Above The Business - podcast cover

Above The Business

Bradley Hamnerwww.abovethebusiness.co
What if you could step out of the day-to-day and see your business from a whole new perspective? Welcome to Above The Business, where we empower you to rise above the daily grind and embrace a higher way of business ownership. It's time to build your business by design. www.abovethebusiness.co
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Episodes

Episode 452: The OS - Core Playbooks

In this week’s episode of The Above The Business Podcast , Bradley continues the series on building a business operating system by diving deep into the 12 playbooks that every business between $300K and $3M should have. If last week’s episode laid the foundation for having a centralized “team headquarters,” this one frames up the actual structure that brings clarity and order to your operations. Bradley walks you through how these playbooks sit within four essential principles— Clarity, Alignmen...

Apr 11, 202517 minEp. 452

Episode 451: Throwback - SYSTEMology with David Jenyns

In this powerful recast episode, Bradley sits down with David Jenyns—entrepreneur, author, and founder of SYSTEMology—for a conversation that’s all about designing a business that runs without you. David’s entrepreneurial story is nothing short of remarkable. From selling Australia’s most iconic sporting venue, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, in his early twenties to launching and stepping out of one of the country’s top digital agencies, David has walked the talk. In 2016, he did what so many bus...

Apr 07, 202544 minEp. 451

Episode 450: Your Business Needs a Team HQ (Systems Series Pt. 1)

In this episode, Bradley dives into the concept of "Team HQ." He lays the foundation for creating an effective business operating system (OS) that streamlines processes, reduces dependency on the owner, and adds long-term value to the business. Bradley revisits the roadmap framework introduced in previous episodes—Point A (where your business is today), Point B (where you want to go), and the plan to get there. A core problem many business owners face is a lack of systems, and in this episode, B...

Apr 04, 202513 minEp. 450

Episode 449: Well Built with Chad Prinkey

Growing a business requires a shift in mindset and operations—what worked as a small business won't sustain long-term growth. In this episode of The Above The Business Podcast , Bradley sits down with Chad Prinkey, Founder and CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting. Tune in to this episode to learn how to take your business to the next level and build a well-structured, high-performing company. Chad brings a wealth of experience in helping construction businesses scale, optimize operations, a...

Mar 31, 202538 minEp. 449

Episode 448: Core Problem #3 - Tired

In this episode, Bradley dives into the three most common challenges small business owners face: lack of clarity, ineffective systems, and burnout. If you've ever felt exhausted in a way that a good night's sleep can't fix, this conversation is for you. Get actionable strategies to tackle these issues head-on, focusing on the importance of leading yourself first. Discover how creating a personal operating system can help you regain control, protect your confidence, and show up as your best self ...

Mar 28, 202514 minEp. 448

Episode 447: Core Problem #2 - Lack of Systems

Welcome back to part two of our three-part series on the major challenges small business owners face. Last week, Bradley covered the issue of lack of clarity, emphasizing how crucial it is to know your numbers and establish a clear vision. Today, he dives into the second core problem: the lack of systems and processes. Bradley shares his personal journey of discovering the importance of systems, starting from his initial experience reading The E-Myth to his transformative experience at Strategic...

Mar 21, 202517 minEp. 447

Episode 446: 3 Simple Strategies to Engage Employees with Wes Adams & Tamara Myles

In this episode of The Above The Business Podcast , Bradley sits down with two powerhouse guests— Wes Adams and Tamara Myles —to dive deep into leadership, productivity, and creating organizations where people thrive. Wes Adams , CEO of SV Consulting Group, brings his expertise in building high-performing teams and designing operating structures that empower leaders. As a researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, he explores the leadership practices that foster employee success. Tamara Myles...

