Top Business Leaders Show

Hosted by Rise25 Media

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176

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Aug 2026

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About the show

This is the Top Business Leaders Show powered by Rise25 Media. We feature top founders, executives, and leaders from all over the world.

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60 recent

September 9, 202639 min

Building the World's First Professional Sport in Space With Philip Hover-Smoot of Atlas Cup

Philip Hover-Smoot is the Founder and CEO of Atlas Cup, a professional sports media company building the world's first orbital racing league. Before launching Atlas Cup in late 2025, he served as the CEO of Scout Space and previously held senior executive roles at Spaceflight and Momentus. A seasoned aerospace and defense executive and California-licensed attorney, Philip has worked across military and commercial space, space law and regulation, satellite technology, and executive leadership. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and now focuses on developing a global sports property at the intersection of space, technology, and entertainment. In this episode… Commercial space is entering a phase where entertainment, media, and competition can become viable applications alongside government and industrial missions. As spacecraft capabilities mature and sports consumption shifts toward social, mobile, and streaming platforms, orbital racing could turn advanced satellite performance into a fan-facing spectacle. How can a professional racing league in low Earth orbit become both compelling entertainment and a catalyst for space innovation? According to Philip Hover-Smoot, who leads Atlas Cup as its founder and CEO, the opportunity comes from combining technologies that already exist with a proven racing format and a media model designed for how audiences consume sports today. Instead of building its own spacecraft, Atlas Cup plans to bring together existing maneuverable satellites, imagery providers, telemetry systems, and race teams while creating short-form storytelling around their performance. Competition can reward speed, maneuver accuracy, efficiency, communication, and other measurable capabilities, creating incentives for technology development while opening opportunities for sponsorships, prediction markets, and fan engagement. In this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show , Chad Franzen welcomes Philip Hover-Smoot, Founder and CEO Atlas Cup, for a conversation about building professional sports in space. Philip explains Atlas Cup's 2028 orbital racing plans, short-form media strategy, regulatory model, technology incentives, and the evolution from uncrewed satellite races toward his long-term vision of humans competing in space.

August 26, 202635 min

Why Traditional Sales Metrics Fail and How AI Can Help With Jack Siney, Co-founder of FrontRace

Jack Siney is Co-Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of FrontRace, an AI-powered decision intelligence company focused on uncovering the activities and behaviors that drive business performance. As a seven-time entrepreneur with five successful exits and 25 years in B2B SaaS and technology, Jack has led teams of more than 100 sales reps and closed more than $500 million in sales. His practical approach to AI is grounded in experience spanning US Navy contract negotiations and building companies such as Advanced Public Safety and GovSpend, which became a leading provider of government purchasing data before its acquisition. In this episode… Sales organizations have invested heavily in technology, yet many still struggle to forecast accurately and understand why their best performers consistently outperform everyone else. The real drivers of success may be hidden in small behaviors, timing decisions, relationship-building habits, and process variations that traditional dashboards fail to capture. How can leaders use AI and their existing business data to uncover those invisible patterns and turn them into repeatable performance? According to Jack Siney, AI thought leader and the Co-founder of FrontRace, companies should begin by understanding and organizing the data they already have rather than rushing to purchase another AI platform. FrontRace connects and normalizes data from tools such as CRMs, email, messaging, and video systems, normalizes that data, and analyzes the small activities associated with wins and losses. Jack argues that the differences between elite and average performers are often found not in headline metrics such as call volume but in dozens of subtle behaviors. By identifying those patterns, organizations can improve coaching, forecasting, and decision-making while applying AI to measurable business problems. On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show, Chad Franzen welcomes Jack Siney, Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of FrontRace, for a conversation about scaling businesses, uncovering the hidden drivers of sales success, and adopting AI strategically. Jack explains why traditional sales metrics fall short, how FrontRace analyzes high performers, why clean data matters, and how resilience and strong teams fuel entrepreneurial success.

