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GE’s Growth Playbook for Mid-Sized Companies With Kevin Poole

Kevin Poole is the CEO of Newport LLC, a national business advisory firm specializing in helping middle-market companies accelerate growth, improve profitability, and prepare for successful exits. Before joining Newport, he spent nearly two decades at General Electric during the Jack Welch era, holding senior roles, and later led a $100 million consulting practice at Capgemini. Kevin holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Miami and an MBA in finance and marketing from Columbia Business School. He now leverages his deep operational and consulting experience to guide business owners through growth, succession, and M&A planning. In this episode… How can leaders scale a business they've never scaled before, especially in a market filled with complexity and change? And what happens when the next generation is poised to inherit but may not be ready to lead? Kevin Poole, a seasoned executive with an illustrious career at General Electric under Jack Welch, shares how strategic leadership, operating discipline, and emotional intelligence drive sustainable growth in middle-market businesses. Kevin offers a framework for mentoring Gen 2 leaders, building succession plans, and managing founder expectations, all while adapting to the fast-paced shift toward AI and efficiency. Through case studies and personal stories, Kevin explains how he's helped owners unlock business value, reduce “scar tissue,” and prepare their companies for long-term success. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Kevin Poole, CEO of Newport LLC, about scaling middle-market businesses. Kevin discusses operating discipline, family business transitions, aligning Gen 1 and Gen 2 goals, and how AI tools like ChatGPT are transforming both strategy and hiring. Through this engaging conversation, John and Kevin provide a wealth of knowledge and practical wisdom for business leaders looking to elevate their companies to new heights.

The New Mysteries: Exploring Consciousness, Joy, and True Choice With Mark Worster

Mark Worster is the Founder of The New Mysteries, a personal transformation initiative that blends ancient wisdom with modern therapeutic practices to help individuals access deeper levels of consciousness. Previously, he founded Novation IT Services and served as CEO of Unitel, a two-time Inc. 500 honoree, which he later sold to his brother, marking a pivotal transition in his professional journey. Known as “nurseMARK,” Mark is a sought-after speaker and coach, offering insights on mental health, entrepreneurship, and transformational healing. In this episode… Despite achieving outward success, many high performers feel a lingering sense of dissatisfaction or internal struggle. What if the root cause lies deep in our subconscious, formed not by conscious choice but by childhood conditioning, inherited trauma, and neurological programming? Could psychedelics and breathwork offer a path to profound healing and clarity? Mark Worster, a mental health advocate, answers these questions with powerful personal stories and professional insight. After decades as a successful CEO and enduring lifelong treatment-resistant depression, Mark found healing through psychedelic therapy and breathwork. He discusses how these tools helped him uncover subconscious programming, access true choice, and ultimately find joy. Now, he helps others achieve similar breakthroughs by guiding them through transformative practices and consciousness-expanding experiences. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Mark Worster, Founder of The New Mysteries, about rewiring the subconscious mind. Mark discusses his journey from the Marines and IT entrepreneurship to mental health advocacy, along with insights on psychedelic therapy, breathwork, and the quest for genuine fulfillment.

Lean Tech Done Right: Catie King on Using AI and Low-Code to Scale Fast

Catie King is the Co-founder of Stradia Partners, a consultancy that empowers companies to optimize operations through low-code, no-code, and AI-powered technology solutions. Stradia Partners specializes in building scalable internal tools using platforms like Airtable and Retool to streamline workflows, consolidate data, and boost team efficiency across industries. With over a decade of experience in product management, Catie previously served as Head of Product at flyExclusive, one of the largest private jet operators in the US. Outside of her work in tech, she is also a musician and a strong advocate for data-informed decision-making. In this episode… Many growing companies struggle with inefficiencies, fragmented data, and time-consuming manual processes, especially when teams rely on outdated spreadsheets or lack the budget for full-scale development. How can these businesses leverage today’s tools to simplify operations and scale smarter? Catie King, an experienced product manager turned tech founder, believes the solution lies in low-code, no-code, and AI-powered platforms. Drawing from her experience leading product at a major private jet company and now co-founding Stradia Partners, Catie shares how tools like Airtable and Retool empower non-developers to create sophisticated solutions that streamline workflows and reduce costs. She also unpacks how generative AI is accelerating this shift, making once complex tech accessible to lean teams. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Catie King, Co-founder of Stradia Partners, about building custom solutions using low-code and AI. Catie shares how her background in music and journalism led her to tech, why she believes in empowering operations teams, and how tools like Airtable, Retool, and generative AI are redefining modern software development.

The Purple Squirrel Approach: Escape the Rat Race With Carrie Schochet

Carrie Schochet is the Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, a boutique executive search firm specializing in senior-level placements for private equity and family businesses. Purple Squirrel Advisors is renowned for its personalized, "white glove" recruitment process, emphasizing cultural fit and long-term success in placements. Beyond her professional endeavors, Carrie founded CFO Next in 2013 to support transitioning senior financial executives through networking and resources. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Career Services Committee for Financial Executives International (FEI), advancing professional development for finance leaders. In this episode… Leaving behind a stable corporate career can be terrifying, especially when you're the primary breadwinner with a young family. Many professionals stay in roles that drain them because they fear the unknown or lack a clear path forward. What does it take to pivot from a high-pressure corporate role into a fulfilling entrepreneurial journey? Carrie Schochet, an experienced executive recruiter, faced this exact dilemma and chose to take control of her future. After an unsupportive return from maternity leave, Carrie left her job and moved her family to a new city, where she rebuilt her career from the ground up. She focused on serving small to midsize businesses, built strategic relationships within the private equity space, and launched CFO support groups to add value to her network. Carrie emphasizes the importance of authentic connection, value-driven leadership, and building a resilient team that can thrive through personal and economic challenges. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Carrie Schochet, Founder and CEO of Purple Squirrel Advisors, about the nuances of executive search. Carrie delves into the significance of cultural alignment in hiring, the evolving dynamics of the talent market, and her firm's unique "white glove" approach to recruitment. The conversation also touches on remote work trends, building long-term client relationships, and Carrie's philanthropic efforts.

From ChatGPT Hacks to YouTube Growth: John Corcoran Shares B2B Podcasting Essentials

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… It’s easier than ever to create content, but standing out and building meaningful relationships remains a major challenge. How can B2B leaders and entrepreneurs use podcasting and AI tools to drive growth, deepen connections, and establish thought leadership in today’s noisy landscape? John Corcoran tackles this challenge by sharing specific tools and strategies that have proven effective. He explains how ChatGPT can be transformed into personalized AI coaches across multiple life areas, using uploaded documents and tailored prompts to enhance its utility. John also outlines how podcasting can serve as a relationship-building mechanism, whether reconnecting with past contacts like Ed O’Keefe or converting existing content into multi-platform episodes. Additionally, he shares a simple yet powerful method for boosting YouTube engagement through paid views and follow-up emails, which helps elevate guest exposure and strengthens ongoing partnerships. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen interviews John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, about leveraging AI and podcasting for business growth. John dives into AI productivity hacks, how to repurpose content effectively, and why guest interviews build lasting credibility. He also touches on using podcasting to rekindle professional relationships, the benefits of tools like Gemini and Veo 3, and his top podcast recommendations in the investment and wellness spaces.