Business Origin Stories for Entrepreneurs, Coaches, and Leaders

Hosted by Amy Schutte

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120

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Business Origin Stories is the podcast for leadership, life, and business. This show features coaching calls and heart-to-heart conversations with successful entrepreneurs, leaders, authors, and experts. Join your host, Amy Schutte, a business coach and brand strategist, as she dives into ways to create stand-out brands and aligned businesses through storytelling and proven business frameworks. At its core, Business Origin Stories is a recognition that the stories we tell are our greatest currency.

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60 recent

June 16, 202631 min

120: The Second Act: Helping Women Return to Work with Confidence

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when life takes you away from the workforce for nearly two decades?For Heather Nemelka, that question became the foundation for a mission that is now helping women, career changers, and workforce returners rediscover their confidence and create new opportunities.In this episode of Business Origin Stories, Heather shares her remarkable journey from returning to work after an 18-year career gap to founding both Elevator and the Elevator Foundation. Along the way, she discovered that many talented individuals are overlooked not because they lack ability, but because traditional hiring systems often fail to recognize their value.Amy and Heather explore:Why informational interviews are one of the most effective job search tools availableWhat employers miss when they automatically filter out candidates with career gapsThe surprising strengths caregiving developsHow confidence is rebuilt after layoffs, transitions, or extended time away from workWhy returnships can create win-win opportunities for employers and employeesThe importance of self-discovery during major life transitionsHow professionals can better advocate for themselves inside organizationsOne of the most powerful moments in the conversation comes when Heather shares the lesson that transformed her own career trajectory: "Run toward the ball." Rather than waiting for recognition or opportunity, she learned to proactively demonstrate her value and create new possibilities.Whether you're navigating a career transition, leading a team, or building a company culture that values untapped talent, this episode offers practical advice and encouraging reminders that growth is always possible.ConnectLinkedIn: Heather Nemelka Website: elavare.comInstagram: @amyschutte_Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

June 10, 202637 min

119: The Courage to Realign: Tucker Branham on Values, Leadership, and Designing a Life That Fits

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the life you've built no longer aligns with who you are?In this episode of Business Origin Stories, Tucker Branham shares how his unconventional journey shaped a career dedicated to helping individuals and organizations find alignment between values, purpose, leadership, and work. After leaving college, working multiple jobs, and navigating an unexpected path into nonprofit consulting and organizational leadership, Tucker discovered a question that would define his work:Are people building lives they truly want, or simply following a blueprint created by someone else?Today, Tucker works with nonprofits, corporations, and individuals to help them understand their values, identify what fulfills them, and create practical plans for living and leading with greater intention.Amy and Tucker explore:Why resumes alone rarely predict successThe connection between personal alignment and organizational healthHow values serve as guardrails for decision-makingThe role vulnerability plays in meaningful changeWhy adaptive leadership matters more than everThe difference between work-life balance and work-life integrationPractical exercises leaders can use to evaluate priorities and relationshipsThroughout the conversation, Tucker challenges common assumptions about success and fulfillment. He argues that when leaders understand their values and create alignment between who they are and what they do, organizations become healthier, cultures become stronger, and people thrive.Whether you're leading a company, navigating a career transition, or simply questioning whether your current path reflects your priorities, this episode offers a thoughtful framework for reflection and action.ConnectLinkedIn: Tucker BranhamWebsite: https://changedevelopmove.com/Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with a leader who is ready to create greater alignment between their work, values, and life.Instagram: @amyschutte_Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

June 2, 202633 min

118: The Founder-to-CEO Transition: Leadership Lessons for Growing Marketing Agencies with Dan Newman

