Skip to main content
Focus Forward Podcast for Business Owners

Focus Forward Podcast for Business Owners

By Sturdy McKee

Welcome to the Focus Forward Business Podcast where we share the journeys, stories, and lessons of amazing entrepreneurs!

Hosted by Sturdy McKee of SturdyCoaching.com.


Do you have a great entrepreneurial story and want to be a guest on the show? Get in touch at www.matchmaker.fm/podcast/focus-forward-podcast-for-bus-ed0bbc.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 34 with Saji Gunawardane

Focus Forward Podcast for Business OwnersMay 14, 2021

00:00
30:17
Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee - S2 Ep. 23 Bob Hayward
Nov 27, 202336:30
Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee - S2 Ep. 21 Howard Lim
Oct 31, 202342:56
Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee - S2 Ep. 20 Chris Felton
Oct 23, 202337:43
Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee - S2 Ep. 19 Kate McCauley
Aug 22, 202317:38
Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee - S2 Ep. 18 Lois Barth

Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee - S2 Ep. 18 Lois Barth

Lois Barth is a Human Development Expert, Speaker, Life,  Business, and Leadership Coach, and author of the book, Courage to SPARKLE. She sees the Courage to SPARKLE as a metaphor to shine bright, share your gifts, and make a difference. Lois works with heart-centered go-getters & mission centered leaders who crave greater meaning, fulfillment, and impact in their lives both personally and professionally.  

Having spoken to thousands of people and coached over 800 clients Lois champions groups and individuals to thrive personally and professionally. She accomplishes this by motivating them and giving them the tools to address their negative self-talk,  take inspired risks, communicate powerfully, increase their productivity, clarify their goals, and have the courage and tools to bring them into fruition. A term she’s coined as Behavioral Wellness Meets professional development.  

She has been the makeover life coach for SELF MagazineFitness Magazine and Fit Blog (Sears) which to date 3 million people registered for. Lois has been quoted and published in The New York TimesThe Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, SELF Magazine, to name a few. Her speaking clients include Capital One Bank, L'Oreal, Women in Banking, Entrepreneurial Organization, NYU Langone, Women in Trucking, and the American Heart Association amongst many others. 
You can get in touch with ⁠Lois⁠ here.

For more about Sturdy visit ⁠⁠SturdyCoaching.com⁠⁠.

#smallbusiness #businessowner #leadership #management #entrepreneur #purpose

Aug 22, 202331:10
Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee - S2 Ep. 17 Luci Gabel
Aug 22, 202322:49
Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee - S2 Ep. 16 Ty Grady
Aug 22, 202324:42
Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee - S2 Ep. 15 Paul Newton
Jul 31, 202345:15
Dan Cockerell - S2 Ep. 14 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
Jun 27, 202330:49
S. Paul Moerhing - S2 Ep. 13 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
Jun 26, 202326:59
Manuj Aggarwal - S2 Ep. 12 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
Jun 20, 202319:48
Evan Rudowski - S2 Ep. 11 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
May 29, 202326:12
Jamey Schrier - S2 Ep. 10 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
May 22, 202340:39
Christopher Salem - S2 Ep. 9 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee

Christopher Salem - S2 Ep. 9 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee

Christopher Salem is a seasoned CEO, Business Growth Strategist, Keynote Speaker, Award-Winning Author, Trainer, and Radio Show Host. His focus is on empowering business leaders to elevate their brands and businesses from ordinary to extraordinary. Chris helps businesses enhance employee engagement and retention, acquire more clients, improve customer experiences, and accelerate revenue and profit growth.

Chris brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing small businesses in today's volatile economy, guiding them in applying the right strategies to maximize their growth potential.

He achieved international best-seller status with his book "Master Your Inner Critic / Resolve the Root Cause – Create Prosperity" in 2016 and co-authored "Mastering the Art of Success" with Jack Canfield. His weekly radio shows, "Sustainable Success" and "Business Influencers," air on the Voice America Influencers Channel and Tal Radio respectively.

Chris has collaborated with organizations like JP Morgan – Chase, Ralph Lauren, Oracle, Raytheon, United Healthcare, and the NYPD Forensics Department, and spoken at renowned universities including University of Hartford, Westchester Community College, and Harvard University's Faculty Club.

You can reach Chris at https://sustainablesuccess.net and https://christophersalem.com.

For more about Sturdy, and his coaching, speaking, and programs for business owners, visit ⁠SturdyCoaching.com⁠.

