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The Excellence Cartel

The Excellence Cartel

By Jeffrey Black

Jason Theobald, Jeffrey Su, and Jeff Black - 3 of the most forward-thinking coaches in the health and industry space collaborate to bring their takes on leadership, success and serving others as a coach.
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Episode 83: The Difference in Dieting Women

The Excellence CartelApr 14, 2021

00:00
01:02:49
Episode 179: My Turn To Talk: How To Burn Your Bridges The Right Way

Episode 179: My Turn To Talk: How To Burn Your Bridges The Right Way

4 years have come to a close. An overview of how three friends' friendship came to a rather dramatic ending.

Dec 06, 202345:00
Let's Talk

Let's Talk

Give this a listen. I hope to get a text.

Dec 05, 202304:19
Episode 177: The Final Ride

Episode 177: The Final Ride

Join Jason, Jeffrey Su, and Jeff Black as they bring The Excellence Cartel podcast to a close for now.

Jun 20, 202301:24:53
Episode 175: Vince Pitstick on Overactive Immune Disorder & Autophagy

Episode 175: Vince Pitstick on Overactive Immune Disorder & Autophagy

Episode 175: Vince Pitstick on OID & Autophagy Vince joined us today to dive deep on Overactive Immune Disorder and clarify exactly what this means within the context of weight loss resistance and various disease states. What is weight loss resistance? How do you know if you have it? And why is the immune system at the center of it all? Listen to find out!

May 25, 202301:16:04
The Keto Playbook with Ben Azadi

The Keto Playbook with Ben Azadi

The Keto Playbook with Ben Azadi, best-selling author of "Keto Flex." Ben joined Jeff B and Jason to discuss implementing a Ketogenic diet that benefits you on a cellular level. We covered fasting, working out with a ketogenic diet, and even the fats you should avoid that are more dangerous than smoking cigarettes! Check us out and share if you learned something new!

May 23, 202359:42
Episode 174: John Gorman and Jason Theobald Talk Supplements

Episode 174: John Gorman and Jason Theobald Talk Supplements

Episode 174: John Gorman and Jason Theobald Talk Supplements Today we invited John Gorman, owner of PHAT Muscle to join Jason for a tell-all today about what it’s really like to own a supplement company. John and Jason talk about what it was like in the early days, their first products, their initial capital outlays, and how they marketed without ads to grow to 1 million in annual revenue. Ever wonder what goes into a great product? Listen to this episode.

May 09, 202301:04:36
Episode 173: Nate Bailey on Leadership

Episode 173: Nate Bailey on Leadership

Episode 173: Nate Bailey on Leadership Today we were joined by Nate Bailey who shares his experience in the military and how his role there prepared him to run a successful coaching business after selling his insurance company. We talk about handling highs and lows, relationships, and challenges ahead.

May 03, 202350:58
Episode 172: Taeler De Haes on Business Coaching

Episode 172: Taeler De Haes on Business Coaching

Today we were joined by Taeler De Haes to talk about the business of business coaching, what to do, what not to do, what’s common, and what’s rare.
This was probably the best episode we have done on this topic. Taeler tells it like it really is, she doesn’t pitch or sell, and she opens up about how tragedy in her own life fueled an obsession with building her business and how relentless hours of hard work and saying “no” led her to a life of saying “yes” today.
Business coaching is becoming as common as fitness coaching and the truth is, only a small percentage will make it.

Apr 18, 202353:37
Episode 171: Skip Hill on Masters Competitors

Episode 171: Skip Hill on Masters Competitors

Episode 171: Skip Hill on Masters Competitors

Today we had Skip Hill on our show to discuss the ins and outs of maintaining health and longevity as a masters competitor or bodybuilding enthusiast.
We touch on training adjustments, cardio, PEDs, and what systems act as limiting factors to progression in athletes 40 and up.

Apr 11, 202301:05:59
Episode 170: Justin Harris

Episode 170: Justin Harris

Episode 170: Justin Harris
Today we were joined by Justin Harris, owner of Troponin Nutrition to chat about nutrition, physics, coaching, going back to school, and running multiple businesses.
Justin is a wealth of knowledge and experience in both bodybuilding and business. Tune in for tips on staying in the game (even after taking a break) and growing personally and professionally as the industry as we know it continues to change.

