Business Leaders of America Podcast With Dylan Bloyed

Business Leaders of America Podcast Featuring Dr. George Tinsley Sr. Entrepreneur, Author, Former Professional Basketball Player & Community Leader Episode Overview In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Dr. George Tinsley Sr., entrepreneur, author, and former professional basketball player. George shares his journey from growing up in Louisville's Smoketown neighborhood to becoming a three-time NCAA national champion, playing professional basketball, and working directly with Colonel Harland Sanders at KFC. After eight years with KFC, George became a franchise owner, eventually operating approximately 12 restaurants. He and his wife, Seretha, later opened the first African American-owned TGI Fridays in the United States. Their Tampa airport location became the No. 1 TGI Fridays in the country for nine consecutive years. We discuss his transition from sports to business, lessons in leadership and company culture, building a family business, and the importance of perseverance and giving back. George also shares insights from his book, Catch as Catch Can, and reflects on the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Founder of Tinsley Group • Three-time NCAA Division II national champion at Kentucky Wesleyan College • Former professional basketball player in the American Basketball Association (ABA) • Worked directly with Colonel Harland Sanders at KFC • Operated approximately 12 KFC restaurants • Opened the first African American-owned TGI Fridays in the United States, which became the No. 1 location in the country for nine consecutive years. • Helped grow the Tinsley family restaurant business to more than 60 locations • Author of Catch As Catch Can How to connect with Dr. George Tinsley Sr. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-wm-tinsley-sr/ Website: https://TinsleySpeaks.com Tinsley Family Concessions: https://tfcfamily.com/ Book: Catch as Catch Can: Building a Legacy by Finding Opportunity in Every Obstacle Show Notes 02:03 — Overcoming adversity and finding his path George shares what it was like growing up in Louisville's Smoketown neighborhood, being raised by a woman who became his caregiver, and facing challenges that forced him to grow up at an early age. He also reflects on the sixth-grade teacher who told him he would not succeed and the seventh-grade teacher who helped change his direction. 08:15 — The role of sports in shaping his future How George discovered athletics, developed his work ethic, and learned to take constructive criticism. He discusses the discipline and fundamentals that helped him become a three-time NCAA Division II national champion. 12:39 — From college basketball to the professional ranks George talks about trying out for the 1968 Olympic team, being drafted by both the ABA's Oakland Oaks and the NBA's Chicago Bulls, and ultimately choosing the ABA. He also shares what his first $10,000 signing bonus meant to him and his family. 17:02 — Working with Colonel Harland Sanders at KFC George explains how he chose a career at KFC over an opportunity with the FBI, how he came to work directly with Colonel Sanders, and the lessons he learned about operations, training, franchising, and running a successful business. 21:34 — Becoming a KFC franchise owner How George transitioned from working in corporate leadership to opening his own KFC restaurant in Florida, eventually growing the operation to approximately 12 locations. 23:00 — Opening the first African American-owned TGI Fridays in the United States George shares how an unexpected opportunity at Tampa International Airport led to opening the first African American-owned TGI Fridays in the country. He discusses how the location grew to approximately $9 million in annual revenue, became the top-performing TGI Fridays for nine consecutive years, and operated for 25 years. 27:28 — Scaling a restaurant business and choosing the right opportunities George discusses expanding through new locations and acquisitions, why he prefers building restaurants from the ground up, and the challenges of turning around underperforming businesses. 29:03 — Building strong teams and creating a lasting company culture What it takes to maintain consistency across multiple locations, deliver excellent customer service, and develop strong leaders. George explains why treating employees like family helped create a culture where some team members stayed for 20 to 40 years. 33:10 — Innovation, franchising, and lessons from KFC George discusses creating a KFC buffet that served approximately 300 customers a day, helping develop the KFC pot pie, and serving on the company's chefs council. He also shares how franchisees can innovate while maintaining corporate standards. 35:01 — Building a family business across generations George reflects on building the business alongside his wife, Seretha, and eventually bringing his children into the company. He discusses his son's role as company president, navigating family business disagreements, and knowing when to compromise. 39:00 — Building a legacy beyond business success George reflects on his 80th birthday celebration, which brought together more than 200 people, including former employees. He discusses why he wrote Catch Can, the importance of perseverance, surrounding yourself with positive people, building partnerships, and giving back to the community. 42:17 — Where to connect with George and learn more George shares where listeners can find his podcast, learn about Tinsley Family Concessions, purchase his book, and connect with him for speaking engagements. Learn more about your ad choices. 