#smallbusiness #businessowner #leadership #management #entrepreneur #purpose

May 15, 202331:21
Dr. Anjan Thakor - S2 Ep. 8 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee

Dr. Anjan Thakor - S2 Ep. 8 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee

In this episode with Dr. Anjan Thakor we discuss Purpose-Driven organizations, what they are, why they work, and how to establish yours. Dr. Thakor is the Dean of Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. He is the co-author of The Economics of Higher Purpose: Eight counterintuitive steps for creating a purpose driven organization, and co-wrote one of the most read articles ever published in the Harvard Business Review. He is a teacher, author, researcher, and an expert on Purpose-Driven organizations and how they outperform their competition. 


For more about Sturdy's coaching, speaking, and programs for business owners, visit ⁠SturdyCoaching.com⁠.

#smallbusiness #businessowner #leadership #management #entrepreneur #purpose

Apr 06, 202328:46
Dr. Tiffany Shubert - S2 Ep. 7 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
Mar 23, 202342:22
Belle Walker - S2 Ep. 6 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
Mar 09, 202333:26
John Spence - S2 Ep. 5 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
Feb 22, 202347:55
Susan Frew - S2 Ep. 4 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
Jan 09, 202325:15
John Fenton - S2 Ep. 3 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
Dec 27, 202232:15
Kim Ades - S2 Ep. 2 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee

Kim Ades - S2 Ep. 2 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee

Kim Ades is the Founder of Frame of Mind Coaching™ and Co- Founder of The Journal That Talks Back™. Recognized as a pioneer in the field of leadership coaching and thought mastery, Kim uses her unique philosophy and direct coaching style to help leaders identify their blind spots and learn to direct their thinking to achieve extraordinary results. Author, speaker, entrepreneur, coach, and mom of five, Kim’s is dedicated to teaching her powerful coaching process to leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs worldwide.

Kim Ades is the Founder at Frame of Mind Coaching which she started in 2005, where she works with executives and entrepreneurs to develop the skills of deliberate thought that top performers instantly access and use to drive their success.

Kim discusses lessons learned in business and a favorite topic for her, the 7 Thinking Traps that Leaders Encounter. 

For more about Sturdy, please visit SturdyCoaching.com


#business #businessowner #leadership #management #entrepreneur

Dec 13, 202219:25
Dr. Allen Lycka - S2 Ep. 1 Focus Forward Business Podcast with Sturdy McKee
Oct 28, 202233:55
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 42 with Tim Angelillo

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 42 with Tim Angelillo

As a successful tech entrepreneur and global business leader, Tim Angelillo brings 15+ years of experience running divisions of publicly traded companies like Yahoo! and Time Warner as well currently founding and leading three start-up businesses in Austin, TX.  These experiences allow Tim to share detailed insights on how to apply an entrepreneurial drive and marketing, sales, technology, and management skills both inside global companies and the tech start-up world.

As Global Business Leader for $900 million of revenue overseeing Yahoo! Sports and the Y! Commerce divisions and Executive Director founding and overseeing $100 Million of Sports Illustrated licensing, properties, and retail business units, Tim shares his experience with audiences around the world on the following topics:

  • 5 Keys to Being a Successful, Halfway Sane Start Up Entrepreneur
  • Be the Entrepreneur in a Global Corporate Machine or Tech Start Up
  • Apply Your Corporate Experiences and Relationships to Your Own Start Up
  • Launch Fast, Listen, and Never Fail
  • Be the Best Brand Ambassador for your Start Up
  • Lead a Lean, Mean “Team”…of Free Lancers
  • Entrepreneurship Lesson One: Don’t Know…Teach Yourself, Quickly
  • The 2 Most Dangerous Items to threaten your Start Up – Cash Flow & Distractions
  • Pacing? It’s a not a Marathon but a Sprint with no Finish Line

During his talks on any one of these conference topics, Tim offers specific recounts of real-world experience, the lessons and solutions uncovered, and actionable insights the audience members can apply to succeed in their own endeavors.

Tim’s “Real World” experiences include:

  • Founder/CEO: Sourced Craft Cocktails & Connection Media
  • VP/Managing Director, R&R Partners the famed ad agency of “What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas”
  • Global Business Leader/Executive Director, Yahoo! Sports, Y! Autos, Y! Shopping, Y! Home, and Y! Small Business
  • Executive Director, Sports Illustrated and SI Golf Group

Tim’s passion is to be of service to consumers, clients, partners, and other tenacious entrepreneurs by sharing his story and solutions that can be applied to companies large and small. Tim is an avid runner using more than 30 miles a week to think up the next business venture and the grateful husband and father of three children, RJ, Cooper, and Grace…all under the age of 10.

Sep 24, 202101:00:31
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 41 with Carrie Morey
Sep 07, 202123:50
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 40 with Rashi Bahri Chitnis
Aug 24, 202122:35
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 39 with Renée Rouleau
Aug 17, 202147:18
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 38 with Jackie Summers

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 38 with Jackie Summers

Jackie Summers is an entrepreneur and founder at Jack From Brooklyn, makers of the “Perfectly rendered” Sorel liqueur.  https://sorelofficial.com

Jackie is the first black person to hold a distilling license in the United States, at least since Prohibition. His determination and persistence got him there, as well as through his 624 attempts at making Sorel delicious AND shelf stable. We are all better off for his diligence.