Send us Fan MailWhat if the biggest obstacle to scaling your agency is not your marketing strategy, but your leadership systems?In this episode of Business Origin Stories, Amy sits down with Dan Newman, founder of Learn to Scale, to talk about the people side of agency growth. Dan works with small marketing agencies to solve communication breakdowns, leadership bottlenecks, and culture issues that quietly damage retention, morale, and client experience.Dan shares his unconventional path from studying music and philosophy to working in education and eventually corporate learning and development. After spending years observing how successful tech companies built strong teams and scalable systems, he launched Learn to Scale in 2019 with one mission: helping organizations become great places to work.The conversation digs into the realities many agency founders face as they move from freelancer or practitioner into leadership roles. Dan explains why agencies often become “sweatshops” unintentionally and how founders can avoid repeating the same mistakes they have seen in larger organizations.Inside this episode:The four areas Dan evaluates in his “Talent Culture Audit”Why trust matters more than process documentation in small teamsThe founder identity shift from operator to CEOHow communication problems quietly impact profitability and retentionWhy remote and hybrid agencies struggle with cultureThe role rituals and retrospectives play in healthy team dynamicsA client story about removing low performers and rebuilding moraleHow founders can ask themselves better questions before hiring more peopleDan also discusses the emotional side of entrepreneurship and why many founders feel isolated while trying to lead growing teams. His perspective blends leadership development, organizational psychology, and practical agency operations into a conversation that is deeply relevant for service-based businesses.Connect with Dan:Website: learntoscale.usLinkedIn: Dan NewmanInstagram: @amyschutte_Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

May 26, 202627 min

117: From Performance to Service: Executive Presence, Leadership Communication, and Confidence with Katya Davydova

Send us Fan MailWhat if executive presence has less to do with performance and more to do with service?In this episode of Business Origin Stories, Amy sits down with Katya Davydova, leadership coach, facilitator, and communication expert, to explore how leaders can communicate with greater confidence, authenticity, and impact.After spending a decade working in people operations, learning and development, and organizational leadership, Katia transitioned into entrepreneurship to focus on helping founders, executives, and teams strengthen communication, leadership, and change navigation skills.Throughout the conversation, Katia breaks down the mindset shifts and practical frameworks she uses with clients ranging from executives preparing for high-stakes presentations to leaders navigating major transitions inside organizations.Amy and Katya discuss:The difference between a performance mindset and a service mindsetWhy executive presence is rooted in trust and self-awarenessHow leaders can regulate nerves before speaking publiclyThe role of energy and embodiment in communicationWhy navigating change requires expanding our capacity for discomfortHow repetition and practice build speaking confidenceThe importance of authenticity over perfection in leadershipOne of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Katia explains her concept of “melting into presence,” a practice of grounding into connection with an audience instead of trying to impress them.The conversation also explores the emotional side of entrepreneurship, the transition from corporate leadership into independent consulting, and why many traditional leadership frameworks no longer fully support modern leaders.Katia closes the episode with a question she often asks clients and friends alike:“If you had a message written on a cosmic billboard viewed by all 8 billion people, what would it say?”Her answer: “Begin within.”This episode is especially valuable for:Founders and CEOsTeam leaders and executivesPublic speakers and facilitatorsProfessionals navigating career transitionsAnyone seeking more grounded confidence in leadershipConnect with Katya:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyadavydova/KatyaDavydova.com Instagram: @amyschutte_Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

May 19, 202641 min

116: Leadership Under Pressure: David Fivecoat on Battlefield Lessons, Grit, and Decisive Leadership

Send us Fan MailWhat changes when leadership decisions carry real consequences?In this episode of Business Origin Stories, I sit down with David Fivecoat, a former U.S. Army Colonel turned executive coach and founder of The Fivecoat Consulting Group. After more than two decades leading soldiers in some of the world's most complex and high-stakes environments, David now works with executive teams to help them lead with clarity, discipline, and accountability.This conversation explores what happens when leaders are removed from conference rooms and placed in environments where decisions mattered immediately and visibly. David shares how experiential leadership, historical battlefields, and shared adversity create a level of alignment and trust that traditional training never reaches.We also talk about grit, goal-setting, and why most leaders quit on meaningful change long before results appear. David explains why identity, sacrifice, and consistency matter more than motivation, and how leaders can build habits and accountability systems that actually stick.In this episode, we discuss:Why experiential leadership changes behavior faster than theoryWhat business leaders can learn from historic battlefields like Normandy and the AlamoHow grit is built through identity, not willpowerWhy most goals fail and what leaders must give up to succeedHow shared challenge creates long-term accountability inside teamsIf you’re leading through growth, crisis, or transformation, and you’re tired of leadership development that fades the moment people return to work, this conversation will stay with you.Connect with David: https://www.thefivecoatconsultinggroup.com/Instagram: @amyschutte_Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