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Business Leaders of America Podcast Featuring Bubba Page Serial Entrepreneur, Angel Investor & Founder of Influence.vc Episode Overview In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Bubba Page, a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, content creator, and founder of Influence.vc. A five-time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, Bubba has spent more than two decades building companies, investing in startups, and helping entrepreneurs grow. After building Launch Leads into a successful business and selling it in 2020, Bubba experienced firsthand both the rewards of entrepreneurship and the challenges of building a company that ultimately didn't work out. Those experiences shaped his approach to investing, supporting founders, and building lasting relationships. In this conversation, we explore Bubba's entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he learned from failure, and how he evaluates founders and investment opportunities. We also discuss the importance of building a strong network, how Influence.vc combines venture capital with influencer marketing and strategic relationships, and how his faith shapes his approach to business, family, and life. Bubba also shares what he's building to help entrepreneurs, parents, and individuals manage overwhelm and reach their potential. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Founder of Influence.vc • Five-time Inc. 5000 entrepreneur • Founder of Launch Leads, sold in 2020 • Angel investor in more than 30 companies How to connect with Bubba Page LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bubbapage/ Website: https://bubbapage.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubbapage/ Influence.vc: https://influence.vc/ Becoming: https://joinbecoming.com/ Business Bootcamp: https://thebusinessbootcamp.co/ Show Notes 01:40 — Fatherhood, priorities, and what matters most Bubba discusses raising eight children, the realities of coordinating a busy family, and why faith, family, and health come before work. 07:18 — How faith influences business decisions Why Bubba views faith as central to his decisions, how difficult experiences strengthened his relationship with God, and how those lessons continue to shape his life and work. 17:03 — Getting started in entrepreneurship Bubba shares his early experience as a student entrepreneur, the role an accelerator program played in building his confidence, and how he started Launch Leads from his living room. 24:13 — Selling Launch Leads at the right time How Bubba's sale of Launch Leads in 2020 coincided with the birth of his twins and the beginning of the COVID-19 shutdowns. 27:08 — What failure taught him that success couldn't Bubba explains how he built Outro, a referral automation platform, why the company's dependence on LinkedIn data ultimately became a major obstacle, and the lessons he learned about testing assumptions and building resilient businesses. 31:55 — Investor relationships when things go wrong How Bubba kept investors informed during Outro's struggles, the support they offered when the business closed, and why he now believes the relationship with a founder can matter as much as the investment itself. 38:20 — What Bubba looks for in entrepreneurs Why humility, confidence, and a willingness to learn and adapt are important qualities when evaluating founders and investment opportunities. 40:22 — The power of building a network How years of developing relationships helped Bubba access opportunities, including an investment connected to MrBeast, and why he believes serving others is more valuable than simply asking what they can do for you. 43:13 — Why Bubba created Influence.vc How Bubba brought together his experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and influencer to create a venture capital model that combines capital, strategic relationships, and influencer marketing. 46:05 — Building a meaningful legacy Bubba shares what he hopes to leave behind, why faith is central to his purpose, and how he wants to use his experience and abilities to help others build businesses, families, and better lives. 51:13 — Where to connect with Bubba and follow his work Where to find Bubba's latest projects, including Influence.vc, Becoming, Business Bootcamp, and his Weekly Reset newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast Featuring Jordan Dunin Founder & CEO of HatchPath Episode Overview In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Jordan Dunin, Founder and CEO of HatchPath, author of The Regulated Leader, and an executive board member of the American Heart Association. After a diving accident at 20 years old led to years of significant health challenges and recovery, Jordan’s experience ultimately became the foundation for HatchPath, a human-centered coaching platform that connects individuals and organizations with personalized support across leadership, mental health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. In this conversation, we explore Jordan’s journey, the importance of having the right people around you, and how his experience shaped his approach to resilience, burnout, leadership, and employee well-being. We also discuss what he has learned from working with U.S. Special Operations Forces, why he believes a leader’s internal state can influence an entire organization, and where he believes the broader wellness industry is headed. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Founder & CEO, HatchPath • Author of The Regulated Leader • Executive Board Member, American Heart Association How to connect with Jordan Dunin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-dunin-4a63461b1/ Website: https://hatchpath.io/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordandunin/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Regulated-Leader-Understanding-Nervous-Changes/dp/B0GWD3TQZM Show Notes 01:38 — The accident that changed everything Jordan shares the story of the diving accident at 20 years old that resulted in a spinal injury and traumatic brain injury, followed by chronic Lyme disease, severe pain, depression, and years of struggling to regain his health. 