Right About Now - Legendary Business Advice

Why do some businesses stay stuck for 10 years while others 10X in three? Blake Erickson, co-founder of Scaling.com and co-author of The Science of Scaling with Dr. Benjamin Hardy, joins Ryan Alford to explain the mindset and moves behind rapid growth. Blake walks through his four steps to scale, from focusing on the future to building a team for the company you want to become. He explains why scaling is 80% psychology, why founders need to stop playing defense, and how big thinkers attract other big thinkers. He also shares a real case study of a company that grew from $20 million to $200 million in 12 months, and how to get The Science of Scaling audiobook for free. Topics Covered: • Four practical steps to scale a business • Focus and doing less, better • Hiring for the future, not the present • Scarcity, fear and the psychology of growth • Playing offense in business • A $20M to $200M case study POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL Turn more leads into customers with one platform for CRM, marketing automation, appointment booking, Voice AI and customer follow-up. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan’s link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Links & Resources: • Scaling.com: https://scaling.com/ • Free audiobook: https://scaling.com/free • The Science of Scaling (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Transformation-Science-Achieving-Impossible/dp/1401967639 • Blake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theblakeerickson/ Connect with Ryan Alford: • Website: https://www.ryanisright.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Where does your data go when you hand it to AI? Nicole Jiang, co-founder and CEO of Fable Security, joins Ryan Alford to break down the real security risks of AI adoption, and why most of them start with people, not technology. Nicole explains how messy data and loose permissions can turn AI tools into a liability, how attackers use AI to make phishing and impersonation scams more convincing, and why Fable’s personalized, just-in-time coaching works better than annual training videos. She also leaves listeners with easy habits to start today, from asking AI to sanitize sensitive information to regularly checking what’s being shared that shouldn’t be. Topics Covered: * The human side of cybersecurity * AI adoption across different industries * Data hygiene and AI integrations * AI-powered phishing and social engineering * Rethinking security training * Practical AI security habits POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL Turn more leads into customers with one platform for CRM, marketing automation, appointment booking, Voice AI and customer follow-up. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan’s link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Links & Resources: * Fable Security: https://fablesecurity.com/ * About Fable Security: https://fablesecurity.com/about/ Connect with Ryan Alford: * Website: https://www.ryanisright.com/ * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Getting the click is the easy part. Steve Oriola, CEO of Unbounce, joins Ryan Alford to explain what happens after it, and why so many businesses waste ad budget by sending paid traffic to generic pages instead of focused landing pages. Steve explains how to think about customer acquisition cost all the way through to the sale, how attribution can tell you which traffic sources bring your best customers, and how Unbounce uses more than 2 billion conversion events to benchmark performance by industry. He also covers how AI is speeding up page creation and testing. He also shares the lesson every leader is learning in the AI era: when building software gets cheap, focus becomes your biggest advantage. Topics Covered: • Post-click strategy and landing pages • Acquisition cost, lifetime value and attribution • Conversion benchmarks from 2 billion events • AI in conversion rate optimization • Staying focused when software is cheap to build POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL Turn more leads into customers with one platform for CRM, marketing automation, appointment booking, Voice AI and customer follow-up. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan’s link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Links & Resources: • Unbounce: https://unbounce.com/ • Conversion Benchmark Report: https://unbounce.com/conversion-benchmark-report/ • The State of Paid Media ROI 2026: https://unbounce.com/paid-media-roi-report/ Connect with Ryan Alford: • Website: https://www.ryanisright.com/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Scott Scovill was a self-described broken kid. He finished near the bottom of his class and flunked out of college, until a chance encounter with U2’s touring crew showed him a life he wanted badly enough to fight for. He joins Ryan Alford to talk about his new book, Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams, and the promise he made himself that night. Scott and Ryan unpack the real fear behind not trying, which is proving your doubters right, and why the fear of failure is usually worse than failing. Scott also shares how living like he was “writing a book” led him to astronaut training, Antarctica and touring Europe as Brad Paisley’s opening act. He also explains why grit and resilience can be learned, and how being grateful for the struggle helped him find his why. Topics Covered: Fear of failure and fear of judgment The moment that changed Scott’s life Taking the first step and staying tenacious Living your life like you’re writing a book Grit, resilience and finding your why POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL Turn more leads into customers with one platform for CRM, marketing automation, appointment booking, Voice AI and customer follow-up. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan’s link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Links & Resources: Tenacious (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/dp/1637633874 Scott Scovill: https://scottscovill.com/ Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottscovill Connect with Ryan Alford: Website: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Cisco put AI agents in the hands of all 90,000 of its employees, and Joe Vaccaro, an SVP at Cisco, is here to share what they learned. He joins Ryan Alford to break down how business leaders can roll out agentic AI quickly while still keeping the trust and guardrails that critical systems need. Joe explains why agents act like overconfident teenagers, why clear and specific direction beats vague prompts, and how giving AI the right context changes everything. He also covers the real cost of AI tokens, how model routing will bring that cost down, and when a company should train its own model on its own data. His closing advice is simple: don’t hand AI off to someone else. Use it yourself, because that’s the only way to see where it can really transform your business. Topics Covered: Lessons from Cisco’s company-wide AI agent rollout Why AI is moving faster than any past revolution Guardrails, trust and safety for AI agents Prompting with clarity and context AI costs, model routing and on-device models Turning your data into a competitive advantage Why leaders need to be hands-on with AI POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL Turn more leads into customers with one platform for CRM, marketing automation, appointment booking, Voice AI and customer follow-up. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan’s link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Links & Resources: Cisco: https://www.cisco.com/ Joe Vaccaro (Cisco): https://newsroom.cisco.com/c/r/newsroom/en/us/executives/joe-vaccaro.html Joe on X: https://x.com/joevaccaro Project Glasswing: https://www.anthropic.com/glasswing Connect with Ryan Alford: Website: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Derrick Hayes promised his father he would open a business. Years later, that promise became Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, a Philly-born, Atlanta-built brand now franchising across the Southeast. The founder and CEO joins Ryan Alford to tell the story of going from selling Italian ice nobody understood to running a cheesesteak spot people fly into Atlanta just to try. Derrick explains what fishing taught him about patience in business, why the winners keep going without proof, and why hustling without mastering your craft just makes you a “hobby hustler.” He also shares his biggest scaling lesson: be humble enough to build a team that challenges you. He also talks about the impact of bringing a business into a community, hiring locally, and his Blue Apron program, which gives young employees a real career path. Topics Covered: The Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks origin story Patience, belief and working without proof Hustling vs. mastering your craft Scaling and franchising a restaurant brand Building the right team and advisors Community impact and creating careers POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL Turn more leads into customers with one platform for CRM, marketing automation, appointment booking, Voice AI and customer follow-up. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan’s link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Links & Resources: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks: https://www.bigdavescheesesteaks.com/ Franchise info: https://www.bigdavescheesesteaks.com/franchise Big Dave’s on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdavescheesesteaks/ Derrick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdhayes/ Connect with Ryan Alford: Website: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Arturo Nuñez has told stories for some of the biggest brands on earth, including Nike, Apple, the NBA and Pepsi. He joins Ryan Alford to explain what separates great marketing from expensive noise, and why a customer telling your story beats anything a brand can say. Arturo shares rare stories about Kobe Bryant's savage competitiveness, Nike's open, inspirational culture versus Apple's need-to-know secrecy, and the "Bleed Blue" campaign people in India still remember 15 years later. He also predicts that AI could make apps obsolete within two years. It all ties back to his new book, The Culture Compass: Navigate the Corporate World Without Losing Yourself. Arturo makes the case that your culture and your perspective are your edge at work, and that in a world where AI has all the answers, being uniquely human matters more than ever. Topics Covered: Authentic storytelling and word-of-mouth marketing Nike vs. Apple culture from the inside Lessons from Kobe Bryant's obsession with the craft Apple's business model and the future of apps in an AI world Selling what customers actually want Culture as a business advantage Bringing your whole self to work without losing credibility POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL Turn more leads into customers with one platform for CRM, marketing automation, appointment booking, Voice AI and customer follow-up. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan's link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Links & Resources: The Culture Compass (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Compass-Navigate-Corporate-Yourself/dp/1668032171 Arturo Nuñez: https://www.arturo-speaks.com/ Arturo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arturonunezspeaks/ Arturo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturo-nunez-79329177 Connect with Ryan Alford: Website: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

What if the most profitable car in your driveway is the cheapest one? George Madden, co-founder of Car Rental Coach, joins Ryan Alford to explain how older economy cars under $12,000 can rent for the same price as $30,000 cars. He shares how one $8,300 SUV brought in more than $15,000 in a year. George gives the honest numbers: about $1,000 a month in revenue per car, not the $3,000 people claim online. He also covers the commercial insurance most new hosts get wrong, why you should start with fewer than five cars, and how busy professionals can co-host their fleet and simply collect the check. Ryan also pulls out a lesson for any entrepreneur: document what you learn as you build, because your experience can become a business of its own. Topics Covered: Starting and scaling a Turo car rental business Choosing cars with the best return on investment Real revenue and profit numbers per car Commercial rental insurance and avoiding denied claims Theft, trackers and keeping cars rented Depreciation and tax benefits Co-hosting for hands-off investors Turning expertise into a coaching business POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL Turn more leads into customers with one platform for CRM, marketing automation, appointment booking, Voice AI and customer follow-up. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan's link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Links & Resources: Car Rental Coach: https://www.carrentalcoach.com/ Car Rental Coach on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carrentalcoach Car Rental Coach on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carrentalcoach/ George on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-madden-b824142a3/ Connect with Ryan Alford: Website: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Is your job a "star" role or an "extra" role? Matt Britton, founder and CEO of Suzy and author of Generation AI, tells Ryan Alford that AI will multiply the impact of creative problem solvers. Meanwhile, anyone who shows up waiting to be told what to do is at risk. Matt explains why Gen Alpha, the first generation raised with AI, will bring the biggest change to business and culture since the internet. He covers why the knowledge economy is collapsing, why he'd put coding and advanced math on the chopping block, and how parents can build creativity into their kids early. Matt also breaks down the three levels of AI, from prompts to automations to fully autonomous agents that can book your family vacation. He finishes with a warning for leaders: companies that don't reorganize for speed now will be the next Circuit City. POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL Turn more leads into customers with one platform for CRM, marketing automation, appointment booking, Voice AI and customer follow-up. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan's link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Topics Covered: Gen Alpha and the AI-native generation Why AI is replacing "extras" and 10x-ing "stars" The future of college, trade skills and the knowledge economy Should kids still learn coding and math? Why prompt engineering is already dead The 3 levels of AI: prompts, automations and agents Robotics, AI wearables and life after the smartphone Voice cloning, AI avatars and the "real human" backlash Speed, organizational design and why many CEOs won't change Links & Resources: Generation AI by Matt Britton: https://www.amazon.com/Generation-AI-Alpha-Change-Everything/dp/139430885X/ Matt Britton: https://www.mattbritton.com/ Suzy: https://www.suzy.com/ Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbbritton/ Matt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattbrittonnyc Connect with Ryan Alford: Website: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Marketing channels have changed dramatically since Jason Kocina began helping companies build websites in the 1990s, but he argues that the foundation of effective marketing remains the same. The Publicity.com partner and digital marketing president joins Ryan Alford to explain how businesses can protect their visibility as audiences move from traditional search engines to AI-generated answers. Ryan and Jason explore the evolving relationship between earned media, SEO, content marketing, paid advertising, social media, and sales automation. Jason explains why companies need documented messaging, a clearly defined audience, and consistent brand language before an agency or AI platform can market them effectively. They also discuss how skilled professionals use AI to work faster without sacrificing originality, strategy, or human judgment. This episode gives business owners a practical approach to choosing marketing channels, building authority, and remaining discoverable as search behavior continues to change. POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL HighLevel helps businesses manage leads, automate follow-up, book appointments, and use AI to keep opportunities moving. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan’s link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford TOPICS COVERED Jason Kocina’s experience in digital marketing The similarities between the internet revolution and AI Declining organic search traffic Referral traffic from ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok AI visibility and the future of SEO Creating consistent company messaging Earned media and third-party credibility Public relations, paid media, and content marketing Selecting channels based on the target customer Marketing automation and sales follow-up Using AI to improve professional efficiency The marketing fundamentals that never change CONNECT WITH JASON KOCINA Publicity.com: https://www.publicity.com/ About Publicity.com: https://www.publicity.com/our-story/ Marketing Resources: https://www.publicity.com/publicity-resources/ The CEO’s Guide to Marketing: https://greenleafbookgroup.com/titles/the-ceos-guide-to-marketing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/media-relations-inc-/ CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/

