partner in navigating the complexities of modern technology. Their commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond individual clients to the broader community, reflecting their mission to enhance lives through technology.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:34 Guest Introduction: Jason Etheridge of Logic Speak
02:02 Understanding Managed IT Services
04:23 Celebrating 20 Years in Business
05:41 Operational Maturity and Business Growth
08:45 The Importance of Security Awareness
11:08 Mission Statement and Core Values
16:57 Community Involvement and Volunteer Time Off
19:55 Chamber of Commerce Involvement
25:48 Client Testimonials and Closing Remarks

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.

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.

Mastering Video Marketing, with Maxwell Bentley, Bentley Media

December 16, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Mastering Video Marketing, with Maxwell Bentley, Bentley Media

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Mastering Video Marketing, with Maxwell Bentley, Bentley Media (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 828)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes back Maxwell Bentley, a prominent video production expert and the founder of Bentley Media. The discussion delves into Maxwell’s decade-long career in video production and his evolution into a marketing authority. Maxwell shares insights on the importance of video marketing for entrepreneurs, the rise of short-form video content on platforms like LinkedIn, and the effective use of video testimonials. The episode also touches on the potential and pitfalls of AI-generated video content and showcases Maxwell’s success stories, including transforming a health coach’s practice through compelling video storytelling.

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.

Maxwell Bentley, Bentley Media

Maxwell Bentley is a video producer known for launching high-performing video marketing campaigns for brands across the globe, including Hyundai, Quantum Bank, and Eversheds Sutherland. He is the founder of Bentley Media, a video marketing agency that was named a finalist for Forsyth County Business of the Year in 2018 and 2019. His agency has generated over one hundred million trackable video impressions that have translated to millions of dollars in sales revenue for his clients since 2015.

Maxwell has made significant contributions to the gaming industry, having produced a trailer for a Disney Moana video game and for the Xbox title Super Bomb Survival, and served as the lead editor for the Roblox app trailer.

He has also produced marketing videos for prominent Georgia schools, including Emory, UGA, and KSU, and for nonprofits such as TED, Saprea, and GPB. In 2022, he produced a donor appeal film for Meals by Grace, a Georgia nonprofit dedicated to fighting childhood hunger, that helped raise over $187,000 for the organization. He was subsequently named to the University of North Georgia’s inaugural 20 Under 40 Alumni class.

He serves on multiple advisory boards and has partnered with Metro Atlanta schools to help prepare rising talent for the demands of the Georgia film and video production industry. He exists to form meaningful relationships where his clients and his staff feel successful.

Connect with Maxwell: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:35 Guest Introduction: Maxwell Bentley
01:49 Maxwell’s Journey in Video Production
06:43 The Power of Video Marketing
13:23 Overcoming Camera Shyness
20:39 Leveraging Video Testimonials
24:09 LinkedIn and Short-Form Video Content
30:07 AI in Video Production
37:53 Success Stories and Conclusion
42:32 Closing Remarks

Maxwell Bentley, Bentley Media and author of Video Marketing Secrets, with North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray, author of The Generosity Mindset — **Maxwell Bentley with host John Ray**

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Inside Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business, with Dr. Brett Matherne and Jeff Wolfe

December 10, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Inside Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business, with Dr. Brett Matherne and Jeff Wolfe

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Inside Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business, with Dr. Brett Matherne and Jeff Wolfe (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 827)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray welcomes Brett Matherne, Associate Dean at Mercer University’s Stetson Hatcher School of Business, and Jeff Wolfe, Director of Mercer’s Center for Executive Education. Brett Matherne discusses the extensive array of educational programs offered by Mercer, from undergraduate to Ph.D. levels, including popular programs like business analytics. The conversation also highlights Mercer’s success in online education, their mission to embed real-world experiences in their curriculum, and the impactful certificate programs such as Lean Six Sigma and AI. Jeff Wolfe also provides insights into how the Center for Executive Education supports professionals with hands-on, skills-based training to meet the evolving demands of the business world.

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.

