John Ray Archives - Page 8 of 66

Build Authority and Clients Through Podcast Guesting, with Noémi Beres, Podcast Connections

June 11, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Build Authority and Clients Through Podcast Guesting, with Noémi Beres, Podcast Connections

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Build Authority and Clients Through Podcast Guesting, with Noémi Beres, Podcast Connections (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 136)

Join host John Ray on The Price and Value Journey as he speaks with Noémi Beres, co-owner of Podcast Connections booking agency, about the powerful strategy of podcast guesting for service professionals.

Discover why podcast guesting is one of the most effective ways to build authority, deepen relationships, and earn trust with your target audience. Noemi shares her expertise on how entrepreneurs and business owners can leverage podcast interviews to create evergreen content, expand their reach, and grow their businesses.

In this episode, you’ll discover why podcast guesting is more effective than traditional advertising, how to prepare for successful podcast interviews, and the essential elements needed before you start guesting. Noemi also shares strategies for repurposing podcast content across multiple platforms, building authentic relationships with podcast hosts, and becoming the type of guest that hosts recommend to others. You’ll also learn when and how to work with a podcast booking agency, as well as the common mistakes that sabotage podcast guesting success.

Whether you’re new to podcast guesting or looking to improve your strategy, this episode offers practical advice about leveraging this powerful marketing tool.

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 from this Episode

Podcast Guesting Creates Evergreen Content – Unlike paid ads that disappear, podcast interviews become permanent content you can repurpose across multiple platforms, social media, blog posts, video clips, and more.

Start Small and Build Progressively – Don’t aim for top-tier shows immediately. Begin with smaller podcasts to gain experience and build confidence before approaching larger shows.

Preparation is Essential – Before starting your podcast guesting journey, ensure you have a compelling 50-100 word bio, clear talking points and topics, a concise personal story (3 minutes max), and research on the host and show format.

Provide Value, Not Sales Pitches – Treat podcast interviews like entering someone’s living room, not a sales presentation. Focus on sharing knowledge and insights rather than promoting your services.

Show Appreciation and Build Relationships – Always send thank-you notes, share the episode on social media, tag the host, and look for ways to continue the relationship beyond the interview.

Consistency is Key – Podcast guesting requires patience and persistence. Plan for at least 2 interviews per month, consistently rather than sporadic appearances.

Research Potential Shows Carefully – Listen to episodes, understand the host’s style, and ensure the show aligns with your brand and message before agreeing to appear.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to The Price and Value Journey
00:43 Meet Noémi Beres: Podcast Booking Expert
02:40 Noémi’s Journey: From Hungary to Podcast Booking
04:55 The Importance of Building Relationships
07:39 Why Podcast Guesting is Effective
09:34 Maximizing Podcast Content
16:50 Preparing for Podcast Guesting
25:53 The Art of Storytelling in Podcasts
28:54 The Importance of Being a Recommended Podcast Guest
31:26 Building Relationships and Showing Appreciation
34:34 Hiring a Podcasting Agency: When and Why
38:22 Characteristics of a Good Podcast Guesting Agency
44:43 Podcast Guesting vs. Hosting Your Own Podcast
47:02 Final Thoughts and Success Stories

Noémi Beres, Podcast Connections

Noémi Beres is the Co-Owner of the Podcast Connections podcast booking agency.

She helps entrepreneurs and business owners enrich their lives through connections, sharing their knowledge, and connecting them to quality podcast shows. In addition, Noemi is dedicated to helping experts grow their businesses with interviews.

She started working in online marketing in 2007. Noémi has a Master’s Degree in Danish Literature and Language; she is a linguist, content creator, and “master organizer.” In her free time, she loves making hand-sewn collages on canvas and playing on her hang and frame drum. She is also a walker.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

About The Price and Value Journey Podcast

The Price and Value Journey is a show for expert-service professionals who want more than formulas and quick fixes. If you’re a solo or small-firm provider—consultant, coach, attorney, CPA, or fractional executive—you know the real work of building a practice goes far beyond pricing. It’s about finding clarity, showing up with confidence, and learning how to express the full value of what you do in ways that clients understand and appreciate.

Hosted by John Ray, business advisor and author of The Generosity Mindset, this podcast explores the deeper journey behind running a services business: how you think about your work, how you relate to clients, and how you sustain a business that’s not only profitable but deeply fulfilling. Yes, we talk pricing, but we also talk mindset, business development, trust, empathy, positioning, and all the intangible ingredients that make a practice thrive.

