The Persistent Entrepreneur

Hosted by David I Hill

Business EducationInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed Instagram

Episodes

466

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

About the show

Welcome to The Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, where grit meets inspiration. Join David Hill, two-time author, business coach, world-class sales trainer, top real estate broker, Ironman athlete, and 23 years sober, as he interviews relentless entrepreneurs, visionary business owners, and trailblazing leaders who've mastered the art of perseverance and refusal to quit. Each week, David uncovers powerful stories of overcoming obstacles, seizing opportunities, and turning persistence into victory. Guided by his mantra, "I exist to persist," David and his guests share actionable strategies and mindset shifts to fuel lasting achievement. Whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, this podcast will inspire and equip you to tackle your goals with persistence and purpose. Let's rise, one story at a time!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 18, 2026Episode 46735 min

How to Get Found Online in the World of AI Search | Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast #467

David speaks with Alison Barrows of Ronn Tech Web Solutions about how search has changed in the age of AI, what businesses need to focus on to stay visible, and why clarity matters more than ever. The conversation breaks down practical ways to improve discoverability across websites, Google Business Profile, reviews, and AI-generated search results. Alison explains how she helps local service businesses get found online by combining traditional SEO, keyword and prompt research, Google Ads data, and AI visibility checks. The episode is especially useful for entrepreneurs who are trying to decide where to spend limited time and budget. Key topics In this episode, Alison explains why the old keyword-first SEO model is giving way to prompt-based search behavior, where people ask full questions instead of typing short phrases. She emphasizes clarity as the starting point - businesses need to know exactly what they want to be known for before they can rank for it. We discuss the difference between what business owners think people search for and what customers actually ask AI or search engines. Alison shares that the best answer wins: your website needs to provide the most useful, specific response to the real question people are asking. She recommends putting FAQs on every page of a website, not just a single FAQ page, so both users and bots can quickly find answers. The conversation covers why owned content still matters, and why a website remains more valuable than relying only on social media platforms. Alison explains how traditional SEO still matters in AI search, including hierarchical headings, meta titles, meta descriptions, trust signals, and strong site structure. We discuss how Google Ads can be used as a research tool, even on a small budget, to find the questions and terms real customers are using. She breaks down domain authority and why backlinks from high-authority sites can still help visibility. The episode closes with practical advice for businesses: make the website clear, structure the headings properly, and get an AI audit to see whether you are showing up in AI answers at all "The most important thing is clarity." "You have to have the best answer to the question online." "What question do I want to have the best answer to on the internet?" Action items Decide what your business wants to be known for in one clear sentence. Write your site content around the real questions customers ask, not just the keywords you wish they used. Add FAQs to each important page of your website. Make sure your headings are structured logically with an H1, H2s, and H3s. Review your meta titles and meta descriptions for each page. Check what AI says about your business and whether you appear in its answers. Compare your page against competitors in an incognito search and look for gaps. Use Google Ads data, if possible, to learn what people actually search for. Get 14 Day Go-High-Level Trial https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=david-i-hill-training25 SOCIALS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach TicTok: www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X: https://twitter.com/davidihill PODCAST SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895 Connect with David www.davidihill.com #DavidIHill #PathToSalesMastery #ThePersistentEntrepreneur #PersistentEntrepreneurPodcast #SalesTraining #lessonsfromthemat #SalesLeadership