Dr. Brett Matherne, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Management, Mercer University School of Business

Dr. Brett Matherne, Mercer University School of Business — **Dr. Brett Matherne**

Dr. Brett Matherne is the Senior Associate Dean and Associate Professor of Management at Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business. He is responsible for all graduate, executive education, and online programs for Stetson-Hatcher while also overseeing the Atlanta operations of the School of Business.

Dr. Matherne previously served as Assistant Dean for MBA Programs at Georgia State University and spearheaded the program’s social media marketing efforts to revamp enrollment while also creating cross-disciplinary pathways. His prior business experience as a consultant, banker, and leadership member of his family business provides many points of common interest when engaging business community members.

His research interests revolve around the fields of strategic management, entrepreneurship, and pedagogy. Dr. Matherne has been published in various prestigious journals, including Journal of Business Venturing, European Management Journal, Journal of Management Education, Academy of Management Executive, Academy of Management Perspectives, Journal of International Entrepreneurship, and The CASE Journal. He is a contributing author to Sage’s Business Foundations, Ed. Sabine Hoidn, an online, interactive resource with a chapter titled “Servant Leadership.” He also published movie exhibition industry case studies in 13 editions of five of the top-selling strategic management textbooks and recently co-authored an Open Education Resource textbook, Strategic Management.

Jeff Wolfe, Director, Center for Executive Education, Mercer University School of Business

Jeff Wolfe is the Director of the Center for Executive Education at Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business.

In this role, he oversees a portfolio of non-degree certificate programs and management training developed by leading minds in academia and industry. As part of his duties, Wolfe manages Mercer’s Professional Development Series, which offers dynamic discussions with expert faculty and leaders on current business trends and topics. This series includes webinars on subjects such as marketing, leadership, economics, innovation, and privacy law.

Wolfe’s role at Mercer University involves fostering relationships between the business school and corporate partners, facilitating professional development opportunities for both students and working professionals.

His work contributes to Mercer’s efforts in building long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships with companies and organizations, enhancing the career prospects of graduates while providing companies with well-trained talent.

Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business

Mercer University’s Stetson-Hatcher School of Business is an AACSB-accredited institution dedicated to developing innovative, responsible business leaders through comprehensive academic programs.

The school offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including specialized MBA tracks in healthcare, innovation, and executive leadership. With a strong emphasis on practical learning, the school provides students with experiential opportunities, industry connections, and a curriculum designed to meet the evolving demands of the global business landscape.

The school distinguishes itself through personalized education, maintaining small class sizes that enable close faculty interactions and mentorship.

Boasting a 96% postgraduation employment or advanced study rate, Mercer’s business program prepares students for successful careers through rigorous academic training, professional development resources, and strategic partnerships with leading corporations. The school’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its innovative approach to business education, focusing on developing critical thinking, leadership skills, and ethical decision-making capabilities that prepare graduates to excel in competitive professional environments.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:45 Meet the Guests: Brett Matherne and Jeff Wolfe
02:14 Overview of Mercer University
04:36 Mercer’s Mission and Pillars
05:40 Business School’s Unique Approach
08:17 Real-World Experiences and Faculty Expertise
09:25 Graduate Programs and Online Education
17:20 Center for Executive Education
22:50 Certificate Programs and AI
30:38 Success Stories and Impact
36:11 Conclusion and Contact Information
38:09 Host’s Closing Remarks

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Navigating Midlife Career Transitions, with Scott Doyne, Author of Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis

December 6, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Navigating Midlife Career Transitions, with Scott Doyne, Author of Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis

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Navigating Midlife Career Transitions, with Scott Doyne, Author of Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 826)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray discusses career transitions with Scott Doyne, a certified career coach and author of Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis: A Guide to Navigating the Four Stages of Career Transition. Scott shares insights from his extensive background in sports, media, and technology, and he emphasizes the importance of having a career coach at any stage. They discuss the emotional impact of layoffs, the process of self-discovery, and the benefits of structured career guidance. Scott also highlights key concepts from his book, including the four stages of transition: realize, explore, articulate, and activate. Anyone seeking career advice, whether currently employed, feeling stuck, or facing a layoff, can benefit greatly from this episode.

