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Arzays Davani is the CEO of The Davani Group, a luxury design firm specializing in bespoke interiors, custom furniture, and architectural features. He has grown the company into a leader in high-end craftsmanship, working with top architects and designers on multimillion-dollar projects worldwide. Arzays' career began in finance before transitioning into entrepreneurship, launching several ventures before founding The Davani Group. His design philosophy celebrates the raw beauty of natural materials, aiming to bring a resort-like luxury experience into everyday living spaces. In this episode… Starting a business in an unfamiliar industry can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with steep learning curves, financial risks, and doubts from others. Add to that the challenge of building a company with a spouse, balancing personal and professional roles, and maintaining a strong relationship. How can entrepreneurs successfully navigate these challenges and turn uncertainty into a thriving business? Arzays Davani, an expert in luxury design and craftsmanship, shares his journey of launching a high-end interior business without prior industry experience. Arzays emphasizes the importance of adaptability, strategic partnerships, and relentless problem-solving when entering a new field. He also highlights the value of clear communication and defined roles when working with a spouse, ensuring business growth and a healthy relationship. By focusing on quality, craftsmanship, and a deep understanding of client needs, he has built a flourishing brand that serves high-end clientele worldwide.  Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Arzays Davani, CEO of The Davani Group, about building a luxury business from the ground up. Arzays discusses his transition from finance to design, lessons from a failed startup, and the importance of craftsmanship in high-end interiors. He also shares insights on working with elite clients, overcoming business challenges, and maintaining a growth mindset in the face of adversity.

Brian Hansen is the Founder and President of Rocket Pilots, a boutique digital marketing agency specializing in law firm marketing. With a background in large agencies, Brian established Rocket Pilots to provide transparent and effective digital marketing solutions for attorneys. Under his leadership, the company focuses on enhancing law firms' online presence through tailored SEO and Google Ads campaigns. In this episode… Law firms face intense competition in the digital space, yet many struggle with ineffective marketing strategies that fail to generate consistent leads. Traditional agencies often lack transparency, overcharge for services, and fail to deliver results, leaving attorneys frustrated and unsure how to grow their practice. So, with ever-changing regulations, evolving digital trends, and the rise of AI, how can firms rethink their marketing approach to stay ahead? With experience at large agencies like ReachLocal and Zocdoc, Brian Hansen saw firsthand the common pitfalls of digital marketing. He highlights how law firms often overlook key aspects of client acquisition, such as intake processes and market positioning. Brian also shares a case study of a law firm forced to pivot overnight when regulations banned their primary marketing method, highlighting the importance of diversifying lead generation strategies. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Brian Hansen, Founder and President of Rocket Pilots, about the evolving landscape of law firm marketing. They discuss the impact of AI on SEO, how law firms can expand into new markets, and the future of lead generation. Brian also shares insights on the power of specialization, the risks of relying on a single marketing channel, and how law firms can maximize their digital presence.

Chip Conley is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Modern Elder Academy (MEA), the world's first "midlife wisdom school" dedicated to career and life transitions. At 26, he founded Joie de Vivre Hospitality, transforming it into the second-largest boutique hotel brand in the US. In 2013, Chip joined Airbnb as Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, mentoring its founders and shaping its culture. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker and prolific author, with several influential books to his name, including Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder and his latest bestseller, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age. In this episode… Many people approaching midlife struggle with uncertainty, questioning their purpose, relevance, and ability to adapt to change. Society often reinforces the idea that aging means decline, leaving individuals feeling stuck in careers or personal lives that no longer fulfill them. So, how can individuals in their middle years shift from feeling irrelevant to flourishing? Chip Conley, a veteran hospitality entrepreneur, author, and speaker, challenges these outdated notions by reframing midlife as a period of reinvention and renewal. Drawing from his journey — from building a boutique hotel empire to mentoring young tech leaders at Airbnb — Chip emphasizes the power of curiosity, adaptability, and lifelong learning. He shares practical strategies, including shifting from a fixed to a growth mindset, embracing intergenerational collaboration, and taking intentional sabbaticals to reset and gain clarity on life’s next chapter. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Chip Conley, Founder and Executive Chairman at Modern Elder Academy, about harnessing the potential of middle life. They discuss how Chip navigated his transition from hotelier to tech mentor, the challenges of leading while learning, and the impact of longevity on career planning. He also shares the philosophy behind MEA’s curriculum and the importance of a midlife sabbatical.

