Business Legacy

Hosted by Legacy Planner For Serial Entrepreneurs | Strategic Advisor

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266

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Legacy Podcast is a series of conversations with business owners who share their journey to financial freedom and the legacy they want to leave for the next generation. Their stories are empowering, educational, and encouraging.

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June 15, 2026Episode 26616 min

Why Your Business Might Not Need More AI It Might Just Need Better Thinking

Most business owners hear "AI" and immediately think: we need that. Myles Harrison thinks the opposite — and he built a company around it. Myles is the founder of Praktikai, a boutique data and AI consulting firm whose name literally means practicality. A veteran of Big Five firms like Accenture and PwC, he now helps business owners cut through the noise and ask the real question: is technology actually your problem? In this episode, Myles shares why a bajillion-dollar tech investment can still fail if your people and processes aren't aligned, what it actually looks like to be a "sober, pragmatic" voice in an industry obsessed with hype, and how the best consultants don't make themselves the hero — they make their clients look good. We also dig into: The three-part operating model that most AI projects get wrong Why Myles is still waiting on the paperless office before worrying about the Terminator The farming metaphor that reframes how we think about automation and knowledge work What burnout on the Big Five consulting track actually taught him about limits The airport moment that surprised him most about working with clients in person If you've ever wondered whether AI is actually the solution — or just the most expensive way to avoid fixing the real problem — this episode is for you. Timestamps 00:30 Welcome and introductions 01:15 What is Praktikai — and why "practicality" is the whole point 02:45 From Big Five consulting to accidental entrepreneur 04:30 How to know if you need a consultant: "what part of your job sucks the most?" 06:15 The operating model problem: people, process, and technology 08:10 Why complexity is not the same as excellence 09:45 What makes consulting gratifying — and why the goal is to make clients look good 11:30 Myles' bearish take on AI: signal vs. noise and the paperless office problem 14:00 The farming metaphor: automation, knowledge work, and what actually disappears 16:20 The next five years: under-promise, over-deliver, and do good work 18:00 Finding your limits: burnout, sleep, and what fast-paced consulting actually costs 20:30 The airport moment — what surprised Myles most about working with clients in person 22:30 Where to find Myles and PRAKTIKAI Learn more about PRAKTIKAI and how Myles helps businesses cut through AI hype and focus on what actually moves the needle: prktk.ai Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.

June 8, 2026Episode 26519 min

The LinkedIn Blind Spot Costing Executives Their Next Job

When Carol Kaemmerer's 20-year consulting career was abruptly ended by a corporate restructuring, she didn't see it as an ending — she saw it as a kaleidoscope being shaken. The pieces of her experience, expertise, and skills were still all there; they just needed to form a new pattern. In this episode, Carol shares how she rebuilt her career by helping other senior leaders do the same. Her work sits at the intersection of strategy and story: clarifying what executives want to be known for, positioning their leadership, and building visibility that reflects who they are today — not who they were three jobs ago. We dig into: Why "doing great work" isn't enough at the senior level Her "Seen, Trusted, Chosen" framework for executive visibility How a minimalist LinkedIn profile can quietly cost you the next opportunity The story of a burned-out sales director who became an administrative pastor at a megachurch — and what it teaches us about transferable skills Her concept of "Kaleidoscope Thinking" for career reinvention Why AI agents and search engines are now part of how decision-makers find leaders Whether you're a C-suite executive, a director eyeing the next rung, or someone navigating an unexpected career inflection point, Carol's perspective will change how you think about your professional narrative. Timestamps 03:00 — Welcome and introductions 03:42 — The inspiration behind starting the Kaemmerer Group (hint: termination) 05:30 — Discovering LinkedIn as a platform for personal positioning 07:02 — "I write business stories" — finding a coherent personal brand 09:09 — Why senior leaders lose opportunities they thought they had 11:08 — What decision-makers are really looking for (and where they look first) 12:20 — The "Seen, Trusted, Chosen" framework explained 14:37 — The hidden disadvantage of a minimalist C-suite profile 16:28 — Featured story: The burned-out sales director who became a pastor 20:27 — The intimate work of rebuilding people at career low points 21:01 — Kaleidoscope Thinking: career reinvention as pattern-shift 22:41 — Where to find Carol and her book Episode Resources Discover how Carol helps senior executives take control of their personal narrative, build visibility that matches their level, and position themselves for what's next: www.carolkaemmerer.com Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.