Many successful professionals are already coaching people for free without realizing their experience could become a meaningful source of income. Mitch Matthews joins Ryan Alford to share the Authority Bridge, his framework for adding coaching, speaking, and consulting to an existing career without destroying the life you have already built. They discuss why a small, well-defined audience can outperform a massive following, what most coach-training programs leave out, and how value-based promotion creates trust and consistent content. Mitch also explains why imposter syndrome can signal growth, how human connection keeps coaches valuable in the age of AI, and why the best coaches help clients uncover answers they already possess. The conversation offers a practical way to define success, dream bigger, and turn your knowledge into greater income, impact, and freedom. SPONSOR HighLevel gives entrepreneurs one platform for lead management, marketing automation, appointment booking, and customer follow-up. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan’s link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford TOPICS COVERED The Authority Bridge business model Monetizing your professional knowledge and experience Starting a coaching business without leaving your career Building substantial income without a massive following Creating a clear audience, offer, and outcome The business education missing from coaching certifications Teaching from your journey instead of your destination Overcoming imposter syndrome and comparison Coaching, human connection, and artificial intelligence Asking questions that inspire action The Dream Think Do approach to personal growth Creating more income, impact, and career flexibility CONNECT WITH MITCH MATTHEWS Official Website: https://mitchmatthews.com/ Authority Bridge: https://mitchmatthews.com/authoritybridge/ DREAM THINK DO Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dream-think-do-motivation-encouragement-strategy/id958773768 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitch.matthews/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchmatthews/ CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/

Artificial intelligence is transforming the workforce faster than schools and employers can update how they prepare people for it. Ryan Lufkin, Vice President of Global Academic Strategy at Instructure, joins Ryan Alford to examine the widening gap between traditional education and the skills modern businesses actually need. They discuss whether college degrees still hold value, why lifelong learning has become essential, and how certificates and microcredentials can help professionals remain competitive. Ryan also explains why communication, creativity, judgment, collaboration, and subject-matter expertise become more valuable as AI takes over routine work. The conversation offers a practical look at AI literacy, employee training, the future of entry-level jobs, and what businesses must do to develop an adaptable workforce. POWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGHLEVEL Save time, strengthen your follow-up, and manage more of your business from one AI-powered platform. Start your 30-day free trial using Ryan’s link: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ryanalford TOPICS COVERED The widening gap between education and employment AI’s effect on entry-level career opportunities Why workers feel unprepared for the modern workplace Degrees versus skills-based hiring Certificates, credentials, and continuing education The importance of AI literacy Why subject-matter expertise still matters Human skills that are difficult to automate The changing value of coding Employer responsibility for employee development The risks of failing to train existing employees Using AI to expand employee capabilities How Canvas supports modern education Preparing students for an AI-powered workforce CONNECT WITH RYAN LUFKIN Instructure: https://www.instructure.com/ Canvas: https://www.instructure.com/canvas Educast 3000: https://www.instructure.com/resources/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/educast-3000/id1751576704 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QTGC57NLu4id9FhV8GWZu CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Robin Alex, co-founder of GoHighLevel, joins Ryan Alford to explain how better systems can make businesses more productive, profitable, and prepared to scale. He shares how GoHighLevel brings CRM, marketing automation, lead management, customer communication, scheduling, and other essential tools into one platform. Robin and Ryan examine the hidden costs of disconnected technology, manual follow-up, and inefficient workflows. They also discuss how business owners can use automation and AI to respond to leads faster, provide a stronger customer experience, and give their teams more time to focus on revenue-producing work. This episode offers a practical look at how the right technology can simplify business operations without eliminating the human relationships that drive long-term growth. BUILD A MORE EFFICIENT BUSINESS WITH GOHIGHLEVEL Replace disconnected tools, automate time-consuming tasks, and manage your marketing, sales, and customer relationships from one platform. EXPLORE GOHIGHLEVEL WITH RYAN: https://gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Topics Covered How GoHighLevel simplifies business operations Replacing disconnected tools with one central platform Improving lead management and response times Automating repetitive marketing and sales tasks Creating more consistent customer communication Increasing team efficiency and productivity Using AI without losing the human element Building scalable systems for sustainable growth Connect With Robin Alex and Ryan Alford Get started with GoHighLevel: https://gohighlevel.com/ryanalford Robin Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinalex GoHighLevel: https://www.gohighlevel.com/ Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Real estate investor Justin Brennan grew up around construction and watched his father’s business collapse during the 2008 financial crisis. He joins Ryan Alford on Right About Now to explain how that experience led him toward recurring-income assets, apartment investing, and a collaborative approach to raising capital. Ryan and Justin discuss real estate syndication, cash flow, bonus depreciation, and the two forms of value an investor can bring to a deal: check equity or sweat equity. Justin explains how someone with limited capital can become valuable by finding, analyzing, structuring, and managing promising multifamily properties. Beyond the financial strategies, they examine money as a tool for freedom, philanthropy, generational wealth, and greater control over your time. This conversation is educational and should not replace personalized financial, legal, or tax advice. THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY GOHIGHLEVEL GoHighLevel helps businesses and agencies manage leads, automate follow-up, book appointments, and keep customer conversations moving from one platform. Explore GoHighLevel with Ryan Alford: gohighlevel.com/ryanalford TOPICS COVERED Justin Brennan’s third-generation real estate background Lessons from his family’s bankruptcy in 2008 Purchasing his first rental with partner capital Building recurring income through multifamily real estate Moving from owning a job to owning investments Raising capital through real estate syndication Other people’s money and strategic partnerships Bringing sweat equity when you lack capital Finding, underwriting, and managing apartment deals Potential tax advantages of real estate ownership The limits of passive-income promises Philanthropy, freedom, and generational wealth CONNECT WITH JUSTIN BRENNAN Justin Brennan: https://www.justincbrennan.com/ Brennan Pohle Group: https://www.brennanpohle.com/ Multifamily Schooled: https://www.multifamilyschooled.com/ Free Multifamily Playbook: https://www.multifamilyschooled.com/free-guide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialjustinbrennan/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustinBrennan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbrennan CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

The workforce shortage is not only a labor problem. According to Nicole Feenstra, it is also a storytelling and marketing problem created by companies that fail to make their opportunities meaningful. The DNA Agency founder joins Ryan Alford on Right About Now to discuss employer branding, workforce development, skilled trades, artificial intelligence, employee retention, and the changing expectations of younger workers. They explain why employers should communicate purpose, career growth, impact, and culture instead of relying on generic job descriptions. Nicole also shares how digital advertising, audience targeting, geofencing, customer journeys, and rapid campaign testing can help organizations reach the right candidates. This conversation gives business owners a practical framework for making their companies more attractive to the people they want to hire. THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY GOHIGHLEVEL GoHighLevel helps businesses and agencies manage leads, automate follow-up, book appointments, and keep customer conversations moving from one platform. Explore GoHighLevel with Ryan Alford: https://www.gohighlevel.com/?fp_ref=ryanalford TOPICS COVERED Employer branding and recruitment marketing Why job descriptions have become “word salad” Communicating the value of work Marketing jobs as opportunities The construction and skilled-trades shortage How AI could reshape the workforce Careers that still require human skills Attracting candidates through storytelling Employee retention, training, and advancement Purpose-driven work and younger generations Improving the online application funnel Geofencing workforce-development events Measuring recruitment campaigns Niche marketing and audience identification Testing messages before perfecting campaigns CONNECT WITH NICOLE FEENSTRA The DNA Agency: https://thednagency.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolefeenstra Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenicolefeenstra/ The DNA Agency on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-dna-agency CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/

Jason Brown grew up sleeping in sleeping bags, entered the stock market with $500, and eventually transformed a $10,000 student loan into a six-figure trading account. After one emotional trade wiped out approximately $250,000, he was forced to move home and rebuild his finances and investment strategy from the beginning. On Right About Now, The Brown Report founder and Five-Year Millionaire author joins Ryan Alford to explain how that failure reshaped his approach to risk, options trading, and wealth accumulation. Together, Ryan and Jason discuss financial advisors, stock charts, paper trading, financial literacy, and the importance of knowing when to exit a losing position. Jason also outlines his Five-Year Millionaire framework while emphasizing the education, practice, and discipline required before risking real money. This episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. TOPICS COVERED Jason Brown’s childhood and early interest in wealth Losing most of his first professionally managed investment Making his first $100 trading Sprint stock Growing a student loan into a six-figure account The trade that wiped out approximately $250,000 Greed, ego, and emotional investing Risk management and predetermined exit points Stock charts, fundamentals, and market patterns Using options for leverage and portfolio protection Paper trading and practicing with realistic amounts Evaluating financial advisors and investment funds The Five-Year Millionaire wealth-building framework Teaching financial literacy at an earlier age CONNECT WITH JASON BROWN The Brown Report: https://thebrownreport.com/ Free Trading Resources: https://thebrownreport.com/account/ Five-Year Millionaire: https://fiveyearmillionaire.com/ Power Trades University: https://powertradesuniversity.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownreport/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonbrown1124/ CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Brett Farmiloe built Featured after seeing small-business owners with deep expertise but no reliable way to get quoted by the media. He joins Ryan Alford to discuss earned media, digital PR, AI search visibility, and the revival of Help a Reporter Out. They explain how media citations may influence LLM recommendations, why AI is compressing the marketing funnel, and why a single high-profile feature rarely produces instant revenue. Brett also shares how Featured and HARO connect journalists with verified experts while giving publishers greater control over AI-generated responses. The conversation offers a realistic strategy for building authority, earning backlinks, reaching customers, and becoming more visible across traditional search and AI platforms. TOPICS COVERED Brett Farmiloe’s journey from agency owner to Featured founder The difference between paid media and earned media How businesses can earn credible media coverage AI search optimization, AEO, and GEO Getting cited and recommended by large language models How ChatGPT is changing the customer journey Why PR results are difficult to measure Consistency, quality, and quantity in media outreach The acquisition and relaunch of Help a Reporter Out Connecting journalists with verified expert sources Using AI without removing human expertise Free and paid ways to begin using Featured and HARO CONNECT WITH BRETT FARMILOE Featured: https://featured.com/ Help a Reporter Out: https://www.helpareporter.com/ Brett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettfarmiloe Brett on X: https://x.com/BrettFarmiloe CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-legendary-business-advice/id1346054199 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gy9HkTiwpAAgu1DFyIW9h YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Lisa Holladay has spent her career building loyalty for Mercedes-Benz, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and now TIGER 21. She joins Ryan Alford to explain how intentional customer experience turns transactions into lasting relationships and why product quality alone cannot create brand love. Their conversation covers customer journey mapping, experiential marketing, surprise-and-delight moments, community building, and the challenge of creating meaningful value for ultra-high-net-worth members. Lisa also takes Ryan inside TIGER 21’s peer-learning model, where entrepreneurs and executives connect around investing, family, philanthropy, health, and life after a major business exit. Lisa and Ryan discuss what changed when she moved from global corporations with massive sponsorship budgets to an entrepreneurial organization where ideas can be tested quickly and leaders are trusted to take risks. TOPICS COVERED Lisa Holladay’s career at Mercedes-Benz and Marriott Building luxury customer experiences The relationship between brand love and customer loyalty Why a strong product is only one part of retention Designing an intentional customer journey Creating memorable experiential marketing Building communities instead of customer lists TIGER 21’s peer-to-peer learning model Serving entrepreneurs after a major liquidity event Connecting wealth, family, philanthropy, and purpose Maintaining engagement through digital and in-person experiences Creating an entrepreneurial culture inside a growing organization CONNECT WITH LISA HOLLADAY TIGER 21: https://tiger21.com/ Lisa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaholladay01 Lisa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holladaytime/ CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-legendary-business-advice/id1346054199 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gy9HkTiwpAAgu1DFyIW9h YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Yarin Gaon started his first company at 14, built and sold Israel’s largest military-goods e-commerce platform, and now helps founder-led businesses make smarter decisions about growth. On Right About Now, he joins Ryan Alford to explain why so many companies stall after reaching $1 million to $5 million in revenue and how “growth by subtraction” can improve profitability. Their conversation covers profit mapping, unprofitable bestsellers, ideal customer profiles, leadership alignment, and the hidden risks of building custom technology. Yarin also explains why entrepreneurs should establish predictable cash flow before raising outside capital and why keeping equity can matter more than chasing a bigger revenue number. This episode offers a practical framework for business owners who want stronger margins, fewer distractions, and a company that actually pays them more. TOPICS COVERED Starting a software business at 14 Building and selling an Israeli e-commerce company Why custom-built technology can hurt a business exit The difference between revenue, profit, and EBITDA Why founder-led companies stall between $1 million and $5 million Growth by addition versus growth by subtraction Finding negative-margin products through profit mapping The plumbing company whose popular service lost hundreds of thousands Identifying the right customers, offers, and marketing channels Why hustle and operational systems are not substitutes for strategy Bootstrapping versus raising venture capital Preserving founder equity while building a profitable business CONNECT WITH YARIN GAON Fractional Partners: https://www.fractional.partners/ Growth Decisions Canvas: https://canvas.fractional.partners/ Growth Bottleneck Snapshot: https://snapshot.fractional.partners/ Free Profit Map: https://www.fractional.partners/free-tools/profit-map LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaringaon/ CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Before founding Global Processing Systems, Moses Heredia worked crop fields with his immigrant mother, entered merchant services at $4.25 an hour, and survived a period when he could not afford basic utilities. One Spanish-language sales appointment showed him what commission could unlock; after becoming a top performer and rising through management, he walked away from an executive track to build his own company. On Right About Now, Ryan Alford asks Moses what actually sustained that climb, from fierce competition and disciplined selling to honest relationships and customer-first leadership. They discuss starting from a pickup truck, taking the first financial hit as CEO, protecting employees during economic crises, and building a culture that keeps people for decades. Moses also shares why faith, service, and helping others advance matter more to him than the number in his bank account. TOPICS COVERED Moses Heredia’s immigrant family and agricultural upbringing Discipline, faith, competition, and the desire to win Entering the merchant-services industry Learning to sell on commission Identifying an underserved Spanish-speaking market Founding and scaling Global Processing Systems Human customer service in the payment-processing industry Servant leadership and the inverted-pyramid model Creating long-term employee loyalty Leading through recessions and the pandemic Honesty and accountability in business Redefining wealth, leadership, and success CONNECT WITH MOSES HEREDIA Official website: https://www.mosesheredia.com/ Fields to Fortune: https://www.mosesheredia.com/book Buy the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F84H46R8 Global Processing Systems: https://globalprocessingsystems.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mosesheredia_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moses-heredia-17390098/ CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Tony Vieira spent 36 years in beverage science and operations, helping Blue Moon recover from near cancellation and supporting White Claw through one of the fastest growth periods in the alcohol business. Now the former brewmaster and quality executive has left the corporate safety net to build mōcean drinkwerx with his son, Christian. Tony joins Ryan Alford to explain how product quality, consumer psychology, viral culture and production capacity turned two beverage brands into category leaders. They examine the risks hidden inside explosive growth, including pre-sold inventory, three enormous breweries built during COVID and excess capacity after demand peaked. Ryan and Tony also discuss building a company with family, creating an energy drink for adults and why founders must challenge the ideas they are most tempted to protect. TOPICS COVERED Tony Vieira’s 36-year beverage career Taking Blue Moon to number one in craft beer The product strategy behind Blue Moon’s drinkability White Claw’s rise and the creation of hard seltzer Consumer psychology and viral brand growth Scaling production during extreme demand The danger of overbuilding manufacturing capacity Separating pipeline fill from recurring sales Working with a family member and co-founder Developing an energy drink for adult consumers Challenging assumptions during product development Solving customer problems instead of protecting ideas CONNECT WITH TONY VIEIRA Mōcean: https://drinkmocean.energy/ Mōcean on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/MOCEAN-Mandarin-Caffeine-Adaptogens-Sucralose/dp/B0FSDHYS4N Mōcean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moceandrinkwerx/ Tony Vieira on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyvieira1/ CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/