May 12, 202645 min

115: Legacy Is a Verb: Rethinking Philanthropy, Wealth, and Giving with Elena Fracchia

Send us Fan MailMost people don’t struggle with the desire to give. They struggle with knowing how.In this episode, Elena Fracchia shares what she has learned working across nonprofit management, fundraising, and wealth strategy. After seeing both sides of philanthropy, she identified a consistent gap. People are surrounded by financial advice, but no one is helping them connect their values to meaningful impact.Elena built The Good Philanthropist to fill that gap.She works with individuals, families, corporations, and nonprofits to clarify what giving should actually look like. Not just from a tax or compliance standpoint, but from a purpose and legacy perspective.Inside this conversation, she explains why so many people hesitate to give, what’s missing in traditional advisory conversations, and how to approach philanthropy in a way that feels both practical and personal.Key insights from this episode:Why billions of dollars sit unused in donor-advised fundsThe real reason people avoid conversations about givingHow to identify your personal “lane” of impactThe difference between program-based giving and trust-based philanthropyHow businesses can structure giving for both strategic impact and employee engagementWhy legacy should be treated as an active practice, not a final decisionElena also reframes a common misconception. Philanthropy is not reserved for the ultra-wealthy. At its core, it simply means love of humanity. That opens the door for anyone to participate, regardless of income level.For business owners, this conversation adds another layer. Giving is not just generosity. It is part of brand, culture, and long-term positioning. When done well, it strengthens both internal alignment and external impact.This episode is a practical guide to making generosity intentional instead of reactive.Connect with Elena:Website: https://www.thegoodphilanthropist.com/LinkedIn: Elena Fracchia Instagram: @amyschutte_Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

May 5, 202632 min

114: Build Leaders Before You Need Them: Why Mentorship Can’t Wait with Randy Hain

Send us Fan MailMost companies wait too long to develop their next generation of leaders.In this episode, Amy sits down with Randy Hain, executive coach, author, and founder of Serving Partners, to talk about the gap most organizations ignore: investing in early-career professionals before they become senior leaders.Randy brings over 30 years of experience as a senior executive and now coaches leaders across Fortune 10,000 companies. Through that work, he has seen a consistent pattern. Organizations pour time, money, and energy into senior leaders, but often leave younger professionals to develop “by accident.” His latest book, Practical Virtue, challenges that approach. It combines leadership skills with the disciplined practice of values like kindness, patience, vulnerability, clarity, and candor. Randy draws a clear distinction between values and virtue. Values are what you believe. Virtue is what you practice consistently enough that it becomes who you are. The conversation also explores what Randy is seeing in Gen Z professionals today. Contrary to common assumptions, he describes a group that is eager to learn and wants to be developed, but often struggles with confidence, curiosity, and relationship-building in professional environments. Amy and Randy discuss what leaders can do about it, including a simple but structured approach to mentorship through Randy’s “One Plus Three Project.”In this episode, you’ll hear:Why leadership development often happens too lateThe difference between values and virtue in leadershipWhat younger professionals are actually asking forWhy confidence and curiosity are showing up differently in Gen ZHow to implement simple, structured mentorship inside your companyThis episode is especially relevant for founders, CEOs, and senior leaders who want to build stronger teams and avoid future leadership gaps.ConnectGuest: Randy HainCompany: https://www.serviampartners.com/Book: Practical VirtueInstagram: @amyschutte_Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

April 28, 202635 min

113: Why the Entry-Level Hiring Playbook Is Broken and How to Help Young Professionals Land Jobs in Today’s Market with Chris Greene

