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Ethan King is a best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and entrepreneur who helps leaders automate the work that drains them and build businesses that run without them. Before AI became a buzzword, he was using automation to grow real-world, non-tech businesses, including Stuff for Greeks and Zeus' Closet. He is the author of ChatGPT: To Double Your Business in 90 Days and his new book, Done: Let AI Do Your Work So You Can Live Your Life, which hit #1 in 28 Amazon categories at launch. In this episode… Most people use AI like a chatbot. You ask a question, copy the answer, and paste it somewhere else. That still leaves you doing the work. What changes when AI actually finishes the job for you, from start to finish? Ethan King has built a team of about seven AI agents on OpenClaw and Hermes, all running on one Mac Mini and managed through simple text messages in Telegram. He isn't a coder (he was an art major), so he built most of it by asking AI how to do it. His advice is to assume the answer is yes. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran talks with Ethan King about the six levels of AI autonomy, how he set up his agents and what they cost him, and how he handles security and oversight. Show notes: https://smartbusinessrevolution.com/how-to-use-agentic-ai-to-save-time-and-live-your-life-with-ethan-king/

Jason P. Carroll is the Founder and CEO of Aptive Index, a psychometric technology company that leverages AI and behavioral science to help organizations build stronger, more effective teams. As the former President of Champion National Security, Jason grew Champion's revenue from $20 million to $80 million. Aptive Index's groundbreaking AI tool "Aria" is now adopted by leading organizations — including sports teams and entrepreneurs — for hiring, leadership, and even personal relationships. In this episode… Team dynamics can feel like an unsolvable puzzle — so many personalities, hidden motivations, and unpredictable interactions. What if there were a way to understand those behaviors not just anecdotally, but through real data, helping you make smarter decisions in hiring, promotions, and team alignment? According to Jason P. Carroll, a leader in behavioral science and AI-driven assessments, the key lies in combining psychometrics with advanced analytics to uncover patterns that humans alone often miss. He explains that by mapping behavioral data to workplace performance, teams can resolve conflicts, optimize roles, and even strengthen personal relationships. The broader impact, he notes, lies in creating workplaces where individuals are understood, valued, and empowered to thrive. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jason P. Carroll, Founder and CEO of Aptive Index, to discuss AI-powered behavioral data. Learn how it's transforming hiring, guiding team dynamics, and improving leadership decisions. Jason also shares insights on applying these tools beyond work, including personal relationships.

Joseph (Joe) Frost is the Co-founder of yorCMO, a franchise-based company that provides fractional Chief Marketing Officers to help businesses achieve strategic growth through expert marketing leadership. Under Joe's direction, yorCMO has helped dozens of companies scale, and his previous ventures include multiple EO-qualifying, million-dollar-plus businesses across the US and Canada. Joe is known for spotting emerging trends early, such as leveraging video marketing and launching community-driven networks for fractional professionals. He hosts The Fractional C‑Suite Retreat podcast, where he discusses leadership and the future of work. In this episode… Today's entrepreneurs face unprecedented demands  — technology, competition, and a constantly shifting market. How can business leaders leverage expert guidance without hiring full-time executives? Drawing from his experience building multiple ventures, Joseph Frost believes the key lies in fractional professionals. He explains that giving companies access to top-tier executives on a flexible basis allows them to scale smarter and faster, like catching the next big wave without buying the entire surfboard. The result is strategic growth that's nimble and sustainable in an unpredictable market. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Joseph (Joe) Frost, Co-founder of yorCMO to discuss leveraging fractional professionals. They cover building fractional CMO teams, creating sellable firms, adapting to AI in marketing, and Joe also shares tips on expanding fractional networks internationally.