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.

Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis: A Guide to Navigating the Four Stages of Career Transition

Career transition has become nearly perpetual at all ages and it’s never been more evident for people in their midlife stage who have been thrust into crisis mode. Over the last few years, pandemic introspection led to quiet quitting, which preceded the mass layoffs of 2022 and 2023. Support and hope exist for those willing to embrace a helping hand or lean on a listening ear. This book is an unfiltered story of Scott’s own midlife career crisis and his transformational journey from sports media executive to career coach. Readers can also tap into several case studies and accessible exercises that will empower you to define and achieve your dreams.

In the book:

When is midlife and what is a crisis?
Scott’s transformational journey
The Four Stages of Career Transition: Realize, Explore, Articulate, Activate
Case studies of famous midlife career pivots
Accessible exercises to empower your transition

Amazon

Scott Doyne, Doyne Career Services

Scott is a certified career coach who has conducted over 1,000 career coaching sessions with emerging and executive clients in career transition.

He is a former sports media executive, including his time as senior vice president of Turner Sports & Bleacher Report, where he partnered with the NBA, MLB, NCAA, NHL, PGA Tour and NASCAR. In total, Scott has 25 years of experience in general management, digital product Management & analytics.

Scott is the author of the Amazon bestselling new release, Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis: Navigating the Four Stages of Career Transition.

Scott generously offers his expertise to non-profit organizations such as Partners in Change and 21st Century Leaders, as well as students at his alma maters, The University of Michigan and Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:45 Meet Scott Doyne: Career Coach and Author
02:16 Scott’s Career Journey and Transition
04:06 The Importance of Career Coaching
08:18 Exploring the Four Stages of Career Transition
14:06 Advice for Those Facing Layoffs
17:14 Guidance for Business Leaders During Layoffs
23:18 Scott’s Career Services and Success Stories
26:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Building Purposeful Teams, with Teresa Caro, Co-Author of The Purpose Playbook

December 5, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Building Purposeful Teams, with Teresa Caro, Co-Author of The Purpose Playbook

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Building Purposeful Teams, with Teresa Caro, Co-Author of The Purpose Playbook (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 825)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Teresa Caro, the founder of Liminist and co-author of The Purpose Playbook: The Definitive Guide to Building Your Team’s Purpose, Vision, Tenants, and Values. Teresa discusses the significance of her new book in helping leaders develop their teams’ purpose, vision, tenants, and values. She shares insights on the inspiration behind the book, coauthored with Jeff Hilimire and Megan Barney, and the collaborative process involved. The conversation extends to the practical tools and methods of implementing the playbook within organizations, the importance of constructive conflict and accountability, and key success stories from Teresa’s experience. Teresa also emphasizes the detailed steps for ensuring a team is ready for the book’s methodologies and the benefits of maintaining a transformative mindset.

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.

The Purpose Playbook: The Definitive Guide to Building Your Team’s Purpose, Vision, Tenants, and Values

Everyone knows that the “right kind” of team includes a clear purpose, clear vision, clear objectives, clear roles, and mutual trust. However, establishing this is easier said than done—especially in today’s ad hoc and asynchronous work culture. So where do leaders of teams or organizations who aim to drive high performance begin?

The Purpose Playbook, a companion guide to the Turnaround Leadership Series, is designed to help teams and businesses alike to develop purpose-driven leadership. The methodology and corresponding activities help teams uncover and craft their Purpose, Vision, Tenets, & Values (PVTV), leveraging Jeff Hilimire’s proprietary leadership concept.

This book was written by co-authors Jeff Hilimire, Teresa Caro, and Megan Barney and developed from their years of experience running this process with their own teams and countless consulting assignments working with partners going through their own journeys.

Whether you’re a seasoned leader or a facilitator, this playbook is designed to help you navigate the meaningful journey of shaping a culture that’s rooted in purpose and clear vision. Part narrative, part roadmap, part execution, The Purpose Playbook uniquely helps leaders and teams picture themselves going through this process, while including practical activities and instruction to help tactically guide them along the way.