Mar 17, 202535 minEp. 446

Episode 445: Core Problem #1 - Lack of Clarity

In this episode, Bradley kicks off a new three-part series on the core problems that small business owners face. Building upon the previous three episodes, where he discussed the roadmap to business success, he now shifts focus to the most significant obstacles that hinder growth. The first core problem? Lack of clarity. Bradley explains how business owners in the $300,000 to $3 million revenue range often have a general idea of where their business stands and where they want it to go. However, ...

Mar 14, 202511 minEp. 445

Episode 444: Why 96% of Businesses Fail and How Franchises Beat the Odds with Steven Montgomery

Most businesses fail—but why? And more importantly, how can you beat the odds? In this episode of The Above The Business Podcast , Bradley sits down with Steven Montgomery, the Founder and CEO of ResiBrands, to explore what separates successful businesses from those that don’t make it. Steven shares his journey from dropping out of college to building a $100M home service franchise empire. He reveals why so many entrepreneurs struggle to get their businesses off the ground and how franchises off...

Mar 10, 202532 minEp. 444

Episode 443: Game Plan

In this episode of The Above The Business Podcast , Bradley Hamner wraps up his three-part series on creating a roadmap for your business. If you haven’t yet listened to the first two parts, be sure to check out the last two Friday episodes, where he covered Point A—understanding where your business is today—and Point B—establishing your business blueprint with a clear vision, objectives, and targets. Today, Bradley dives into the final and most crucial piece of the roadmap: the plan . He explai...

Mar 07, 202515 minEp. 443

Episode 442: From Disruption to Opportunity: Mastering the Art of Client Retention with Troy Korsgaden

In this episode of The Above The Business Podcast , Bradley sits down with Troy Korsgaden, a globally recognized insurance carrier consultant, speaker, and author. With over three decades of experience in consulting and training executives, agents, and brokers, Troy shares his expertise on the importance of customer acquisition, ascension, and retention—the three pillars of business growth. Troy explains why businesses in every industry, from insurance to remodeling to retail, must focus on deep...

Mar 03, 202542 minEp. 442

Episode 441: Point B (Where Are You Going?)

In this episode of The Above The Business Podcast , Bradley builds on last week’s discussion about defining Point A—where your business stands today—by shifting focus to Point B: where you want to go. He shares a structured approach to crafting a compelling business roadmap, emphasizing the importance of vision and goal setting. Bradley introduces the concept of the Business Blueprint , which consists of three key components: Three-Year Vision – A vivid and aspirational picture of where you want...

Feb 28, 202510 minEp. 441

Episode 440: Mastering Remote Sales for Explosive Growth with Jason Stefely

In this episode of Above the Business , Bradley Hamner sits down with Jason Stefely, Founder of Agency Growth Services and a successful insurance agent. Jason shares his journey from launching his first agency at 23 to pioneering remote sales solutions for insurance agents across the country. He discusses the challenges of moving his business to Cupertino, California, right before the COVID-19 pandemic and how he turned adversity into an opportunity by embracing a fully remote sales team model. ...

Feb 24, 202538 minEp. 440

Episode 439: Point A (Where are you today?)

In today's episode of The Above The Business Podcast, Bradley dives into the importance of understanding exactly where your business is today—your Point A. Next Friday, he’ll discuss Point B: where you want your business to go. Bradley shares how he first encountered this concept in his favorite business book, The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham. He emphasizes the significance of truly grasping your business's current state, rather than giving it mere lip service. Key topics covered in this...

Feb 21, 202516 minEp. 439

Episode 438: The Transition From Rainmaker to Sales Leader with Mike Weinberg

In this episode, sales expert, consultant, and bestselling author Mike Weinberg shares Key Insights for Building a Winning Team. Bradley Hamner chats with Mike as he shares how he went from struggling with sales to becoming one of the top voices in sales leadership. They talk about what it really takes to build a great sales team, why some of the best salespeople struggle when they move into management, and how business owners can set their teams up for success. Mike also breaks down the differe...