June 1, 2026Episode 26431 min

Building Confidence, Leadership, and Legacy Through Dance

In this episode of the Business Legacy Podcast, Paul Dio sits down with Katherine Horrigan, owner and CEO of Dance Academy of Virginia, to discuss how dance became the foundation for leadership, confidence, discipline, and personal growth. Katherine shares her journey from professional ballet and contemporary dancer to entrepreneur, explaining how injuries led her to transition out of performing and into business leadership. After spending a decade helping scale another dance company, Katherine unexpectedly launched her own academy during the height of COVID — turning uncertainty into an opportunity to build something extraordinary. Over the past five years, Dance Academy of Virginia has expanded to two locations, over 1,300 students, and a growing leadership team focused on developing not just dancers, but future leaders. Throughout the conversation, Katherine dives into the mindset shifts required to scale a company quickly, the importance of empowering team members to think independently, and how embracing bold decisions can accelerate growth far beyond incremental progress. The episode also explores the emotional connection between music, performance, and identity, the balance between supporting both students and parents, and the lasting impact businesses can have when they prioritize human development over transactions. This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is ultimately about helping others see what's possible within themselves. Timestamps 00:05:36 – Introduction to Katherine Horrigan 00:06:03 – Katherine 's Career as a Professional Dancer 00:07:38 – How Dance Builds Confidence and Leadership 00:09:47 – Managing Parent Expectations and Student Development 00:12:18 – The Most Rewarding Part of Building the Company00:13:35 – The Song That Brings Back Powerful Memories 00:14:52 – What Katherine Is Most Excited About Next 00:16:23 – Using AI and Technology to Scale Operations 00:17:39 – Producing a Full-Length Nutcracker Performance 00:20:09 – Why Compressing Timelines Accelerates Growth 00:21:18 – Moments Katherine Surprised Herself as an Entrepreneur 00:27:43 – Leadership, Delegation, and Teaching Teams to Think Independently 00:31:13 – Katherine 's Thoughts on Legacy and Leadership 00:35:22 – Where to Learn More About Dance Academy of Virginia Episode Resources Learn more about Dance Academy of Virginia: https://danceacademyva.com Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.

May 25, 2026Episode 26314 min

How 180 Water Is Modernizing the Water Well Industry Through Franchising

In this episode of the Business Legacy Podcast, Paul Dio sits down with Jack Clark, founder of 180 Water, to discuss how he transformed a traditional water well service company into a rapidly growing franchise model focused on clean, reliable drinking water across rural America. Jack shares his journey from growing up on a Montana ranch to building a scalable business in one of the most overlooked essential industries in the country. What started as hands-on work in the water well industry evolved into a mission-driven company helping entrepreneurs build sustainable local businesses while modernizing an aging trade. Throughout the conversation, Jack breaks down the operational side of scaling a service business, the importance of systems and SOPs, and how innovation often comes from empowering independent operators closest to the work. From custom-built service trucks to simplifying installation processes, 180 Water is creating efficiencies in an industry that has historically resisted change. The episode also explores the deeper legacy angle behind skilled trades, mentorship, and preserving institutional knowledge before an entire generation of water well professionals retires. For entrepreneurs, this conversation is a reminder that some of the greatest opportunities still exist in underserved industries where reliability, relationships, and execution matter most. Timestamps 00:01:08 – Introduction to Jack Clark and 180 Water 00:01:31 – How 180 Water Started 00:02:03 – Choosing Franchise Locations 00:02:49 – Jack's Background in the Water Well Industry 00:05:45 – Why the Franchise Model Works 00:06:06 – Building SOPs and Scalable Processes 00:08:04 – The Importance of Trusting Your Gut in Business 00:08:54 – The Most Rewarding Part of Building 180 Water 00:10:07 – Franchise-Driven Innovation and Product Development 00:11:34 – Challenges Facing the Water Well Industry 00:13:08 – What Jack Is Most Excited About Moving Forward 00:13:45 – How to Learn More About 180 Water Episode Resources Learn how Jack and the team at 180 Water are modernizing the water well industry through scalable systems, skilled trades, and franchise-driven innovation: https://180waterfranchising.com Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.