This playbook includes the formula for creating a shared objective, instilling a sense of “why” within the team that deepens commitment and engagement, and ultimately embeds purpose at the heart of your operations.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org

Teresa Caro, Founder and CEO, Liminist and Co-Author, The Purpose Playbook

Teresa Caro is the founder and CEO of Liminist, where she leverages her unique LIMINAL methodology—Learn, Investigate, Measure, Innovate, Navigate, Adapt, Lead—to drive transformative growth and performance enhancements in C-suite executives, senior leaders, and high-potential teams.

With a strategic acumen and an empathetic, grounded leadership style, Teresa empowers individuals and teams to achieve excellence, adaptability, and strategic prowess in the face of digital transformations and acquisitions.

Teresa’s career spans over two decades of leadership in high-stakes environments, guiding leadership teams, marketing departments, and agencies toward significant achievements, particularly in acquisitions and digital transformations. As a decorated professional with accolades such as Cannes Lion, Effie, and Clio awards, she has established a reputation for creating solid foundations that foster outstanding work. Her expertise covers essential sectors like CPG, Retail/eCommerce, Fintech, and B2B SaaS. Notable leadership roles at esteemed organizations such as Razorfish, Engauge (acquired by Publicis), and Atlanticus highlight her ability to bring invaluable insights and knowledge to every coaching engagement.

Beyond her professional commitments, Teresa actively contributes to the development of future leaders as a mentor coach for OnBoard and the UGA Digital Marketing Competition. She is the co-author of The Purpose Playbook, a companion guide to the Turnaround Leadership Series, to create purpose-driven leadership and lead teams with transformative mindsets. Her coaching approach, characterized by a blend of empathy and grounded leadership, inspires excellence in the professional sphere and emphasizes the importance of personal fulfillment.

Teresa holds a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and an MBA from Georgia State University. She is a Certified Executive Coach through the Center for Executive Coaching (CEC) and holds a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coach Federation (ICF). Teresa also holds certifications in Wiley’s PXT Select Assessments, is a Positive Intelligence mental fitness coach, and is an Authorized Partner of Five Behaviors. These diverse certifications enable her to address a wide range of challenges, guiding leaders and teams toward sustained high performance.

An avid golfer, yoga enthusiast, and a person who cherishes family time, Teresa embodies the ruthless prioritization of professional ambition and personal joy, encouraging her clients to prioritize their lives similarly.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:26 Guest Introduction: Teresa Caro
01:43 About Liminist and Its Mission
02:58 Introducing The Purpose Playbook
03:39 The Story Behind the Book
10:43 Key Concepts: Purpose, Vision, Tenants, and Values
13:48 Who Should Use The Purpose Playbook?
20:36 Success Stories and Implementation
26:07 Where to Find The Purpose Playbook
27:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Preparing Your Business For Sale, with Bob Tankesley, Author of Exit Teams

December 4, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Preparing Your Business For Sale, with Bob Tankesley, Author of Exit Teams

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Preparing Your Business For Sale, with Bob Tankesley, Author of Exit Teams: Build a Team of Advisors for Your Business Sale to Get a Higher Price (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 824)

In this edition of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Bob Tankesley, author of the newly released book Exit Teams. Bob discusses his extensive experience in M&A advisory and the motivations behind writing his book. He emphasizes that his book caters specifically to business owners, tackling the emotional and logistical obstacles associated with preparing a business for sale. Bob underscores the importance of having both internal and external teams to optimize the business and make it attractive to buyers. The discussion includes real-life anecdotes and practical advice aimed at helping business owners maximize their exit strategies.

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.

Exit Teams: Build a Team of Advisors for Your Business Sale to Get a Higher Price

You’ve got one shot to sell your business right!

The American Dream fulfilled! You are a business owner, and it’s time to cash in on the sale of your business. Except the buyers on the other side of the table are prepared with a team of experts ready to lower your price.