With solo episodes and conversations featuring thoughtful guests, The Price and Value Journey is a companion for professionals who are building something meaningful. Produced in partnership with North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, an affiliate of Business RadioX®, the podcast is accessible on all major podcast platforms. 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, strategist, 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 870 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 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 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 | Twitter

Business RadioX®: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

How Your Favorite Movies Reveal Your Leadership Style, with Bryan Coley, REEL Experiences

June 9, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

How Your Favorite Movies Reveal Your Leadership Style, with Bryan Coley, REEL Experiences

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How Your Favorite Movies Reveal Your Leadership Style, with Bryan Coley, REEL Experiences (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 877)

What if your favorite films could unlock insights about your leadership, communication style, and team dynamics? Bryan Coley, founder of Reel Experiences, joins North Fulton Business Radio host John Ray to explore how the movies we love are mirrors of our personal stories and powerful tools for team connections. With a background in film and a heart for helping people feel seen, Bryan explains how he’s worked with organizations like Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola, and Mercedes-Benz to build trust, emotional intelligence, and collaboration through curated movie experiences. He also shares how this innovative method has transformed everything from corporate cultures to personal relationships.

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 is recorded inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Movies as Personal Fingerprints – Your favorite films reveal your unique “story thumbprint” and core desires. No two people have identical top 10 movie lists among 6,000+ participants.

Accelerated Team Formation – Traditional team-building can take 6 months; movie-based approach achieves results in one session. Teams develop trust, vulnerability, and collaboration faster through shared movie experiences.

The Science Behind Movie Connection – Movies trigger empathy and human emotions in ways that prepare us for an AI-dominated future. Neuroscience supports the connection between storytelling, personal revelation, and team bonding.

Corporate Applications – Successfully implemented at major companies: Chick-fil-A (150+ sessions), Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Mercedes-Benz. These applications have proven to be particularly effective during organizational change, new leadership transitions, and post-layoff recovery periods. Helps executive teams articulate company brand stories and cultural values

Beyond Entertainment Value – Combines fun with deep insight, avoiding the typical choice between engagement and learning. Addresses symptoms like low engagement, team disconnection, and difficulty with change management. Works for both movie enthusiasts and non-movie people through guided app-based selection process.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
02:09 Introducing Bryan Coley and REEL Experiences
03:27 Bryan’s Journey: From NYU to REEL Experiences
09:09 The Power of Movies in Team Building
13:22 Movies as a Tool for Self-Discovery and Team Dynamics
18:43 The Future of Movies in a Digital Age
21:29 The Magic of Communal Movie Experiences
22:32 The Birth of REEL Experiences
24:48 How REEL Experiences Works
29:04 The Fun and Insight of Team Building
33:13 Success Stories and Impact
36:40 Expanding Beyond Corporate Teams
38:34 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Bryan Coley, Founder and CEO, REEL Experiences

Bryan Coley, REEL Experiences

A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Bryan Coley began his career at Turner Broadcasting, where he developed and launched the first media management system for the entertainment networks.

After 12 years at Turner, he quit and started Art Within, a non-profit arts and entertainment company, where he served as the producer and artistic director of Art Within’s resident theater company, the creative team and script development process, writer/producer showcases and symposiums, and Art Within Labs, a screenwriting fellowship. Bryan has also written and directed both plays as well as a feature film, Crackerjack, which was narrated and executive produced by Jeff Foxworthy.

The creation of REEL Experiences was a fortunate result of Bryan’s 30 years of experience in storytelling. Now, Bryan is sometimes referred to as the Movie Whisperer because of his unique ability to guide Reel participants in discovering their story through their top 10 movies. To date, REEL Experiences has served leaders and teams with over 500 experiences, with such organizations as Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Mercedes-Benz, the YMCA, CDC, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, CarMax, Georgia-Pacific, and over 145 experiences for the Chick-fil-A support center.

Bryan lives in Marietta, GA, with his wife of 30 years and has two wonderful works of art as children, Houston and Haviland.

Website | LinkedIn

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 870 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 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.

Visual Storytelling for Business Growth, with Sarah-Anne Wildgoose

June 4, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Visual Storytelling for Business Growth, with Sarah-Anne Wildgoose

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Visual Storytelling for Business Growth, with Sarah-Anne Wildgoose (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 876)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Sarah-Anne Wildgoose, founder of SAW Design Studio. Sarah-Anne shares her journey from industrial design to graphic design and emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling in business branding. She discusses her extensive experience, including obtaining patents for surgical instruments and working in various industries like Tupperware and education. Sarah-Anne explains how she tailors her design strategies to fit client budgets and needs, the effective use of postcards in marketing, and the critical role of consistency in brand imagery. She highlights the importance of targeting the right audience and using compelling visuals to drive business success.