Listen to Jackie describe and take you through his entrepreneurial journey as he also shares the 500 year journey of sorrel, ultimately leading to the development of Sorel liqueur.

I hope you enjoy Jackie’s story as much as I did.

Learn more about Jackie, Sorel, and his journey at the links below.

https://sorelofficial.com

https://twitter.com/theliquortarian

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jack-from-brooklyn/about

Related:

Uncle Nearest and Fawn Weaver

Jul 14, 202130:19
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 37 with Aaron Kozinets

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 37 with Aaron Kozinets

Aaron Kozinets is a 25 year old entrepreneur and founder at Influence Hunter (http://influencehunter.com).

Aaron never really thought about working for anyone else, but instead struck out on his own straight out of school. He has spent the last several years figuring out and refining his vision and strategy for Influence Hunter.

Influence Hunter brings the power of online influencers to smaller businesses matching niche influencers with unique brands.

Aaron’s journey is interesting and he shares his lessons and story freely.

I am sure you will enjoy Aaron’s perspective and insights.

http://influencehunter.com

https://www.instagram.com/influencehunter

Jun 25, 202120:44
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 36 with Sara Roach-Lewis
Jun 11, 202138:51
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 35 with Heather Deveaux
Jun 04, 202154:18
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 34 with Saji Gunawardane
May 14, 202130:17
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 33 with Tracy Lamourie

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 33 with Tracy Lamourie

Tracy Lamourie is the founder of Lamourie Media. Tracy is A Universal Women's Network 2020 Woman of Inspiration Winner for the Women In Media Award and the author of the upcoming book GET REPPED - Build Your Brand With Effective Public and Media Relations. 

Tracy took what she learned in her very successful advocacy work and turned it into a new career and now a business. Her story is interesting and she is full of energy! She also shares some tips on how to get earned (vs paid) media attention and exposure. 

I had a great time talking with Tracy. I am sure you will get a lot out of this episode.

Apr 30, 202145:22
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 32 with Marko Gargenta
Apr 16, 202132:60
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 31 with Dr. Susan Clinton
Apr 02, 202153:39
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 30 with Angie Flynn-McIver

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 30 with Angie Flynn-McIver

I am happy to bring you Angie Flynn-McIver in this episode. Angie is the Founder and President at Ignite CSP. The CSP stands for coaching, speaking, and presenting. Ignite CSP offers workshops, training, and coaching to people and organizations looking to go to the next level.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Angie Flynn-McIver.
Mar 20, 202122:08
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 29 with Dr. Danelle Dickson

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 29 with Dr. Danelle Dickson

In this episode I talk with Dr. Danelle Dickson.

Dr. Dickson is a private practice owner at Performance Plus Physical Therapy based in Washington, DC. She is also Co-Founder of The Dance Ready Project, and of The Black Female Foundation, a program for female BIPOC business owners to tell their stories, learn about business, and become part of a network of other business owners.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Dickson as much as I did.
Mar 13, 202134:38
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 28 with Dr. Stephen Peaden

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 28 with Dr. Stephen Peaden

In this episode I talk with Dr. Stephen Peaden.

Dr. Peaden is the owner at Restore PhysicalTherapy in Panama City, Florida and a former client of mine.

Dr. Peaden shares his some interesting stories of being shut down by Hurricane Michael in 2018 and then surviving through 2020 and now thriving in 2021. You might notice my native Floridian accent come out, too, as Stephen and I get into his stories.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Peaden.
Mar 06, 202137:01
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 27 with Andreas Schenk
Feb 27, 202139:37
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 26 with Heather Chavin

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 26 with Heather Chavin

In this episode I talk with Heather Chavin, Founder and Owner at GoGoDone.com a virtual coworking space.

Heather pursued her original vision of GoGoDone as a side project. When events transpired and converged shortly after the beginning of the pandemic to open up her future, she turned her passion project into a business.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Heather. You will find her energy and insights infectious.
Feb 22, 202137:29
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 25 with Vladimir Gendelman

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 25 with Vladimir Gendelman

In this episode, I talk with Vladimir Gendelman, Founder and CEO of Company Folders.

Vladimir was born and raised in the former Soviet Union. Growing up he rarely had access to the basic amenities that many of us take for granted.

After immigrating to America, he made it his mission to help provide others with the things he never had access to growing up. After a client expressed a need for high quality presentation folders, Vladimir was inspired to create Company Folders, Inc. in 2003.
Feb 12, 202128:12
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 24 with Dr. Juan Michelle Martin

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 24 with Dr. Juan Michelle Martin

In this episode I talk with Dr. Juan Michelle Martin.