August 12, 202643 min

Escape 'Tax Jail': A Roadmap to Lasting Wealth With Michael Uadiale of SMEED CPA

Michael Uadiale is the Managing Partner at SMEED CPA, where he helps entrepreneurs reduce taxes and pursue financial freedom through proactive planning. A seasoned CPA and master tax advisor with more than 20 years of experience, Michael specializes in serving home health and social service providers, healthcare professionals, real estate investors, and technology service businesses. He is known for translating complex tax rules into actionable strategies for wealth building, asset protection, and generational planning. In this episode… Tax planning can be one of the most powerful yet underutilized tools for helping entrepreneurs convert business income into long-term wealth. Rather than treating taxes as a once-a-year compliance task, business owners can align entity structure, deductions, credits, investments, and documentation with a clear financial vision. How can proactive tax strategy help entrepreneurs reach financial freedom sooner? According to Michael Uadiale, a tax and wealth-building strategist, entrepreneurs can accelerate financial freedom by defining a specific end goal, measuring the gap from their current position, and reinvesting legally created tax savings. He frames the tax code as a set of incentives rather than a punishment and encourages owners to ask, "How can I deduct this?" instead of, "Can I deduct this?" His DECIDE and BOND frameworks help clients evaluate deductions, entity structures, credits, income shifting, deferral, documentation, and legacy planning. The process requires year-round education, disciplined implementation, and collaboration among tax, legal, insurance, and financial professionals. On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show , Chad Franzen welcomes Michael Uadiale, Managing Partner at SMEED CPA, for a conversation about using proactive tax strategy to build financial freedom. Michael explains "tax jail," the difference between preparation and planning, the DECIDE and BOND frameworks, credits and deferral, year-round advisory meetings, client fit, virtual service, and the value of mentorship.

July 30, 202630 min

How To Turn SEO Traffic Into Leads and Sales With Brandon Leibowitz of SEO Optimizers

Brandon Leibowitz is Founder and Operator of SEO Optimizers, a Los Angeles-based digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and AI search optimization. Since founding the company in 2007, Brandon has helped businesses increase their online visibility, attract qualified traffic, and generate leads without relying exclusively on paid advertising. He is known for his hands-on approach, blending technical SEO, content, backlinks, and AI to deliver sustainable business growth in some of the most competitive industries. Drawing on more than 300 podcast appearances and his book, The Power of Guest Podcasting , Brandon teaches businesses to build authority through podcasting and expand their visibility across AI search platforms. In this episode… Online visibility is no longer about generating the largest possible volume of website traffic. Businesses must attract high-intent organic traffic and deliver a clear, persuasive user experience that turns search visitors into customers. How can companies combine SEO, conversion optimization, and emerging AI search platforms to drive sustainable revenue growth? According to Brandon Leibowitz, a search engine optimization and digital marketing strategies expert, businesses should begin by targeting relevant, high-intent keywords rather than focusing solely on broad traffic numbers. Once visitors arrive, companies must clearly communicate their value proposition, display calls to action and social proof above the fold, and continually test their pages to improve conversions. Brandon also recommends diversifying traffic across search, email, social media, remarketing, and AI platforms while using third-party mentions and backlinks to strengthen authority. On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show , Chad Franzen welcomes Brandon Leibowitz, Founder and Operator of SEO Optimizers, for sustainable SEO growth, buyer-intent keywords, conversion optimization, AI-powered search, backlinks, podcast guesting, marketing analytics, and deciding which business activities to delegate or outsource.

July 3, 202622 min

What Is a 409A Valuation? Startup Founder Guide With Tomas Milar, Founder and CEO of Eqvista

Tomas Milar is the Founder and CEO of Eqvista, an equity management and valuation platform for private companies. He heads the leadership team in steering the company as it provides services for cap table management, digital share issuance, transaction tracking, fundraising modeling, and real-time 409A valuations. Founded in 2018, Eqvista has served over 25,000 companies, covering approximately $4 trillion in company value, and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing fintech solutions for startup equity and valuation. Beyond Eqvista, Tomas has launched multiple successful ventures including the neobank Cheqly and Startupr, and is known for his expertise in building financial infrastructure that simplifies equity and compliance for startups. In this episode… Startup equity can be one of the most powerful tools for attracting talent, rewarding early contributors, and building long-term company value. Yet many founders underestimate the compliance requirements behind issuing stock options, especially when common stock must be priced in a way that can withstand IRS scrutiny. How can founders use 409A valuations to protect their companies, employees, and future exits? According to Tomas Milar, who leads equity management and valuation services for Eqvista, a 409A valuation gives private companies a defensible fair market value for common stock. He explains that founders need this valuation when issuing stock to founders or employees, creating employee stock option plans, raising new funding, or experiencing major liquidity or business events. Tomas also emphasizes that the goal is not to invent the lowest possible number, but to establish the lowest defensible price supported by a professional valuation report, ongoing documentation, and audit-ready reasoning. On this episode of the Top Business Leaders Show , Dr. Jeremy Weisz welcomes Tomas Milar, Founder and CEO of Eqvista, to discuss 409A valuations and startup equity compliance. Tomas demystifies 409A valuation, why it differs from fundraising valuations, and how it impacts stock option issuance. He also discusses common founder misconceptions, the regulatory importance of accurate pricing, and how founders can protect their companies while building long-term equity value.