Sarah-Anne discusses the importance of understanding your target audience, the pitfalls of inconsistent branding, and how even businesses with modest budgets can achieve professional, memorable visual communications. Listeners will gain actionable insights on how to align design strategy with business goals, maximize marketing budgets, and create visuals that truly connect and convert.

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Visual storytelling accelerates business growth: Effective visuals help businesses communicate their brand story and value proposition, leading to better engagement and ROI.
Industrial design experience sets Sarah-Anne apart: Her background combines creativity and practicality, ensuring that design solutions are both innovative and feasible for production.
Start with strategy, not tactics: Many businesses make the mistake of jumping into marketing tactics (like social media or postcards) without first understanding their target audience or overall strategy.
Consistency is crucial for brand recognition: Clear, concise, and consistent visuals build trust and make a business memorable, regardless of size or budget.
Design for your audience, not yourself: Understanding the preferences and behaviors of your target demographic ensures your marketing efforts are effective (e.g., not all age groups respond to the same channels).
Small businesses can achieve big results: With thoughtful planning and strategic use of resources, even companies with limited budgets can develop professional, cohesive branding and marketing materials.
Graphic design bridges the communication gap: Good design translates complex business messages into visuals that attract, engage, and convert customers.
Real-world success stories: Sarah-Anne’s work has helped clients land major contracts and elevate their market presence through carefully crafted visual communications

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
02:00 Guest Introduction: Sarah-Anne Wildgoose
02:16 Sarah-Anne’s Journey into Design
06:19 The Importance of Visual Storytelling
07:57 Common Mistakes in Business Visuals
17:11 Effective Marketing Strategies
17:42 Success Stories and Client Examples
20:32 The Power of Postcards in Marketing
32:18 Conclusion and Contact Information

Sarah-Anne Wildgoose, SAW Design Studio

Sarah-Anne Wildgoose, CEO and Founder of SAW Design Studio, is a master visual storyteller with over 35 years of graphic design expertise bridging the communication gap between client and customer.

She has partnered with start-ups and prominent brands like Schick Razor, Georgia Pacific, and Birdsey Construction.

Sarah-Anne is passionate about accelerating business visibility in an oversaturated marketplace and shapes the design process in 3 ways:

Capitalizing on the fact that 80% of the population are visual learners.
Blending graphic design, branding, and marketing to identify the digital and print media to position clients in front of their target audience.
Designing marketing tools that work like magnets, attracting, engaging and connecting her clients to their customers.

Her strategy is graphic-driven messaging to create clear, concise and consistent brand stories that are memorable. Since emotions drive over 90% of decisions, color, font and imagery are used very strategically. As a brand curator, she ensures that all the marketing pieces fit and work together, because unity builds the know, like and trust. Working as a partner, a team extension, and collaborating with marketing and sales, her clients receive image-driven digital and print media to keep the brands top of mind, which results in improved revenue.

Working with clients in a variety of industries, some projects include:

Brand Identity and Brand Refresh development
Postcard programs to accelerate visibility to a specific targeted audience
Revenue-boosting sales infographics.
Requests for Proposals that secured contracts increasing the client’s revenue 35%
Designing 5 Brand Assets for a cybersecurity conference, providing consistent Brand Identity
Image-driven Pitch Decks boosting comprehension, fast-tracking understanding, closing deals faster

Website | LinkedIn

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

How Purpose Builds Value Confidence, with Shane Jackson

June 4, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

How Purpose Builds Value Confidence, with Shane Jackson

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How Purpose Builds Value Confidence, with Shane Jackson (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 135)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, host John Ray shares a powerful conversation with Shane Jackson, leader of Jackson Healthcare and author of This Is the Thing: About Life, Joy and Owning Your Purpose. They explore the often-overlooked connection between understanding your personal purpose and being able to confidently communicate your professional value.

Shane reveals why the professionals who struggle most with confidence in their value are often those who haven’t done the deeper work of understanding what drives them and why their work matters. Through personal stories and practical frameworks, he shows how clarity about your purpose becomes the foundation for confident client conversations.

