Why Culture Is the Real Competitive Advantage in Business

Episode 43

In this episode of Innovate & Overcome, host Richard sits down with Adam Kolozetti, a former aerospace engineer turned workplace culture consultant, to explore the hidden dynamics that make (or break) team success in today’s evolving business environment.

Adam shares his personal journey from the technical world of engineering and defense into the human-centered domain of business culture transformation. Discover how Adam realized that true performance is driven not by rigid systems, but by empowering people—and how this insight led him to pioneer creative solutions for building positive company cultures.

We dive deep into the biggest challenges Adam faced transitioning from engineering to culture consulting, including the early struggle to articulate and sell the value of workplace culture in traditionally analytical industries. Learn how small experiments—like revamping office nameplates—sparked meaningful connections and transformed siloed teams overnight.

The conversation expands to the post-pandemic workplace. Adam unpacks the complexities of hybrid work culture, from maintaining communication and trust across remote teams, to practical strategies for engaging employees both in-office and online. Hear actionable tips on creating rituals that bridge the gap—like virtual check-ins, celebrating wins, and personalized onboarding experiences—that build a sense of belonging regardless of where people work.

We also break down the difference between surface-level perks and sustainable organizational culture. Adam explains why real change is about intentionally designing systems for internal communication, authentic leadership, and team alignment. This is culture as business infrastructure—moving beyond office snacks to practices that directly drive retention, employee engagement, and improved performance.

Adam discusses his coauthored book "The Culture Revolution," which is already inspiring organizations to rethink their approach to building resilient, people-focused workplaces. Discover why great culture is no longer a luxury—it’s a competitive advantage for recruiting, onboarding, and team dynamics in the modern workforce.

If you’re a business leader, HR professional, or entrepreneur asking how to improve team connection, increase retention, and create a thriving work environment—this episode is for you. Get ready to learn actionable strategies for workplace culture in hybrid teams, business culture innovation, and sustainable employee engagement.

*Key topics covered:*
➡️Transitioning from engineering to workplace culture consulting
➡️Overcoming challenges in selling culture change to analytical teams
➡️Navigating hybrid work and remote team dynamics
➡️Creative rituals for team communication & employee connection
➡️The ROI of great company culture on retention and onboarding
➡️Real-world examples from Adam’s consulting and new book, "The Culture Revolution"

*To learn more about Adam and his amazing work, please visit:*
*Website:* https://entasolutions.org/
*LinkedIn:* https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-kolozetti/
*Instagram:* https://www.instagram.com/adamkolozetti?igsh=MXBibng2bzk2ZXU4aw==
*Facebook:* https://www.facebook.com/share/19WLhtAbmr/?mibextid=wwXIfr
*Book:* https://a.co/d/4Gx68Lr

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found it helpful!

#WorkplaceCulture #HybridWork #Leadership #CultureConsulting #TeamEngagement #OrganizationalCulture #TheCultureRevolution

...

Empowering Women in Business Ownership

Episode 42

In this episode, we sit down with Juliet Peters to explore the crucial shifts happening for women in business today and the lessons she has learned along the way. Juliet shares how her early experiences in an all-girls Catholic school helped build a strong foundation of self-confidence and leadership skills. She highlights why nurturing young women in empowering environments is vital for their long-term success.

We dive into Juliet’s journey through traditionally male-dominated fields like journalism and law, and how those experiences shaped her understanding of systemic barriers women continue to face. Juliet emphasizes that women are not the minority in the workforce or economy and discusses how the upcoming wealth transfer toward women will reshape communities and business landscapes.

We also cover the importance of building supportive networks among women business owners. Juliet explains how mastermind groups, communities, and peer mentoring can be powerful tools for growth, particularly because women thrive in collaborative environments. She stresses that women entrepreneurs need to be mindful of financial literacy from the start and should prioritize systems that support sustainable business operations.

Juliet challenges traditional career paths and encourages women to think about entrepreneurship earlier in their careers, rather than as a reactive step after dissatisfaction in traditional work environments. She discusses the evolving definition of business success, recognizing that both lifestyle businesses and scalable enterprises are valid choices depending on personal goals.

The conversation turns to systemic issues like lack of access to capital and the importance of women-focused venture funds and banks. Juliet makes the case for focusing on economic empowerment rather than just fighting outdated systems, encouraging women to create new spaces and opportunities.