Enter Exit Teams. This book won’t give you tactics that don’t pertain to your situation, and it won’t promise you beach chairs and Caribbean sunsets. This book will tell you the truth, letting you know the psychological dangers that play into a business sale, and how buyers can use that psychology to acquire your business for far less than you, the owner, could have made.

Follow along with Dave, the owner of FineLine Manufacturing, who received notice of a health scare, forcing him to think about selling before he’s ready. Dave makes many of the typical business seller moves, getting advice from seemingly logical but misaligned resources. Pressures mount from his employees, his customers, his friends, and his family as he juggles a business sale while maintaining secrecy.

When Dave finally gets an offer, it’s for far less than he had hoped. This sends Dave on a whirlwind of choices that pull him in many directions. Will Dave learn the lessons required to give him the best chance at business sale success before he loses his largest customer?

Exit Teams will:

Alert you to the emotional roller coaster that arises during a business sale.
Educate you to the common pitfalls business owners fall into, often of their own making.
Explain what an Exit Team is, and why they are necessary for the ultimate business sale success.
Warn you of some of the strategies buyers employ to pressure business sellers to lower their price.
Caution you about lifting expectations according to a colleague’s experience (hint: it may not be all he says it is).
Counsel you on how to handle family dynamics during a business sale.
Present you with common decisions made by inexperienced business sellers so you won’t make the same choices.
Display the challenge of secrecy among employees and customers.
Address health challenges and how they often impact the business owner while trying to sell.
Stress the need to understand your company’s value on an ongoing basis.
Provide you with a business selling experience without your having to learn the hard way from real life at the cost of millions of dollars

To order the book, follow this link.

Bob Tankesley

Bob Tankesley is a fourth-generation entrepreneur, an MBA, and a CPA with a keen insight into and understanding of the business owner mindset. As an M&A advisor, he uses his 27 years of experience to sell companies grossing up to $75,000,000 in revenue throughout the southeast U.S., as well as the commercial real estate associated with such holdings. When a company is not ready to sell, Bob regularly partners with advisors of all types to optimize it throughout the ownership lifecycle and is a frequent speaker/educator to owners and their various advisors.

‍Bob’s experience ranges from a division of a Fortune 500 corporation to a Big Four accounting firm to multiple micro-cap and lower mid-market closely held businesses. He also ran his own tax and financial advisory firm for over a decade. For the past 22 years, he has advised over 150 business owners and executives on valuation, market readiness, and proven methods to engage in proper financial management.

Bob’s formal education includes both a BS degree in Accounting (cum laude) from UNC Asheville and an MBA in Finance from Appalachian State University, as well as multiple industry certifications. He is also a co-founder and board member of the Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) Atlanta Chapter.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:34 Guest Introduction: Bob Tankesley
01:48 The Journey of Writing Exit Teams
02:54 Understanding the Market and Audience
04:42 The Emotional Side of Selling a Business
06:34 Importance of a Strong Team
08:53 Fictional Approach to Business Advice
18:21 Challenges and Realities of Business Sales
19:25 Optimism and Realism in Business Exits
24:10 Final Thoughts and Book Information
25:29 Closing Remarks

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Emotional Intelligence in Client Conversations, with Dawn Cook Causey, DayBreak Enterprises

December 4, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Emotional Intelligence in Client Conversations, with Dawn Cook Causey, DayBreak Enterprises

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Emotional Intelligence in Client Conversations, with Dawn Cook Causey, DayBreak Enterprises (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 119)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey podcast, host John Ray welcomes executive coach and trainer Dawn Cook Causey to discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in professional services. Dawn, an expert with over 22 years of experience in EQ, explains how EQ can enhance client value conversations and ultimately improve service pricing. They explore the four key components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Dawn shares practical techniques and examples, including the ARC (Ask, Reflect, Confirm) method, to illustrate how service providers can better understand and meet client needs. The episode highlights the importance of empathy, active listening, and self-awareness in building trust and effectively serving clients.