Apr 04, 202301:02:18
Episode 169: Healthy, Optimal, & Competitive

Episode 169: Healthy, Optimal, & Competitive

Episode 169: Healthy, Optimal, & Competitive

Today we were joined by Dom Kuza to discuss the balance between what’s healthy, optimal, and competitive when it comes to contest preps and PEDs.What’s healthy isn’t always competitive, so how do you navigate both goals over time?Many of us who love to train and compete won’t ever be Mr. Olympia, so how do you reconcile your goals? Tune in to find out!

Mar 21, 202301:02:32
Episode 168: Chat GPT with Jaime Filer

Episode 168: Chat GPT with Jaime Filer

Episode 168: Chat GPT with Jaime Filer

Coach Jaime from TRM joined us again today to talk about artificial intelligence, social media, and the future of coaching as our industry players are constantly seeking the next edge and operational efficiencies.

We focus on Chat GPT, an open software system in its infancy stages which can write meal plans, Facebook posts, and supplement protocols based on what information you give it.

Scary stuff, but very cool as well. How will human coaches fare as AI creeps into our space? Tune in to find out!

Mar 14, 202355:17
Episode 167: Contest Prep with Cameron Cheek

Episode 167: Contest Prep with Cameron Cheek

Episode 167: Contest Prep with Cameron Cheek

Cameron returns this week to talk about the nitty gritty details of contest prep.

We dive into GH and anabolics for athletes, nutrition and training considerations for men and women in both younger and older populations and more.

Mar 07, 202301:05:07
Episode 166: Coach Cameron Cheek

Episode 166: Coach Cameron Cheek

Episode 166: Coach Cameron Cheek

Today we were joined by coach Cameron Cheek from Camp Jansen to talk about his story, his why, and where he sees bodybuilding and the coaching industry going.

At only 24 years old, Cameron seems wise beyond his years with his view points on business, money, success, and social media.

Tune in to get to know the guy behind some of the best athletes and transformations in our industry today.

Feb 28, 202301:02:56
Episode 165: The Unnamed & Untamed Takeover!

Episode 165: The Unnamed & Untamed Takeover!

Episode 165: The Unnamed & Untamed Takeover!

Today we were joined by Mere, Sonia, and Sarah to answer your questions!  We go over Semaglutide, blending your food, training with hypothalamic amenorrhea and we also discuss female empowerment. You might be surprised at what these ladies have to say!

Feb 23, 202359:37
Episode 164: Deep Dive Into Cholesterol with Dr. Kirsten Gurtowsky

Episode 164: Deep Dive Into Cholesterol with Dr. Kirsten Gurtowsky

Episode 164: Deep Dive Into Cholesterol with Dr. Kirsten Gurtowsky

Dr. Gurtowsky joins us again today for a deep dive into cholesterol.

From lab markers to genetic root causes in dyslipidemia, we cover it all so you can stay informed and up to date on your cardiac health.

Feb 14, 202350:52
Episode 163: Brothers In Business

Episode 163: Brothers In Business

Episode 163: Brothers In Business  

Today we were joined by Eric and Chris Martinez, brothers and fitness business coaches who focus on helping coaches sell more high-ticket programs without trading time for money.  We talk about social media, growing your following, how their high-ticket offers work, and what might go wrong.  Jeffrey Su and Jason Theobald play devils advocates at times to tease out both sides of the fence on this topic.

Feb 07, 202357:25
Episode 162: PEC 8 Recap & Open Q&A

Episode 162: PEC 8 Recap & Open Q&A

Episode 162: PEC 8 Recap & Open Q&A

Today the three of us reflect on PEC 8 and our past weekend. It was a great turnout and a reminder of all the good people we have in our industry and the good we are all trying to accomplish together. We appreciate your time, attendance, support, trust, and feedback.

We also answered some questions received in our question boxes on Instagram in a funny, direct, and informative manner! We appreciate the questions!

Jan 31, 202354:15
Episode 161: Low T With Dr. Anthony Jay

Episode 161: Low T With Dr. Anthony Jay

Today we had Dr. Anthony Jay, author of Estrogeneration, back on to discuss the low T phenomenon. Over the course of the episode, we discussed the reasons behind low Testosterone levels. Things such as phthalates, processed foods, lack of sleep, and heavy metals such as fluoride. We even touched on hormone replacement therapy and any concerns anyone might have over participating in a hormone therapy program.