The podcast industry no longer looks like the creative, audio-first business it was a decade ago. Jeff Umbro, founder and CEO of The Podglomerate and host of Podcast Perspectives, joins Ryan Alford to examine the rise of video podcasting, media consolidation, programmatic advertising and the decline of high-cost narrative shows. Jeff explains how creators can separate audience acquisition from retention, establish clearer goals and determine how much production quality actually serves the business. Drawing on his experience producing more than 700 episodes, Ryan opens up about overproduction, niche audiences and creating a show that generates relationships instead of chasing vanity metrics. Together, Ryan and Jeff offer a practical strategy for sustainable podcast growth: understand what the listener receives, diversify distribution and revenue, and avoid depending on one platform. TOPICS COVERED The evolution of the podcast industry Podcasting’s growing identity crisis Audio podcasts versus video podcasts Audience acquisition and listener retention Podcast production costs and scope creep Direct sponsorships and programmatic advertising Media consolidation and platform dependence The decline of narrative podcasting Subscription, membership and live-event revenue Building a podcast that supports business objectives CONNECT WITH JEFF UMBRO The Podglomerate: https://podglomerate.com/ Work With The Podglomerate: https://podglomerate.com/connect/ Jeff Umbro on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffumbro/ Podcast Perspectives: https://listen.podglomerate.com/show/podcast-perspectives Podcast Perspectives on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/podcast-perspectives/id1699652108 CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/

Mode Mobile co-founder and CEO Dan Novaes joins Ryan Alford for a conversation about entrepreneurship, business pivots and turning smartphone activity into income. Dan shares how his instinct for finding overlooked opportunities took him from selling Pokémon cards as a kid to building a multimillion-dollar international electronics business before he finished college. Ryan and Dan unpack the creation of Mode Mobile, its growth from less than $100,000 in revenue to more than $25 million by 2022, and the development of an operating system that rewards people for everyday mobile activity. Dan explains why consumer attention becomes significantly more valuable when paired with action and how that relationship creates measurable value for users, advertisers and technology partners. The conversation also explores launching the EarnPhone, the challenges of entering the hardware business, the danger of pursuing growth at all costs and why Dan views the ability to pivot as his greatest entrepreneurial skill. TOPICS COVERED • Dan Novaes’ early entrepreneurial ventures • Building a $2 million business during college • The creation and growth of Mode Mobile • How EarnPhone and EarnOS work • Smartphone habits and the attention economy • How brands value consumer attention and action • Knowing when to pivot a business model • Hardware, software and licensing partnerships • Profitable growth versus growth at all costs • Mode Mobile’s future and potential IPO plans CONNECT WITH DAN NOVAES Mode Mobile: https://www.modemobile.com/ EarnPhone: https://www.modephone.com/ Mode Mobile Investment Information: https://invest.modemobile.com/ Dan Novaes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielnovaes Mode Mobile on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/modemobile/ CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Instagram and LinkedIn: @ryanalford YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford

Chandler Bolt, founder and CEO of SelfPublishing.com, joins Ryan Alford for a tactical conversation about writing, publishing, and using a book to grow a business. Chandler shares the eight milestones his team uses to move authors from an idea to a finished launch and explains the four Ps behind a book that connects with the right reader. Ryan pushes on the questions entrepreneurs actually care about: how much publishing costs, how long the process takes, whether self-publishing beats traditional publishing, and what kind of ROI a book can realistically create. Chandler explains how the right book can generate leads, strengthen sales conversations, increase referrals, train customers and teams, and continue producing value years after publication. The conversation also challenges the obsession with bestseller lists and makes the case that for a business owner, revenue, authority and impact are far more important metrics of success. TOPICS COVERED • Self-publishing vs. traditional publishing • Chandler Bolt’s eight publishing milestones • The MORE writing method • The four Ps of positioning a book • Publishing costs, time and ROI • Using books to generate leads and close sales • Books as authority and credibility assets • Print books vs. ebooks • Why business outcomes matter more than bestseller lists CONNECT WITH CHANDLER BOLT SelfPublishing.com: https://selfpublishing.com/ Episode Offer / Consultation: https://selfpublishing.com/writeaboutnow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realchandlerbolt/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chandlerbolt/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChandlerBoltOfficial CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford/

Steve Pratt joins Ryan Alford to explain why brands can no longer force people to pay attention. As the author of Earn It and co-founder of Pacific Content, Steve has spent decades studying what makes audiences willingly choose, remember and return to content. The conversation explores why traditional advertising metrics often reward weak marketing, how short-term thinking undermines long-term growth and why valuable content should feel like a genuine gift to its audience. Steve shares his framework for creative bravery and explains how brands can connect their expertise to content people would consume even if the company name disappeared. Ryan and Steve also discuss niche audiences, branded podcasts and the difference between paying for impressions and paying to generate an actual sample. This episode offers a practical strategy for marketers, founders and creators trying to stand out without becoming another interruption. Topics Covered Steve Pratt’s career in television, music and podcasting The creation of Pacific Content Why the traditional media and advertising model broke Earning attention in an unlimited-content economy Creative bravery and memorable marketing Connecting audience value to business outcomes Why sales-driven content destroys trust Marketing to prospects who are not ready to buy Super-serving an underserved audience Designing a distinctive content format Promoting content to smaller, qualified audiences Cost per sample versus traditional CPM Building an audience that chooses to return Connect With Steve Pratt Steve Pratt: https://www.stevepratt.com/ Earn It book page: https://www.stevepratt.com/book Buy Earn It on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Earn-Unconventional-Strategies-Brave-Marketers/dp/177458476X Steve on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/steveprattca The Creativity Business: https://creativitybusiness.substack.com/ Connect With Ryan Alford Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Ryan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Dani Lynn Robison joins Ryan Alford to explain why lasting wealth is usually built through consistent, repetitive decisions instead of exciting short-term opportunities. From working as a musician on cruise ships to building Freedom Family Investments and Oodles of Leads, Dani’s career has been shaped by learning where her strengths create the most value. She explains why many aspiring landlords eventually become passive investors, how clear communication earns investor trust and why entrepreneurs should resist expanding into businesses they do not want to operate. Dani and Ryan also explore customer retention, lead nurturing and the long-term value businesses lose by constantly chasing new prospects. The conversation closes with a practical discussion about passive real estate, artificial intelligence and building financial freedom without abandoning the work that gives your life purpose. Topics Covered Finding opportunity outside your original career Mentorship, consistency and following proven systems Fear of failure versus fear of success Building teams with true leaders Passive real estate and professionally managed investments Trust, transparency and investor communication The danger of chasing every new opportunity Vertical integration versus building around core strengths Lead generation for home-service businesses Nurturing existing leads and customers Building lifetime customer value AI as a business tool instead of a replacement for human judgment Connect With Dani Lynn Robison Freedom Family Investments: https://freedomfamilyinvestments.com/ Book a conversation: https://chatwithfreedom.com/ Dani on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danilynnrobison/ Dani on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danilynnrobison Oodles of Leads: https://oodlesofleads.com/ Connect With Ryan Alford https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Liat Ben-Zur, author of The Bias Advantage, joins Ryan Alford for a direct conversation about why artificial intelligence is exposing fragile leadership, broken workflows and unclear accountability. Drawing on her experience leading technology transformations at Microsoft, Philips and Qualcomm, Liat explains why most unsuccessful AI initiatives are organizational failures rather than technology failures. Together, Ryan and Liat examine the difference between adopting AI and creating measurable business value. Liat outlines how leaders can begin with valuable problems, redesign workflows, establish clear ownership, build guardrails and stop experiments that fail to produce results. The conversation also explores why judgment, ethical clarity, adaptability and the ability to recognize missing context will define effective leadership in an AI-driven world. TOPICS COVERED Why AI initiatives fail to generate business value The organizational problems technology cannot solve Measuring outcomes instead of AI usage Creating accountability across every business function Redesigning workflows around artificial intelligence Knowing when to stop an AI experiment Why judgment is becoming the new leadership advantage How AI exposes outdated talent and decision-making models The risks of incomplete or biased training data Why leaders must remain accountable for machine-generated decisions Unconventional leadership in the AI era The ideas and frameworks inside The Bias Advantage CONNECT WITH LIAT BEN-ZUR Website: https://liatbenzur.com/ The Bias Advantage: https://liatbenzur.com/thebiasadvantage/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lbenzur CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD AND RIGHT ABOUT NOW Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-legendary-business-advice/id1346054199 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0gy9HkTiwpAAgu1DFyIW9h YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford Ryan Alford: https://www.ryanalford.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Going viral once can be luck, but doing it repeatedly requires a system. Brendan Kane, founder of Hook Point and author of The Guide to Going Viral, joins Ryan Alford to reveal the creative research, storytelling formats and retention principles behind consistently successful social media content. Drawing on his experience with global brands, celebrities and more than 5,000 content tests, Brendan explains why proven formats outperform trends, hacks and endless posting. Ryan and Brendan also explore personal branding, the opportunity available to niche businesses and why AI-generated content will not succeed without strong human judgment and storytelling fundamentals. Listeners will leave with a practical framework for creating content that attracts attention, reaches beyond a narrow audience and supports meaningful business growth. TOPICS COVERED The difference between accidental and repeatable virality Why storytelling formats outperform social media hacks What Brendan learned from testing 5,000 content variations Audience retention and algorithmic distribution Making niche content accessible to a wider audience Building a portable personal brand AI’s role in social media and content creation Selecting sustainable formats that prevent creator burnout CONNECT WITH BRENDAN KANE Official website: https://brendanjkane.com/ Hook Point: https://hookpoint.com/ The Guide to Going Viral: https://brendanjkane.com/the-guide-to-going-viral/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendankane/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjkane/ CONNECT WITH RYAN ALFORD Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Evan Marks joins Ryan Alford on Right About Now for a conversation about mental performance, emotional awareness, and making better decisions under pressure. Evan explains why emotions should be treated as information rather than ignored and how creating mental space allows people to consciously choose their next behavior. Ryan and Evan examine why people often wait for confidence or motivation before taking action, even though behavior usually changes before feelings do. They discuss how repetition, consistency, and intentional choices create momentum and gradually build greater confidence and self-trust. The episode also covers aggressive patience, procrastination, resilience, emotional reactions, and how small improvements compound over time. Evan shares practical ways athletes, executives, traders, and business owners can slow down mentally, reduce interference, and perform closer to their full potential. Through M1 Performance Group, Evan works with high performers on focus, resilience, decision-making, and execution in demanding environments. Topics Covered Mental performance under pressure Emotions as data Creating space before responding Behavior versus feelings Repetition and neurological habits Consistency and confidence Motivation versus momentum Aggressive patience Procrastination and fear Intentionality and execution Performance equals potential minus interference Ryan Alford and Evan Marks on conscious behavior Links Evan Marks https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanmarks-m1/ https://www.instagram.com/emarks72/ M1 Performance Group https://m1performancegroup.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/m1-performance-group/ Ryan Alford / Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Navin Goyal joins Ryan Alford to discuss the realities of venture capital and why most companies may be better served by staying scrappy instead of immediately pursuing outside investment. As a physician, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Loud Capital, Navin has experienced funding from both the founder and investor sides of the table.  Ryan and Navin explore active capital, the execution gap that appears after funding, and how experienced operators can help companies grow while using less money. They also discuss the pressure that comes with institutional investment, the cost of giving away equity, and why raising capital should never be confused with building a successful company.  Navin also explains how AI can help leadership teams organize private company data, identify the activities producing real value, and eliminate distractions that consume time without moving the business forward. The episode offers a grounded framework for founders deciding whether investment will truly accelerate the company or simply create more pressure.  Topics covered Who should and should not pursue venture capital The difference between money and strategic support Reducing capital needs through better execution Founder accountability and adaptability The risks of unrealistic growth expectations Giving away equity versus remaining independent Leadership teams and flexible executives AI-powered company assessments Building business value instead of staying busy Ryan Alford and Navin Goyal on disciplined entrepreneurship Links Navin Goyal https://www.linkedin.com/in/navingoyalmd/ Loud Capital https://loudcapital.com/ Ryan Alford / Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/

Luke Yarnton joins Ryan Alford to discuss why the future of influencer marketing belongs to customers—not celebrities. As co-founder of The Rave, Luke shares how brands are identifying influential customers already purchasing their products and turning them into long-term ambassadors through authentic relationships and community building.  Ryan and Luke explore how micro and nano influencers outperform traditional celebrity campaigns, why trust matters more than follower count, and how affiliate marketing, referrals, and customer communities are reshaping brand growth. The conversation also covers practical strategies businesses can use to activate existing customers and create sustainable word-of-mouth marketing.  Topics Covered The evolution of influencer marketing Ambassador marketing Customer advocacy Micro and nano influencers Affiliate marketing Community building Referral strategies Authentic brand partnerships Customer acquisition Ryan Alford and Luke Yarnton discuss modern marketing

Mark J. Kohler joins Ryan Alford on Right About Now to talk about how entrepreneurs, side hustlers, and small business owners can think differently about taxes and wealth. As a tax attorney, CPA, author, and educator, Mark explains why the tax code is not just something to fear once a year, but a tool business owners can learn to use legally and strategically. Ryan and Mark cover the difference between earning more money and keeping more money, including how side hustles, rental properties, 1099 income, and business expenses can create real advantages when handled correctly. Mark also shares why business owners need to stop fully delegating their tax strategy and instead become the CEO of their own tax team. The episode also dives into family payroll, family board meetings, Roth IRAs, self-directed IRAs, crypto, and how small business owners can involve their families while building wealth. It is a practical, high-energy conversation about taking ownership of your money, understanding the rules, and using the same strategies wealthy people study every year. Topics Covered Why small business owners overpay in taxes How the tax code motivates wealth-building behavior Side hustles as a gateway to tax strategy Why business owners need better bookkeeping What your accountant may not be telling you Family payroll and paying your kids through the business Roth IRAs, crypto, and self-directed retirement accounts How to build a tax team instead of outsourcing everything Ryan Alford and Mark J. Kohler on ownership, discipline, and wealth Links Right About Now / Ryan Alford https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Mark J. Kohler https://markjkohler.com/ https://www.instagram.com/markjkohler/ https://www.youtube.com/@markjkohler https://mainstreetbusinesspodcast.com/ https://directedira.com/ Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Stop Blaming the Rich & Own Your Destiny 00:32 – Introduction: Welcome to Right About Now with Ryan Alford 00:53 – Introducing Main Street Tax Attorney Mark J. Kohler 01:31 – Mark's Journey from Lemonade Stands to the 1% 02:31 – Why Taxes Are Law (And Why the "Big Dogs" Afford It) 03:29 – The Side Hustle Revolution & Building Wealth 04:42 – The 1099 Golden Ticket: Write-Offs You're Missing 05:32 – Demystifying Tax Brackets & Effective Tax Rates 06:09 – Real Estate & Depreciation Strategies (The Trump Tax Anomaly) 07:29 – Tax Strategies the Rich Geek Out On (Roth IRAs & HSAs) 08:50 – Understanding the True Purpose of the Tax Code 09:58 – Oil & Gas Tax Credits Explained 11:17 – The #1 Thing Small Business Owners Must Stop Doing 12:35 – Being the CEO of Your Own Tax Team 13:05 – Treat Your Side Hustle Like a Real Business 14:07 – Tracking Expenses: Stop Delegating, Start Documenting 14:51 – Integrating Family: How to Form a Family Board & Family Office 16:17 – Putting Your Kids on the Payroll Tax-Free 18:44 – Why Your Current Accountant Might Fight New Tax Strategies 20:57 – Mark’s Take on the Crypto Bus & XRP 21:38 – The Difference Between a Financial Advisor and an Investment Advisor 23:32 – What Fuels Success & The Ultimate Goal of the American Dream 25:05 – Where to Find Mark J. Kohler's Resources & Network 26:17 – Closing Thoughts: Information Doesn't Change Lives, Execution Does

Ryan Alford sits down with Matthew McGrory, CEO and co-founder of Arwen.ai, for a conversation about AI, brand safety, social media moderation, and the business value hidden inside comment sections. Matthew explains how Arwen helps brands manage toxic content, protect communities, and identify the customer questions, buying signals, and insights that often get buried in high-volume social conversations. The episode also explores where social media may be headed next, including more commerce, more AI-driven interaction, and more pressure on brands to respond in real time. Ryan and Matthew discuss the idea of X becoming a larger social, commerce, payment, and advertising platform, and why that kind of future changes how brands should think about engagement. They also cover the tension between moderation and free speech, what “lawful but awful” content means, and why brands need tools that protect their channels without removing legitimate opinion. This is a strong episode for marketers, founders, brand leaders, and operators trying to understand how AI can make social media safer, smarter, and more commercially useful. Topics Covered Arwen.ai and AI-powered social media moderation Brand safety and comment protection Why comment sections contain valuable buying signals The future of social commerce and AI engagement How brands can turn social conversations into insights The difference between toxic content and legitimate opinion Why social media is moving past billboard-style advertising Ryan Alford and Matthew McGrory on social intelligence, customer data, and the next era of digital marketing Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-legendary-business-advice/id1346054199 https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford Ryan Alford https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Matthew McGrory / Arwen.ai https://www.arwen.ai/home https://www.arwen.ai/platform https://www.arwen.ai/news https://uk.linkedin.com/in/mmcgrory

Ryan Alford talks with Devora Rogers, Chief Strategy Officer at Alter Agents, about how consumer decision-making has changed and why old marketing assumptions are not enough anymore. Devora explains “shopper promiscuity,” the growing challenge of brand loyalty, and why consumers now use more sources of information before making purchase decisions. The episode explores the tension between brand building and performance marketing, including why brands can over-focus on bottom-of-funnel tactics while ignoring awareness, trust, and meaningful differentiation. Ryan and Devora also discuss brand narcissism, attribution myths, human research, podcasts, catalogs, and why marketers need to understand the full context behind a buying decision. Devora shares lessons from her work with Google’s Zero Moment of Truth research and explains why real people still reveal insights that AI-generated or synthetic respondents cannot. This is a practical episode for marketers, founders, and business leaders who want to understand why customers switch, what still influences buying behavior, and how brands can earn attention in a fragmented market. Topics Covered What shopper promiscuity means for brands Why brand loyalty is harder to earn today Brand building vs. performance marketing Why brand tracking can miss the bigger shopper story Attribution, attention, and why marketers still cannot measure everything Why real human research still matters The surprising influence of podcasts and catalogs Google’s Zero Moment of Truth and how buying behavior evolved Ryan Alford and Devora Rogers on the future of shopper behavior and brand strategy Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-legendary-business-advice/id1346054199 https://open.spotify.com/show/0gy9HkTiwpAAgu1DFyIW9h Ryan Alford https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Devora Rogers / Alter Agents https://alteragents.com/ https://alteragents.com/who-we-are/devora-rogers-y/ https://alteragents.substack.com/

Ryan Alford talks with Monica Nassif, founder of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, about the founder story behind one of the most recognizable brands in household cleaning. Monica explains how her mother’s Midwestern practicality, frugality, and grit became the foundation for a brand that felt different from anything else on the shelf. The conversation moves through the early days of Caldrea, the decision to create Mrs. Meyer’s, the challenge of selling into Whole Foods one store at a time, and the failed Target test Monica chose to walk away from before the buyer kicked her out. Ryan brings the marketing and operator lens, while Monica brings the hard-earned retail wisdom of someone who built a brand by understanding the consumer, the shelf, and the category. They also talk about creativity, packaging, fragrance, social media, product development, and Monica’s book I Bottled My Mother. This episode is especially useful for founders, marketers, and CPG operators who want to understand what it really takes to build a brand that can move from niche to mainstream. Topics Covered The origin story of Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day How Thelma Meyer became the soul of the brand Building Caldrea before launching Mrs. Meyer’s Selling into Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, and Amazon Why Monica pulled the brand from Target and came back stronger How fragrance made cleaning products feel giftable and premium What founders need to understand about shelf space Ryan Alford and Monica Nassif on consumer behavior, creativity, disruption, and founder perseverance Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-legendary-business-advice/id1346054199 https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford Ryan Alford https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Monica Nassif / I Bottled My Mother https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/I-Bottled-My-Mother/Monica-Nassif/9781646872336 https://www.amazon.com/Bottled-My-Mother-Growing-Business/dp/1646872339 https://www.target.com/p/i-bottled-my-mother-by-monica-nassif-paperback/-/A-1007820287 https://www.walmart.com/ip/I-Bottled-My-Mother-Grit-Grime-amp-Growing-a-Business-the-Mrs-Meyer-apos-s-Story-Paperback-9781646872336/18837654974

Ryan Alford sits down with Chris Allen for a conversation that starts with Netflix’s Million Dollar Secret and quickly turns into something more useful for founders, marketers, and operators. Chris shares how he went from finance to business school to startup life, why he believed consumer products now need a face as much as a formula, and how that belief pushed him toward reality TV. The episode also explores what happens after the cameras stop rolling. Ryan and Chris talk about online attention, brand leverage, content testing, influencer economics, and why sales and influence still sit at the center of almost every business outcome that matters. Chris is candid about the pressure of instant visibility, the challenge of turning attention into revenue, and the bigger question of what success actually looks like after a public breakthrough. It is a smart episode about celebrity, strategy, and using visibility as a business tool instead of just a vanity metric. Topics Covered Chris Allen’s background in finance and startups Why he saw fame as a business asset The strategy behind going on Million Dollar Secret How Netflix’s platform amplified the show globally Why online attention is easier to get than to monetize Sales, influence, and convincing people in business The difference between short-term fame and long-term leverage Ryan Alford and Chris Allen on purpose, impact, and what comes next Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://www.ryanisright.com/videos/ https://www.ryanisright.com/follow/ Ryan Alford https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Chris Allen https://www.instagram.com/callennd/ Million Dollar Secret https://www.netflix.com/title/81731670 https://www.netflix.com/tudum/million-dollar-secret

Ryan Alford talks with Rick Jordan about one of the hardest founder arcs to navigate: building real momentum, scaling quickly, and then being forced to confront what happens when part of that structure fails. Rick walks through taking his company public, the acquisitions that accelerated growth, and the liabilities that later turned those wins into a painful and expensive reset. The conversation is honest about the things founders do not always say out loud. Ryan and Rick unpack the emotional side of leadership, the tendency to internalize every failure, the danger of writing checks just to buy more time, and why entrepreneurs often carry burdens no one else inside the company truly feels. They also talk about what comes next: rebuilding with stronger structure, teaching other business owners what Rick learned the hard way, and focusing on scalable systems that can survive more than just the first burst of momentum. It is a candid, useful listen for anyone trying to grow without confusing speed for stability. Topics Covered Rick Jordan’s path from private business growth to public markets How acquisitions helped scale the company quickly What happens when acquired businesses bring hidden problems The legal and structural difference between buying stock and buying assets Why founders often over-own the pain of failure The cost of trying to save a business the wrong way Rebuilding with better structure and clearer boundaries Ryan Alford and Rick Jordan on scaling, scars, and second chances Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-legendary-business-advice/id1346054199 https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford Ryan Alford https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Rick Jordan https://www.mrrickjordan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mrrickjordan/ https://www.youtube.com/@mrrickjordan ReachOut Technology https://www.reachoutit.com/ Frequency Holdings https://www.frequencyholdings.com/

Ryan Alford talks with Chris Josephs, co-founder of Autopilot, about how political stock-trade tracking became one of the most talked-about ideas in finance media and how that momentum evolved into a real investing business. Chris explains the origin of the Pelosi Tracker, why the topic hit such a nerve with both parties, and how Autopilot now gives users a way to follow portfolios from politicians, hedge funds, AI-driven strategies, and vetted independent investors. The conversation also digs into product design, marketplace thinking, and what Chris believes is broken in traditional investing. Ryan and Chris explore the black-box problem with advisors and retirement accounts, why transparency matters more than ever, and how accountability can become a real competitive edge in a world increasingly flooded by AI-generated noise. They close by talking about virality, founder strategy, and the difference between chasing attention and using attention to build durable trust. It is a useful episode for entrepreneurs, investors, and operators who want to understand how a sharp media insight can turn into a differentiated product with real staying power. Topics Covered The origin story behind the Pelosi Tracker Why political stock trading became such a viral topic How Autopilot works inside existing brokerage accounts The marketplace model for following investors Why transparency and verification matter in modern finance Chris Josephs’ view on AI, emotion, and stock research Why virality is overrated without product-market fit Ryan Alford and Chris Josephs on trust, investing, and founder execution Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-legendary-business-advice/id1346054199 https://open.spotify.com/show/0gy9HkTiwpAAgu1DFyIW9h https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford Ryan Alford https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Chris Josephs / Autopilot https://www.joinautopilot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/chrisjjosephs/ https://x.com/pelositracker https://pelositracker.app/

Ryan Alford sits down with Anya Cheng, founder and CEO of Taelor, for a conversation about AI, commerce, branding, and why data is becoming the defining advantage in the next generation of startups. Anya shares how she identified a real customer problem inside fashion and style, why most men do not actually want to shop, and how Taelor was built to remove friction through a mix of AI, logistics, and human styling support. Ryan and Anya also dig into the balance between brand and performance marketing, the changing role of SEO in a ChatGPT world, and why founders should be thinking less about building models and more about owning differentiated data. The episode becomes a bigger discussion about business moats, customer behavior, and how the most valuable AI companies may come from industries that do not look flashy at first glance. They close with a sharp look at live shopping, social commerce, and where Anya believes U.S. consumer behavior is headed next. It is a useful listen for entrepreneurs trying to separate what is durable in AI from what is just noise. Topics Covered How Anya Cheng went from major tech companies to founding Taelor Why solving the right problem is more important than building the right feature The role of AI and human stylists in modern commerce Why unique data is more valuable than generic model access Branding, performance marketing, and the purchase funnel ChatGPT SEO and the rise of answer-based discovery Live shopping and why U.S. commerce behavior still lags Asia Ryan Alford and Anya Cheng on defensible AI business strategy Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-legendary-business-advice/id1346054199 https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford Ryan Alford https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Anya Cheng / Taelor https://taelor.style/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyacheng/

Ryan Alford talks with Jason Feifer about what it really takes to build a durable career in a world that keeps changing faster than people expect. Jason explains why he stopped waiting to be discovered, why every path carries risk, and why adaptability is often the trait that separates the people who keep growing from the people who quietly get left behind. The conversation also digs into storytelling, audience psychology, and what makes content genuinely useful instead of just self-congratulatory. Jason shares how he thinks about serving an audience, why he prefers problem-solving stories over simple success stories, and how that mindset has shaped his work at Entrepreneur and on Build for Tomorrow. By the end, the episode becomes a bigger conversation about how to think long term without becoming rigid, how to stay useful in changing markets, and how to recognize that every decision carries risk whether you move or stay put. It is a thoughtful listen for anyone building a business, a brand, or a career that has to evolve over time. Topics Covered Why waiting to be chosen is a losing strategy What Jason Feifer learned from starting at a tiny local paper Why every career path carries risk How self-limiting plans close off better opportunities The audience-first framework for stronger storytelling Why problem-solving stories outperform generic success stories The four phases of change from Build for Tomorrow Ryan Alford and Jason Feifer on reinvention, relevance, and growth Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ Ryan Alford https://www.ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Jason Feifer https://www.jasonfeifer.com/ https://www.instagram.com/heyfeifer/ Build for Tomorrow https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/build-for-tomorrow/id1104682320 https://open.spotify.com/show/2JWluwXrmvrgeogZCAIWVF

Ryan Alford talks with Tanner Chidester about the difference between looking productive and actually building a business that makes money. Tanner explains why so many founders are trapped in the wrong tasks, why leads and sales volume still matter more than most people want to admit, and how weak follow-up systems quietly kill otherwise good businesses. The conversation also covers offer design, guarantees, branding, Tanner’s book Infinite Income, and the habits that separate solopreneurs from leaders who can actually scale teams. Ryan brings the operator and agency perspective, while Tanner brings the blunt, tactical lens of someone who has built, sold, hired, fired, coached, and learned the hard way. By the end, the episode becomes a bigger conversation about what it really takes to move from information to action. That includes doing the hard thing you have been avoiding, accepting that no one is coming to save you, and building something strong enough that the market does not need to be convinced as hard in the first place. Topics Covered Why entrepreneurs often choose busywork over sales work How better offers reduce friction in marketing and sales Why follow-up systems matter more than changing media buyers What Tanner sees inside businesses that are stuck Why door-to-door sales builds real skill fast What Tanner would change about Infinite Income Why Tanner is moving toward a bigger next chapter Ryan Alford and Tanner Chidester on execution, authority, and scale Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Tanner Chidester https://tannerchidester.com/ https://www.instagram.com/tanner.chidester/ https://tannerchidester.com/podcast2/ Elite CEOs https://go.eliteceos.com/main-elite-ceos-careers https://go.eliteceos.com/tanner-in-person

Ryan Alford sits down with Brad Rothenberg for a conversation about the part of American soccer most casual fans never really see: the opportunity gap behind the game. Brad explains how the pay-to-play system creates barriers for talented athletes who have the skill to compete, but not the money or visibility to get into the right pipeline. He also breaks down how Access U works around that reality by helping students with tutoring, test prep, college counseling, recruiting, and the support needed to turn athletic talent into a real education pathway. Ryan helps connect the conversation to bigger themes around economics, sports business, merit, and long-term development. That makes this episode relevant not just to soccer families, but to anyone interested in opportunity, talent pipelines, youth sports, and how systems either unlock or waste human potential. Topics Covered The economics of pay-to-play soccer Why talented players fall outside the formal development system How Access U supports student-athletes over four years Why girls and boys often show different readiness patterns How Brad measures success beyond pro careers Why soccer’s future in America is still unfinished NIL, college sports, and what access really means Ryan Alford and Brad Rothenberg on systems that create or block opportunity Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford Ryan Alford https://ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Brad Rothenberg / Access U https://accessufoundation.org/

Ryan Alford sits down with Tom La Vecchia for a smart conversation on what luxury brands are really selling now — and why modern brand strategy is less about pure exclusivity and more about cultural participation. Using the rumored AP x Swatch collaboration as the centerpiece, Tom explains why giving more people a way into the brand does not necessarily weaken the grail product. Instead, he argues that it can strengthen long-term demand by creating nostalgia, recognition, and early emotional attachment before the consumer has the budget to buy the flagship version. Ryan brings the operator and brand-builder perspective, challenging the idea from the standpoint of old-school scarcity and luxury signaling. Together, they unpack why some watch brands stayed culturally relevant while others missed the shift, and why owned media, borrowed interest, and patient brand seeding matter more than ever. Topics Covered The business logic behind AP x Swatch Why exclusivity is now emotional as much as financial How culture and hype feed brand aspiration Why sneaker culture changed the luxury playbook The difference between premium, luxury, and grail positioning Why some legacy brands adapted and others stalled The value of owned media and controlled distribution Ryan Alford and Tom La Vecchia on playing the long brand game Links Right About Now https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford Ryan Alford https://ryanalford.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Tom La Vecchia / X Factor Media / New Theory https://xfactormediagroup.com/ https://xfactormediagroup.com/about/ https://newtheory.com/ https://newtheory.com/author/tomla/ https://www.youtube.com/@NewTheoryMagazine

Ryan Alford sits down with Ismail Vali for a conversation that turns online gambling into a much bigger business and policy discussion. Ismail explains why he believes illegal and unregulated operators still dominate huge parts of the online gambling market, why legal operators have struggled to capture the economics people assumed they would, and how regulators remain behind the technology that changed the game years ago. He also lays out how offshore gambling, illegal streaming, and prediction-style products are creating a broader ecosystem that is harder to regulate and easier for consumers to stumble into than most people realize. Ryan brings the entrepreneur and free-market lens, pushing on consumer choice, overregulation, and where the line should actually be drawn. That back-and-forth makes this episode especially strong for listeners interested in business, policy, regulation, digital markets, and the unintended consequences of pretending a fast-growing market does not exist. Topics Covered The economics of illegal online gambling Why legal gaming markets are still underperforming expectations The role of offshore operators in value extraction Why some states still have no legal online gambling How prediction markets and other gray-area products fit in Why Ismail says the market is already here whether lawmakers accept it or not Consumer choice versus consumer protection Ryan Alford and Ismail Vali on what sensible regulation could look like Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford/ Ismail Vali / Gaming Compliance International Website: https://gamingcompliance.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ismailvali/ GCI Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gaming-compliance-international

Ryan Alford sits down with Josh Troy for a deep conversation on what actually creates predictable revenue in modern B2B sales. Josh explains how revenue operations, outbound systems, content, trust, and AI all fit together, and why most businesses are still chasing activity instead of building a true revenue engine. He also breaks down the difference between generating leads and generating pipeline, why cold calling still works, and how smarter follow-up systems can unlock more revenue without spending more on new leads. Ryan brings the operator and marketing lens, Josh brings the sales systems and RevOps lens, and together they unpack what founders, sales leaders, and growth-minded businesses need to understand if they want their revenue to become more reliable. Topics Covered What RevOps really means in practice Why predictable revenue matters more than one-off wins The role of AI in modern outbound strategy Why cold calling is still working How content builds trust and pipeline What businesses get wrong about lead quality Why pipeline reactivation is an underrated growth lever How founders can think more strategically about revenue systems Connect Josh Troy / WFS Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troy.joshua/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-troy-09567198/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshuatroy Website: https://curvionblue.com/ Ryan Alford  Right About Now: https://www.ryanisright.com/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc8gmekIb1SS1s216ASNT_w

Ryan Alford sits down with Justin J. Giangrande, Founder and CEO of NETWORK, for a wide-ranging conversation on how NIL is reshaping college sports from the inside out. Justin explains what athlete representation actually looks like in the NIL era, why schools, conferences, and brands are all still figuring out the rules in real time, and why the real power in college sports now sits with a handful of decision-makers who still have not fully aligned. He also breaks down how his firm approaches school negotiations, why the best deal is not always the biggest one, and what parents need to understand before trying to navigate this world alone. Ryan brings the business and brand lens, Justin brings the operator and agent lens, and together they unpack why NIL is both a mess and a massive opportunity. This episode is especially useful for parents, athletes, marketers, and anyone trying to understand where the business of college sports is actually headed. Topics Covered NETWORK’s role in collegiate sports marketing and NIL Why regulation still has not caught up The tension between athlete opportunity and roster chaos How brands should think about NIL and athlete partnerships Why high school NIL may be the next big unlock What parents need to know before picking representation How schools can create more real endorsement value Why some sports still have massive untapped upside Connect with Justin J. Giangrande / NETWORK NETWORK: thenetworkadvisory.com Justin J. Giangrande bio: thenetworkadvisory.com/team/justin-j-giangrande Justin on Instagram: @jg.network NETWORK on Instagram: @thenetworkadvisory Connect with Ryan Alford / Right About Now Right About Now: ryanisright.com Right About Now YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCc8gmekIb1SS1s216ASNT_w

Ryan Alford sits down with Jeanne Sparrow for a conversation about leadership, communication, and why authenticity is more than just “being yourself.” Jeanne shares how her media career, family storytelling roots, and work as an author and speaker shaped her view that real influence comes from spoken communication, memorable stories, and service to others. She also explains why so many teams struggle internally before they struggle externally, and why spoken confidence is becoming a bigger advantage as more people rely on text, email, and AI to do their talking for them. Ryan connects with Jeanne especially around marketing, persuasion, and what it really means to sell an idea in a way people remember. This episode is especially useful for leaders, entrepreneurs, speakers, and anyone navigating a career or identity transition. Topics Covered - Jeanne Sparrow’s path from radio and TV to speaking and authorship - Why stories stick more than lists or information - How authenticity and service work together - Why strong communication is still a competitive advantage - The gap between school performance and real-world performance - How leaders can communicate with more clarity and impact - Why AI will not replace human motivation and spoken influence Links - Jeanne Sparrow official site: jeannesparrow.com - Fearless Authenticity book page: jeannesparrow.com/book - Ryan Alford official site: ryanisright.com

AI is changing more than workflows — it is changing what teams are, how leaders lead, and what kinds of people businesses need next. In this episode, Ryan Alford talks with Veronica Shelton, co-founder of Oak Theory, about accessibility, inclusive design, neurodivergent thinking, leadership without ego, and why curiosity is often the trait that separates good founders from great ones. They also go deep on the practical side of AI adoption: how roles are blending, how companies can stay lean without losing humanity, and why resisting change is no longer a viable option. Ryan connects with Veronica especially around founder leadership, team evolution, and the challenge of helping people adapt to a world where AI is becoming part of nearly every role. The result is a smart, current conversation for anyone building a company, managing creative work, or trying to understand where modern work is actually headed. Topics Covered Veronica Shelton’s path into product design and creative tech Why curiosity drives real success Accessibility, psychology, and better digital experiences The human implications of AI at work How Oak Theory is evolving team roles with AI Why leaders need to drop ego and tell the truth Ryan Alford and Veronica Shelton on what adaptation really looks like Links Oak Theory: oaktheory.co Under the Oak: undertheoak.co Veronica Shelton on LinkedIn: LinkedIn profile for Oak Theory co-founder Veronica Shelton. Right About Now / Ryan Alford: ryanisright.com

Every entrepreneur talks about the breakthrough. Fewer talk honestly about the rejection, chaos, and setbacks that come first. In this themed compilation episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford brings together powerful moments from conversations with Alex Morton, Jen Gottlieb, Ken Wentworth, and other guests who know what it means to rebuild, reinvent, and push through resistance. The result is a sharp, motivating episode about what really creates traction: resilience, self-awareness, better decision-making, and the willingness to execute before you feel ready. Ryan ties these conversations together with the bigger lesson behind the show: breakthroughs do not come from consuming more information. They come from acting on the right insight at the right time and refusing to stay stuck. Topics Covered Rock bottom moments that became turning points Why rejection is often the start of real progress Authenticity, confidence, and reinvention in business The first win that changes how you see opportunity Strategic financial thinking and margin improvement Why execution matters more than motivation How Ryan Alford frames resilience across every industry Connect Ryan Alford / Right About Now: RyanIsRight.com Social Media: @RyanAlford Join our newsletter: https://ryans-newsletter-148404.beehiiv.com/

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with Khalil Zahar, CEO of FightCamp, about the realities of building a startup from the ground up. Khalil shares the challenges of launching a hardware-based business, including manufacturing risks, financial pressure, and the critical “valley of death” stage that many startups never survive. They also discuss the importance of growth, team dynamics, and maintaining momentum through both high-growth periods and difficult downturns. This episode offers practical insights and hard-earned lessons for entrepreneurs navigating the realities of building and scaling a business. 🔑 Topics Covered Startup challenges in hardware businesses Growth and revenue as key drivers Leadership and team management Navigating setbacks and failure Building long-term resilience 🤝 Connect Ryan Alford 👉 https://www.rightaboutnow.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Khalil Zahar 👉 https://www.fightcamp.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/fightcamp 👉 https://www.instagram.com/khalilzahar

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with Scott Clary about the rapid rise of AI and its impact on business, careers, and opportunity. Scott shares why adopting AI is no longer optional and how these tools are enabling individuals to scale output, test ideas faster, and build businesses with fewer resources than ever before. They also discuss the mindset required to succeed, including self-belief, removing limiting assumptions, and adapting quickly to new technology. This episode provides practical insights for anyone looking to stay competitive in an AI-driven world. 🔑 Topics Covered AI’s impact on business and productivity One-person business models Execution speed as a competitive advantage Mindset and risk-taking AI-first thinking 🤝 Connect Ryan Alford 👉 https://www.ryanisright.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Scott Clary 👉 https://www.instagram.com/scottdclary 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottclary 👉 https://successstorypodcast.com

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Lily Vittayarukskul, founder of Waterlily, to explore the intersection of AI, aging, and financial planning. The conversation highlights how advancements in AI are enabling more personalized predictions around long-term care needs, helping individuals and families better understand future costs and risks. Ryan and Lily also discuss the broader implications of AI on wealth creation, economic inequality, and the importance of adapting to new technologies in order to stay competitive. This episode offers valuable insight for anyone looking to better prepare for the financial realities of the future. 🔑 Topics Covered Long-term care planning and financial risk AI-driven predictions and personalized data insights Wealth building and protection strategies Economic impact of emerging technologies Business and entrepreneurship in an AI-driven world 🤝 Connect Ryan Alford 👉 https://www.ryanalford.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Lily Vittayarukskul 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-vittayarukskul/ 👉 https://waterlily.com

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Ben Johnston to explore the current state of the economy and what it means for small business owners. The conversation covers inflation, interest rates, global conflict, and supply chain disruption, offering a grounded perspective on how these forces are shaping business conditions today. Ryan and Ben also discuss the growing role of AI, including how it’s improving efficiency, reducing labor needs, and enabling more individuals to launch businesses independently. Whether you're running a business or tracking economic trends, this episode provides practical insight into navigating uncertainty and staying competitive. 🔑 Topics Covered Economic conditions affecting small businesses Inflation, interest rates, and consumer spending Global supply chain challenges and disruptions AI’s role in business operations and workforce changes Solopreneur growth and lean business models Strategic advice for business owners

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with Anders Hansen about the role of perception, belief systems, and mental conditioning in shaping personal and professional outcomes. The conversation explores how the subconscious mind drives the majority of behavior, how assumptions influence decision-making, and why people often remain stuck in limiting patterns. They also discuss the importance of intuition, the impact of gratitude on mindset, and practical ways to shift perspective to create meaningful, lasting change. 🔑 Topics Covered Mental conditioning and subconscious behavior Beliefs and their impact on results Intuition vs logic in decision-making Gratitude and mindset shifts Personal transformation strategies 🤝 Connect Ryan Alford Website: https://www.ryanalford.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanAlford Right About Now Podcast: https://www.ryanisright.com Anders Hansen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realandershansen Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realandershansen Company / Real Magic: https://www.realmagic.live LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andershansen

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Chad Bronstein and Terri Francis to explore what it takes to build a brand in a highly competitive industry. Drawing from their experience launching Real American Beer, the conversation dives into the realities of distribution, the importance of relationships, and the challenges of scaling without massive resources. They also discuss how marketing, culture, and lifestyle integration play a critical role in long-term success—and why understanding your ecosystem matters more than ever in today’s business environment. 🔑 Topics Covered Distribution challenges and the three-tier system The role of relationships in business growth Scaling a brand without large budgets Marketing strategies in competitive industries Building a lifestyle-driven brand Long-term growth and ecosystem thinking 🤝 Connect with the Hosts & Guests Ryan Alford  https://www.ryanisright.com Chad Bronstein and Terri Francis Website — https://therealamerican.com https://www.realamericanfreestyle.com/ Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/drinkrab

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Ashley Stahl to explore what it really takes to build a personal brand that creates opportunities. Ashley breaks down the critical difference between credibility and authority, and why many professionals get stuck building experience without ever becoming known for it. She shares how leveraging platforms like TEDx and YouTube can accelerate visibility—and how one well-crafted message can compound over time. This episode is packed with practical insights on positioning, messaging, and how to turn attention into something meaningful—whether that’s clients, speaking opportunities, or long-term brand equity. 🔑 Topics Covered Credibility vs authority in personal branding Building visibility that actually converts The role of TEDx and long-form content Why messaging matters more than volume Turning attention into business opportunities How to identify and communicate your unique value 🤝 Connect with Ashley Stahl https://wisewhisperagency.com https://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl 🤝 Connect with Ryan Alford https://www.ryanisright.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Dave Charest to discuss how AI is reshaping the way small businesses operate. Dave shares insights from recent research showing that more than half of small business owners are already using AI—and why many are increasing their marketing efforts despite economic uncertainty. The conversation explores how AI improves efficiency, helps business owners make smarter decisions, and enables them to compete at a higher level. They also cover practical strategies around email marketing, social media, and audience building—highlighting why owning your customer relationships is more important than ever. Topics Covered AI adoption among small businesses Efficiency vs overcomplication with AI Marketing trends and budget shifts Email marketing vs social media strategy Building and owning your audience Data-driven decision making with AI Common mistakes small business owners make Connect with Dave Charest https://www.constantcontact.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecharest Connect with Ryan Alford https://ryanalford.com https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Ken Goldin to explore how collectibles evolved into a massive global market. Ken shares how he built Goldin Auctions by focusing on attention, audience growth, and long-term brand strategy—often prioritizing exposure over immediate profit. The discussion breaks down how value is created through storytelling, positioning, and market psychology. They also examine the risks within today’s market, including speculation, overvaluation, and why vintage collectibles remain the most stable long-term investment. Topics Covered Growth of the collectibles market Marketing vs. product in value creation Risk and speculation in modern collecting Vintage vs. modern investment strategy Building audience and brand equity How media expanded the hobby Connect with Ken Goldin https://goldin.co https://www.instagram.com/kengoldin https://x.com/kengoldin Connect with Host — Ryan Alford Website: Ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

AI is making content faster—but not necessarily better. In this episode of Right About Now, John Benson joins Ryan Alford to break down what actually makes content convert in the age of AI. From inventing the video sales letter (VSL) to building AI tools that replicate high-converting copy, John shares how persuasion hasn’t changed—even as technology has. The real edge isn’t automation, it’s understanding human values and aligning messaging with what people already believe. They also explore how entrepreneurs should think about AI as a “second brain,” why most AI-generated content fails, and how to use values-driven messaging to attract the right audience—and repel the wrong one. If you’re using AI for content, marketing, or growth, this episode will completely change how you think about what actually works. Topics Covered The origin of the video sales letter (VSL) and why it still works Why most AI-generated copy fails to convert The role of human psychology in persuasion “So that you can…” — the most powerful copywriting framework How values-driven messaging attracts better customers AI as a “second brain” for entrepreneurs The future of AI, copywriting, and marketing Connect with Guest — John Benson Website: https://bnsn.ai Free Buyer Profile Tool: https://freebuyerprofile.com YouTube: https://johnbenson.com/youtube Connect with Host — Ryan Alford Website: https://ryanalford.com Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-with-ryan-alford/id1498865831 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Jamil Damji to unpack a story that starts with rejection—and turns into full ownership of life, business, and purpose. After being denied entry into medical school despite doing everything “right,” Jamil made a decision that changed everything: no one else would control his future again. From his first wholesale deal—turning a $50K opportunity into a life-changing moment—to losing everything during the 2008 financial collapse and rebuilding from the ground up, Jamil breaks down what it really takes to create success on your own terms. The conversation goes deeper than business, touching on addiction, self-discovery, and the internal work required to evolve as a leader, father, and human. Jamil also shares how he’s now using his platform to solve real-world problems—from housing affordability to helping people experiencing homelessness build new opportunities through real estate. This is more than a business story—it’s a blueprint for taking control, making different choices, and building a life you’re proud of. 🎯 Topics Covered Why Jamil rejected the traditional path after medical school denial The first wholesale real estate deal that changed everything Lessons learned from losing everything in the 2008 financial crisis Why success is an “inside job” (mindset, habits, and identity) Addiction, recovery, and rebuilding from within Building a scalable real estate business through relationships (not cold leads) The power of personal branding and TV (Triple Digit Flip) Why real estate investors must take responsibility for housing challenges Co-living, affordability, and solving real-world housing issues  🤝 Connect with Host & Guest Ryan Alford (Host) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Website: https://ryanisright.com Jamil Damji YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamilDamji Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdamji

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Bob Cicero from Cisco to break down what the future of work actually looks like—and why most companies are still missing the point. As AI begins to take over repetitive tasks, the real value of work is shifting back to human connection, collaboration, and creativity. From the post-COVID workplace reset to the rise of hybrid models, this conversation explores why forcing people back to the office isn’t working—and what companies should be doing instead. The key idea? Offices need to become a magnet, not a mandate, offering real value that employees can’t get at home. Bob shares how Cisco is reimagining workspaces with a “me vs we” model, flipping traditional office design to prioritize collaboration over individual desks. Combined with data, AI, and smarter environments, the workplace is evolving into something far more intentional—and far more human. If you’re navigating hybrid work, managing teams, or thinking about the impact of AI on your business, this episode will completely reframe how you think about where—and how—work gets done. 🎯 Topics Covered Why AI will amplify human work—not replace it The shift from remote vs office to hybrid balance “Magnet vs mandate” and why return-to-office policies fail The “me vs we” workplace model and collaborative design Why human connection and in-person work still matter How AI is changing productivity and daily work tasks Designing offices that people actually want to go to The concept of “earning the commute” How data and AI are shaping the future workplace 🤝 Connect with Host & Guest Ryan Alford (Host) Website: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Listen to Right About Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-with-ryan-alford/id1562875066 Bob Cicero (Cisco) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-cicero Company: https://www.cisco.com Learn More About Cisco Workplace Innovation: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collaboration/index.html

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford brings together some of the sharpest minds in AI, business, and technology to break down what’s actually happening right now—and what it means for your future. The pace of change isn’t just fast, it’s unprecedented, and the gap between those who adopt and those who hesitate is growing by the day. From AI agents that can execute tasks autonomously to tools that can outperform humans in specific functions, this episode explores how business, marketing, and the workforce are being reshaped in real time. The biggest takeaway? AI isn’t just automation—it’s a complete shift in how work gets done and who gets left behind. But this isn’t about fear—it’s about opportunity. Those who learn how to use these tools, think differently, and adapt quickly will unlock massive advantages in productivity, creativity, and scale. If you’re not actively learning and applying AI right now, this episode makes one thing clear: someone else is—and they’re moving faster than you. 🎯 Topics Covered Why AI adoption is happening faster than any technology in history How AI can outperform humans in specific tasks (and what that means) The rise of AI agents and autonomous execution Why “human in the loop” still matters in AI workflows The shift from specialists to multi-skilled operators powered by AI Trade skills vs knowledge economy in an AI-driven world How AI is transforming creativity, marketing, and business strategy Why curiosity and better questions are the real competitive advantage 🤝 Connect with Host & Guests Ryan Alford Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Website: RyanIsRight.com

New data shows that nearly 70% of workers feel unprepared for today’s workforce, raising bigger questions about how we define job readiness. In this episode, Ryan Alford sits down with Ryan Lufkin of Instructure to unpack what’s actually broken in education and how AI is accelerating the gap between learning and real-world skills. They explore why AI isn’t replacing expertise but instead demands stronger critical thinking, communication, and human judgment. The conversation also challenges whether schools are teaching the wrong things—or simply teaching them the wrong way. From the rise of lifelong learning to the debate between skills and degrees, this episode highlights what both employers and educators need to rethink to prepare the next generation. What We Covered 70% of workers feel unprepared – What’s driving the growing skills gap in today’s workforce AI in education and work – Why AI requires more expertise, not less Skills vs degrees – Are traditional degrees still the best signal for employers? The problem with modern education – Teaching the wrong things vs teaching the wrong way Lifelong learning – Why continuous upskilling is now required for career growth Breaking workplace “boxes” – How AI is empowering employees to operate across roles Connect with the Guest Ryan Lufkin VP of Global Strategy — Instructure (Canvas) Website: https://www.instructure.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlufkin Podcast: EduCast3000 Connect with the Host Ryan Alford Host — Right About Now Website RyanIsRight.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanalford

Ryan sits down with life and business coach Kaylor Betts to break down a hard truth: being “awake” isn’t the same as actually winning. In a world full of noise, distractions, and blame, they dive into why personal responsibility—not external factors—is the real key to building a life of freedom, wealth, and fulfillment. The conversation explores the difference between consuming information and actually executing, and why so many people stay stuck despite having access to more knowledge than ever before. Kaylor shares his journey from struggling with depression and a victim mindset to building a thriving online coaching business that creates both income and impact. They also unpack the blueprint for building a modern online business, from solving real problems to leveraging content, attention, and personal branding as the ultimate form of leverage. If you’re looking for clarity, direction, and a push to actually take action, this episode delivers exactly that. 🎯 TOPICS COVERED Why “being awake” doesn’t mean you’re winning Victim mindset vs personal responsibility The difference between education and execution How to build wealth and freedom online Why attention and personal branding = leverage The blueprint for starting an online coaching business Solving problems that people will pay for Why most people stay stuck (and how to break out) The power of discipline, routine, and alignment 🤝 CONNECT WITH THE HOST Ryan Alford Instagram: @RyanAlford Website: RyanisRight.com Guest: Kaylor Betts Instagram: @thekaylorbetts Business: awbiz.com Life Coaching: awlife.com

Generative AI is being adopted faster than almost any technology in recent history. The productivity upside is massive—but so are the security implications. As companies rush to integrate AI into everyday workflows, many are discovering that the biggest risks aren’t always technical—they’re human. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan sits down with Nicole Jiang, co-founder and CEO of Fable Security, to unpack how organizations can embrace AI while protecting sensitive data and minimizing human-driven security risks. Nicole explains why AI adoption is creating a divide between companies moving quickly and those falling behind, and why security strategies must evolve just as fast. They also explore how human behavior often becomes the weakest link in cybersecurity—from employees unintentionally sharing sensitive information with AI tools to organizations failing to clean up messy data systems before adopting new technologies. Nicole shares how companies can rethink security training, why traditional cybersecurity tools miss the human layer, and simple steps individuals can take to practice better AI hygiene in their daily work. Topics Covered Why AI adoption is accelerating faster than most security frameworks The growing gap between AI-enabled companies and slower adopters How human behavior creates new cybersecurity risks What sensitive information employees accidentally share with AI tools Why data hygiene matters before adopting AI systems The rise of AI-powered phishing and social engineering attacks How companies can balance innovation with security Why traditional security tools struggle with human risk The difference between security training vs. real-time coaching Practical tips for building better AI security habits Sponsors Wix Building a website and need a little help? Go to wix.com/harmony.  That’s wix.com/harmony. To start your website today! Connect With The Guest Nicole Jiang Co-Founder & CEO, Fable Security Website: https://fablesecurity.com LinkedIn: Nicole Jiang Fable Security builds human-risk security platforms that help organizations identify risky employee behavior and deploy targeted interventions to improve cybersecurity practices. Connect With The Host Ryan Alford Host of Right About Now Website: www.RyanisRight.com Instagram: @ryanalford LinkedIn: Ryan Alford

What separates businesses that scale from those that stall? In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan sits down with Ken Wentworth — also known as “Mr. Biz.” After a successful corporate career at JP Morgan, Ken left the corporate world to become a fractional CFO and business strategist, helping companies uncover hidden opportunities inside their financials. The conversation explores what many founders miss when building a business: strong financial fundamentals, leadership mindset, and the willingness to challenge the way things have always been done. Ken breaks down how improving cash flow, budgeting discipline, and margins can dramatically change the trajectory of a company. He also shares what he sees across the companies he works with — from why many businesses stay stuck at slow growth to how economic downturns can actually create major opportunities. Ryan and Ken also dive into the evolving role of technology and AI in business, the mindset needed to scale companies, and why many entrepreneurs underestimate the value of listening to their team. Topics Covered • Why many business owners are great at their craft but struggle with the business side • Ken’s transition from JP Morgan executive to fractional CFO and strategist • The three financial pillars every company must master: cash flow, budgeting, and margins • Why economic downturns can create major opportunities for growth • How mindset determines whether businesses stagnate or scale • The biggest mistakes companies make when trying to expand locations • Why great companies prioritize employees first • How AI is beginning to impact operations and decision making in business Connect with Ken Wentworth Website: mrbiz.com Instagram: @MrBizSolutions Book: Don't Fake the Funk: F Being Average Connect with Ryan Alford Website: ryanisright.com Instagram: @RyanAlford Listen to Collector Nation

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with leadership coach and author Anniston Riekstins to talk about purpose, personal growth, and the mindset shifts that help people take action in their lives. Anniston shares the inspiration behind her book The Universe Is Hiring and explains why many people spend years consuming personal development content without actually applying it. The conversation explores how self-awareness, service, and small intentional actions can create real change. Ryan and Anniston also discuss how discovering your unique strengths and leaning into what truly lights you up can open new opportunities—both personally and professionally. Topics Covered • The concept behind The Universe Is Hiring • Why personal development only works when you apply it • Re-thinking your relationship with time and priorities • The “authentic self-resume” exercise for discovering your strengths • Overcoming fear and self-doubt when pursuing purpose • Why fulfillment comes from growth and progress • How service can shift your mindset and create momentum • Empowering individuals within organizations Connect With Guest & Host Anniston Riekstins Author — The Universe Is Hiring Co-Host — The InPowered Life Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annistonblairriekstins/ Podcast: The InPowered Life Podcast Book: The Universe Is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill Ryan Alford Host — Right About Now Website: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with entrepreneur and Wealth Accelerators founder Mike Sancho to unpack the unconventional journey that shaped his business mindset. From getting expelled from both high school and college to hitting rock bottom and rebuilding his life through relentless work ethic, Mike shares how adversity pushed him into entrepreneurship The conversation explores Mike’s early experiences in network marketing, the lessons he learned from losing income streams that weren’t fully in his control, and how those challenges ultimately led him to build his own ventures.  Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes a mindset of resilience, continuous learning, and creating multiple streams of income as the foundation for long-term financial freedom Topics Covered • Mike Sancho’s entrepreneurial journey after being expelled from school • Lessons from hitting rock bottom and rebuilding through work ethic • How network marketing can develop entrepreneurial skills • The importance of diversification and multiple income streams • Amazon wholesale vs drop-shipping business models • Building YouTube Shorts channels through influencer partnerships • Opportunities and risks in NFTs and digital ownership • How the metaverse could impact gaming, commerce, and remote work Mike Sancho Founder — Wealth Accelerators Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikesancho Website: https://wealthaccelerators.com Ryan Alford Host — Right About Now Website: Ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

AI isn’t about replacing people — it’s about unlocking productivity and making customer experiences feel more human. On this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Vinod Muthukrishnan, VP & GM of Webex Customer Experience at Cisco, to discuss how AI is transforming customer experience from fragmented interactions into continuous, context-driven conversations. Vinod explains why the purpose of AI in CX is not efficiency alone — it’s humanization. From “concierge agents” that become the face of a brand to agentic systems that orchestrate complex multi-step requests across departments, this conversation explores the end of CX silos and the rise of intelligent, brand-aligned AI interfaces. They also tackle the real question everyone’s asking: is AI taking jobs — or elevating them? Key Takeaways AI should make CX more human. Automation should enhance context, empathy, and continuity — not remove them. Context is the missing link in customer loyalty. Most brands reset conversations every time. AI fixes that. Concierge agents become the brand. They orchestrate backend systems while delivering one seamless customer conversation. Agentic AI moves beyond tasks. It executes complex, multi-step “jobs” across systems over time. AI won’t replace humans — but AI-powered humans will win. Repetitive work declines. Strategic expertise rises. Connect With the Guest Vinod Muthukrishnan VP & GM, Webex Customer Experience – Cisco X: https://x.com/Vinod_CC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinodmkrishnan Connect With Ryan Ryan Alford Website: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about growth — it’s about what holds when everything is tested. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with entrepreneur and author Anik Singal about one of the most challenging periods of his career: navigating an extended FTC investigation that forced him to shut down operations just weeks before a major company acquisition. Anik walks through: What an FTC investigation is really like Why compliance and substantiation are critical at scale The dangers of building fast without the right guardrails How reputation and brand can protect you in the worst moments Turning professional setbacks into purpose and clarity This conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn’t defined by how fast you grow — but by how well you’re prepared when things go wrong. Host & Guest Info Ryan Alford Host, Right About Now Website: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Anik Singal Entrepreneur & Author Website: https://dontsaythat.com Compliance Software: https://complylly.com

Most sales training focuses on tactics. Paul Ross focuses on the mind making the decision. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with Paul Ross — a former founder of the global pickup and seduction community turned elite subconscious sales trainer for Fortune 500 teams. Paul shares why: People don’t trust themselves to make buying decisions Logic doesn’t close deals — emotion does Focus is the currency of persuasion Asking for the order actually lowers close rates Language creates leadership and compliance Prospects want to be led, even if they say they don’t This conversation reframes sales as influence, leadership, and subconscious trust — not scripts or pressure. Sponsors Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio?  ↳Gemini Crypto – Gemini.com/card Need help building a website? Wix has got you covered! ↳Go to wix.com/harmony.  That’s wix.com/harmony. To start your website today! Host & Guest Info Ryan Alford Host, Right About Now Website: https://ryanisright.com Paul Ross Subconscious Sales Trainer Website: https://www.sellwithsuggestion.com/rightaboutnow

Alex Morton has seen every side of success — early wins, massive income, public stages, and personal collapse. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford talks with Alex Morton about the real journey from a broke college kid to multimillionaire, and why the moments no one sees matter more than the highlights. Alex opens up about: Making his first million at 24 — and what it didn’t fix Losing nearly everything after peak success Why network marketing works and why it gets a bad reputation How honesty beats hype in sales and leadership Why confidence and self-image determine outcomes What crypto and financial education really represent How success changes as life evolves This episode is raw, reflective, and grounded — a reminder that the journey is never linear. Host & Guest Info Ryan Alford Host, Right About Now Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Website: https://ryanisright.com Alex Morton Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmortonmindset YouTube: Alex Morton Mindset

What happens when the brand you build isn’t actually you? In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Jen Gottlieb, co-founder of Super Connector Media and one of Maxim Magazine’s Top Entrepreneurs, to explore the cost of pretending — and the power of authenticity. Jen opens up about her early career on VH1, how playing a character led her to lose alignment with herself, and why that experience shaped her approach to business, PR, and personal branding today. This conversation covers: Why authenticity is the fastest path to authority How rejection builds resilience and confidence The difference between rented credibility and owned credibility Jen’s CIA framework: Credibility, Influence, Authority Why being visible is a responsibility if you want to help people How to reframe “no” into momentum Why you should stop waiting for permission and choose yourself If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or business leader struggling with visibility, confidence, or imposter syndrome — this episode is a must-listen. Sponsors Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio?  ↳Gemini Crypto – https://www.gemini.com/card?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=right_about_now&utm_content=host_read&_bhlid=160d7f4fc923d552d3acfd8e1b631d57799c5196 Connect with the Host & Guest Ryan Alford Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Website: https://ryanisright.com Jen Gottlieb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb Company: https://superconnectormedia.com Podcast + Programs: Link in her Instagram bio If this episode resonated with you: Subscribe to Right About Now Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it Follow Ryan and Jen for daily insights on branding, visibility, and confidence

AI is no longer just a tool — it’s becoming a business operator. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford talks with Ethan Ouyang, Head of U.S. Operations at DeepWisdom, about the rise of agentic AI and how their platform Atoms enables anyone to build revenue-ready products without writing code or managing teams. Ethan explains how Atoms differs from traditional AI tools by running a full autonomous decision loop — from market research and planning to execution, launch, and SEO-driven monetization. The discussion covers real-world use cases including DTC brands, SaaS products, internal tools, and small-business systems. Topics Covered: What agentic AI actually means Why most AI tools stop at tasks — and Atoms doesn’t How AI coordinates multiple agents autonomously Building MVPs without engineering teams Human judgment vs AI execution Cost efficiency through open-source models Who this technology is really for This episode breaks down why the barrier to building businesses has fundamentally changed — and what that means for founders willing to adapt. Sponsors Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio?  ↳Gemini Crypto – https://www.gemini.com/card?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=right_about_now&utm_content=host_read&_bhlid=160d7f4fc923d552d3acfd8e1b631d57799c5196 🔗 Connect with Host & Guest 🎙️ Host Ryan Alford Website & full episodes: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford 👤 Guest Ethan Ouyang Platform: https://atoms.dev Company: https://deepwisdom.ai X (Twitter): https://x.com/atoms_dev

Entrepreneurship isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about staying disciplined long enough to create your own luck. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Josh Snow, founder and CEO of Snow, for a raw and wide-ranging conversation on adversity, discipline, and what it really takes to build a lasting business. Josh shares how starting his first business at 13 out of financial necessity shaped his mindset, why he bootstrapped Snow into a global brand with over $100M in sales without pulling money out early, and how discipline early in life leads to freedom later. The conversation also explores reinvention, legacy, and why most people quit right before things start working. This episode is for builders who are playing the long game. Topics Covered Why adversity exists at every level of success Burning the boats and reinvesting in yourself Discipline vs. regret — and why discipline always wins How luck is created through preparation Producing vs. consuming in the age of distraction Reinventing yourself without asking permission Transitioning from survival mode to legacy mode Sponsors Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio?  ↳Gemini Crypto – gemini.com/card https://gemini.com/card?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=right_about_now&utm_content=host_read Connect & Learn More 🎧 Follow the Show & Host Ryan Alford Website & full episodes: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford 👤 Follow the Guest Josh Snow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshsnow Snow: https://www.instagram.com/snow Affiliate Marketing: https://affiliatemarketing.com If this episode challenged how you think about discipline, success, and legacy: Subscribe to Right About Now Leave a review  Share this episode with someone who’s building for the long term Your support helps us keep bringing real conversations to builders everywhere.

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford welcomes Sam Dunning, founder of Breaking B2B, for a practical conversation about websites, SEO, and why most companies unknowingly lose leads every day. Sam explains how ego-driven design choices sabotage conversions — from overusing buzzwords to prioritizing aesthetics over buyer clarity. He shares why websites should be treated like full-time salespeople and how even referral-based businesses miss opportunities when their site doesn’t communicate clearly. The episode explores Sam’s journey from retail into digital marketing, lessons learned from early mistakes, and how he now helps B2B brands create sites that drive real results. Ryan and Sam also discuss customer research, homepage fundamentals, proof-based messaging, and how simple changes can dramatically improve inbound leads. This is a must-listen for founders, marketers, and operators who want their website to work harder for their business. Key Takeaways Websites should be built for buyers, not founders Proof converts better than polished language Customer interviews improve messaging fast Clear next steps drive action Bad websites lose invisible revenue 📣 Connect with Ryan & Sam 🎙 Right About Now Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford 🌐 Ryan Alford: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanalford 🚀 Sam Dunning / Breaking B2B: Website: https://breakingb2b.com LinkedIn: Search “Sam Dunning” Podcast: Breaking B2B Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone rebuilding their website. Sponsors Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio?  ↳Gemini Crypto – Gemini.com/card

What happens when you stop letting fear decide your future? In this episode of Right About Now, host Ryan Alford sits down with entrepreneur, creative pioneer, and author Scott Scovill for a powerful conversation about fear, failure, and what it really takes to pursue your dreams. Scott opens up about graduating near the bottom of his class, flunking out of college, and being diagnosed with a deep fear of failure — a fear that nearly kept him stuck forever. Everything changed the night he randomly met the touring crew for U2, attended their concert, and realized he’d found the life he wanted — but only if he was willing to try. That moment sparked what Scott now calls tenacity — the relentless pursuit of what matters most. Today, Scott has built multiple companies, led massive live productions for world-class artists, and written a deeply personal book, Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams, sharing the lessons he learned along the way. In this episode, Scott and Ryan dive into: Why fear of failure keeps most people stuck How a single moment can redefine your entire future Why execution matters more than motivation The power of simply showing up How storytelling beats preachy self-help Turning setbacks into momentum Learning that failure hurts far less than imagined If you’re building a business, chasing a creative dream, or just trying to become a better version of yourself — this conversation will challenge you to stop waiting and start moving. 📣 Connect with Ryan & Scott 🎙 Right About Now Podcast: https://ryanisright.com 📸 Ryan Alford: Instagram → https://instagram.com/ryanalford 📘 Scott Scovill: Website → https://scottscovill.com 📚 Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and major retailers. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the show.

Building a real brand isn’t about playing it safe — it’s about testing, failing, learning, and trusting your instincts. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Brett Berish, CEO of Sovereign Brands, to unpack how he built global spirits brands like Bumbu, Deacon Whiskey, Bel-Air Rosé, and McQueen Gin by doing the opposite of what the industry expected. Brett explains why he stopped trying to compete with giants like Bacardi or Jack Daniels and instead leaned into authenticity, taste-first product development, and bold packaging. He compares building businesses to comedians refining jokes — constantly reacting to audiences, tweaking the approach, and evolving until something truly lands From navigating America’s rigid three-tier alcohol system to building brands in over 80 countries, Brett shares hard-earned lessons about flexibility, leadership, and believing in products before the market catches up. This episode covers: • Why no one believed in Brett’s brands at launch • How taste matters more than celebrity endorsements • Why packaging is part of the brand experience • How failure shaped his leadership style • Building teams of self-starters, not followers • Why letting products “breathe” unlocked global growth • Turning personal struggle into purpose If you’re building anything — a company, a product, or a personal brand — this conversation offers a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and trusting what makes you different. Connect with Ryan & Brett 🎙 Right About Now Podcast: https://ryanisright.com 📸 Ryan Alford: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford 🥃 Brett Berish: https://www.instagram.com/brettbarishceo 🌐 Sovereign Brands: https://sovereignbrands.com Explore Brett’s brands: Bumbu, Deacon Whiskey, Bel-Air Rosé, McQueen Gin, Violet Fog, and Vione France. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the show.

Success rarely looks the way people expect it to — and almost never happens on a straight line. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Derrick Hayes, founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, for a candid conversation about patience, belief, and the discipline required to build something that lasts. Derrick walks through the early days of entrepreneurship, including failed ideas, long nights, and moments where progress wasn’t visible — even when the work was real. Using powerful analogies and lived experience, Derrick explains why many people confuse movement with momentum, hustle with mastery, and ambition with execution. He shares how learning the business of what you’re building is what separates long-term success from endless grinding. Key Takeaways: Why most people quit before the payoff shows up How patience functions as a competitive advantage The danger of “hobby hustling” Why discipline beats motivation every time How real leaders think about scale and responsibility This episode is for anyone who wants more than quick wins — and is willing to play the long game. Keep up With Ryan and Derrick 🌐 Learn more at https://ryanisright.com 🎧 Subscribe to Right About Now on YouTube & podcast platforms 📸 Follow Ryan Alford on social for clips and insights 🍽️ Discover Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks and Derrick Hayes’ journey nationwide If this conversation resonated, share it with someone building something of their own.

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Mara Dorn, a leader who has helped build billion-dollar sales organizations and mentor hundreds of young professionals. Mara shares the lessons she learned early: you only get one shot, first impressions matter, and how you show up physically affects how you perform mentally. Drawing from decades of experience, she explains why discipline, posture, energy, and personal standards still matter — even in a world driven by convenience, shortcuts, and AI. This isn’t about appearances for appearance’s sake. It’s about understanding how confidence, credibility, and work ethic are deeply connected to results. In this episode, we cover: Why first impressions are psychological, not superficial How posture and presence affect performance The difference between confidence and ego Why discipline outperforms talent The generational shift in work ethic How to build real confidence without pretending to be perfect Why authenticity still requires standards Mara also opens up about anxiety, imperfection, and how embracing flaws — instead of hiding them — can become a competitive advantage. Listen & Watch Full episodes, video, and show updates: 👉 https://ryanisright.com Check out the BILF Podcast: 👉 https://bilfpodcast.com Follow on Socials  Ryan Alford Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Mara Dorn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maradorn Website: https://maradorn.com

Most people misunderstand the rental car business. They either assume it’s too risky, too time-consuming, or only works if you’re renting luxury vehicles. Others lump it in with online side hustle hype without ever understanding the actual mechanics behind it. In this episode, Ryan talks with George Madden, founder of Car Rental Coach, about what the rental car business really looks like when it’s built intentionally. George didn’t start with supercars or flashy marketing. He built his fleet around cheap, reliable economy cars, focusing on utilization, insurance structure, and cash flow rather than appearances. Throughout the conversation, George explains: Why economy cars consistently generate better returns than luxury rentals How small fleets can produce steady monthly income What people get wrong about insurance and liability How depreciation and write-offs change the math entirely How much time it actually takes to operate a small fleet Why this business works as both a side hustle and a primary income When scaling makes sense—and when it doesn’t The answers are practical, grounded, and based on real experience—not theory. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand: How small businesses quietly generate cash flow Why “boring” assets often outperform exciting ones What a realistic, system-driven side business actually looks like No hype.No shortcuts. Just a clear look at a business most people don’t fully understand—but probably should.

Most people rush into building a personal brand — and end up stuck with views, likes, and no real business to show for it. In this episode, Marian Esanu breaks down why personal branding should come after you’ve built something real, not before. From fake authority and imposter syndrome to why most creators can’t convert attention into sales, this conversation challenges the way entrepreneurs think about visibility, credibility, and long-term value. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “build your brand” before you’re ready — this episode will change how you approach it. Key Topics Covered • Why starting a personal brand too early can hurt your credibility •The difference between being an expert vs an enthusiast •Why views and followers don’t matter if you can’t convert them into revenue •How real businesses create authentic, scalable personal brands •The danger of building a brand that can’t be sold or exited •How to research competitors instead of reinventing the wheel •Why paid traffic + organic content beats chasing virality •Turning content into an actual business asset Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs building (or thinking about building) a personal brand Creators struggling to monetize their audience Business owners tired of “fake guru” branding advice Anyone who wants authority without pretending to be an expert Subscribe to Right About Now! Keep listening and subscribe to our newsletter at RyanIsRight.com Follow @ ryanalford on all social media Keep up with Marian Esanu • Personal Branding Ninja • Momentum Podcast