Toward the end of the episode, Juliet shares her personal mission to bridge the gap between experienced women and those just starting out through her upcoming podcast and coaching work. She believes that when women support each other, everyone benefits, and communities thrive.

Juliet leaves us with a powerful reminder that we all have a ripple effect, even when we do not see it. Her advice to women entrepreneurs is clear: find your passion, embrace learning through failure, build supportive networks, and step confidently into leadership roles to help shape a stronger, more inclusive future.

To learn more about Juliet and her amazing work, please visit:

Website: https://www.frameworklegal.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliet-peters/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frameworklegalpllc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FrameworkLegalPLLC

0:00 Female Entrepreneurship and Reinvention
3:07 Empowering Female Educators' Impact
7:15 Empowering Education for Women
12:32 Women's Increasing Economic Influence
13:30 Rapid Growth Yet Limited Success for Women Entrepreneurs
19:23 "Empowering Women in Business Ownership"
22:49 Transitioning Mindsets: Juliet's Journey
26:53 Legal Field's Gender Disparity Challenges
30:34 Reevaluating Coping in Law Career
33:37 Support for Women Entrepreneurs
36:18 "Women Juggling Work and Home"
40:58 Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Financially
43:09 "Independent Work Trend Persists"
46:39 Networking Challenges for Gen Z Women
48:27 AI Mentorship for Female Entrepreneurs...

Leila Entezam on emotional awareness self regulation and leadership performance

Episode 41

In this episode, we’re diving deep into emotional intelligence, leadership, and the science of decision-making with Leila Entezam. Leila brings a compelling lens to the conversation, blending neuroscience, psychology, and real-world leadership insights to break down why the way we feel drives the way we lead.

We begin with Leila’s personal journey—how she stuck with a path that was once seen as unmeasurable and intangible. For years, she advocated for the role of emotions and inner wellbeing in leadership long before it became widely accepted. She shares what it was like being told “this doesn’t belong in business” and how she kept going by trusting her instincts and staying rooted in the neuroscience that supported her perspective.

From there, we unpack how leaders often believe they can compartmentalize personal and professional lives. Leila challenges that assumption by explaining that we all operate from one brain with one internal database. Everything from our childhood experiences to daily stressors affects the way we show up in the workplace. She explains how emotional responses often occur before we’re even conscious of them, making it critical to understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

We also talk about her practical framework called SETUP. It’s a tool leaders can use to quickly assess their somatic signals, emotions, thoughts, broader life context, and physiological state—especially in high-stress moments. Leila walks through how using SETUP helps you hit pause, gain clarity, and act more intentionally. We discuss why high performers often resist addressing their early life experiences, and how ignoring those roots limits growth. Leila shares how she approaches this resistance, the science that supports it, and the transformation leaders experience when they finally allow themselves to explore what’s under the surface.

As the conversation continues, we explore how emotional intelligence impacts everything from daily decisions to broader team dynamics. Leila explains how seemingly small shifts in language or presence can ripple out to major changes in team engagement and organizational culture. She also discusses how the shift to remote work has increased the need for intentional connection, and how we can leverage things like music, casual dialogue, or shared meals to maintain human connection virtually.

We close by exploring the evolving definition of leadership success. Leila emphasizes that new metrics are emerging—ones that measure depth of connection, clarity of self, and emotional health as core indicators of strong leadership.

Learn more about Leila and Emotional Mastery, visit:

Website: https://www.workwithleila.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/workwithleila/

Get Leila's Book: _The Heart of Peak Performance - Emotional Mastery for High Performing Men_ : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DY5BFCHX

0:00 Exploring Emotions in Branding
5:14 "Challenges in Retaining Talent"
6:51 Leadership, Emotions, and ROI Debate
12:22 "System 1 vs. System 2 Thinking"
15:26 "Unexpected Transformation Unveiled"
19:37 "Inner Child's Impact on High Performers"
23:25 Proving Value Through Science
26:08 Decision-Making Under Stress: SET Framework
31:16 Developing Automatic Behavioral Awareness
32:47 Self-Awareness Impact on Performance
38:22 "The Critical Human Element"
41:07 Amplifying Movement in Virtual Meetings
44:34 Returning to Office Dynamics
47:53 Enhancing Employee Engagement Strategies
49:53 Upcoming Episode Preview

When Wealth Meets True Satisfaction

Episode 40

In this episode, we talk with Mike Brown about the invisible side of building, selling, and sustaining businesses. Mike shares his personal path from military service to entrepreneurship, including the financial and emotional highs of selling a company—and the sobering lows of nearly losing everything after buying a distressed business. What emerges is a deeply honest conversation about what it really takes to build lasting wealth, not just in your bank account, but in your mindset and your habits.

We begin with Mike’s background in the military and how that experience shaped his views on stress, leadership, and pressure. He explains how that intensity translated into success in oil and gas during a booming cycle, only for him to later realize that his relationship with money hadn’t evolved as quickly as his income. Mike shares how, despite doing everything “right” and achieving financial success, he eventually found himself in a financial and emotional crisis, losing $100,000 a month in a business turnaround attempt gone wrong.

The turning point came when Mike recognized he hadn’t done the internal work to become the kind of person who could sustain wealth. We discuss how patterns of stress, risk addiction, and subconscious self-sabotage often show up in entrepreneurs, especially those who have never taken a moment to question where their ambition comes from. Mike’s insight is that making money is one challenge, but keeping it and growing it without burning yourself out requires a totally different skill set—and identity.

Mike also explores the concept of transitioning from an “accumulator” mindset to a “defender” mindset when it comes to wealth. He emphasizes the need to reprogram how we think about money, value, and self-worth. He shares the importance of defining what true wealth means—freedom of time, mind, health, and relationships—and how those freedoms often have nothing to do with a number in your bank account.

Later in the conversation, we zoom out to look at where the future of work is going. Mike shares his thoughts on AI, the moral challenges around abundance, and why the personal brand will become even more valuable as technology commoditizes more forms of labor. For those wondering how to future-proof themselves, Mike provides a strong argument that human connection and aligned, purpose-driven work will be the differentiators that continue to matter most.

Whether you’re thinking about selling your business, navigating a windfall, or just trying to figure out what to do next in your career, this conversation is a clear-eyed look at how to build wealth that actually supports the life you want.

To learn more about Mike Brown and his work, please visit:

Website: https://unbreakablewealth.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebrownactual/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbrown.co/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UC8PnW4zRkcgBZBgx1RHUF6g

0:00 Entrepreneurial Journey and Exit Decision
5:20 Alberta and Midland Oil Economy Comparison
9:37 Navigating Money's Conflicting Messages
13:24 Entrepreneurship Windfall: Identity Challenges
16:01 "Challenges in Buying Distressed Businesses"
18:10 Addicted to Chaos
22:56 Rethinking Retirement and Purpose
26:08 Mike Brown's Journey: Business Missteps
27:07 Gratitude and Entrepreneurial Mindset
30:20 Investment and Entrepreneurship Insights
36:13 Defining True Wealth Beyond Money
39:23 Future of Work: Abundance Challenges
42:41 Fear and Exc...

Kaitlyn Laney is on a mission to redefine Financial Advisory through a Holistic, very Client Centered Planner.

Episode 39

Kaitlyn Laney joins us for a candid and insightful conversation on what it really takes to transition from a corporate career to building a thriving, values-driven business. With a multimillion-dollar financial practice under her belt today, Kaitlyn shares the personal and professional challenges that shaped her journey—and the strategic mindset shifts that helped her scale with intention.

We start with how she was pushed into entrepreneurship after getting laid off from a corporate job she thought was stable. She talks about navigating the uncertainty of launching a business without a safety net, the emotional rollercoaster that came with it, and the real-world decisions she had to make—like potentially selling her home to keep the business going. Kaitlyn’s story is grounded in reality and filled with practical decisions that many entrepreneurs can relate to.

The conversation moves into how she used those early struggles as fuel to build a business that serves people in ways traditional financial services often miss. She explains how she developed a more client-centered, responsive model that enables her to be more helpful and more human. Whether it's breaking down complex financial decisions, helping clients add revenue streams, or simply being the person who connects the dots between a CPA and a client, Kaitlyn’s approach is all about adding clarity and confidence to money decisions.

She also dives into how personal insecurities, like being dyslexic, influenced how she worked harder and smarter to become not just a financial advisor, but a true strategic partner for business owners. Kaitlyn explains how those perceived weaknesses became her strengths, allowing her to solve problems others often overlook.

We get into why most business owners need to behave more like CFOs, especially when moving from one level of success to the next. She outlines key tactical advice like understanding your profit margins, setting up business banking relationships with local credit unions, and why having a line of credit in place before you need it is non-negotiable.