John and Shane dive into redefining purpose as something practical rather than mystical, the power of seeing your work as creating ripples of impact, and Shane’s “pebble in your shoe” technique for staying intentional about how you show up professionally. Whether you are struggling to articulate your value proposition or feeling stuck in value and pricing conversations, this episode offers insights that go far beyond typical business advice.

This conversation originally aired on North Fulton Business Radio, but the insights are so relevant to The Price and Value Journey that John wanted to share them here.

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 from this Episode

Purpose drives confidence – Service providers who struggle with value conversations often lack clarity about their own purpose and the unique value they bring

Purpose is practical, not mystical – Purpose is simply “the result you want from all the decisions you make in life.” It’s about how you want to experience your work

Purpose evolves and that’s healthy – Embrace that your sense of purpose will change over time as you grow and your circumstances change

Focus on impact, not memory – True legacy comes from the ripples you create through impacting others, not from being remembered

You’re already positioned to create value – Before seeking new opportunities, recognize the influence and impact potential in your current role and relationships

Small intentional changes compound – Use “pebbles in your shoe,” simple triggers that prompt you to ask, “Is this aligned with how I want to experience my work?”

Community amplifies purpose – Relationships and networks aren’t just business tools. They’re essential for discovering and living out your purpose

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to The Price and Value Journey
00:05 The Importance of Personal Purpose in Professional Services
00:22 Introducing Shane Jackson and His New Book
00:51 The Connection Between Personal Purpose and Professional Value
01:25 Insights from Shane Jackson on Purpose and Value
01:54 Rebroadcast from North Fulton Business Radio
02:28 Shane Jackson’s Background and Jackson Healthcare
03:56 Jackson Healthcare’s Role During the Pandemic
05:43 Discussing Shane Jackson’s New Book
08:19 The Concept of Purpose and Its Practical Application
14:11 The Evolving Nature of Purpose
16:45 The Journey of Purpose and Joy
19:09 Legacy and Family Lessons
19:54 The Futility of Building a Legacy
21:05 Impact Over Remembrance
22:02 Family Legacies: A Tale of Two Histories
25:06 Creating Ripples: The Power of Small Actions
25:41 Purpose and Leadership
28:53 The Importance of Community and Relationships
34:32 Practical Daily Changes for a Purposeful Life
38:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Shane Jackson, President, Jackson Healthcare, and Author of This Is the Thing: About Life, Joy, and Owning Your Purpose

Shane Jackson is President of Jackson Healthcare, the parent company of more than 20 healthcare workforce services businesses that serve over 20 million patients each year. Championing its mission of improving the delivery of patient care and the lives of everyone it touches, he has led the organization through growth that has landed it on the Forbes® list of America’s Largest Private Companies; placement on the 100 Best Companies to Work For® and Best Workplaces in Health Care™ lists by Fortune®; a spot on the Companies that Care list by PEOPLE®; and nearly a decade of Great Place To Work® certification.

Shane is the author of two books: This Is the Thing: About Life, Joy, and Owning Your Purpose (2025) and Fostering Culture: A Leader’s Guide to Purposefully Shaping Culture (originally published in 2018 with a second edition in 2024). He has written for Fast Company and Forbes on the topics of leadership, workplace culture, and living and leading with intention. He also publishes insights on his own platform and is a frequent keynote speaker at conferences and events across the country.

In addition to the business he leads at Jackson Healthcare, Shane champions the organization’s LoveLifts community impact platform that focuses on improving access to healthcare and the well-being of young people. Under his leadership, LoveLifts partners with more than 450 nonprofit organizations annually, making a positive impact in local and global communities.

In 2024, Shane was named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® National finalist, in addition to being selected as a winner in the program’s Southeast region. He also has been recognized multiple years on Staffing Industry Analysts’ Staffing 100, a list of the top North American leaders shaping the industry and influencing the workforce solutions ecosystem.

Shane serves on the boards of 3DE and King’s Ridge Christian School and is vice chair of the leader-led goBeyondProfit business initiative that promotes the belief that giving back is good for business. He earned an MBA from Emory University and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Harding University.

Website | LinkedIn

About The Price and Value Journey Podcast

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

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

John is also the host of North Fulton Business Radio. 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 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.

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.

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

Integrating Faith and Business: Insights from André Blythe, Author of Some Assembly Required

June 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Integrating Faith and Business: Insights from André Blythe, Author of Some Assembly Required

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Integrating Faith and Business: Insights from André Blythe, Author of Some Assembly Required: Discovering God’s Plan for Your Life (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 875)

In this inspiring episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray sits down with Andre Blythe, author of Some Assembly Required: Discovering God’s Plans for Your Life. Andre, a senior leader in the payments and human capital management space and ordained minister since 1994, shares his journey of integrating faith and business without compartmentalizing his life.