August 4, 2026Episode 46642 min

SEO vs AEO vs GEO — What Works in AI Search with Callum Kennard #466

AI search optimization is rewriting how buyers find businesses, and SEO alone no longer gets you in the answer. Callum Kennard, Head of Sales at ClickSlice, joins David Hill to unpack the difference between SEO, GEO, and AEO — and what it takes to get recommended by ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Most people think AI killed SEO. It didn't. SEO became the infrastructure layer underneath a much bigger system, and the businesses figuring that out right now are getting a first-mover advantage in a $750 billion market. Three things you'll take away: Why SEO didn't die — it became the foundation AI search is built on How reviews, content, and reputation drive whether an AI names your business The first-mover window that's open right now, and what to do inside it Small brands are already outranking household names like Argos and IKEA in AI recommendations. Callum explains how — and what you can do this week without a multi-year timeline or a seven-figure budget. CONNECT WITH CALLUM KENNARD ClickSlice: https://www.clickslice.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callum-kennard/ GET 14 DAY GO HIGH LEVEL TRIAL https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=david-i-hill-training25 CONNECT WITH DAVID Website: https://www.davidihill.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X: https://twitter.com/davidihill TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895 #SalesTraining #AISearchOptimization #PathToSalesMastery #DavidIHill #ThePersistentEntrepreneur #PersistentEntrepreneurPodcast #SalesLeadership #lessonsfromthemat

July 14, 2026Episode 46545 min

Train Like a Black Belt, Think Like a CEO. Be an Entrepreneur| Benjamin Chen on the TPE Podcast #465

Benjamin Chen is a serial entrepreneur, supply chain expert, and black belt in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He has successfully built businesses across industrial, enterprise software, cloud, and consumer internet sectors. He's sat on the boards and senior management teams of 4 companies that have gone public in the U.S.; raised $500+M of investment capital; His new book is Lessons from the Mat: The 12 Martial Arts Principles that Will Help You Succeed in Business and in Life. Learn more at FromtheMatAcademy.com. Connect with David www.davidihill.com Get 14 Day Go-High-Level Trial https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=david-i-hill-training25 SOCIALS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach Youtube: ringleader-ai-crm TicTok: www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X: https://twitter.com/davidihill PODCAST SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895 #benjaminchen #DavidIHill #PathToSalesMastery #ThePersistentEntrepreneur #PersistentEntrepreneurPodcast #SalesTraining #lessonsfromthemat #SalesLeadership

June 30, 2026Episode 46439 min

Using DISC to Grow Your Real Estate Business Norman Hardman #464

he Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast with David Hill Guest: Norman Hardeman, Hardeman Homes Team — Columbus, Georgia In this episode, David Hill flips the script and lets top real estate agent Norman Hardeman take the wheel. Norman interviews David on one of his most powerful tools for building a real estate team: the DISC behavioral assessment. They break down each personality type, how to identify them in clients and team members, and how to adapt your communication style to close more deals and build a stronger team. What You'll Learn: What DISC is and how it differs from Myers-Briggs and StrengthsFinders A breakdown of each DISC type (D, I, S, C) and their real estate applications How to use DISC when hiring and placing team members in the right roles How to identify a prospect's personality type within seconds of answering the phone Why the wrong approach with an S or C personality can cost you a listing How David uses DISC alongside John Maxwell's leadership principles A live role-play of a for-sale-by-owner cold call using DISC in real time Norman's firsthand experience as a high-C agent building a listing-focused business Resources Mentioned: DISC Assessment + 45-min consultation with David: davidihill.com/disc ($297) GoHighLevel free 2-week trial: davidihill.com Connect with David on all socials: @DavidIHill All tools, webinars & AI resources: davidhill.link Connect with Norman Hardeman: Hardeman Homes Team, Columbus, GA Get your own DISC: www.davidihill.com/disc Get 2 Week Trial of Go-High-Level https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=david-i-hill-training25 #RealEstateTeam #PersistentEntrepreneur #DavidHill #NormanHardeman #BehavioralAssessment #RealEstateSales #ListingAgent #TeamBuilding #SalesTraining #JohnMaxwell #RealEstatePodcast #EntrepreneurMindset #ForSaleByOwner