Kaitlyn also talks about hiring—how her first executive assistant transformed her operations and why creating systems isn’t just about efficiency but also about making your business salable and scalable. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of tasks you shouldn’t be doing, creating space for higher-level thinking and strategy.

For those not yet leveraging AI tools in their business, Kaitlyn gives a powerful example of helping a client generate $250,000 in new recurring revenue using Claude.ai to brainstorm a new product offering. The takeaway is clear—using the tools available to you today can unlock opportunities faster than ever before.

Whether you're in year one of your business or ten years in and looking to evolve, this episode offers clarity, strategy, and encouragement from someone who’s built

Life After Flatline: Andreas Pettersson’s Approach to Transformative Leadership

Episode 38

In this episode, we talk with Andreas Pettersson about how his personal challenges radically reshaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and curiosity. He shares the story of a near-death experience that forced him to rethink everything—from how he shows up as a leader to how he lives each day. This isn’t just a story about survival; it’s about clarity, reinvention, and how intense personal events can become the foundation for meaningful leadership.

Andreas opens up about what happened the day his heart flatlined in the ER, how years of ignoring physical warning signs led to the event, and why he now lives with a calm sense of gratitude most people never find. He explains how that moment redefined his relationship with fear and urgency, and how it taught him to listen to his body in a way he never had before.

We also dive into what it was like to become a CEO and, on the very same day, receive his son’s autism diagnosis. Andreas breaks down how he and his wife navigated two life-altering changes at once, the decision to divide and conquer, and the mental toll of having a child with severe needs while also stepping into the pressure of executive leadership. He reflects on the guilt, the denial, the trials, and eventually the breakthroughs that came from being immersed in both roles. These moments didn’t just change his outlook—they completely reshaped how he leads, listens, and helps others grow.

This conversation also explores the idea of insecure overachievers, the hidden potential in overlooked employees, and how Andreas has developed a framework for identifying and mentoring rising leaders. He shares the probing questions he uses to understand someone’s mindset and potential, and why curiosity, integrity, and self-awareness are the top traits he looks for. We talk about building emotional resilience, learning how to stay grounded in chaos, and the difference between leaders who give answers and those who ask the right questions.

Andreas also shares his vision for a mentorship matchmaking community, the tools he recommends for better self-awareness, and how personality assessments can strengthen relationships—both professionally and personally. He offers clear examples of how leaders can use curiosity and deep questioning to unlock people’s potential and build stronger organizations from the inside out.

This episode is a raw, thoughtful look at leadership through the lens of life’s hardest moments, and how turning inward can lead to real, lasting growth.

To learn more about Andreas Pettersson and his work, please visit:

Website: https://www.leadersadapt.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreastheceo/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaspettersson1/

0:00 Facing Mortality: A Unique Conversation
6:05 Life's Fragility and Maximizing Moments
10:21 "Leadership Begins with Self-Awareness"
11:27 Early Life Challenges Transform Perspective
16:51 Parental Denial of Child's Issues
20:04 Community Support Builds Resilience
22:41 Developing Supportive Parenting Strategies
27:44 Integrity and Curiosity in Organizations
30:39 "Unlocking Potential Through Curiosity"
31:50 Collecting Questions & Personality Assessments
38:08 AI Matchmaking for Financial Advisers
41:01 Kolbe: Instinct vs. Personality
45:13 "Effective Walking Meeting Strategy"
47:00 Adapting to Phone Meeting Challenges
49:18 "Life Is Long: Embrace Positivity"

Unlock your potential get our FREE GUIDE HERE:

Discover how Richard Canfield and Mike Hajjar unravel financial literacy and mortgage strategies to build lasting wealth

Episode 37

Mike Hajjar has helped over 2500 families achieve homeownership over the last 20 years. But his journey wasn’t always easy. In this episode, Mike shares how he overcame seven figures of debt, rebuilt his financial life, and developed a deep understanding of financial literacy that transformed the way he approaches business and home financing.

Mike opens up about a major health scare that forced him to pause and reevaluate everything. While in the hospital, he picked up Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People—a book that changed his outlook and sparked a passion for continuous learning. He explains how financial literacy became the foundation of his personal and professional growth and why understanding the basics is crucial for anyone looking to build wealth.