03:12 — Finding a reason to keep going How years of searching for a quick fix eventually changed when Jordan met his wife, found something to live for, and began letting go of the need to immediately solve everything. 04:31 — The power of having the right people around you Why Jordan believes people aren't meant to navigate major challenges alone, how coaches, practitioners, mentors, and his support system helped him rebuild, and why empathy became such an important part of his approach. 06:49 — Why HatchPath was created Jordan explains how his own experience led to HatchPath, why he believes empathy is missing from many traditional approaches to healthcare and wellness, and why connecting people with someone who has actually experienced what they're facing can be so powerful. 09:59 — Building HatchPath by listening and adapting How Jordan learned to fail fast, listen to customers, pivot, and build around what people actually needed, including how burnout became one of the major problems HatchPath began helping organizations address. 12:16 — Making employee wellness part of company culture What separates organizations that genuinely invest in employee well-being from those simply checking a box, why cultural alignment matters, and how Jordan views coaching and wellness as an investment in a company's greatest asset, its people. 17:21 — Lessons from U.S. Special Operations Forces What Jordan learned from working with Special Operations personnel, their spouses, and caretakers, why purpose became such a consistent theme, and how having a clear “true north” can help people perform at a higher level. 24:17 — The regulated leader and responding instead of reacting Jordan explains co-regulation, how a leader's internal state can influence an entire organization, and why learning to regulate yourself and respond rather than react can fundamentally change the way you lead. 28:48 — The future of wellness and going back to the fundamentals Where Jordan believes HatchPath and the broader wellness industry are headed, why he expects the industry to move back toward foundational health practices, and how meditation, creating space, changing habits, and understanding the root causes behind issues like poor sleep can lead to better outcomes. 37:25 — Knowing what you are, who you serve, and what you stand for Jordan explains why knowing what HatchPath is and isn't has been critical to the company's growth, how he thinks about product-market fit and cultural alignment, why he has walked away from clients who weren't aligned with the mission, and how giving back and building a culture of care have become central to the company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast Featuring Rick Barker Clarity Architect, CMO at Cool Springs Financial Episode Overview In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Rick Barker, Clarity Architect, bestselling author, speaker, entrepreneur, and Chief Marketing Officer at Cool Springs Financial. Rick has built his career across radio, music, marketing, consulting, and business, including serving as Taylor Swift’s manager early in her career. Along the way, he has developed a unique approach to helping people identify the real problem behind the problem, ask better questions, and find clarity around the challenges they are facing. Rick is also the author of AI for Humans, a book about using artificial intelligence as a thought partner while maintaining the human experience, judgment, creativity, and perspective that make the technology valuable. In this conversation, we explore Rick’s approach to clarity, the importance of asking better questions, why businesses need to understand exactly who they are trying to serve, and how AI can be used to help people think more effectively rather than simply give them answers. We also discuss the value of human experience in an increasingly AI-driven world, how companies can capture the knowledge of their most experienced people, and the power of putting other people’s needs ahead of your own, and how leading with service can create opportunities you never expected. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Chief Marketing Officer, Cool Springs Financial • Former manager of Taylor Swift early in her career • Bestselling author of AI for Humans • Speaker, entrepreneur, business consultant, and TEDx speaker How to connect with Rick Barker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarityarchitect/ Website: https://rickbarker.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbarkermusic/ Email: rick@rickbarker.com Show Notes 01:57 — Recognizing opportunity when life takes an unexpected turn The lessons learned from a difficult childhood and an unconventional path, including why every situation is temporary and how learning to ask for help became an important part of moving forward. 05:20 — The strategy behind Taylor Swift's early growth The thinking behind the famous “let’s go meet 500,000 people” approach, why going directly to the audience mattered, and the importance of understanding and genuinely connecting with the end user. 09:33 — Finding the question underneath the problem How asking better questions can reveal that the problem you think you have may not actually be the real problem, and why working backward from the desired outcome can lead to a better solution. 12:59 — Using AI as a thought partner Why the first answer is rarely the best answer, how to challenge AI instead of simply accepting what it gives you, and why better inputs lead to better results. 