Jan 11, 202301:00:34
Episode 160: Advanced PEDs for Male Enhancement

Episode 160: Advanced PEDs for Male Enhancement

Episode 160: Advanced PEDs for Male Enhancement

Today Alex Kikel joins us again to dive deep into PEDs for men. We cover PED use in the aging male, how and why tren affects some men differently, and why you'd want to use masteron over primo.

As always, Alex packs a punch by bringing in the hard science behind mechanisms of action of these PEDs.

Jan 03, 202301:09:03
Episode 159: Semaglutide with Megan Del Corral

Episode 159: Semaglutide with Megan Del Corral

Episode 159: Semaglutide with Megan Del Corral  

Today Megan Del Corral from Advanced Vitality HRT joined us to discuss the low down on Semaglutide, the newest incretin mimetic to hit the market to target insulin and weight loss resistance.  We dive deep into the cellular mechanisms of GLP-1RAs as they related to hunger signaling, fat loss, and special population who should or shouldn't use incretin mimetics.  

For more information on consulting with Advanced Vitality HRT, please visit:  advancedvitalityhrt.com


www.theexcellencecartel.com

Dec 20, 202256:09
Episode 158: Steven Pressfield

Episode 158: Steven Pressfield

Episode 158: Steven Pressfield  

Today we hosted Steven Pressfield again on the show to talk about his memoir, Government Cheese which hits bookshelves on December 30th.  Government Cheese is about Steven's life but many of us can reflect on on his journey of self-development and introspection as we figure out how we each show up and deliver what we're put on this earth to do.

www.theexcellencecartel.com

Dec 13, 202258:30
Episode 157: All Things PEDs With Alex Kikel

Episode 157: All Things PEDs With Alex Kikel

Today we invited Alex Kikel onto the show to dive into some of the pharmacology of PEDs - anabolics, insulin, and growth hormone.  We discuss women and PEDs, virilization, usage for men over 40, and the genetic expression of unwanted side effects.

Nov 22, 202201:01:34
Episode 156: Masculinity and Mental Health

Episode 156: Masculinity and Mental Health

Episode 156: Masculinity and Mental Health  Today we were joined by Nick Komodina to discuss the male struggle with ego, pain, communication, emotions, and abandonment.  Men's mental health is a topic that is thankfully gaining more attention and awareness. Men are more likely to commit suicide when facing failure and many men abuse drugs, alcohol, women, and money - to escape pain.  Nick talks about the 4 pillars of life, and how most men build a lopsided foundation, often focusing on money and physical strength, especially in our industry, and how a conscious rebalancing of the 4 pillars will lead to a happier and more sustainable existence.

Nov 15, 202201:07:33
Episode 155: Competing With Ataxia

Episode 155: Competing With Ataxia

Episode 155: Competing With Ataxia  Today Jason's client Daniela DiSilvestro joins us along side her posing coach and trainer Kate Lane to share her motivating story of competing with Ataxia.  Ataxia describes poor muscle control that causes clumsy voluntary movements. It may cause difficulty with walking and balance, hand coordination, speech and swallowing, and eye movements.  Ataxia usually results from damage to the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum) or its connections. Many conditions can cause ataxia, including alcohol misuse, stroke, tumor, brain degeneration, multiple sclerosis, certain medications and genetic disorders.

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Aa

Nov 08, 202238:29
Episode 154: Perimenopause with Mere Paci

Episode 154: Perimenopause with Mere Paci

Episode 154: Perimenopause with Mere Paci

This is the most comprehensive chat we've ever had on perimenopause, and we were joined by ScoobyPrep coach Mere Paci to discuss her observations and findings amongst clients of this demographic.  Together we break down symptoms, root causes, lab work, and ways to go about easing this natural transition via nutrition, training, and coaching support.  This is an episode full of science, explanations, and application that you won't want to miss.


Nov 01, 202201:04:27
Episode 153: Contest Prep With Andrew Berry

Episode 153: Contest Prep With Andrew Berry

Episode 153: Contest Prep With Andrew Berry  

Today we were joined by Andrew Berry, from Jeff Su's neck of the woods up north to chat about the extremes of contest prep.  We discuss training, cardio, nutrition, and of course drugs, both PEDs and ancillary items, and how and when we would apply them or have seen them applied.