Feb 17, 202549 minEp. 438

Episode 437: Thinking Time - Design Your Business Before You Build It

In this episode of The Above The Business Podcast , Bradley Hamner dives into the critical importance of having a business blueprint. Just like building a house requires a well-thought-out architectural plan, growing a business requires a clear roadmap. Without it, business owners often find themselves working hard without a clear direction. Bradley breaks down the essential components of a business blueprint and how to create one effectively. He introduces a four-step framework for success: Kno...

Feb 14, 202510 minEp. 437

Episode 436: Unlocking Leadership - The Hidden Psychology Behind Great Leaders with Dr. Elias Aboujaoude

In this episode of The Above the Business Podcast , Bradley Hamner sits down with Dr. Elias Aboujaoude, a psychiatrist, researcher, and author, to explore the intersection of psychology and leadership for small business owners. If you're leading a company with revenues between $500K and $5M, this conversation is packed with insights on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and leadership character. Dr. Aboujaoude shares his journey from psychiatry to leadership coaching, emphasizing how leader...

Feb 10, 202536 minEp. 436

Episode 435: Thinking Time - Think Like an Architect

Are you designing your business with intention, or just letting it happen? In this episode, Bradley explores why business owners should think like an architect —designing their businesses with purpose instead of relying on default growth. Drawing inspiration from YouTube creator Mark Rober and his "Think Like an Engineer" mindset, Bradley makes the case that business owners need a blueprint —a clear plan that includes a three-year vision, one-year objectives, and 90-day targets . He also discuss...

Feb 07, 202513 minEp. 435

Episode 434: Employee Engagement in a World of AI with Rasmus Holst

In todays episode, Bradley sits down with Rasmus Holst, a serial entrepreneur and transformational leader who’s redefining what it means to scale a business. As the CEO of Zensai5, Rasmus has grown the AI-powered learning management company to over $35 million in ARR, driven by one core belief: humans are the true engine of innovation. Rasmus shares how putting people at the heart of business isn’t just good leadership—it’s the key to sustainable growth. You’ll hear his experiences leading inter...

Feb 03, 202538 minEp. 434

Episode 433: Thinking Time - Turn Your Business Ideas into Reality with the IMPACT Framework

In this episode, Bradley Hamner introduces the IMPACT framework—a structured approach to testing and validating business ideas before committing resources. This method helps business owners avoid costly mistakes and focus on ideas that drive real growth. Key Takeaways: I - Ideal Scenario: Define success before taking action. M - MVP: Test a small-scale version first. P - Pre-Mortem: Identify potential failure points early. A - Allocation of Resources: Assess time, money, and effort required. C -...

Jan 31, 202510 minEp. 433

Episode 432: I Respectfully Disagree with Justin Jones-Fosu

In this episode, Bradley Hamner sits down with Justin Jones-Fosu, MBA, CSP—a dynamic international speaker, social entrepreneur, and best-selling author. Justin is the Founder and CEO of Work. Meaningful., an organization dedicated to helping professionals, corporations, and associations infuse meaning into their work. With a career spanning leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies and graduate studies in leadership and organizational change, Justin shares his expertise in fostering inclusive m...

Jan 27, 202543 minEp. 432

Episode 431: Thinking Time - Sales Recruiting DNA: Hunters & Farmers

In this episode, Bradley dives into the concept of sales recruiting DNA, exploring the critical distinction between "hunters" and "farmers" in sales roles. Inspired by the work of Mike Weinberg, author of New Sales. Simplified. and Sales Management. Simplified. , Bradley unpacks how these sales personalities align with the business growth model of Acquisition, Ascension, and Retention (AAR) . Bradley explains: Acquisition (Hunters): Salespeople who thrive on securing new customers, embracing rej...

