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In this raw and transformative episode, Jason Croft sits down with Brian Muka, former Navy EOD bomb technician turned performance strategist, to explore how true alignment comes from embracing the mess instead of running from it. Brian takes listeners through his journey from near-suicide in the Iraqi desert to discovering his gift for transmuting fear, trauma, and friction into breakthrough momentum. Jason and Brian dive deep into how to recognize when you're out of alignment with your true path, why the pressure to have it all figured out is killing your progress, and how to access the answers already buried inside you. Brian shares his framework for turning stress, anger, and burnout into actionable clarity, revealing why your biggest breakdowns are actually your greatest accelerators. Listeners will learn how to stop waiting for permission to live fully, how to use breath and stillness as weapons against overwhelm, and why taking inspired action beats grinding yourself into the ground every single time. Brian also explains his concept of relational alchemy—how breakthroughs happen faster when you stop trying to solve everything alone and start co-creating with the right people. This episode is for anyone who's been doing all the right things but still feels stuck, anyone who's tired of trying to force results, and anyone ready to stop playing small. Jason and Brian strip away the spiritual bypassing and get real about what it actually takes to thrive in chaos, find your unique frequency, and build a life that doesn't need a vacation from itself. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/114

In this episode of Strategy in Action, host Jason Croft sits down with Chris Blachut, founder of Innate Edge, to tackle one of the most consequential and most overlooked challenges in business and life: figuring out who you actually are at your core and building everything around that. Chris brings a fascinating story to the conversation. After leaving a comfortable corporate career at Procter and Gamble, pre-retiring at 27, and spending 13 years bouncing through entrepreneurial misadventures with no common thread connecting them, he went deep into neurobiology, personality science, and AI to crack a code he wishes he had cracked decades earlier. The result is a systematic, human-guided assessment process called the X-ray, designed to cut through scattered self-perception and reveal the coherent inner engine that has been driving a person all along. Jason brings his signature ability to bridge complex ideas into practical clarity, pressing Chris on the real-world application of this work, sharing his own experience going through the X-ray, and drawing out what makes this process genuinely different from the Myers-Briggs assessments most people take, feel mildly validated by, and never think about again. Viewers and listeners will come away knowing: • How to identify the core verb that describes the unique way they naturally generate value in the world, and why naming it precisely changes everything • Why most self-assessments deliver a distorted reflection and what it actually takes to see yourself clearly • How to build a life narrative around your verb, your violation, and your vision so that motivation stops being something you have to manufacture • What pragmatic passion really means and why chasing passion without it is just running cleaner fuel through a still-broken engine • How Chris used years of deep research into neurobiology and personality science, combined with AI and hands-on work with real clients, to turn a deeply personal breakthrough into a process others can now access in under fifteen minutes Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur trying to figure out what comes next or someone who has always felt the quiet pull that something is not quite right with the direction you are heading, this episode gives you a concrete, human, and surprisingly fast starting point for finally understanding what you are built for. Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.strategyactionshow.com/113

In this standout installment of the Power Traits series on Strategy & Action, host Jason Croft sits down with the first person he thought of when designing this series: Raj Daniels. And once you hear this conversation, you'll understand exactly why. Raj is the president of the US India Chamber of Commerce DFW, the largest Indian chamber in the nation. He's an author, entrepreneur, connector, and one of the most quietly powerful figures in the Dallas business community. But what Jason has watched up close for nearly a decade is something harder to put on a résumé—Raj's extraordinary ability to show up, day after day, without needing to see the finish line. This episode goes far beyond surface-level advice about discipline and habits. Raj opens with a surprisingly personal origin story about a 260-pound turning point in front of a gym mirror, wearing jams and a Spuds McKenzie shirt, and explains how that moment became the foundation for a consistency-driven identity that has shaped everything since. From writing over 1,000 blog posts that quietly led to a book deal, speaking engagements, and paying clients to running an eight-year unpaid newsletter that became the second most-read tech newsletter in DFW, Raj is a living case study in what compounding effort actually looks like over time. Jason brings his signature thoughtfulness and firsthand perspective to the conversation, pressing Raj on the real costs of consistency, the challenge of leaving certain relationships behind, and what it truly means to be directionally correct when you cannot yet see where you are headed. Here is what listeners will take away from this episode: • How to identify what you must intentionally sacrifice in order to make room for a new habit — the critical step most people completely overlook before starting anything new • Why your capacity to endure boredom is the real denominator behind every long-term success, from weight loss and financial growth to lasting relationships and business momentum • How to stay directionally correct when results are not yet visible and doubt starts to creep in • Why the people currently in your life may be the single greatest obstacle standing between you and meaningful change and how to navigate that honestly and compassionately • How consistent, non-transactional effort in content, community, and connection builds a reputation and a network that no algorithm or trend can take away Whether you are launching a business, building an audience, developing a new skill, or simply trying to become a more disciplined version of yourself, Raj Daniels offers a grounded, battle-tested framework for making consistency not just a goal but a permanent part of who you are. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/112