The Price and Value Journey is presented by John Ray and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®.

Dawn Cook Causey, DayBreak Enterprises

Dawn Cook Causey has over 25 years of demonstrated excellence in leadership development of executives and teams via facilitating business and personal skills development workshops, performing executive coaching and consulting with clients on their developmental needs. Her vast experience includes working with such companies as UPS, Cox Communications, SunTrust (Truist), Verizon, Raymond James, Siemens, Optum, Northeast Georgia Health Systems, Emory HealthCare and Fox Sports.

She has held key director-level positions in small to medium-sized companies prior to graduating into her roles as consultant and coach. Her unique perspective comes from working within corporate headquarters with worldwide responsibilities, in franchise offices with district and regional responsibilities, and externally to small and medium-sized companies.

Educated in Adult Learning Theory and Neuroscience, Dawn applies this knowledge to developing and coaching others for success in various business arenas, including emotional intelligence, communication, leadership, customer service, public speaking and sales. By using an analytical, science-based and research-supported approach to understanding and changing human behavior, she is able to connect with even the most black and white thinkers.

Certified in Emotional Intelligence (EQ) by 6 Seconds, the Institute for Health and Human Potential, and TalentSmart, Dawn incorporates EQ into much of her coaching and training. In 2002, Dawn underwent personal training from the “father of coaching,” Thomas Leonard, through Coachville’s Certified Coach program. Dawn has spent over 1,500 hours coaching executives and teams to a higher standard of performance. Her training and successful track record have positioned her as an expert in the field of emotional intelligence and leadership development.

Dawn is a founding member of the International Association of Coaches and served as a volunteer coach for Cool Girls, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young girls make the best choices for a happy, healthy life. Dawn also gives back to her community by facilitating free educational discussions to single adults who seek better self and social management skills through increased emotional intelligence.

Dawn is also an accomplished presenter, speaking for audiences of fifty to five hundred. Her favorite topic to present on is the neuroscience of emotions, which involves understanding how the brain manages emotions during interactions, tying emotions to top performance, and applying this knowledge in leadership.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to The Price and Value Journey
00:26 Meet Dawn Cook Causey: EQ Expert
02:08 Dawn’s Journey into Emotional Intelligence
06:32 Defining Emotional Intelligence
12:00 The Importance of EQ in Professional Services
17:17 Using Empathy to Uncover Client Needs
22:27 Power Outage Panic on Super Bowl Sunday
23:12 Active Listening vs. Empathetic Listening
24:48 Understanding Client Motivations and Concerns
28:55 Self-Awareness and Self-Management in Client Conversations
31:50 Building Trust and Rapport with Clients
35:23 Handling Direct Clients and Budget Conversations
37:33 EQ in Action: A Real-Life Coaching Story
40:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

About The Price and Value Journey

The title of this show describes the journey all professional service providers are on: building a services practice by seeking to convince the world of the value we offer, helping clients achieve the outcomes they desire, and trying to do all that at pricing that reflects the value we deliver.

If you feel like you’re working too hard for too little money in your solo or small firm practice, this show is for you. Even if you’re reasonably happy with your practice, you’ll hear ways to improve both your bottom line and the mindset you bring to your business.

The show is hosted and produced by John Ray and the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX®. The show can also be found on all the major podcast apps. The complete show archive is here.

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, 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.

In his other business, John is a podcast show host and producer and owns the North Fulton (Georgia) affiliate of Business RadioX®. John and his team work with B2B professionals to create and conduct their own 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 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 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 is the #1 national best-selling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your 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 those clients. 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 great 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.