June 16, 2026Episode 46332 min

Hire Better, Sell More & Communicate Better with DISC | David Hill #463

Hire Better, Sell More & Communicate Better with DISC What if you could instantly understand how someone thinks, communicates, and makes decisions — before you ever pitch them, hire them, or lead them? In this episode, David Hill breaks down the DISC behavioral assessment and how mastering it will transform the way you sell, hire, and connect with everyone around you. David shares his own DISC profile (DCI), walks you through each of the four behavioral styles — Dominant, Influential, Steady, and Compliant — and reveals how recognizing these patterns in others (and yourself) is the single biggest lever you can pull to become more effective in business and life. Episode: Hire Better, Sell More & Communicate Better with DISC Host: David Hill — Maxwell-certified trainer, coach & speaker | 36 years in sales | 20 years studying & teaching DISC What You'll Learn in This Episode: What the DISC assessment is and why it matters in sales, hiring, and leadership The four DISC behavioral profiles: D (Dominant), I (Influential), S (Steady), C (Compliant) How to recognize each style's patterns so you can communicate more effectively Why 85% of your success comes from people skills — not technical skills (Carnegie Institute study) How David went from being a high-D, task-focused top producer to a well-rounded communicator Real-world examples: elevator test, vacation packing, checklists, and more How to use DISC in your hiring process before bringing someone onto your team What Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec revealed about how they choose who to invest in A walkthrough of David's actual DISC assessment results The history of behavioral profiling — from ancient philosophers to William Marston (1940) Key Quotes: "I would rather have the ability to deal with people than any other ability at all." — John D. Rockefeller "9 out of 10 times on Shark Tank, they pick based on the person, not the project." — Robert Herjavec Resources & Links Mentioned: 📊 Get your own DISC assessment + 45-min consultation with David → davidihill.com/disc (first 25 people get a special offer) 📖 Everyone Communicates, Few Connect — John Maxwell 📖 The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth — John Maxwell Get Go High Level: 2 Week Trial https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=david-i-hill-training25 About the Host: David Hill is a Maxwell-certified trainer, coach, and speaker with 36 years in sales and 20 years teaching the DISC behavioral assessment. He trains salespeople, entrepreneurs, and business leaders how to communicate more effectively, hire smarter, and close more deals. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and let David know who you'd like to hear from next! Connect with David on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill

June 2, 2026Episode 46237 min

Is confused messaging costing you money and customers? Glenn Rudin & David Hill #462

In this episode of The Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, David Hill sits down with Glenn Rudin, "The Message Master," a high-energy sales and marketing coach, business strategist, and branding expert with more than 40 years of experience. Glenn breaks down why confused messaging is one of the biggest reasons businesses struggle to attract clients and grow revenue. You'll hear practical tips you can use right now to sharpen your message, communicate your value more clearly, and position your business for faster growth. https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennrudin/ www.davidihill.com/online https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=david-i-hill-training25

May 19, 2026Episode 46139 min

The Four Levers of Negotiating Sales in a World with AI. Todd Caponi #461

Todd Caponi, CSP® is the author of two award-winning books, The Transparency Sale, and The Transparent Sales Leader. His third book, Four Levers Negotiating, will be released in early 2026. Todd is a multi-time C-Level sales leader, a behavioral science and sales history nerd, and has led at two companies through successful exits. He now speaks and teaches revenue organizations and their leaders on leveraging transparency and decision science to maximize their revenue capacity as Principal of Sales Melon LLC. https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddcaponi/ http://instagram.com/saleshistorian/ Connect with David www.davidihill.com Get 14 Day Go-High-Level Trial https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=david-i-hill-training25 SOCIALS: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach Youtube: ringleader-ai-crm TicTok: www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X: https://twitter.com/davidihill RING LEADER AI DEMO CALL 617-882-7788 www.davidihill.com/crm PODCAST SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895 #DavidHill #DavidIHill #PathToSalesMastery #ThePersistentEntrepreneur #PersistentEntrepreneurPodcast #SalesTraining #SalesCoach #SalesLeadership