David Horsager is the Founder and CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute, a Minnesota-based company that helps global leaders and organizations build trust. Since 1999, Trust Edge Leadership Institute has pioneered trust development through research, speaking, consulting, and training on trust and its proven impact on the bottom line. David has advised leaders and delivered presentations on six continents, with audiences ranging from FedEx, Toyota, and MIT to the New York Yankees and the Department of Homeland Security. His insights have been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, New York Post, and SUCCESS Magazine, and his latest book, Trust Matters More than Ever: 40 Proven Trust Tools to Lead Better, Grow Faster & Build Trust Now!, is available worldwide. In this episode… Trust is the foundation of strong leadership, effective teamwork, and business success. Yet, many leaders struggle to build and maintain trust, especially in virtual or hybrid work environments. How can organizations develop a culture of trust that drives engagement, performance, and long-term growth? According to trust expert David Horsager, trust is not a soft skill but a measurable and strategic asset that impacts every area of business. Through decades of research, he developed the Eight Pillars of Trust, a framework that helps leaders build credibility, foster collaboration, and create high-performing teams. David shares insights on how clarity, consistency, and contribution play a critical role in trust-building, along with practical strategies for improving communication, leadership accountability, and organizational transparency. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews David Horsager, Founder and CEO of Trust Edge Leadership Institute, about the power of trust in leadership and business. David discusses his journey from launching his company in a basement to working with global brands like FedEx and Walmart. He also shares actionable tools for building trust remotely, improving performance reviews, and fostering a high-trust culture within organizations.

Brendon Dennewill is the Co-founder and CEO of Denamico, a Minneapolis-based company specializing in HubSpot CRM implementations and integrations. With a career spanning over 30 years across six countries and four languages, he has held senior management positions in the duty-free retail and commercial fishing industries, managing teams of over 200 and navigating complex international markets. He completed two years of military service in the South African Navy in 1987 and 1988. Brendon also serves on the board of Africa Classroom Connection, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to building schools in South Africa. In this episode… Scaling a business in an evolving digital landscape can be challenging, especially when industries shift, markets crash, or technology forces companies to adapt. Entrepreneurs often have difficulty knowing when to pivot, how to specialize, and where to focus their efforts for long-term success. So, how can narrowing your focus open up new opportunities and drive growth in your business? Brendon Dennewill, an adaptive and strategic thinker, shares how he successfully navigated multiple career transitions, from the fishing industry to real estate and ultimately into digital marketing and CRM technology. He explains the importance of recognizing market shifts early, leveraging networking to find clients, and making bold decisions to focus on scalable services. Brendon also discusses the challenges of switching from a marketing services agency to a HubSpot CRM implementation firm, emphasizing the need to embrace change, invest in new skills, and build strategic partnerships. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Brendon Dennewill, Co-founder and CEO of Denamico, about building a niche business in the tech space. Brendon talks about how he spotted opportunities in digital marketing, the strategic decision to shift Denamico’s focus, and the role of mentorship in business growth. They also discuss the impact of Africa Classroom Connection, managing career transitions, and adapting to market changes with confidence.

Craig Swanson is a serial entrepreneur and business coach, best known as the Co-founder of CreativeLive, an online learning platform. Currently, he operates a personal startup studio, launching a new AI project every week. Craig has a track record of partnering with influencers to build successful online education businesses, including collaborations with photographer Sue Bryce and Kaisa Keranen. He is also the chair of the Seattle EO Accelerator program and EO Seattle and loves helping creators, educators, and entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures around their dreams. In this episode… Exiting a business can leave entrepreneurs questioning their identity and purpose. After years of building a company, the transition to what comes next is often uncertain and emotionally challenging. How can you navigate the uncharted waters of reinvention and maintain a sense of purpose after selling a company? Craig Swanson, a seasoned entrepreneur, shares his firsthand experience navigating life after selling multiple businesses. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right partners, ensuring alignment in vision, and maintaining ownership of at least one venture to sustain personal fulfillment. Craig also discusses how AI transforms online education, making learning more personalized and scalable. By leveraging AI-driven platforms, educators and entrepreneurs can streamline content creation, reach wider audiences, and build sustainable enterprises. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Craig Swanson, an entrepreneur and business coach, about the challenges of exiting a business and finding purpose beyond entrepreneurship. Craig delves into how AI is revolutionizing education, how to choose the right business partners, and why keeping one business for yourself can be a game-changer.

Morgan Katz is the Founder and CEO of Ticketnology, a SaaS company specializing in optimizing event ticket management and maximizing ROI for businesses through its software platform, Ticket Booth. Under her leadership, the company has achieved a 96% renewal rate with its customers, demonstrating its effectiveness in streamlining ticket management and enhancing client ROI. Morgan has a keen eye for innovation and a knack for finding creative solutions to complex ticketing challenges. Her expertise spans many areas, including ticketing platforms, event management systems, and customer experience optimization.   In this episode… Corporate season tickets are often underutilized, with nearly half going unused each year, leading to wasted opportunities and reduced ROI for businesses. Many organizations struggle to distribute and track tickets effectively, often relying on inefficient methods like email and spreadsheets. How can companies overcome these inefficiencies to maximize ticket usage and enhance the overall event experience? Morgan Katz, a seasoned professional in the world of ticketing and event technology, has addressed this issue with a centralized platform, Ticket Booth, that simplifies ticket management and improves ROI. Morgan emphasizes the importance of creating clear policies and procedures for ticket distribution, approval timelines, and utilization strategies to reduce waste and improve efficiency. By implementing these systems, businesses can increase ticket usage, foster better client relationships, and maximize the return on their investment while reducing manual overhead. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Morgan Katz, Founder and CEO of Ticketnology, about how her SaaS platform optimizes event ticket management for businesses. Morgan shares her journey from managing live events to launching a tech company during the pandemic, the challenges of being a non-technical founder, and how she learned from the failure of an event registration product.       