Andre opens up about his recent career challenges, including being laid off just one week after his book launch, and how he used this setback as an opportunity to mentor others and grow personally. He discusses the importance of patience in discovering life’s plans, the danger of expecting success to be “beamed down” like in Star Trek, and why we need to “grow where we are planted.”

Key topics covered include balancing bivocational responsibilities, building authentic influence while contributing to your community, and why self-identity matters more than the roles we play. Andre also shares practical advice for professionals struggling to integrate their personal values with their career ambitions.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Don’t compartmentalize your identity – Be authentically yourself across all areas of life rather than wearing different “masks” for work, faith, and personal situations
Grow through what you’re going through – Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Ask, “What is God teaching me in this season?”
Balance personal success with community contribution – While building your career and brand is important, ensure you’re also pouring into others and making things better for your community
Grow where you are planted – Even when you feel underutilized or in a lesser role, focus on contributing excellently to your current situation rather than waiting for the “perfect” opportunity

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:31 Guest Introduction: André Blythe
01:44 André Blythe‘s Background and Career
03:28 The Journey of Writing Some Assembly Required
04:30 Integrating Faith and Business
06:08 Dealing with Career Challenges
09:18 Mentoring and Helping Others
19:51 Balancing Business and Ministry
24:36 Closing Remarks and Contact Information
25:42 Final Words and Show Wrap-Up

André Blythe, Author of Some Assembly Required: Discovering God’s Plan for Your Life

André Blythe is a senior corporate leader who is also a Bible teacher and Christian minister who has been in pastoral service since 1994.

His passion for writing grew from his sermons. He believes discovering God’s plan involves active participation, not just focusing on the end, often drawing inspiration from Jeremiah 29:11. From humble beginnings to corporate success and pastoral leadership, André‘s story is a powerful testament to the grace of God’s guidance. Through personal struggles and triumphs, he discovered the importance of aligning his life with God’s plan rather than moving ahead on his own.

Now, he’s ready to share how you can do the same. André enjoys time with his wife, Leslie, and son, Myles.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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

The Role of Human Capital in Successful Business Exits, with Steve Keck and Maria Forbes

June 3, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

The Role of Human Capital in Successful Business Exits, with Steve Keck and Maria Forbes

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The Role of Human Capital in Successful Business Exits, with Steve Keck and Maria Forbes (The Exit Exchange, Episode 24)

In this episode of The Exit Exchange, host John Ray sits down with experts Steve Keck, President of Span the Chasm, and Maria Forbes, President and Founder of FIREPOWER Teams, to discuss the significance of human capital in planning for business exits. Steve and Maria, both members of XPX Atlanta, delve into how understanding and optimizing human capital can impact the exit process. They offer insights into how cultural data and human performance science are vital in preparing a business for sale, highlighting the importance of addressing owner dependency and role clarity within organizations. The discussion emphasizes the collaboration of financial and human capital assessments to enhance business value and address potential buyer needs, ultimately improving both financial outcomes and overall satisfaction with the exit process.

The host of The Exit Exchange is John Ray, and the show is produced by John Ray and North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®. John Ray is a Gold Sponsor of XPX Atlanta.

Maria Forbes, FIREPOWER Teams

Maria Forbes is the Founder and President of FIREPOWER Teams. Maria’s thirty-year consulting career serves privately held business owners in financial services and related fields across the U.S. Our mission is to integrate financial capital with human capital in planning for organizational growth and continuity. Maria’s work frames the long-term trajectory of business growth and succession through people-powered structures that enable an ongoing positive impact of talent through all business life cycles.

Maria and her teams provide expertise in expanding internal capacity through creative alignment of human values, making it possible for owners and key decision-makers to lead both their people and their businesses confidently toward the future. As a committed strategic partner to her clients, Maria makes visible the arrangement of human strengths as part of an innovative business strategy. This work optimizes organizational performance and builds transferable value as owners look toward a role transition and business succession.

Maria conducts a summer mentor program for college graduates and seasoned professionals who are navigating career transitions. The mentor process develops personal advantage in the career marketplace and fosters confidence in communicating the best roles for a successful new career.

Maria is a Kolbe Certified Consultant, Faculty member of The Life Transitions University™, mentor, and member of the Catholic Charities Atlanta Georgia Leadership Program.