The combination of all these elements is quite different for you compared to any other service provider in your industry. Therein 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 | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Alejandra Torchia, #IAmRemarkable, LIVE from the 2024 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit

November 22, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Alejandra Torchia, #IAmRemarkable, LIVE from the 2024 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit

00:00 /

Alejandra Torchia, #IAmRemarkable, LIVE from the 2024 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 823)

In a live interview from GNFCC BOLD 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit, host John Ray speaks with Alejandra Torchia, a Gold Facilitator for the #IAmRemarkable initiative. Alejandra shares insights about the program, which began with Google in 2016 and aims to help underrepresented groups recognize and vocalize their achievements. She discusses her onsite workshop she conducted at the Summit with women from The Drake House, a transitional housing nonprofit, and explains the impactful nature of the program. Alejandra also provides information on how organizations can bring #IAmRemarkable workshops to their workplaces and the process of becoming a facilitator. This episode highlights the significance of self-recognition and mutual support in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

This interview was originally broadcast live from the 2024 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit held at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

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.

Alejandra Torchia, Gold Facilitator for #IAmRemarkable

To enable underrepresented groups to celebrate their accomplishments and get past the difficulty of self-promotion, Anna Vainer and Anna Zapesochini launched the global movement #IamRemarkable in 2016. It began as a Google workshop and has developed into a 90-minute program run by Vainer’s nonprofit organization, Rmrkblty. As of December 2023, it had reached over 550,000 participants in 180 countries, with more than 3,000 facilitators. The initiative continues to inspire individuals worldwide to embrace their worth and speak openly about their accomplishments.

Connect with Alejandra: LinkedIn

Connect with #IAmRemarkable: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | X (Twitter)

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to the GNFCC BOLD 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit
00:41 Introducing Alejandra Torchia and Her Remarkable Work
01:34 The Impact and Growth of the #IAmRemarkable Initiative
03:07 Behind the Scenes: Workshop with the Drake House
04:16 The Power of Self-Recognition and Community Support
08:05 How to Bring #IAmRemarkable to Your Organization
09:10 Connecting with Alejandra Torchia

2024 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit

The 2024 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit was held on October 30, 2024, 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

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

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

Lynne Segall, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, LIVE from the 2024 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit

November 22, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Lynne Segall, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, LIVE from the 2024 GNFCC BOLD Women's Leadership Summit

00:00 /

Lynne Segall, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, LIVE from the 2024 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 822)

In this live remote interview, host John Ray speaks with Lynne Segall, an associate professor at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, at the 2024 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit. Lynne discusses the importance of asking the right questions in both professional and personal contexts. She elaborates on how questions can drive problem-solving and effective communication. Lynne shares insights from her keynote on the structured approach to problem solving she teaches her MBA students, highlighting the different types of questions and their strategic use. The conversation also touches on the specific challenges women face in asking questions and how to overcome them.

This interview was originally broadcast live from the 2024 GNFCC BOLD Women’s Leadership Summit held at The Commons at Phase in Alpharetta, Georgia.

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.

Lynne Segall, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School

Lynne Segall is an Associate Professor at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in the Practice of Organization & Management. Lynne also serves as Associate Dean, Management Practice Initiatives.

Lynne joined Goizueta after spending 15 years with Accenture, where she served as Director of Talent and Organization Offering Development. She earned her undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and an MBA from Goizueta in 1999.

LinkedIn | Faculty Profile

Emory University’s Goizueta Business School

The goal of Emory University’s Goizueta Business School is to make a positive impact on society by developing future leaders through their suite of undergraduate, MBA, and PhD degree programs and their tailored non-degree courses, and by creating and disseminating impactful knowledge and insights.

Business is a vehicle capable of delivering meaningful, lasting impact to society. Embracing this view unlocks their collective ability to innovate in the most important ways on the most pressing topics. For more than 100 years, Goizueta Business School has been a training ground for principled leaders and a laboratory for powerful insights. Their history includes an ethos of ethical business and empowers us all to strive for lifelong progress. By navigating the complex interdependency of business and society, we seek to convene the brightest minds to solve the biggest problems with integrity, ingenuity, and grit.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Welcome to the GNFCC BOLD 2024 Women’s Leadership Summit
00:55 Introduction to Lynne Segall and Her Work
02:55 The Power of Questions in Professional Settings
05:49 Types of Questions and Their Impact
09:08 Challenges Women Face in Asking Questions
10:32 Conclusion and How to Connect with Lynne Segall