Alana Winter is a serial entrepreneur, creative thinker, and President of Transformative Forum, where she leads retreats, workshops, and one-on-one training to transform business leaders and their teams. She has built and operated several successful ventures, including a fashion accessories company in Australia, three video distribution companies in the United States, and the MI6 Academy and Stiletto Spy School. Recognized for her leadership work with EO and YPO forums, Alana’s innovative programs have been featured on NPR, The Today Show, CBS Morning News, the Wall Street Journal, and more. With a BA in psychology from Wesleyan University and a knack for helping others overcome roadblocks, she inspires leaders to approach challenges with creativity, clarity, and confidence. In this episode… Many leaders struggle with finding purpose and resilience in their professional journeys, especially when faced with unexpected challenges. From burnout and business betrayal to adapting to new technologies, the path to success can feel overwhelming and uncertain. So, how does one transform simple inquisitiveness into a powerful leadership tool? Alana Winter, a serial entrepreneur, shares her insights on transforming adversity into opportunity. Drawing from her experience in building businesses, uncovering fraud, and creating unique programs like MI6 Academy and Stiletto Spy School, Alana emphasizes the importance of curiosity and emotional control. She encourages leaders to focus on clear-headed decision-making, embrace discomfort as a growth opportunity, and actively listen to uncover deeper conversation insights. By approaching problems with a calm mindset and a sense of purpose, Alana demonstrates how curiosity can unlock meaningful connections and drive lasting growth. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Alana Winter, President of Transformative Forum, about the power of curiosity in leadership and business growth. Alana recounts her journey as a young entrepreneur, her lessons from spy-inspired programs, and her strategies for maintaining composure during crises. She also emphasizes the significance of building authentic relationships through curiosity, which can lead to better communication and collaboration.

Alexis Krisay is the Founder and Owner of Serendipit Consulting, which delivers innovative brand activation and strategic marketing solutions. With over 20 years in marketing, she has advanced from on-site leasing to national leadership, mastering both online and offline strategies for clients in real estate, lifestyle, spa, and health and fitness. Alexis was honored as a 30 Under 30 in 2013 and a Student Housing Rising Star in 2014 while driving occupancy from 35% to 97%. She holds a degree in communications and marketing from the University of Arizona and is an active member of the Entrepreneurs' Organization. In this episode… How do wild ideas transform an industry? The fast-paced and competitive marketing world demands innovative strategies to capture attention and drive results. Traditional approaches like flyers or generic campaigns often fail to make an impact in saturated markets. So, how does one find fresh, bold ideas that resonate with target audiences and deliver measurable outcomes? Alexis Krisay, a marketing veteran known for her audacious and imaginative strategies, shares her expertise in creating out-of-the-box marketing campaigns that generate buzz and drive conversions. From leasing student housing properties with immersive events like pool parties and $10,000 cash giveaways to developing unique strategies for brands like Orangetheory Fitness, Alexis emphasizes the importance of creative risk-taking and data-driven execution. She advises businesses to step outside their industry's traditional playbook, engage audiences with experiential activations, and track ROI metrics to ensure campaigns are impactful and profitable. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Alexis Krisay, Founder and Owner of Serendipit Consulting, about crafting innovative marketing strategies. Alexis shares stories of how her creative campaigns revitalized underperforming properties, elevated franchise brands, and launched innovative concepts like OHM Fitness. Her insights take listeners on a journey of innovation and creativity that defies traditional playbooks.

Talie Smith is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Creative Officer at Smith & Connors, a brand and digital agency that accelerates growth and transformation for organizations on a mission. She pioneered Design Therapy, a methodology that helps organizations own their true voice and navigate change through values-driven communications. With over 20 years of experience, Talie draws from her background in visual design, literature, and her work at the Soros Foundations to create meaningful, impactful brand strategies. She is also a member of Business for a Better Portland, an Experience Director at the US West Region of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), and a board member of Zebras Unite. In this episode… Finding the courage to embrace your true self while navigating business and personal growth can feel overwhelming. Many entrepreneurs struggle with self-doubt, misalignment, and the fear of change, often leading to stalled progress and unfulfilled potential. But how does one muster the bravery to leave behind what no longer serves them and embrace a new path? Creative strategist Talie Smith shares how she helps organizations rediscover their identity through a unique approach called "Design Therapy." By facilitating open conversations, addressing hidden tensions, and creating a time-bound process, she ensures teams align around a shared vision. Drawing from her journey — overcoming childhood struggles, taking bold risks, and even undergoing a transformative psychedelic experience — Talie emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and vulnerability in leadership and branding. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Talie Smith, Founder, and CEO at Smith & Connors, about using design therapy to align personal and organizational identities. They discuss how Talie’s childhood shaped her fearless approach to business, her bold move from New York to Portland without a job, and why she welcomes workplace conflict as an opportunity for transformation. This conversation offers valuable lessons in embracing change and authenticity.