May 18, 2026Episode 26214 min

How Siloed Departments Quietly Kill Profit

Most companies don't lose money because of bad ideas. They lose it in the gaps — the quiet space between marketing, sales, and operations where reports never get compared and insights never get shared. In this episode, Paul Dio sits down with Anam Jawad, founder of TCSC (The C-Suite Consultant), to talk about what she calls "the missing dollar" — the revenue and ideas that disappear when departments work in isolation. The tension she keeps running into: businesses that look healthy on paper but are quietly leaving exponential growth on the table. Anam walks through how she works with founders and executives to integrate data across siloed tools, build a true bird's-eye view of the business, and then translate that view into pricing strategy, customer segmentation, and smarter marketing spend. She shares her process — about a month and a half of studying customer behavior before adjusting pricing or subscriptions — and explains why flexibility, not certainty, is what separates the companies that grow from the ones that stall. The legacy thread running through this conversation is mindset. Anam is clear that no system, dashboard, or consultant can fix a business where employees are punching a clock and leaders aren't open to suggestions from the bottom up. The companies that build something lasting are the ones that let teams meet across departments, surface ideas without executives in the room first, and then trust leadership to take those ideas seriously. It's a quieter kind of leadership — but it's the kind that compounds. For founders, operators, and executives, Anam's takeaway is direct: profit lives in the connections between your departments, not inside any one of them. Audit where your data isn't talking. Be willing to change pricing. Segment your customers before you spend another marketing dollar. And measure profit, not just revenue — because in one of Anam's recent engagements, that shift alone produced a 78% increase in profit. Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and Introduction 01:15 – When Acquisitions Create Silos: A Real Story 02:38 – Imagining the Missing Dollar 03:50 – What TCSC Actually Does 05:20 – Initiating Cross-Department Conversations 07:00 – Mindset as the First Step 08:30 – Anam's Data and Pricing Process 10:30 – A Client Case Study: 78% Profit Increase 12:50 – What's Most Gratifying About the Work 13:40 – Building TCSC in the U.S. Market 14:30 – How to Connect with Anam Episode Resources Explore Anam's approach to bridging departmental silos, restructuring pricing, and finding the hidden profit inside your business: www.tcscllc.com Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.

May 11, 2026Episode 26220 min

The Grandparent Advantage: Building Legacy Through One-on-One Connection

Legacy is often misunderstood as something financial, distant, or reserved for later in life. In this episode, Perry Solomon reframes legacy into something far more immediate—and far more impactful. Perry, founder of Solomon Growth Advisors and author of Grandpa Day, shares how a simple practice—spending intentional, one-on-one time with each grandchild—became a 20-year system for mentorship, connection, and generational influence. Drawing from his background as a business leader and now advisor, Perry explains how structure, curiosity, and consistency can transform relationships the same way they transform organizations. What started as casual outings evolved into a repeatable framework for developing confidence, decision-making, and identity in the next generation. This conversation bridges business leadership and family leadership—highlighting that the same principles that build great companies (intentionality, systems, listening, and empowerment) also build meaningful legacies at home. Key takeaway: Legacy is not what you leave behind—it's what you build into people while you're still here.

May 4, 2026Episode 26126 min

Build the Solution the Market Is Missing

Most businesses don't start with a perfect idea they start with a problem that can't be ignored. In this episode, Santiago Galvez, founder of Pet Cultures, shares how a personal challenge saving his dog after a severe health issue turned into a fast-growing international brand. After trying dozens of products that didn't work, Santiago realized something deeper: the market was filled with solutions that sounded good but failed in execution. Leveraging his background with major CPG companies like Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo, he partnered with a chemist to create a better formulation one rooted in effectiveness, not marketing. But what makes this conversation powerful isn't just the product it's the strategy behind the growth. From understanding consumer psychology to expanding internationally, Santiago breaks down how different markets think, buy, and adopt products. For entrepreneurs, this episode highlights a critical truth: the best businesses don't chase trends they solve real problems better than anyone else. Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction & Santiago's Background 00:01:09 – The Problem That Started It All 00:05:59 – Understanding Probiotics and Results 00:06:25 – Early Signs of Product Effectiveness 00:09:16 – Consumer Psychology & Decision-Making 00:10:36 – Preventative vs. Reactive Buyers 00:15:35 – Building the Product & Key Relationships 00:18:44 – Career Transitions and Network Leverage 00:19:23 – Scaling the Business Globally 00:21:14 – Market Strategy: U.S. vs Europe 00:23:58 – Lessons for Entrepreneurs 00:24:12 – Where to Find Pet Cultures Episode Resources Discover how Santiago built a science-backed solution in a crowded market—and explore how Pet Cultures is redefining pet wellness through proactive health and smarter formulation: https://petcultures.com Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.