Jeffrey Oakman is the Founding Director of the New Jersey AI Hub, an innovation center affiliated with Princeton University that accelerates artificial intelligence research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development for the state of New Jersey. Under his leadership, the AI Hub has brought together major partners such as Princeton University and Microsoft, launched a 6,500-square-foot coworking and event space, and initiated statewide programs including a registered apprenticeship in AI and machine learning. Jeffrey previously served as policy advisor to the Governor of New Jersey and has a background that includes working in the White House and earning an additional degree after his undergraduate years at Rice University. In this episode… AI is moving fast enough to make entire industries feel like they are trying to build the plane while flying it. So how can a state turn that uncertainty into real economic opportunity? For Jeffrey Oakman, the key lies in building the right ecosystem around AI, not just chasing the newest tool. Drawing from his experience in economic development, workforce policy, and innovation strategy, Jeffrey explains that New Jersey's approach is about connecting research institutions, startups, industry partners, and talent pipelines so ideas can move from labs into real-world use. His central argument is clear: AI's future hinges on expanding access, strengthening training, and encouraging responsible adoption so workers and smaller organizations can keep pace rather than fall behind. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jeffrey Oakman, Founding Director of the New Jersey AI Hub about shaping New Jersey's AI future. They discuss building an AI innovation hub, supporting startups, preparing workers through upskilling, and using AI to accelerate scientific discovery. Jeffrey also talks about responsible AI adoption.

Paul Thompson is the Founder and CEO of Brightline Painting, a Greenville, South Carolina-based company specializing in residential and commercial painting and drywall services across the Carolinas. Since launching the company in 2023, Paul has rapidly scaled Brightline Painting into a multimillion-dollar business through a combination of military discipline, financial expertise, and a technology-driven approach to home services. A Navy veteran who served during the Iraq War, he is also a former finance and venture capital professional. In this episode… Building a business in a traditional industry often comes down to seeing what others overlook. In home services, reliability, professionalism, and customer trust can become real differentiators when the market is fragmented and inconsistent. What happens when someone brings military structure, corporate finance experience, and a founder's persistence into a traditionally fragmented market?  Paul Thompson, a Navy veteran and former finance and venture capital professional, stepped away from traditional corporate paths in pursuit of greater independence and purpose. He highlights how his military discipline melded with analytical, white-collar experience to help him pivot into entrepreneurship with a sharper understanding of numbers, operations, and customer relationships. Paul prioritized tech-enabled operations, intentional marketing, and strong B2B relationships with key decision makers to stand out in a crowded market. Through grit, resourcefulness, and a hands-on approach in the field, he steadily expanded his reputation and client base, demonstrating how structured thinking paired with modern tools can accelerate growth in traditional industries. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Paul Thompson, Founder of Brightline Painting, about scaling a painting business through technology and relationships. Paul shares how he overcame imposter syndrome, built B2B relationships with decision makers, and used data-driven marketing to outcompete local and franchise rivals.

Don Ho is the Co-founder and CEO of Kaizen AI Lab, where he helps mid-market businesses implement practical AI systems with built-in governance and measurable ROI. Under his leadership, Kaizen AI Lab has helped clients replace expensive, legacy software systems — such as a $300,000-per-year enterprise tool — with custom AI-driven solutions in a matter of weeks, while ensuring rigorous cybersecurity and compliance standards. Don is a recovering attorney, a former tea and coffee shop entrepreneur, and an early adopter of emerging technologies, having successfully navigated industries from retail to law to AI. In this episode… Companies do not always need another bloated software renewal to solve a recurring operational problem. Sometimes the bigger opportunity is asking what AI can rebuild, streamline, or replace entirely, but how far can that really go? For Don Ho, the answer is that AI is already practical enough to replace major enterprise tools when it is applied with the right strategy, governance, and technical oversight. Drawing from his experience as an attorney turned AI solutions builder, Don explains how his team helped a client replicate a $300,000-per-year software system in about five weeks while accounting for cybersecurity, PII, HIPAA concerns, and penetration testing. His perspective shows that AI is no longer just a productivity add-on; it can become a serious business infrastructure decision when leaders understand both the promise and the risks. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Don Ho, Co-founder and CEO of Kaizen AI Lab, about replacing expensive software with practical AI solutions. Don talks about building a $300K software alternative, using AI agents for implementation, and setting realistic expectations around AI adoption. He also shares advice on governance, compliance, and choosing the right use cases.