Dr. Martin is a practice owner at JMM Health Solutions, and Co-Founder of The Black Female Foundation, a program for female BIPOC business owners to tell their stories, learn about business, and become part of a network of other business owners.

Dr. Martin shares her stories and unique perspective as a black, female entrepreneur, along with lessons to help other entrepreneurs.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Martin as much as I did
Feb 05, 202136:20
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 23 with Orit Hickman

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 23 with Orit Hickman

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Orit Hickman.

Dr. Hickman is a Physical Therapist, and the CEO and founder of the Lake Burien Physical Therapy in Burien, Washington.

We had a great time discussing lessons and finding your tribe. Dr. Hickman has a wealth of information and wisdom to share with you in this episode.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Orit Hickman.
Jan 29, 202134:24
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 22

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 22

In this episode I get to talk with Dr. Ginger Garner.

Dr. Garner is a Certified Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapist, Professional Yoga Therapist, and is Board Certified in Lifestyle Medicine. She is also the CEO and founder of the Living Well Institute and And she is the owner of EudeMOMia.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Ginger Garner.

You can reach out to her on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Her social media handle is @drgingergarner
Jan 22, 202142:53
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 21

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 21

In this episode I get to talk with Dr. Laura Sanner. Dr. Sanner is a physical therapist, practice owner, and the author of Pregnancy Pain: Fix Your Pain and Become the Boss of Your Body, Tips and Tricks from a Physical Therapist and Mother.

Dr. Sanner shares her stories and insights and what drove her to start her own business, and why she decided to write a book.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Dr. Laura Sanner.
Jan 15, 202117:03
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 20

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 20

Linda Boryski of Saskatoon PhysioYoga (https://saskatoonphysioyoga.ca) and AnyWhere PhysioYoga (https://www.anywherephysioyoga.ca) joins me in this episode of the Focus Forward Business Podcast. Linda is a Physiotherapist with a special interest in Yoga, Wellness, and meditation.

Linda has some great business lessons she shares while telling us about her entrepreneurial journey, which is far from over.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Linda.
Jan 08, 202133:47
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 19

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 19

Steve Watson of Trendbreakers joins me for this episode. Steve is a CFO and CHRO with a special interest in healthcare and healthcare spending. He brings a multi-faceted and unique perspective to our discussion around entrepreneurship and managing your business.

I really enjoyed learning from Steve and gaining insights into how to reduce our healthcare spending as business owners.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Steve and make sure to check out Steve’s Trendbreakers podcast.
Dec 25, 202030:26
Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 18

Focus Forward Business Podcast - Episode 18

I get to talk this episode with Kristen Wilson, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Action Potential Physical Therapy. reachyours.com

Kristen is also the new Editor in Chief of Impact Magazine, the magazine of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

Kristen shares some great lessons and stories from her entrepreneurial journey. And recommends the following books for business owners.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Kristen.
Dec 18, 202040:33
Focus Forward Business Podcast Episode 17 With Timothy Spooner

Focus Forward Business Podcast Episode 17 With Timothy Spooner

In episode 17, I get to interview Timothy Spooner, Founder, and President of Spooner Physical Therapy in Phoenix, AZ. Tim is passionate about changing the healthcare environment and delivery and shares how all business owners can reduce their healthcare spending, a bigger and bigger line item on everyone’s P&L. Tim shares lessons from his 30 years in business, and how he is still learning and changing how he sees his role in the world. I know you will enjoy my conversation with Tim.
Dec 04, 202027:10
Focus Forward Business Podcast Episode 16 With Dave Chase

Focus Forward Business Podcast Episode 16 With Dave Chase

In Episode 16, I welcome Dave Chase to the Focus Forward Business Podcast. Chase was named one of the most influential people in Digital Health due to his entrepreneurial success & writing along with luminaries such as Eric Topol, Patrick Soon-Shiong, & Vinod Khosla. He speaks to & consults with new ventures inside of established companies & high growth startups. I hope you will enjoy my conversation with Dave.
Nov 27, 202051:48
Focus Forward Business Podcast 15 With Heidi Jannenga

Focus Forward Business Podcast 15 With Heidi Jannenga

In episode 15 Heidi Jannenga to the Focus Forward Business Podcast. Heidi is the Founder and Chief Clinical Officer at WebPT. www.webpt.com

Heidi saw a need for a web-based documentation system in the mid 2000’s and embarked on her journey creating WebPT. The company has grown exponentially since its founding in 2008 while maintaining its culture through massive growth over the past decade plus.

I hope you enjoy my conversation with Heidi.
Nov 20, 202032:32