Oct 25, 202201:23:34
Episode 152: Optimizing Your Lipid Panel and Heart

Episode 152: Optimizing Your Lipid Panel and Heart

Episode 152: Optimizing Your Lipid Panel and Heart

Managing lipids and lowering cardiac risk is a common theme in coaching. Competitors and general population clients alike can encounter cardiac risk, which can be increased via the use of PEDs and birth control.  Today we dive into blood pressure, heart rate, and the main elements on the lipid panel and discuss the ins and outs of risk and risk management for health and longevity.

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Oct 18, 202252:32
Episode 151: What We Really Think About Mentorships

Episode 151: What We Really Think About Mentorships

Episode 151: What We Really Think About Mentorships  

Today we come right out and say what we think about mentorships in our industry and the good and bad that has come from this offering from a variety of brands, including our own.  What should a mentorship offer?  Who should mentor?  What should you expect?  Who needs mentoring?  Will this offering continue to serve our industry or is it a bubble?  This is perhaps the most direct, no bullshit topics we've covered and it's packed full of jabs, insight, foresight, and personality.  We hope you enjoy it.

Oct 11, 202201:01:33
Episode 150: Peeling Back The Layers of PCOS

Episode 150: Peeling Back The Layers of PCOS

Episode 150: Peeling Back The Layers of PCOS  

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome affects 6-12% of women of childbearing age. According to the revised criteria, PCOS is identified via amenorrhea, polycystic ovaries on an ultrasound, or a combination of hirsutism and hyperandrogenism.  Women with PCOS often see elevated LH to FSH, high free Testosterone, low SHBG, high fasted insulin or cortisol dysregulation on serum lab work.  Because PCOS is a mix of so many different systemic dysfunctions, it can be hard to treat. Medical solutions include Metformin, birth control, spironolactone, and finasteride.  Together we discuss the pathophysiology of PCOS and how we approach it from natural coaching angles.

www.theexcellencecartel.com

Oct 04, 202252:45
Episode 149: Competitive Eating with Bartley Weaver

Episode 149: Competitive Eating with Bartley Weaver

Episode 149: Competitive Eating with Bartley Weaver  

Today we were joined by IFBB pro Bartley Weaver who is ranked 16th in the world of competitive eating, appeared in NBC's Titan Games, and is currently working on set with The Rock.  Bartley talks about the dark side of competitive eating and doing what it takes to be the best at that level.  You can find Bartley on Instagram @dreamweaveriv.

www.theexcellencecartel.com

Sep 27, 202253:51
Episode 148: Social Media Do's and Don'ts with Rosa Ma

Episode 148: Social Media Do's and Don'ts with Rosa Ma

Episode 148: Social Media Do's and Don'ts with Rosa Ma  

Today Jeffrey Su's client Rosa Ma joins us to discuss her role building data pipelines and creating usability dashboards for Big Social Media.  We discussed posting frequency, should you reel or carousel, and should you avoid taking about current political administrations and ongoing health pandemics.  Does the algorithm really listen?  Where will social media lead us into the future?  What drives engagement and retention?  Rosa graduated from Columbia University and studied  Finance and Mathematics and currently resides in Boston, MA.

Sep 21, 202233:34
Episode 147: Coaching Algorithms with Sam Miller
Sep 14, 202201:02:06
Episode 146: Advanced Vitality HRT

Episode 146: Advanced Vitality HRT

Episode 146: Advanced Vitality HRT

Episode 146: Advanced Vitality HRT  Megan del Corral from Advanced Vitality HRT joins us today to talk about the perceptions and practices of HRT in our industry today.  We discuss the needs and risks of Testosterone, Estrogen, and Progesterone in male and female patients and we speak briefly on the benefits of Semaglutide, a peptide which has promising benefits in weight loss.

Sep 06, 202201:04:30
Episode 145: All Things Fat Loss With Chanel Collette

Episode 145: All Things Fat Loss With Chanel Collette

In today's episode, we had Chanel Collette from Audacious Athletes join us to discuss all things fat loss. How do you even train for fat loss? What goes into it? When does a reverse diet or maintenance approach apply? Over the course of the episode, we discussed what expectations people should have when trying to lose body fat. We touched on calories in and calories out, along with metabolic adaption and subsequent hormonal changes.  You will want to listen if you are in a fat loss phase or considering entering one.