Justin Blackman is the Founder of Brand Voice Academy, which helps businesses define, document, and apply a distinct brand voice across their messaging. He is a messaging strategist who helps brands move beyond generic, forgettable copy and create bold, personality-driven communication that resonates with their audience. Drawing from his experience with brands such as Red Bull, 5-hour ENERGY, and IHG Hotels & Resorts, Justin developed a process for analyzing vocabulary, tone, cadence, and writing patterns to make brand voice more consistent and scalable across writers and AI tools. In this episode… In a world where AI can generate polished copy in seconds, sounding "good" is no longer enough. The harder question is how do you make your brand sound unmistakably like you? According to Justin Blackman, a messaging strategist known for helping brands sharpen their voice, the answer starts with documenting the patterns that make your communication distinct. He explains that voice is not just intuition; it can be broken down through vocabulary, tone, cadence, and even mathematical patterns, a process he calls "brand ventriloquism." When brands understand those patterns, they can create messaging that feels consistent, human, and harder to copy in an AI-saturated world. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Justin Blackman, Founder of Brand Voice Academy, to discuss building a bold brand voice in the AI age. They explore why generic copy blends in, explain how to measure and mirror brand voice, and illustrate how AI can become a stronger writing partner. Justin also shares advice on finding the edge that makes your work different on purpose.

Derek Kalles is the Founder and CEO of Kalles Group, a Seattle-based consulting firm specializing in cybersecurity and engineering solutions for organizations navigating today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Under his leadership, Kalles Group has built a reputation for human-centric security practices and boasts an impressive client roster. In addition to his main venture, Derek is a serial entrepreneur with multiple businesses across property management and AI-driven sales, and has shared valuable lessons from both successes and pivots. In this episode… Some entrepreneurs build companies to chase growth, while others build them to create a life big enough for the people and adventures that matter most. What does it take to design businesses that can keep moving forward, even when the founder is halfway across the world? For Derek Kalles, a lifelong builder and multi-business entrepreneur, the answer is people, systems, and the willingness to let go of being the hero. He explains that working with great people makes it possible to operationalize and sustain multiple ventures, whether it's cybersecurity consulting, property management, finance, or AI. That mindset has allowed him to keep building while also creating room for family, travel, and a leadership style that empowers others to step up. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Derek Kalles, CEO of Kalles Group, about building businesses for adventure. Derek talks about launching multiple ventures, navigating AI and cybersecurity risks, and living in Spain with his family. Derek also shares advice on balancing founder instincts with leadership-led growth.

Zak Eisenberg is a Partner at Merritt Healthcare Advisors, a leading investment bank specializing in providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services to healthcare organizations such as physician-owned surgery centers, hospitals, and medical practices. Under his leadership and the firm's founder-operator approach, Merritt Healthcare Advisors has rapidly grown to develop nearly four dozen healthcare facilities across the US, making it one of the top healthcare-focused investment banks in the nation. Zak's diverse background includes founding an edtech startup in college, experience in venture capital and private equity, and advising on complex healthcare transactions. In this episode… Healthcare isn't just changing, it's being quietly rebuilt from the inside out. As technology accelerates and costs climb, the question becomes harder to ignore: can the system evolve fast enough to keep up with the demands of an aging population? According to Zak Eisenberg, a seasoned healthcare dealmaker and advisor to physician-led businesses, the answer lies in shifting how and where care is delivered. He explains that rising costs and demographic pressures are pushing healthcare away from hospitals and toward more efficient outpatient settings, while also emphasizing prevention over treatment. From ambulatory surgery centers replacing costly hospital visits to a growing focus on population health, the system is being reengineered to do more with less. The result is a transformation that could redefine both patient outcomes and the economics of care for decades to come. In this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, John Corcoran is joined by Zak Eisenberg, Partner at Merritt Healthcare Advisors, to discuss healthcare transformation and the disruptive power of AI. They explore demographic shifts driving demand, the rise of outpatient care models, and how AI is improving diagnostics and workflows. Zak also talks about navigating complex healthcare deals and managing long transaction timelines.