Send us Fan MailThe path from college to career is not working the way it used to.In this episode of Business Origin Stories, the founder of YoPro shares what he’s seeing firsthand after working with more than 70 young professionals trying to land jobs in today’s market. His perspective comes from 25 years in marketing working with Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies, followed by a layoff that pushed him to start his own business.YoPro focuses on helping college students and recent graduates navigate what he calls a “hostile job market.” Through one-on-one coaching, his team helps students build confidence, develop a clear story, and learn how to network and interview effectively.What makes this conversation especially relevant is the gap he highlights between what colleges teach and what employers expect. Students are often strong in academics but lack the skills needed to communicate their value, build relationships, and stand out in interviews.You’ll hear how his program works, including how they:Help students identify what makes them unique and turn it into a compelling elevator pitchBuild resumes that align with that positioningTeach practical networking strategies, including outreach to people they’ve never metPrepare students for different types of interviewers through simulation and practiceHe also shares what he’s seeing across this generation. Many young professionals are rethinking their relationship with work after watching their parents experience layoffs and instability. At the same time, companies are struggling to adapt to their communication style and expectations.This episode also explores what employers need to understand if they want to successfully hire and retain this generation, especially as AI continues to reshape entry-level roles.If you are a CEO, parent, or leader responsible for hiring, this conversation will give you a clearer picture of what is actually happening and what needs to change.Connect with Chris: https://www.theyopro.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-a-greene/Instagram: @amyschutte_Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

April 21, 202630 min

112: Conscious Leadership: Why High Achievers Must Slow Down to Lead Better with Claudia Beck

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the traits that made you successful start working against you?In this episode, Claudia Beck, founder of Better Together Group, shares her journey from a 30-year corporate career to coaching senior executives on conscious leadership. After reaching senior leadership and experiencing a forced exit, Claudia was confronted with a fundamental question: who do you want to be when you are no longer operating at full speed?Claudia now works with highly intelligent, high-performing leaders who want to improve their relational capacity and lead more intentionally. Her work focuses on helping leaders move from automatic behaviors like control, perfectionism, or shutdown into conscious choice.This conversation explores the tension many leaders face today. Organizations reward results, speed, and competition. But as AI accelerates execution and automation, the differentiator is shifting toward human connection, awareness, and emotional intelligence.Claudia also shares the personal realities behind her transition into entrepreneurship, including grief, identity loss, and the mindset shifts required to trust uncertainty without a steady paycheck.Inside this episode, we cover:What “conscious leadership” actually means in practiceWhy high achievers struggle to slow downThe difference between automatic behavior and intentional choiceHow AI is reshaping the role of human connection in leadershipThe emotional and psychological transition from corporate to entrepreneurshipPractical ways leaders can reconnect with their inner wisdomClaudia introduces a progression from intellectual intelligence to emotional intelligence to what she calls systems intelligence, where leaders understand how their behavior impacts others and the broader environment.She also shares simple but powerful practices, including questioning your first thought, reconnecting with your body, and learning to say no to what is not aligned.This episode is for leaders who are successful on paper but sense that something deeper needs to change.Connect with Claudia Beck:Website: bettertogethergroup.coInstagram: @amyschutte_Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co

April 14, 202636 min

111: Time, Money, and Freedom: Building a Business That Actually Fits Your Life with Carrie Veatch

Send us Fan MailWhat if the number you’re chasing in business isn’t actually the number you need?In this episode, Amy sits down with Carrie Veatch, who helps entrepreneurs build time, location, and financial freedom in a way that is grounded in their real life, not arbitrary goals.Carrie’s work starts with a simple but often avoided question: what do you actually need? Instead of chasing external benchmarks, she guides clients to define their personal version of financial freedom and build a roadmap that aligns income, time, and lifestyle.Her path into this work was not linear. It began with curiosity, a desire to create independence, and early exposure to ideas from Tim Ferriss. Over time, that evolved through real estate investing, living abroad for five years, and building a co-hosting business in the short-term rental space.In this conversation, Carrie shares both strategy and lived experience, including the internal challenges that come with money, identity, and leadership.You’ll hear:Why most financial goals are disconnected from realityHow to calculate your true “freedom number”Where people get stuck when facing debt and financesWhat co-hosting is and how to start with little to no riskWhy networking is still one of the most effective growth strategiesWhat happens when you achieve freedom and still feel stuckCarrie also opens up about the emotional side of entrepreneurship, including navigating identity shifts, unmet expectations, and redefining success after reaching initial goals.This episode is both practical and reflective. It gives you clear entry points into new income streams like co-hosting, while also challenging you to rethink what you are actually building toward.If you’ve ever felt like you’re chasing numbers without clarity, this conversation will help you reset your approach.Connect with Carrie: https://setyourselffreellc.com/Instagram: @amyschutte_Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co