Aug 30, 202201:00:17
Episode 144: PEDs with Braeden Miller

Episode 144: PEDs with Braeden Miller

Episode 144: PEDs with Braeden Miller

Today we were joined by Braeden Miller of Team Miller Elite to discuss the pros, cons, risks, and ranges of PED use in the various categories of physique competition.

What are people using? What have we each used? How much? How have our beliefs changed?

Balancing risk and reward and accepting the reality of competing is part of the game. How far do you want to take it?

Aug 23, 202201:10:12
Episode 143: Do You Really Need A Business Coach?

Episode 143: Do You Really Need A Business Coach?

Episode 143: Do You Really Need A Business Coach?

Today we invited Andrea Orona on our show who has studied under both "big name" and "small name" mentorships to answer the hottest question in our industry today:

Do you really need a business coach?

What are you really investing in? What do they do? What do they not do?

We talk about building trust, building a brand, and why entrepreneurs choose to enter the fray of ownership and leadership.

Aug 09, 202255:27
Episode 142: The Art of Coaching

Episode 142: The Art of Coaching

Episode 142: The Art of Coaching

Brett Bartholomew, performance coach, author, speaker, and owner of The Art of Coaching, joined us today for a really intimate and enlightening conversation on leadership, success, happiness, communication, and the mindset of leaders and those who wish to be led.

Are leaders inherently flawed?

Is narcissism beneficial in certain situations?

How do you find your own voice?

How to feel like you've achieved enough?

How do "difficult clients," think?

All of that and more. You'll love this one.

Aug 02, 202201:12:21
Episode 141: Ashley Marcum Returns

Episode 141: Ashley Marcum Returns

Episode 141: Ashley Marcum Returns

It's been a year since we had Ashley on, the owner of MyoStrength Coaching who first appeared on Episode 102 on our Coaching Spotlight.

Ashley recaps her year in business and how her perspectives on marketing, social media, relationship building, and client care have changed, and how investing in her own education has helped her grow.

Jul 26, 202247:35
Episode 140: Unnamed and Untamed

Episode 140: Unnamed and Untamed

Episode 140: Unnamed and Untamed

Today the hosts of Unnamed and Untamed - Sarah Bishop, Mere Paci, and Sonia Spil joined us for an open Q&A on the differences between male and female coaches, handling different client personalities, and controversies surrounding HRT.

Jul 19, 202201:12:48
Episode 139: GOOB

Episode 139: GOOB

Episode 139: GOOB

Today we were joined by John Dorsey, aka "Goob" who has rocked the social media world of fitness through his unrelenting mockery of infamous influencers and other scam artists online.

John discusses his coaching business, how he got to become the man behind the stories, and how he has perhaps changed the industry and us all for the better by offering a fresh breath of accountability.

Jul 12, 202201:04:18
Episode 138: Chatting with Dillon Phaneuf

Episode 138: Chatting with Dillon Phaneuf

Episode 138: Chatting with Dillon Phaneuf

Today our northern neighbor Dillon Phaneuf joined us on the podcast to chat about life and coaching in Canada.

Dillon spoke about how he overcame personal struggles to become the coach he is today, and how operating within the Canadian healthcare system led him to alternative resources and thinking to better strategize on complex client cases.

Jul 05, 202201:02:31
Episode 137: A Chat With The Boston Mass

Episode 137: A Chat With The Boston Mass

Episode 137: A Chat With The Boston Mass

Today we have a special guest - the one and only Jose Raymond, aka "The Boston Mass", aka the guy in charge of Jeffrey Su's hamstring development.

Jose spoke about his career in the IFBB and opened up about PED use, training, and decisions he made coming up the ranks since winning the overall at the New Englands as a teen.

Reflecting on his 20+ year career as a competitive bodybuilder he only has one regret, but the rest he has made peace with and is glad to have moved on to other projects which serve his purpose now and those around him.

--

Jun 22, 202201:01:55
Episode 136: Should You Diet on Vacation?