May 13, 202623 min

How To Scale Up a Financial Services Firm With Jim Dunlop Managing Partner at Advent Partners

Jim Dunlop is the Founder and Managing Partner at Advent Partners, a Gettysburg, Pennsylvania-based wealth management and financial planning firm. A Certified Financial Partner with over two decades in the financial services industry, Jim has developed a niche focus on helping faith-based clients align their wealth with their values. He is also the host of the podcast You Can't Take It With You , which explores generosity, legacy planning, and impactful giving. Through Advent Partners, Jim supports clients in making meaningful decisions about their financial futures while planning with purpose. In this episode… Faith-based financial planning can offer a meaningful framework for managing wealth with purpose. As more people accumulate resources, many are asking deeper questions about legacy, generosity, and what happens to their money when they're gone. How can financial advisors guide clients toward intentional giving and legacy planning? According to Jim Dunlop, a seasoned wealth advisor, legacy planning starts with aligning finances to core values. After years of helping clients navigate wealth decisions, Jim emphasizes the power of generosity — whether it's supporting family, donating to community causes, or creating lasting impact through charitable giving. Through his firm and podcast, he encourages clients to plan wisely and give meaningfully, even before the end of life. On this episode of The Top Business Leaders Show , John Corcoran welcomes Jim Dunlop, Founder and Managing Partner at Advent Partners, for a conversation about scaling a financial practice during a crisis, building a faith-aligned client base, and why generous clients often experience the most joy. Jim also shares insights on merging firms, planning with purpose, and the story behind his podcast, You Can't Take It With You .

April 22, 202617 min

Why Direct Mail Still Wins With Rick Rappe, President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing

Rick Rappe is President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, a firm focused on direct mail strategy, testing, and optimization. With over 30 years of experience in direct marketing, he previously held senior management roles at Hackeragency including Vice President of Account Services. Earlier in his career, Rick also led agency work on AT&T direct mail programs for more than 10 years, overseeing hundreds of programs, thousands of test packages, and more than 1.5 billion pieces of direct response mail. In this episode… Direct mail remains a powerful growth channel because it can combine precise targeting, compelling offers, and measurable response data. The challenge is that many organizations either test too slowly or fail to connect creative, targeting, attribution, and sales conversion into one system. How can companies make direct mail faster, more predictable, and easier to scale? According to Rick Rappe, a direct mail strategist and performance optimization expert, companies need a structured testing methodology that identifies the strongest combinations of audience, offer, format, and messaging early in the process. He explains that direct mail works best when marketers treat it like a research and development effort, track response carefully, compare mailed and non-mailed groups, and align campaign goals with sales capacity. That approach helps brands move from guesswork to repeatable performance. On this episode of The Top Business Leaders Show , John Corcoran welcomes Rick Rappe, President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, for a conversation about building high-performing direct mail programs through structured testing. Rick explains the Rapid Performance Method, the role of targeting and offer strategy, how to improve attribution, and why companies need an R&D mindset to make direct mail scalable and profitable.