May 5, 2026Episode 46038 min

Own the Room: How to Confidently Communicate in Real Time with Jake Stahl #460

In this episode of The Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, host David Hill sits down with Jake Stahl — communication strategist, behavioral psychology specialist, and creator of the Strata Framework. Jake shares how a personal battle with opioid addiction 16 years ago forced him to rebuild the way he connected with people, ultimately inspiring a powerful methodology that blends behavioral psychology, social psychology, and neurolinguistic programming. Together, David and Jake break down the biggest communication mistakes entrepreneurs make, why 80% of communication is non-verbal, and how to read people in real time to close more deals — without pressure or manipulation. Whether you're a founder, sales professional, or anyone looking to own the room, this episode is packed with real, actionable takeaways. Connect with Jake @owntheroomwithjakestahl www.thejakestahl.com Connect with David www.davidihill.com Get 14 Day Go-High-Level Trial https://www. .com/?fp_ref=david-i-hill-training25 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidihill/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidihill YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DavidHillcoach Youtube: ringleader-ai-crm TicTok: www.tiktok.com/@davidihill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidihill X: https://twitter.com/davidihill RING LEADER AI DEMO CALL 617-882-7788 www.davidihill.com/crm PODCAST SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-persistent-entrepreneur/id1081069895 #DavidHill #DavidIHill #PathToSalesMastery #ThePersistentEntrepreneur #PersistentEntrepreneurPodcast #SalesTraining #SalesCoach #SalesLeadership

April 14, 2026Episode 4597 min

Why You Should Never Type an Email Again (The 3x Productivity Hack) #459

Your keyboard is the #1 bottleneck to your productivity — and most people have no idea they need to stop typing emails. In this episode, we break down The Whisper Shift: the AI-powered workflow that lets you operate at the speed of thought, not the speed of your thumbs. A Stanford study found that speaking is 3x faster than typing — and new AI tools have finally eliminated the one thing that made dictation a nightmare: the "edit tax." Why typing is killing your flow state (the cognitive science) The real speed gap: 40 wpm typing vs. 150–180 wpm speaking How modern AI auto-cleans your speech in real time The best tools to build your own Voice Stack A simple 3-step plan to make the switch starting today Whether you're writing emails, Slack messages, or documents — this episode will change how you think about your computer forever. 🔗 Try Go High Level FREE for 14 days: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=david-i-hill-training25 👉 Subscribe for more episodes on AI, productivity, and the future of work. Whisper Flow — Best for day-to-day use (emails, Slack, coding). Great free tier to start. Local Whisper — Best for privacy-conscious users. Runs entirely on your machine, no cloud. Key Concepts: The Edit Tax — The time and mental energy wasted cleaning up dictation errors. Modern AI has eliminated it. The Whisper Shift — The movement from keyboard-first to voice-first computing. Cognitive Load of Typing — Research showing typing forces your brain to process one keystroke at a time, breaking your flow state. #TheWhisperShift #ProductivityHacks #VoiceFirst #AITools2026 #WorkflowOptimization #gohighlevel

April 7, 2026Episode 45826 min

The Entrepreneur's AI Revolution: Why Your Sales Team Can't Afford to Ignore AI #458

In this episode of the Persistent Entrepreneur Podcast, David I. Hill breaks down why the AI revolution is the single most important shift entrepreneurs need to embrace right now — and exactly how to start using it to grow your business. David draws powerful parallels between the industrial revolution, the manufacturing revolution, and today's AI revolution, showing how the entrepreneurs who adapt will thrive while those who resist will fall behind. He walks you through the four choices you have with AI — use it, teach it, sell it, or build it — and shares the real tools he uses daily, including ChatGPT, Claude, Manus, Gemini, Grok, and more. Plus, David introduces his proven 6-Step AI-Powered Sales Cycle to help you build a consistent pipeline, stop losing deals, and close more with less effort. 🔗 Download David's FREE AI Toolkit: www.davidihill.com/ia The AI Sales Team on YouTube https://youtu.be/6WXCtLa7fac?si=hSfRW_QUAe3Maj6K www.davidihill.com Get 14 Day Go-High-Level Trial https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=david-i-hill-training25 #AIForEntrepreneurs #PersistentEntrepreneurPodcast #AIPoweredSales #EntrepreneurMindset #davidihill