April 27, 2026Episode 26017 min

Why Avoiding Conflict Is Costing You More Than You Think

Most people don't lack good intentions they lack the tools to handle conflict. In this episode, Kimberly Best, founder of Best Conflict Solutions, shares a powerful journey from trauma nurse to conflict resolution expert—revealing how life's most intense moments shaped her understanding of human behavior, communication, and legacy. Through personal experiences, including witnessing end-of-life reflections and navigating her own difficult divorce, Kimberly developed a deep belief: your story is your legacy and unresolved conflict becomes part of that story. This conversation explores why people avoid conflict, how binary thinking traps us in false choices, and how learning to navigate differences can transform relationships, families, and businesses. For entrepreneurs and leaders, the takeaway is clear: conflict isn't the problem avoiding it is. Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction & Guest Background 00:00:29 – Trauma Nursing & Life Perspective 00:02:05 – Conflict, Decisions, and Hidden Questions 00:03:02 – Binary Thinking vs. Real Solutions 00:04:32 – Personality Types and Conflict Styles 00:07:20 – Legacy and Life Reflection 00:09:01 – Paul's Perspective on Legacy 00:10:50 – Balancing Presence and Reflection 00:11:47 – Generational Influence on Behavior 00:12:50 – Strengths, Tradeoffs, and Identity 00:14:49 – Justice vs. Grace in Conflict 00:15:16 – Where to Find Kimberly Episode Resources Explore Kimberly's frameworks, tools, and approach to navigating conflict with clarity and intention and learn how to turn difficult conversations into opportunities for stronger relationships and better outcomes: https://bestconflictsolutions.com Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.

April 20, 2026Episode 25821 min

Why Most Founders Struggle to Scale Sales and How to Fix It

Every founder is great at selling—until they're not. In this episode, Summer Poletti, founder of Rise of Us, breaks down one of the most common (and costly) challenges in business growth: transitioning from founder-led sales to a scalable sales system. Summer shares her unconventional path—from growth-stage operator to coach to consultant—and how her experience across multiple business functions gives her a unique edge in solving revenue problems holistically. This conversation uncovers why most sales hires fail, why founders unknowingly stall their own growth, and how the "messy middle" is actually where real businesses are built. For entrepreneurs, the key takeaway is clear: your business doesn't stall because of effort—it stalls because of structure. Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction & Episode Context 00:01:40 – Summer's Non-Linear Career Path 00:03:58 – Transitioning Into Consulting 00:04:08 – Early Clients & False Momentum 00:06:52 – Lessons From Early Career Mistakes 00:07:19 – Identifying Ideal Clients 00:09:46 – Favorite Project & Sales System Success 00:11:42 – Hiring Salespeople the Right Way 00:12:29 – Toxic Salespeople & Cultural Impact 00:15:24 – Using Data to Diagnose Sales Problems 00:16:55 – Founder-Led Sales Bottlenecks 00:18:57 – When Founders Should Step Out of Sales 00:19:25 – The Impact of Helping Businesses Scale 00:20:49 – Where to Find Summer & Rise of Us Episode Resources Dive deeper into how Summer helps founders transition from unpredictable, founder-led sales to scalable revenue systems that actually support growth: https://theriseofus.com Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.

April 13, 2026Episode 25723 min

Building a Business Without Sacrificing What Matters Most

Most entrepreneurs start a business chasing freedom—but many end up recreating the same constraints they were trying to escape. In this episode, Patrick Brown, founder and CEO of Unity Communications, shares a different approach: designing a business around life first, not the other way around. Patrick opens up about leaving the corporate grind to be present for his kids—and the disciplined tradeoffs required to make that decision work. From waking up at 4 AM to restructuring his entire day, this conversation highlights the intentional sacrifices behind building a life-centered business. As Unity Communications scaled, Patrick reveals how global talent, particularly in the Philippines, became a turning point—unlocking both operational efficiency and meaningful opportunity for others. This episode goes beyond business strategy. It's about redefining success, building with purpose, and understanding that legacy isn't just what you build—it's how you show up while building it. Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction & Guest Overview 00:01:17 – Leaving Corporate to Reclaim Time 00:03:20 – The Drive to Be Present for Family 00:05:23 – Managing Work vs Family Tradeoffs 00:07:20 – Early Client Strategy & Sales Approach 00:09:56 – Identifying and Avoiding Bad Clients 00:11:05 – Managing Risk as an Entrepreneur 00:13:57 – A Defining Turning Point in the Business 00:14:26 – Discovering Global Talent in the Philippines 00:17:04 – Scaling Through International Teams 00:17:34 – Redefining Success Over Time 00:19:28 – Raising Kids in a Global World 00:22:05 – Reflections on Life, Parenting, and Legacy 00:22:44 – Where to Find Patrick & Unity Communications Episode Resources Learn how Patrick builds global teams that free up founders' time while creating meaningful opportunities across borders and how you can scale without sacrificing your life: https://uniti-connect.com Legacy Podcast: For more information about the Legacy Podcast and its co-hosts, visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com Leave a Review: If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and rating on your preferred podcast platform. For more information: Visit https://businesslegacypodcast.com to access the show notes and additional resources on the episode.