Jan 24, 202510 minEp. 431

Episode 430: The Lazy CEO with Jim Schleckser

Today on the podcast, we have Jim Schleckser! Jim is the driving force behind The CEO Project, where he helps CEOs achieve profound business and profit growth. His approach combines decades of experience with a practical framework that equips leaders to become more effective and impactful. Through his books, podcasts, and advisory sessions, Jim inspires CEOs to lead strategically, manage efficiently, and deliver extraordinary results. If you’re a leader looking to elevate your effectiveness and ...

Jan 20, 202528 minEp. 430

Episode 429: Thinking Time - A Salary Cap For Your Business

In this episode of the podcast, Bradley explores a concept borrowed from professional sports: a salary cap. While baseball teams like the New York Mets can spend vast sums, such as their $765 million contract with Juan Soto, many sports leagues like the NFL and NBA operate within strict salary caps. Bradley explains how businesses, much like these leagues, need to implement financial limits for labor expenses to maintain profitability and drive growth. Inspired by Greg Crabtree's book Simple Num...

Jan 17, 202512 minEp. 429

Episode 428: Fire Yourself & Create Passive Income in 3 Years or Less with Bronson Hill

In this episode, Bradley Hamner sits down with Bronson Hill, the Managing Member of Bronson Equity, to discuss how to build true financial freedom through passive income. Bronson shares his journey as a general partner in 2,500 multifamily units valued at over $250M and how he raised over $45M for real estate and private equity deals. We dive into his best-selling book, Fire Yourself: Replace Your Working Income with Passive Income in 3 Years or Less , and explore practical strategies for transi...

Jan 13, 202534 minEp. 428

Episode 427: Thinking Time - Straight to the Bottom Line

In this episode, Bradley reflects on the parallels between personal and business habits, emphasizing the importance of reviewing and trimming unnecessary expenses. Just as overindulging during the holidays leads to tighter pants and sluggishness, unchecked business expenses can slowly erode profitability. Bradley suggests conducting a 15–30-minute expense audit once or twice a year to identify subscriptions, software, or other costs that no longer serve the business. Thanks to our sponsors... Bl...

Jan 10, 20259 minEp. 427

Episode 426: Business Growth with Athin Cassiotis

Today on the podcast, Bradley Hamner sits down with Athin Cassiotis, a business coach, mentor, strategist, speaker, and entrepreneur whose journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary success is nothing short of inspirational. Athin shares how he overcame financial struggles and self-doubt after leaving the stability of full-time employment to start his own consulting business. A pivotal moment came when a friend offered him a free ticket to a 3-day business bootcamp. That event transformed h...

Jan 06, 202543 minEp. 426

Episode 425: Thinking Time - Word of the Year & Ruthless Prioritization

In this insightful episode, Bradley dives into two powerful concepts that can transform how you approach your personal and professional life: expanding your margin and embracing ruthless prioritization. Key Takeaways:1. Expanding Your Margin: Margin Defined: The difference between your load and your limit. Strategies to Expand Margin: Increase your limit through energy management, self-care, and mental health practices. Decrease your load by managing commitments like meetings, calls, and other s...

Jan 03, 20258 minEp. 425

Episode 424: Creating Trust and Credibility with Michael DeLon

In this episode, host Bradley Hamner sits down with Michael DeLon, founder of Paperback Expert, to discuss the power of credibility marketing. Michael shares his expertise in helping business owners clarify their brand strategy and publish a book that positions them as the go-to expert in their field. From developing a profitable book to leveraging credibility to attract more clients and referrals, Michael’s insights can transform how you build authority in your industry. Discover actionable tip...

Dec 30, 202436 minEp. 424

Episode 423: Thinking Time - It's All Downhill From Here

In this episode, Bradley Hamner emphasizes the paramount importance of having a clear vision for your business. He explains that vision acts as the cornerstone, influencing every aspect of your company, from strategy and hiring to marketing and operations. Without a defined vision, businesses risk stagnation or losing direction. Using real-life examples, Bradley shares: A Success Story : A company with three founders grew from less than $500K to several million in revenue by aligning on a vision...

Dec 27, 202412 minEp. 423
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