He talks about the common misconceptions around homeownership, especially the widespread belief that first-time buyers need 20% down. Mike breaks down why that isn’t true and shares how strategic mortgage planning can make homeownership more attainable. He also discusses the shift from a transactional business model to a relationship-based approach, emphasizing the importance of working closely with financial advisors, CPAs, and estate planners to create long-term financial success for his clients.

Mike explains why the mortgage industry is undergoing a major shift and how professionals who focus on education and strategy will be the ones who thrive. He dives into the challenges that younger generations face in affording homes and the innovative solutions being used to combat the affordability crisis, from shared ownership models to creative financing options.

As an ambassador for financial literacy, Mike is dedicated to educating the next generation. He discusses his work with First Home IQ, a nonprofit that helps bring financial education into schools. His mission is to equip young people with the knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions, whether they plan to buy a home or not.

He also explores the future of the real estate market, predicting that supply and demand will take decades to balance out. He explains why home prices are unlikely to drop significantly and how rising interest rates are reshaping the industry. Mike shares insights on the power of reverse mortgages and how they can be used as a strategic tool for retirement planning.

This episode is packed with valuable lessons on financial literacy, homeownership strategies, and long-term wealth building. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a real estate professional, or someone looking to gain control of your financial future, you won’t want to miss Mike’s insights.

To learn more about Brian Galke and his work, please visit:

Website: https://beacons.ai/mikehajjar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikephajjar/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikehajjar_mortgage/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikehajjar87/videos/?_rdr

0:00 Embrace Financial Literacy Basics
5:13 Perseverance Over Health Challenges
6:59 "Business Mindset Transformation"
9:52 Transition to Relationship-Based Mortgage Planning
14:43 Challenging Financial Perspectives
18:30 Early Reverse Mortgage Boosts Retirement
21:40 Reverse Mortgage vs. HELOC Comparison
26:37 Overcoming Debt with Determination
27:51 Persistence Through Financial Struggles
31:52 Financial Literacy Education Outreach
36:08...

How Brian Galke Uses Facial Decoding to Master Communication

Episode 36

Brian Galke is an expert in communication with a unique skill set that allows him to understand people on a deeper level just by looking at their faces. In this episode, Brian shares how he transitioned from working in corporate America for over two decades to becoming a sought-after speaker teaching the science of facial decoding.

Brian opens up about the major turning points in his life, including a divorce and losing his long-term job in 2022. Instead of seeing these challenges as setbacks, he used them as opportunities to rebuild his life and career. He explains how investing in personal development and networking at live events helped him turn a passion into a profession.

We dive deep into the concept of facial decoding and how it plays a role in business, sales, and everyday interactions. Brian breaks down how specific facial features reveal personality traits, decision-making styles, and even communication preferences. He shares how he leverages this knowledge to connect with people quickly and effectively, making conversations more impactful.

Brian also talks about the importance of consistency when building an online presence. He explains how his persistence on Instagram—posting hundreds of videos before gaining traction—eventually led to explosive growth, reaching over 200,000 followers. He shares tips on leveraging short-form content, the role of captions, and how to keep up with ever-changing social media trends.

For anyone looking to improve their communication skills, understand people better, or pivot into a new career, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

To learn more about Brian Galke and his work, please visit:

Website: https://subtleskills.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangalke/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/subtleskills/?hl=en https://www.instagram.com/briangalke/

Free Cheat Sheet: https://subtleskills.com/resources/#cheatsheet

0:00 Navigating Divorce Mediation Delays
6:01 Algorithm Change Results in Unexpected Job Loss
6:52 Pursuing a Speaking Career Transition
10:21 Serendipitous Life Changes
15:42 "Hobby or Side Job Essential"
20:02 Creating Engaging Video Content
20:43 Video Engagement: Words Are Essential
26:00 "Unexpected Corporate Climb Through Introversion"
28:25 "Overcoming Comfort Zones for Focus"
32:07 Eyebrow Height Affects Humor Perception
36:45 Eyebrows and Eye Contact Insights
37:41 Understanding Customer Decision-Making Styles
41:26 Verbal Affirmation Lines Explained
45:57 Engaging Presentations with Audience Participation
47:06 "Phenomenal Live Show Unpacked"

Unlock your potential get our FREE GUIDE HERE: https://coachcanfield.com/

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Learn how to implement The Infinite Banking Concept with this FREE Webinar now: https://learnibc.com/

Get a FREE Copy of my Second book and learn how to grow CASH VALUE you can control over a lifetime: https://coachcanfield.com/cashfollows