Episode 136: Should You Diet on Vacation?

Episode 136: Should You Diet on Vacation?

This is a common question and an undeniable, nagging thought that pops up in the minds of serious competitors and general population clients alike, and depending on your tenure in fitness, coping mechanisms, and perceptions of freedom, you may be tempted to handle your nutrition on vacation with biases.

Who should be strict? Who should not? What does "strictness" or "freedom" mean?

How should we as coaches guide our clients this summer season? Tune in to find out!

Jun 07, 202232:28
Episode 135: Adrenal Insufficiency with Kristen Gurtowsky

Episode 135: Adrenal Insufficiency with Kristen Gurtowsky

Episode 135: Adrenal Insufficiency with Kristen Gurtowsky

Episode 135: Adrenal Insufficiency with Kristen Gurtowsky  

Jeff Black's client Kristen Gurtowsky joined us today to discuss adrenal insufficiency from her personal journey and professional perspective as a PA with formal medical training.  800 calorie diets paired with 2 hours of cardio per day are still happening all too often to clients at the hands of coaches who simply haven't been educated yet.  Kristen talks about how she slowly bridged her medical background with the non-Western coaching techniques that her and Jeff employed to turn her adrenals around.


www.theexcellencecartel.com


May 24, 202248:19
Episode 134: Stress Biofeedback with Nick Langer

Episode 134: Stress Biofeedback with Nick Langer

Episode 134: Stress Biofeedback with Nick Langer  

Today Nick Langer of BR Physiques joined us to talk about tracking stress in biofeedback, how to interpret markers and when coaches should or should not ask clients to track.  We discuss HRV, RHR, FBG, BBT, and BG among others and how they relate and paint an actionable and coachable picture of the client.  We also discuss genetic predisposition to stress, lifestyle factors, and what changes should be made to ensure longevity in physique enhancement.

www.theeexcellencecartel.com

May 18, 202201:05:19
Episode 133: Building a Community with Tristan Winters

Episode 133: Building a Community with Tristan Winters

Episode 133: Building a Community with Tristan Winters

Today we were joined by Tristan Winters from the Daily Pursuit to talk about how he built his community of clients and coaches and his strong beliefs in service-based leadership.

Head health, heart health, and daily checklists he says is what keeps his clients and his team going.

We asked him questions about marketing, client communication and management and if he has ever fired a client.

www.theexcellencecartel.com

May 10, 202201:08:38
Episode 132: Personal Training Perks with Jace Lopez

Episode 132: Personal Training Perks with Jace Lopez

You sent

Episode 132: Personal Training Perks with Jace Lopez  

With the online coaching market heating up more and more each year it leaves us wondering how coaches can leverage the once "red ocean" space of personal training.  We invited Jace Lopez, owner of Apex Training in Lafayette, LA to talk about being a personal trainer and what operations and revenue look like for his gym and his team.  The industry is constantly shifting but what will never change is the desire for a personal connection between client and coach. Perhaps it is time we revisited in-person training.

www.theexcellencecartel.com

May 03, 202258:30
Episode 131: Peter Bonds On Steroids

Episode 131: Peter Bonds On Steroids

Today we welcomed Peter Bond onto our show to discuss his book "The Book On Steroids."  We asked Peter about what the research says on steroid use in terms of side effects, doses, and other topics. Peter covered a few different steroids such as Primobolan and Trenbolone along with of course testosterone, discussing the studies involving doses and duration. There was also a discussion on diuretic use and a few other good ones that made the time go by quickly. Peter's book is available at bookonsteroids.com

www. theexcellencecartel.com

Apr 26, 202201:06:47
Episode 130: Leading from the Front with Aaron Straker

Episode 130: Leading from the Front with Aaron Straker

Episode 130: Leading from the Front

"The coaching space is saturated, but it's not competitive".

Today we were joined by Aaron Straker of Straker Nutrition to talk about business ownership, leadership, and setting standards and boundaries for success.

Where do coaches go wrong, allowing their clients to breach boundaries?

How do you draw good attention to yourself in a saturated marketplace?

How do you communicate goals with clients so it resonates and translates into action?

This was a great discussion today with plenty of stories, experience, and actionable tips to make your coaching more successful than yesterday.

www.theexcellencecartel.com

Apr 19, 202258:58