16:02 — Who's in the car? The idea behind understanding exactly who you are trying to serve, why businesses often make the mistake of believing their product is for everyone, and how identifying the right audience can change the way you communicate. 20:42 — What becomes more valuable as AI evolves Why human experience, judgment, beliefs, and the ability to use technology effectively become increasingly important when everyone has access to the same tools. 23:51 — Turning experience into organizational knowledge How AI can help capture the knowledge of experienced employees and make that information accessible to the next generation, while creating a system that helps organizations retain and develop their best people. 33:47 — Putting other people's needs ahead of your own A lesson about how shifting the focus from “what's in it for me?” to “what can I do to help you?” can create opportunities you never expected and change the direction of your own career. 40:14 — Using AI to become more human Why AI for Humans isn't simply about learning how to use artificial intelligence, but about using it to become a better listener, ask better questions, and improve the way you communicate and serve others. 45:19 — Helping people learn instead of giving them the answer Why AI should be used to help people understand and reach an answer rather than simply handing them one, and how co-creation and ownership can make people more engaged in the outcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Business Leaders of America Podcast Featuring Dre Baldwin Founder & CEO, Work On Your Game Inc. Episode Overview In this episode of the Business Leaders of America Podcast, we sit down with Dre Baldwin, Founder and CEO of Work On Your Game, former professional basketball player, author, and leadership and performance expert. Dre shares his journey from being a D3 walk-on to playing professional basketball overseas for nine years, including the lessons he learned from having to create his own opportunities, market himself, and continually prove his value throughout his career. The conversation explores the connection between sports and business, including how Dre learned to adapt to unfamiliar environments, perform under pressure, and focus on the things within his control. We also discuss the gap between potential and results, why talent alone isn't enough, and how discipline, systems, accountability, and execution turn potential into measurable outcomes. The conversation also covers the story behind his book, Work On Your Game, including how an unpaid speaking opportunity ultimately led to the book and opened the door to opportunities with the NCAA, NBA, and G League, along with why he believes these principles apply to the major transitions people experience throughout their lives. Notable Awards and Recognitions • Founder & CEO, Work On Your Game • Former professional basketball player with nine years of experience overseas • Author of Work On Your Game • TEDx speaker How to connect with Dre Baldwin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreallday/ Website: http://www.WorkOnYourGame.com Instagram: http://Instagram.com/DreBaldwin YouTube: http://YouTube.com/DreAllDay For Leaders & Operators: http://www.PowerPresenceProtocol.com For Teams: http://www.WorkOnYourGame.com/ERI Show Notes 01:27 — From D3 walk-on to professional basketball Dre shares the early experiences that shaped his approach to competition and career development, including starting basketball at 14, walking on at the D3 level, and having to create opportunities that weren't naturally coming his way. 03:35 — Creating your own opportunities Why Dre learned that being good enough isn't always enough, and how marketing, selling, promoting, and following up helped him get noticed and ultimately create professional opportunities. 05:41 — Building a business before leaving basketball How Dre began building his online presence while still playing professionally, starting with YouTube content, basketball training products, and eventually developing the foundation for his entrepreneurial career. 08:24 — Adapting under pressure What playing professional basketball across different countries taught Dre about adapting to new cultures, communicating with people who didn't speak English, and performing when his position on the team depended on his results. 11:04 — The gap between potential and results Why talent creates potential but execution creates results, and why having access to information isn't enough without the structure and consistency needed to actually apply it. 13:48 — From athlete to performance system How questions from athletes about mindset led Dre to expand his work beyond basketball and develop a broader system built around mindset, strategy, systems, accountability, and execution. 16:25 — Why organizations fail to execute Dre explains the three areas he looks at when capable people and strong strategies aren't producing the expected results, including whether the system works, whether people are following it, and whether there is accountability when they don't. 25:53 — The story behind Work On Your Game How an unpaid speaking opportunity in Atlanta unexpectedly led to the creation of Work On Your Game, along with new opportunities to work with organizations across professional sports and business. 28:12 — Mastering transitions Why Dre believes Work On Your Game is ultimately about navigating transitions, whether that's moving from athlete to entrepreneur, corporate employee to business owner, or any of the major transitions people experience throughout life. 31:37 — Turning potential into results Dre explains why execution is the bridge between potential and results, and why correction, enforcement, and accountability are essential for making execution consistent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices