Never Been Promoted: Lessons You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Some weeks, the conversations hit harder. This was one of those weeks.

From scaling businesses the right way to making a real impact without burning out, every episode had something that could change how you think about growth—whether it’s in business, leadership, or life itself.

Marketing tip of the week: Stop doing everything yourself.

Every guest this week had the same core message: hiring right, leveraging networks, and stepping back when necessary. The biggest bottleneck isn’t the market—it’s you trying to do it all.

Here’s this week’s recap...

Episode 199

Jim Schleckser Reveals the Blueprint for Scaling Impactful Leaders

Dr. Jim Schleckser , founder of The CEO Project, has spent 20+ years helping high-performing CEOs break through growth challenges. He’s seen it all—from first-time founders figuring it out as they go to seasoned execs hitting unexpected roadblocks. In this episode, Jim drops tactical advice on scaling, hiring, and making your network work for you.

Key Takeaways:

• Over-hire, then get out of their way – The biggest limiter to growth? Mediocre hires. Pay up for A+ players who don’t just do the job but build the systems to do it better.
• Your network is an untapped goldmine – You’re likely only one intro away from game-changing opportunities. If you’re not leveraging warm intros and second-degree connections, you’re leaving money on the table.
• Imposter syndrome is a sign you’re in the right room – Growth happens in discomfort. If you never feel out of your depth, you’re not stretching far enough. The best leaders lean into uncertainty and figure it out as they go.

Expert Recommendations & Resources

Books:

• Great CEOs Are Lazy – Jim Schleckser
• The Lean Startup – Eric Ries
• Marketing as Warfare – Al Ries & Jack Trout
• The E-Myth Revisited – Michael Gerber
• Radical Candor – Kim Scott

Check out the full episode HERE.

Episode 200

How to Monetize Your Podcast with Community and Services From Day 1

In the 200th episode of Never Been Promoted, I’m breaking down exactly how we turned a podcast from scratch into a $60K revenue stream in Year One—and how you can do the same. This isn't theory. It’s the exact strategy I presented at PodFest 2025, where I shared how we built an audience, locked in sponsorships, and scaled fast.

Key Takeaways:

• Passion, Proficiency, Profit – If you’re not obsessed with your podcast topic, skilled at delivering value, and creating impact, monetization will be an uphill battle.
• Strategic Guesting = Community & Cashflow – Bringing on the right guests isn’t just about good conversations—it’s about attracting the right audience, sponsors, and future collaborators.
• Monetization is More Than Just Ads – We used high-value sponsorship tiers, guest offers, and downstream services (like the Cut the Tie mastermind) to drive real revenue.

Expert Recommendations & Resources:

• Alex Hormozi – $100M Offers (game-changing for pricing strategy)
• PodFest 2025 – If you’re a podcaster, you NEED to be there.
• Cut the Tie Community – Our next-level mastermind for entrepreneurs ready to level up.

Want the full playbook? Check out the full episode HERE!

Episode 201

How Luka Yancopoulos is Helping Doctors Save Time

Luká Yancopoulos isn’t just thinking big—he’s thinking massive. As the founder of Grapevine, he’s on a mission to revolutionize healthcare supply chains and free up doctors to do what they do best—end illness.

What started as a dorm room project to help his parents (a nurse practitioner and a doctor) during COVID turned into a $20M supply chain business in under 18 months. Now, with $4M in funding, Grapevine is solving one of the biggest bottlenecks in healthcare—inefficient supply chains that drain both money and time.

Key Takeaways:

• Find the problem first, then build the business. Luka didn’t set out to make millions—he set out to solve a real problem in healthcare. The money followed.
• Scale matters more than short-term profits. He’s playing the long game, prioritizing impact over quick wins.
• Think like a beginner. Even with success, Luka challenges himself to approach every decision with a fresh perspective—no assumptions, just innovation.

Expert Recommendations & Resources:

• Books Mentioned: None directly, but based on the conversation, he’d likely recommend something by Elon Musk or Steve Jobs.
• Tech & Trends: AI in healthcare supply chains, patient-owned health records, automated medical payment systems.
• People to Follow: Chris Brantley (new Grapevine hire with multiple startup exits).

Check out the full podcast episode HERE.

Episode 202

Lon Blais Built a Business by Helping Strangers—Here’s How

Lon Blais didn’t set out to start a business—he built one by saying "yes" to helping people. A retired New York City school teacher, Lon turned his natural instinct for lending a hand into Neighborhood Angel, a business that helps people clear out clutter, move on from estates, and get things done that husbands, sons, and kids always promise but never actually do. His secret? Understanding the human side of junk removal and scaling through relationships, not just transactions.

Key Takeaways:

• You Don’t Need a Perfect Plan—Just Start. Lon’s business began with favors for neighbors. One job led to another, and before he knew it, Neighborhood Angel was born. Sometimes, business finds you.
• People Say One Thing, but Mean Another. Whether it's junk removal or business, customers don’t always know what they really want. Asking the right questions and guiding them is half the battle.
• Scaling Means Letting Go. Lon is shifting from manual labor to a referral-based model, connecting clients with trusted vendors. The challenge? Finding reliable people who won’t wreck his brand.

Expert Recommendations & Resources

• Tech No-No: Lon jokingly calls himself "Techno-Amish"—he knows he needs social media to scale but prefers old-school business cards and shoe leather.
• The Blocks Reality Show: Where Lon met entrepreneurs, learned business growth strategies, and discovered the power of networking.
• Charity Partnerships: Lon works with organizations that repurpose furniture for NYC public housing instead of sending it to the landfill.

Check out the full podcast episode HERE!

Episode 203

From Homeless Veteran to Multi Millionaire SgtQ’s Incredible Journey

Aaron Quinonez , better known as Sgt Q, went from a combat veteran struggling with PTSD and homelessness to building multiple businesses with over 167 employees. He’s also the chaplain for the Seattle Seahawks Task Force 12 and a mentor for entrepreneurs. His story is raw, real, and packed with lessons every business owner needs to hear.

Key Takeaways:

• Mental Health Fuels Success – Your mindset is your business’s foundation. Aaron hit rock bottom, but taking control of his mental health gave him the clarity to rebuild. He now teaches companies how to reduce turnover and scale by prioritizing employee well-being.
• Hire for Character, Not Just Skills – Talent matters, but integrity and alignment with company values are what create high-performance teams. SgtQ designed a hiring process that filters out toxic employees before they enter the company.
• Scaling Beyond $1M is a Game-Changer – Hitting seven figures isn’t just about revenue—it’s about freedom. That’s when you gain the capital to diversify, invest, and truly grow. He helps entrepreneurs push past this barrier to increase profit and reduce burnout.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• Stanford Latino Entrepreneur Initiative – Where SgtQ learned the $1M revenue threshold's impact.
• Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University – A program he funds for employees to improve financial literacy.
• "Healing Through Service" by Aaron Quinonez – His book on overcoming trauma through serving others.

Check out the full podcast episode HERE.

Coming Up Next on Never Been Promoted...

• The Power of Trust in Real Estate with @Brittany Cavallo
• Building a Bookkeeping Empire with @Max Emma
• How to Get Noticed, Known & Chosen with @Michelle B. Griffin
• Taking Control of Your Brand’s Content Strategy with @Alex B. Sheridan
• How Executives Can Build Authority Online with @Gary Frayter

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