Sam Klein is the AI Architect, Co-founder, and Advisor at AiArchitects, a company that helps businesses integrate and optimize artificial intelligence solutions across various industries. Under Sam's leadership, AI Architects has delivered transformative results for clients ranging from advertising agencies to tech startups, and Sam was recognized as TIME's 2025 Person of the Year for his pioneering contributions to AI adoption. With a background in advertising, startups, and digital media, Sam brings practical expertise in driving organizational change through AI. In this episode… Most companies don't struggle with AI because of the technology, they struggle because their people never really adopt it. So what actually creates real, lasting momentum with AI inside an organization? According to Sam Klein, an experienced AI practitioner and advisor who has worked hands-on with teams across industries, the answer is simple: start from the ground up. He believes teaching individuals how to prompt and experiment builds confidence and capability far faster than rolling out top-down tools. Instead of forcing adoption, he focuses on helping people solve repetitive, real tasks so they experience quick wins. That shift turns AI from an abstract initiative into something practical, contagious, and ultimately transformative for the entire organization. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Sam Klein, AI Architect, Co-founder, and Advisor at AiArchitects, to discuss building bottom-up AI momentum. They explore why prompting skills matter, how small workflows drive adoption, and why top-down AI strategies often fail. Sam also shares advice on overcoming skepticism and creating lasting team engagement with AI.

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and run his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… Many aspiring podcasters hesitate to launch, held back by fear of visibility, pressure to make a strong debut, and uncertainty around marketing and distribution. These challenges can make the process unnecessarily complex. But is launching a successful podcast really that complicated? John Corcoran, a podcasting expert and entrepreneur, shares practical strategies to move past these barriers and take action. John emphasizes that perfectionism often delays progress, and instead recommends launching with multiple episodes to build early momentum. He highlights the importance of tapping into existing networks, maintaining consistent publishing, and using platforms like LinkedIn and email to generate visibility. John also underscores the value of repurposing content into formats like clips, newsletters, and long-form assets to maximize reach. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen interviews John Corcoran, Co-founder of Rise25, about overcoming podcast launch fears and simplifying the path to getting started. John also explores content repurposing, multichannel distribution, and leveraging podcast guesting to accelerate growth.

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and run his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… A podcast can open doors, spark relationships, and quietly become your most powerful business development tool. But in a world where anyone can hit record on their phone, what actually separates a show that drives growth from one that fades into the noise? According to John Corcoran, the difference comes down to intention and execution. Professional production is not about fancy studios or overproduced edits, but about clean audio, thoughtful structure, strong branding, and a strategy that supports relationship-building and thought leadership. When you treat your podcast as a core part of your business development strategy rather than a side project, it becomes a powerful engine for networking, credibility, and long-term growth. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews John Corcoran about mastering podcast production for business growth. They discuss what separates professional podcasts from DIY efforts, how video has become essential for reach and SEO, and why over-editing can actually hurt authenticity. John also shares advice on leveraging thought leadership and short-form video to expand your impact.