Steve Keck, Span the Chasm

Steve Keck is the President of Span the Chasm, a company that uses a cultural data science methodology to integrate people data and data science for executive talent management, team alignment, and sales execution strategy development. Since December 2018, he has led efforts in team assessments, talent management, sales training, and executive coaching for high-growth companies. In addition to his role at Span the Chasm, Steve serves as Chief Revenue Officer at BoltCare, where he manages go-to-market strategy and sales initiatives.

He has also held leadership roles such as Chief Growth Officer at zPaper and Chief Navigation Officer at SRCC, focusing on aligning departments for growth and helping business owners implement ideas effectively. Earlier in his career, Steve was a Senior Training Architect at Payscape, designing sales training programs and managing learning systems. He has extensive experience in banking, having managed branches and business development at institutions like PNC, SunTrust Bank, and Atlantic States Bank.

A Georgia Tech graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Management and Finance, Steve is certified in BestWork Data Assessment and Salesforce, among other credentials. He combines expertise in sales strategy, talent optimization, and executive coaching to drive sustainable business growth and improve sales team performance.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Show Overview
02:00 Meet the Guests: Steve Keck and Maria Forbes
02:17 Understanding Human Capital in Exit Planning
04:35 Identifying Company Shortfalls and Owner Dependency
10:42 The Role of Data in Team Dynamics
18:10 Engagement Process and Strategic Goals
22:43 The Importance of Human Capital in Business Succession
23:58 Defining Culture, Management, and Environment
26:27 The Real Meaning of Alignment and Optimization
28:28 ROI and the Impact on Business Exits
33:30 The Role of Human Capital in Due Diligence
39:45 The Emotional Transition from Business Owner to CEO
41:48 The Value of Collaboration in XPX Atlanta
43:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta (XPX) is a diverse group of professionals with a common goal: working collaboratively to assist business owners with a sale or business transition. XPX Atlanta is an association of advisors who provide professionalism, principles, and education to the heart of the middle market.

Their members work with business owners through all stages of the private company life cycle: business value growth, business value transfer, and owner life and legacy. Their vision: to fundamentally change the trajectory of exit planning services in the Southeast United States. XPX Atlanta delivers a collaboration-based networking exchange with broad representation of exit planning competencies. Learn more about XPX Atlanta and why you should consider joining our community by following this link.

The host of The Exit Exchange is John Ray, and the show is produced by North Fulton Business Radio, LLC, the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX®, in Alpharetta. The show archive can be found by following this link.

John Ray is a Gold Sponsor of XPX Atlanta.

Price Without Fear, with pricing expert Andrew Bailey

May 28, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Studio

Price Without Fear, with pricing expert Andrew Bailey

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Price Without Fear, with pricing expert Andrew Bailey (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 134)

In this episode of The Price and Value Journey, pricing expert Andrew Bailey joins host John Ray to explore why fear and hesitation dominate so many conversations around pricing. Drawing on his extensive experience as a pricing strategist and negotiation coach, Andrew shares how solo and small firm professionals can move from anxiety to confidence by focusing on outcomes, shifting mindset, and learning how to express value more clearly.

They discuss why price communicates more than numbers, how to handle pricing objections without falling into discount traps, and why clarity, not persuasion, is the key to powerful pricing conversations. If you struggle with how to price your services, talk about your worth, or respond to pushback, this conversation offers clarity, practical advice, and a fresh mindset.

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 from Andrew Bailey in this Episode

Pricing is not just a financial decision. It’s a story you tell your clients about your value. Too often, professionals price to be liked or to avoid losing business, rather than pricing to reflect their true impact.
Confidence at the pricing table comes from clarity. When you can articulate the results you deliver and back them up with real-world evidence, you can name your price without flinching.
Negotiation is often misunderstood. It’s not about tricks, pressure, or pushing for discounts. It’s about clear communication, options that fit the client’s goals, and being willing to walk away when a fit isn’t right.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:04 The Psychology of Pricing
05:26 Overcoming Fear in Pricing
09:06 Building Confidence in Pricing
17:39 Value Proposition vs. Client-Defined Value
21:20 Quantifying and Monetizing Value
23:16 The Importance of Price in Business
23:41 Building Strong Client Relationships
24:45 The Value Conversation
25:43 Effective Client Engagement
31:18 The Role of Introverts in Sales
34:05 Negotiation Strategies
44:48 Confident Pricing Communication
47:54 Conclusion and Contact Information

Andrew Bailey

Andrew talks about 4 skills that combine to give people and businesses the confidence to “price without fear” and achieve the profit they deserve.