March 11, 202615 min

Nonprofit Marketing Strategies That Actually Work With Paul Feith of Paul Gregory Media

Paul Feith is the President and Founder of Paul Gregory Media, a digital marketing agency specializing in serving nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. Under Paul's leadership, Paul Gregory Media has become a Certified B Corp and has helped hundreds of nonprofits increase their visibility and impact, leveraging innovative strategies and technology-driven solutions. Paul is deeply involved in the nonprofit community, often serving on boards and supporting causes that make a real difference. He is especially passionate about helping organizations tell their stories effectively and leverage digital tools for measurable social good. In this episode… Nonprofits often face unique marketing challenges, from limited resources to the struggle of telling their stories effectively. How can organizations maximize their impact and reach the right audiences without the budgets or expertise of major corporations? What strategies truly make a difference for mission-driven brands in a crowded digital world? Paul Feith tackled these challenges by founding an agency devoted specifically to serving nonprofits. Drawing from his experiences on nonprofit boards, Paul realized that these organizations need specialized marketing that addresses their diverse constituents, from donors to beneficiaries. He discusses how his agency guides nonprofits through creating consistent branding, effective web design, and compelling storytelling, ensuring messages resonate across all channels. Paul also shares how tools like Google Ad Grants and advanced social media analytics can empower nonprofits to stretch their marketing dollars further, measure performance, and grow their support base. His data-driven approach not only saves nonprofits time but also enables them to focus more on their core missions. On this episode of Top Business Leaders Show , John Corcoran welcomes Paul Feith, President and Founder of Paul Gregory Media, to discuss nonprofit marketing strategy, branding, storytelling, social media, and digital tools that help mission-driven organizations grow their impact and reach more supporters. Paul dives into the nuances of website strategy and outreach techniques. He also shares insights on leveraging limited resources and crafting authentic narratives to increase visibility and funding.

February 25, 202619 min

Business Turnaround: The ABC Framework for Reigniting Growth With David Deane-Spread of Metattude

David Deane-Spread is Founder of Metattude, a leadership and business turnaround consultancy focused on behavioral transformation. With more than 25 years of experience coaching CEOs and executives, he has worked across Australia and Europe in both public and private companies. Trained in leadership within the Australian Defence Force and law enforcement agencies, David brings a disciplined, systems-based approach to business transformation. Through Metattude, he helps organizations prevent failure by aligning leadership behavior, culture, and strategic execution. In this episode… Business turnarounds are rarely about strategy alone; they are about leadership behavior and organizational culture. Many companies attempt to fix performance issues through systems or restructuring, without addressing the attitudes and conversations driving results. How can leaders shift their thinking and behavior to prevent failure and create sustainable growth? According to David Deane-Spread, successful turnarounds begin with understanding that culture is the sum of attitudes, behaviors, and conversations inside a business. He explains that leaders must first diagnose root causes, align around new behavioral standards, and develop the courage to have necessary conversations. By mastering the four controllables — thoughts, feelings, words, and actions — leaders can shift outcomes and prevent costly strategic mistakes. On this episode of Top Business Leaders Show , John Corcoran welcomes David Deane-Spread, Founder of Metattude, for a conversation about preventing business failure through leadership behavior. David shares his ABC framework of attitudes, behaviors, and conversations, explains why culture drives customer experience, and breaks down the Intel case study to show how fear-based decisions can destroy value. He also outlines practical steps for aligning teams and driving growth.

February 11, 202644 min

Building High-Performing Teams From The Inside Out With Sean Patton, President of No Limit Leaders

Sean Patton is the President of No Limit Leaders, a leadership development and executive coaching organization. A former US Army Special Forces Green Beret commander and airborne ranger, Sean translates elite military experience into practical business leadership. Through coaching, speaking, and his podcast, No Limit Leadership , he helps executives lead themselves first and lead others with clarity and purpose. He is also the author of A Warrior's Mindset: The Six Keys to Greatness . In this episode… Modern leadership requires more than just hitting KPIs — it demands emotional intelligence, purpose, and personal growth. Many professionals operate on autopilot, managing tasks instead of truly leading people and culture. How can leaders inspire trust, drive transformation, and stay aligned with their own vision while serving others? According to executive coach Sean Patton, effective leadership starts with self-leadership. Drawing from his military roots, Sean emphasizes that the best leaders cultivate clarity, embody their values, and create cultures where feedback, vision, and individual goals align. He shares practical strategies for embracing feedback, shifting mindset, and becoming a person others genuinely want to follow. In this episode ofthe Top Business Leaders Show , Chad Franzen hosts Sean Patton, President of No Limit Leaders, for a conversation about cultivating self-leadership, creating resilient workplace cultures, and why even elite teams need strong leadership support. Sean unpacks his approach to coaching, stories from the military, and mindset shifts that unlock exponential growth.