Bruno Felicidade Jones is Senior Vice President at Trace Brand Building, a company specializing in brand strategy, digital marketing, and agile digital transformation to help businesses enhance customer experience and drive sales. Under Bruno's leadership, Trace Brand Building has enabled clients to achieve impressive results through innovative AI-driven marketing systems, and Bruno himself is recognized for over two decades of experience in brand building and digital transformation. An advocate for leveraging AI to accelerate content creation, Bruno frequently shares practical strategies for establishing authority and trust online, optimizing for search engines, and building a strong digital presence. In this episode… If you think a polished LinkedIn profile is enough to build credibility online, think again. In an era where AI tools decide who gets seen and who gets ignored, the real question is: how do you prove your authority and earn trust in a way that both humans and machines recognize? For Bruno Felicidade Jones, a seasoned brand strategist and digital authority expert, the answer lies in mastering E-E-A-T: experience, expertise, authority, and trust. He explains that search engines and large language models are constantly "crawling" your digital footprint, evaluating not just what you say about yourself, but how the broader internet validates it. That means optimized team bios, linked LinkedIn profiles, external reviews, authoritative backlinks, structured service pages, and content that reflects real-world perspective, not generic AI filler. When done right, this layered approach doesn't just improve rankings; it positions your business as the obvious, credible choice in both search results and AI-generated recommendations. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Bruno Felicidade Jones, Senior Vice President at Trace Brand Building, to discuss how to drive authority and trust to get more traffic and sales. They explore E-E-A-T fundamentals, optimizing About and service pages, leveraging off-site reviews and backlinks, and using long-tail content to win AI visibility. Bruno also shares advice on turning email newsletters and sales insights into revenue-driving SEO assets.

St Clair Newbern is the CEO of Live Energy Inc., a Colleyville, Texas-based energy broker that helps large commercial clients procure and manage their electricity and natural gas needs. Under his leadership, Live Energy has served businesses across the country for over 20 years, leveraging industry expertise and technology to optimize energy strategies for clients — he also boasts an extensive entrepreneurial background. In addition to his energy industry work, St Clair has recently launched an AI consultancy, diving deep into practical applications of autonomous AI agents and building innovative solutions for knowledge work. In this episode… In a world where automation is becoming increasingly crucial, how far can we push AI to truly enhance business operations? Imagine an AI agent that doesn't just assist with tasks but takes full ownership, running seamlessly 24/7. Could this be the future of work? According to St Clair Newbern, a seasoned entrepreneur with deep roots in AI and energy, the future lies in giving AI true autonomy. Drawing from his experience building autonomous systems, St Clair explains how an open-source AI agent, capable of managing complex projects, sending emails, and even performing research while you sleep, could revolutionize productivity. The real magic, he argues, lies in the model's ability to self-manage, persistently learn, and maintain continuity across tasks — an unprecedented level of automation that empowers businesses to scale without increasing headcount. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews St Clair Newbern, the CEO of Live Energy Inc., to discuss building and harnessing an autonomous open-source AI agent for business. St Clair shares insights on creating AI that acts like a high-performing employee, the architecture behind persistent memory in AI, and how businesses can leverage AI agents to streamline operations.

Joshua (Josh) Hanosh is the Co-founder and Vice President of Three29, a Sacramento-based digital marketing and web development agency that helps B2B companies achieve results through data-driven websites, SEO, pay-per-click advertising, and branding strategy. With over 15 years of experience, Josh has guided Three29 in working with a wide range of clients and successfully grew his agency to a team of 12 before merging with another firm, further expanding the brand's capabilities. In this episode… Getting found online used to be about keywords and rankings. Now, it's about whether AI even knows you exist. So as search behavior shifts from blue links to direct answers, how do businesses make sure they're still the ones being recommended? For Josh Hanosh, the key lies in understanding that AI search isn't just a new channel, it's a new mindset. Drawing from his experience as a digital marketing strategist, Josh explains that people now trust AI like a knowledgeable friend, asking it who to hire and what to do next. The businesses that win are the ones clearly signaling expertise, credibility, and relevance in ways machines can easily understand, which ultimately changes how trust is built online. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Joshua (Josh) Hanosh, Co-founder and Vice President of Three29, to discuss how to get found in AI search. You'll learn how AI is reshaping buyer behavior, why generative engine optimization matters more than rankings, and how websites need to evolve for humans and bots. Josh also shares advice on using PR and authority signals to boost AI visibility.