With so many businesses undervaluing what they do, he helps people discover and quantify value, price to their value, powerfully sell their proposition and negotiate with confidence and strength.

Andrew works with many businesses from corporate multinationals to SMEs, in the private and public sectors in a range of industries from consumer goods, construction, drinks and tobacco to online retailing, IT, printing, leisure, professional services and education.

He has published a book outlining his distinct approach, is writing his second book on pricing, value and negotiating, and is asked to contribute to other publications. He regularly speaks at events and seminars on pricing, value and negotiating and has his own podcast as a way of reaching more people.

Holding an MBA from Nottingham Business School, Andrew is also a guest lecturer at the Business School amongst others and teaches undergraduates, business students and company executives on the Executive Education Programme. He has been recognized and awarded fellowships by a number of business organizations, including the Chartered Inst. of Marketing, the Institute of Directors and the Chartered Management Institute.

Website | LinkedIn

About The Price and Value Journey Podcast

John Ray, Host of The Price and Value Journey

John Ray is the 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

John is the #1 national best-selling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

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.

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

Leading Through Chaos and Finding Clarity in Change, with Amy Comeau, Author of Every Storm Runs Out of Rain

May 22, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Leading Through Chaos and Finding Clarity in Change, with Amy Comeau, Author of Every Storm Runs Out of Rain

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Leading Through Chaos and Finding Clarity in Change, with Amy Comeau, Author of Every Storm Runs Out of Rain (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 874)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray speaks with Amy Comeau, consultant, speaker, and author of Every Storm Runs Out of Rain. Amy shares the story behind her book, a leadership memoir drawn from her experience leading a healthcare marketing team through the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She discusses the power of reflection, the importance of communication during uncertainty, and the lessons leaders can draw from moments of upheaval. Amy explains how leaders can stay focused on what truly matters, manage change in a way that builds trust, and maintain clarity even when nothing feels certain. The conversation touches on emotional resilience, practical leadership tools, and the difference between reacting and responding when everything is shifting.

This episode is a thoughtful resource for anyone navigating organizational change or seeking to lead with intention during uncertain times.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Leadership Is Grounded in Presence: Amy’s practice of writing weekly emails created stability and connection for her team during crisis.
Focus on the “Squiggly Middle”: Great leaders direct energy toward what truly matters and what they can control—not the chaos around them.
Reflection Builds Clarity: Sharing real-time thoughts helped Amy process the moment and lead more effectively.
Change Is Constant: The lessons she shares apply beyond the pandemic and offer a framework for any chaotic or transitional season.
Simple Tools Have Power: Whiteboarding exercises and asking better questions are small actions that produce strategic clarity.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
00:29 Guest Introduction: Amy Comeau
01:44 Amy’s Background and Book Overview
02:36 Leadership Lessons from the Pandemic
06:13 Managing Change and Team Dynamics
08:11 Balancing Control and Responsibility
18:20 Burnout and Personal Reflections
20:22 Recovering from Burnout
21:02 Burnout and Grief: Unexpected Similarities
22:19 Finding Joy in Dark Times
23:08 Recognizing Non-Clinical Healthcare Workers
26:07 The Importance of Every Role in Healthcare
29:50 Consulting Through Chaotic Change
32:53 The Therapeutic Power of Writing
35:02 Where to Find Amy’s Book
36:17 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Author, Consultant, and Speaker Amy Comeau

Amy Moudy Comeau, MBA, is an acclaimed and award-winning marketing executive with decades of experience leading marketing teams in health care, education and the arts.

A graduate of Northwestern University and Goizueta Business School at Emory University, Comeau is a respected thought leader in marketing, health care, and leadership.

She is the author of the award-winning book Every Storm Runs Out of Rain: Leading a Health Care Marketing Team Through a Global Pandemic, and she currently speaks and consults on marketing, communications, and leadership.

She resides in Conyers, Georgia, with her family and is a proud Buffalo native.

Website | LinkedIn

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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.

Curvy Fashion and Confidence, with Veronica Miller, House of Trendz Boutique

May 21, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Curvy Fashion and Confidence, with Veronica Miller, House of Trendz Boutique

00:00 /

Curvy Fashion and Confidence, with Veronica Miller, House of Trendz Boutique (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 873)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray talks with Veronica Miller, owner of House of Trendz Boutique in Roswell. Veronica shares her personal journey in fashion, including how her own experience as a curvy shopper inspired her to build a brand focused on stylish, affordable clothing for all women, especially those often overlooked by traditional fashion.