Grab Dustin’s Premium Podcast Guesting Playbook for free at https://7figureleap.com/start In this episode, Jason Croft sits down with Dustin Riechmann, founder of Seven Figure Leap, to explore how coaches, consultants, and agency owners can use podcast guesting to systematically grow their business. Dustin shares his unconventional journey from civil engineer to marketing consultant to co-founder of a seven-figure meat stick brand—all built on the power of podcast appearances. Listeners will learn Dustin's proven five-step framework (the Five P's) for turning podcast interviews into revenue: Purpose, Plan, Pitch, Perform, and Profit. He reveals why most guests fail to monetize their appearances and how to fix that with strategic follow-up and relationship building. Jason and Dustin break down the guest-host dynamic from both perspectives, discussing how to craft pitches that actually get responses, what to do before and during interviews to maximize impact, and the often-overlooked strategies that happen after the episode goes live. The conversation dives into practical tactics like leveraging guest lists for partnership opportunities, repurposing interview content across multiple platforms, and building a marketing flywheel that compounds over time. Dustin explains why doing this yourself (with the right systems) beats hiring PR agencies, and how introverts can thrive in this format. Both share insider insights on what makes a standout guest, how to stand out to podcast hosts, and why relationship capital matters more than download numbers. Whether you're new to podcast guesting or you've done dozens of interviews without seeing real business results, this episode delivers actionable frameworks to turn conversations into clients. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/111

In this episode of Strategy & Action, host Jason Croft sits down with Lynette Xanders, founder of Wild Alchemy and former strategist at Stan Richards' legendary agency. Lynette reveals how she evolved from account planner to culture transformation specialist, working with brands like Nike and Adidas, and agencies like Wieden+Kennedy. Jason guides the conversation through Lynette's unique approach to solving the training gap that plagues most companies: what happens after the workshop ends? Learn how creative briefs become activation tools, not just documents. Discover why fragmentation is the #1 killer of brand consistency and team performance. Understand how to diagnose whether you have a brand problem, culture problem, or something else entirely. Lynette shares her "golden time" framework for building high-performing creative teams, the exact questions that reveal whether someone can think strategically, and why efficiency fuels creativity instead of killing it. Plus, get the truth about why most corporate training fails and what to do instead. If your team is disengaged, missing deadlines, or bleeding talent, this episode shows you the real problem and how to fix it. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/110

Sign up for your free account on ReferU2 here: https://www.referu2.com/s/user_36JW3cUF1fjhEKvfMTF8SK4DTev --- If you're tired of grinding through networking events like some LinkedIn zombie… Hoping you'll magically bump into your next client… This episode is gonna be a wake-up call. Jason sits down with Derek Morgan... The dude who literally REVERSE ENGINEERED his own referral success… Just so he could teach others how to do it. Derek breaks down the difference between random networking… And actual REFERRAL MARKETING. Which is a system. A process. Something predictable. Not just "I hope someone remembers me at the next Zoom happy hour." Here's what you're gonna learn: - How to identify your TOP 3-5 referral partner profiles (the people who already have relationships with YOUR ideal clients) - The exact conversation framework to use with existing clients that gets THEM asking who you need introductions to (without you begging like a desperate salesperson) - Why leading with VALUE to referral partners changes everything (and what that value actually looks like) - The 5-phase referral marketing framework Derek uses to make partnerships predictable and scalable - How Derek built a platform called ReferU2 that actually manages these relationships WITHOUT creating another CRM nightmare Plus… Jason and Derek get into the MINDSET shift that separates people who get occasional referrals… From the ones who build referral MACHINES. If you're a coach, consultant, or service provider… And you're sick of cold outreach and expensive ads… This episode will show you a better way. One that doesn't require you to be everywhere all the time. Just strategic. Intentional. And actually kinda fun. Tune in and stop networking like it's 2015. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/109

How to build a career that actually LASTS in an industry where most people flame out... This is the FIRST episode in a new series Jason's calling Power Traits. Where he brings on people he's known for YEARS... And identifies the ONE core trait that's made them successful. Not the stuff they put on their LinkedIn. The REAL thing that separates them from everyone else grinding in their field. Today's guest is filmmaker Will Canon. And his power trait? RIGOR. The disciplined, relentless process of going back to the drawing board... Again and again and again. Will breaks down how he took The Confession from a road trip conversation in 2018 to a January 2026 streaming release... You'll learn: - How to dual-track creative projects and fundraising without losing your mind - The feedback collection system that actually WORKS (not the "what do you think?" basic nonsense) - Why going back to the drawing board 15-20 times makes you BETTER, not slower - The discipline Will developed as a high school athlete that still drives his process today - How to navigate indie film distribution when there are fewer buyers than ever Jason and Will also get into the messy reality of independent filmmaking in 2025... This isn't your typical "follow your dreams" filmmaker interview. It's a masterclass in RIGOR. The kind of disciplined, relentless iteration that separates people who SAY they're serious... From people who actually finish things. Plus some inside baseball on why streaming platforms are both easier AND harder than the old DVD days. Watch the whole thing if you want to understand what it REALLY takes to build something that matters. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/108

Grab Steve Miller's 25 Uncopyable Action Steps FREE here: https://www.beuncopyable.com/jason-croft In this episode of Strategy & Action, Jason Croft sits down with Steve Miller—author of 11 books including Uncopyable—to break down why being "better" than your competition is a trap... and what to do instead. Steve reveals the concept of extrinsic benchmarking (stealing genius from completely unrelated industries), why most businesses are stuck playing copycat in their own box, and how he built an eight-figure business by focusing on just 200 companies. Jason digs into the challenge coaches and consultants face today: how do you stand out when everyone sounds the same? Together, they explore the difference between visibility and memorability, why competing on price is a losing game, and what it really means to create value so clear that the decision becomes easy. You'll hear wild stories from Steve's time as a Hollywood stuntman, his work with Apple and Caterpillar, and the field trip that changed how a construction equipment giant thought about customer experience. If you're tired of blending in and want to become the inevitable choice in your market, this episode gives you the playbook. Find all the show notes and links here:  https://www.strategyactionshow.com/107

Meet Paul Hoyt - a 60-year business veteran who traded spreadsheets for soul work... After 30 years crunching numbers in IT and 25 years as a business coach, Paul's embarking on his most ambitious project yet: helping good people become powerful enough to change the world. In this raw conversation, host Jason Croft digs deep into Paul's evolution... drawing out insights about the intersection of business strategy and personal transformation that most people never connect. You'll discover: • Why Paul believes good people need to get STRONGER (not just nicer) • The "I ROCK" framework that's helping people level up daily • How he's building a community where business and personal growth collide • The three modes of empowerment most programs completely ignore • Jason's perspective on why we need to embrace that personal development is never "done" • Why most people operate on default instead of realizing they can change who they are • Paul's vision for everyone to become "better than he is" (and how that mindset creates unstoppable movements) This isn't your typical feel-good personal development chat... Jason and Paul explore how left-brain business strategy combines with right-brain transformation to create something the world desperately needs right now. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to align profit with purpose... or someone ready to step into your own "good power"... this conversation will shift how you think about making an impact. Ready to rock with integrity? Hit play and discover how one man's quest to "get his shit together" became a mission to empower an entire movement of world-changers. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/106

Most people think leadership is something reserved for executives in boardrooms. Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio are here to flip that script completely. In this episode, Jason sits down with the duo behind "Lead It Like Lasso" to explore why leadership isn't just about managing teams—it's about managing yourself first. They dig into the messy, beautiful truth that whether you're running a company, teaching a classroom, or navigating your family relationships, you're already leading in some way. The question is: are you doing it well? Marnie and Nick share how they went from working at the largest EdTech company in the world to starting, scaling, and selling their own business in three years. Their secret? A framework built on core values, self-awareness, and the kind of relatable leadership that doesn't require you to be Richard Branson. Jason pushes into the practical side of things—how do you actually discover your core values without staring at a blank page? How do you lead yourself when you feel stuck? And why does thinking about your legacy matter when you're just trying to get through the day? The conversation also touches on their latest book "The Business of You," which challenges listeners to run their lives with the same intention they'd bring to running a successful company. Because at the end of the day, the most important project you'll ever work on is you. If you've ever felt like leadership books are written for someone else, this episode is for you. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/105