She explains how House of Trendz curates seasonal collections with intention, stays on top of industry trends, and focuses on helping clients feel as good as they look. Veronica also discusses the not-so-glamorous side of owning a boutique and the business strategy required to make it sustainable.

Whether you’re passionate about fashion, retail entrepreneurship, or body-positive business models, this conversation offers insights you will not want to miss.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Fashion with Purpose: Veronica’s boutique was born from her own frustration with the lack of stylish, size-inclusive options on the market.
Confidence First: Clothing is not just about looks—it’s about how you feel. A perfect fit can shape your whole day.
Seasonal Storytelling: Each collection is curated to match a seasonal theme, like resort wear or layering for fall.
Business Reality Check: Running a boutique takes strategy, planning, and profound understanding of your customer—not just a love of fashion.
Listening to the Customer: Veronica combines trade shows, fashion media, and direct customer feedback to shape her product offerings.

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
01:50 Guest Introduction: Veronica Miller
02:10 Veronica’s Fashion Journey
03:37 Challenges in the Fashion Industry
05:40 Sourcing and Trends
08:42 Psychology of Fashion
10:37 Running a Boutique Business
12:44 Online vs. In-Store Experience
15:28 Customer Engagement and Feedback
19:29 Current Fashion Trends
21:59 Store Details and Customer Reviews
28:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Veronica Miller, House of Trendz Boutique

Veronica’s career path has been diverse. After studying at the New York Institute of Finance and the Christine Valmy School in New York City, she worked as a National Sales Manager for a Fortune 500 company for 16 years before launching her own wholesale business in 2005.

In 2023, Veronica made a decision to serve the consumer and started House of Trendz Boutique, located at Painted Tree in Roswell, a size-inclusive clothing & accessories shop for sizes small to 3X that specializes in plus-size fashion.

House of Trendz Boutique is located at 4651 Woodstock Rd, Roswell, GA 30075.

Her impressive résumé also includes time as a Commercial Collector for Manufacturers Hanover and a freelance makeup artist. Veronica’s interests include cooking, singing, and mentoring; you can find some of her cooking videos on her YouTube channel, “Veronica Miller: Meet Me in the Kitchen.”

She is a member and Area Director with BNI Atlanta and a member of the Alpharetta Business Association.

Website | Google Maps | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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.

Build Authority and Clients Through Podcast Guesting, with Noémi Beres, Podcast Connections (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 136)

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Noémi Beres, Podcast Connections

About The Price and Value Journey Podcast

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:

How Your Favorite Movies Reveal Your Leadership Style, with Bryan Coley, REEL Experiences (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 877)

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Bryan Coley, Founder and CEO, REEL Experiences

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Visual Storytelling for Business Growth, with Sarah-Anne Wildgoose (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 876)

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Sarah-Anne Wildgoose, SAW Design Studio

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

How Purpose Builds Value Confidence, with Shane Jackson (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 135)

Key Takeaways from this Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Shane Jackson, President, Jackson Healthcare, and Author of This Is the Thing: About Life, Joy, and Owning Your Purpose

About The Price and Value Journey Podcast

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:

Integrating Faith and Business: Insights from André Blythe, Author of Some Assembly Required: Discovering God’s Plan for Your Life (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 875)

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Topics Discussed in this Episode

André Blythe, Author of Some Assembly Required: Discovering God’s Plan for Your Life

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

The Role of Human Capital in Successful Business Exits, with Steve Keck and Maria Forbes (The Exit Exchange, Episode 24)

Maria Forbes, FIREPOWER Teams

Steve Keck, Span the Chasm

Topics Discussed in this Episode

The Exit Planning Exchange Atlanta

Price Without Fear, with pricing expert Andrew Bailey (The Price and Value Journey, Episode 134)

Key Takeaways from Andrew Bailey in this Episode

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Andrew Bailey

About The Price and Value Journey Podcast

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:

Leading Through Chaos and Finding Clarity in Change, with Amy Comeau, Author of Every Storm Runs Out of Rain (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 874)

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Author, Consultant, and Speaker Amy Comeau

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

Curvy Fashion and Confidence, with Veronica Miller, House of Trendz Boutique (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 873)

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Topics Discussed in this Episode

Veronica Miller, House of Trendz Boutique

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

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