Kasim Aslam has built and sold multiple 7 and 8-figure businesses. His secret? He's never actually DONE the work that made him millions. In this episode, Kasim breaks down why talent acquisition is the only entrepreneurial skill that matters... and why most business owners are doing it completely backwards. You'll discover: • Why trying to be the "hero" of your own business is keeping you broke • The "Black Box of Delegation" method that turns mediocre hires into miracle workers • How to find people who can build entire businesses FOR you (even if you've never hired anyone before) • Why the labor collapse is coming... and how to position yourself on the winning side • The simple framework Kasim uses to identify A-players in 14 days or less Plus, Kasim reveals his contrarian take on AI in business... While everyone's worried about AI replacing workers, he's using it to make his BEST people even better. (And why that approach is about to create the biggest wealth gap in human history.) If you're tired of being the bottleneck in your own business... This episode will change how you think about building a team forever. Get Kasim's complete hiring framework (plus templates and worksheets) free at TheHireBook.com Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/104

Mo Salami had it all... on paper. Six-figure salary, nice house, nice car. But 16-hour workdays and zero fulfillment had him living what he calls "apparent success" - when someone else decides what success means for you. Then he saw a sign in a London bookstore that changed everything. In this raw conversation, Mo reveals: • The exact moment he "burned the boats" and left his healthcare career • How he went from burnout to generating $1M in sales in 90 days working with Tony Robbins • The difference between "apparent success" vs "actual success" (this will hit you hard) • His proven framework for designing your ideal lifestyle using online business + personal development • Why 96% of people never achieve the lifestyle they want by age 65 (and how to be in the 4%) Mo doesn't sugarcoat it. Building the life you want requires stepping out of your comfort zone. But as he proves, you CAN curate the lifestyle you wish to create. Whether you're stuck in the grind or ready to design something different, this episode will give you permission to write your own story. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/103

Your marketing agency is bleeding you dry... and you know it. While you're paying thousands for campaigns you can't understand, former executives turned coaches like you are getting left behind by marketers with half your expertise. Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, reveals why the traditional agency model is broken... and what smart business owners are doing instead. In this episode, you'll discover: • The "Anti-Agency Model" that puts YOU back in control of your marketing • Why AI changes everything about building your marketing team (it's not what you think) • The 3-phase strategy framework that stops the guessing game with your marketing budget • How fractional CMOs are giving small businesses access to C-level marketing strategy at a fraction of the cost • The exact questions to ask any marketing partner to avoid getting burned again This isn't about doing more marketing – it's about doing marketing strategically so it actually works. Sara shares real transformation stories from executives who went from "marketing doesn't work" to scaling beyond 1:1 work with confidence. Ready to take back control? This episode shows you how. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/102

For those of you who want more from life but can't seem to get out of your own way... Markus Kaulius returns to the show with nuclear energy and one simple message: you CAN change your life. Today. Right now. In this no-nonsense conversation, Jason and Markus dive into what it takes to actually make that first crucial step toward transformation. They break down: • The critical mindset shift that MUST happen before ANY personal development book or program can work for you • Why most people stay stuck in the "lukewarm pool" of mediocrity (and how to pull yourself out) • A 30-second exercise that instantly raises your confidence levels (try it - it actually works) • How Markus went from selling his 19-year business to writing a top-10 bestselling book and investing in companies aligned with his values If you've ever looked at someone with seemingly boundless energy and confidence and thought "I could never be like that" - this episode will shatter that limiting belief. What makes this conversation unique is Markus' radical authenticity. He's not just another "crush it" bro spouting motivational quotes. He's been at rock bottom with zero confidence and transformed himself completely. Whether you're feeling stuck, considering a major life change, or just need a kick in the pants to stop focusing on all the negative crap in your life - this conversation delivers. By the end, you'll be ready to play a much bigger game. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/101

After 35 years and over 30,000 clients, master coach Gary De Rodriguez reveals the root cause holding back even your most driven clients - and the groundbreaking technique that can neutralize it in under 30 minutes. In this milestone 100th episode, Gary shares his Trauma Memory Resolution Technique - a revolutionary approach that's getting attention from psychotherapists worldwide. He explains how unresolved trauma (even from seemingly minor events) creates a "constellation of beliefs" that sabotages success, and why traditional coaching often falls short. You'll discover: • Why clients get "stuck" despite having clear goals and strong motivation • How trauma physically rewires the brain (and why willpower isn't enough) • A content-free coaching method that creates permanent change in 30 minutes • Why even pre-verbal experiences from infancy can impact adult behavior • The "compounding trauma" that most coaches miss entirely Whether you're a coach, consultant, or helping professional, this episode provides a powerful new framework for creating breakthrough results with your clients. And the best part? You don't need to know ANY details about their trauma to help them heal it. This is a must-listen for anyone serious about taking their impact to the next level. Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/100