Never Been Promoted: Stories of Guts, Grind, and Glory

If you’re here for bold moves, resilience, and a few laughs along the way, you’re in for a ride. This week’s lineup on the podcast was packed with stories of gutsy pivots, creative reinventions, and practical wisdom from five incredible guests who’ve mastered the art of turning obstacles into opportunities.

Marketing tip of the week: Know your audience like the back of your hand.

Every guest this week hammered home the same idea: success starts with understanding who you’re serving. Whether it’s silicone backstraps for festival-goers or inclusive design for businesses, the magic happens when you solve real problems for real people.

Here’s the recap...

Episode 194

Sean McKnight's Innovative Journey from Accident to Footwear Revolution

Sean McKnight , the founder of The Original Flip Flap Company , isn’t your typical entrepreneur. A lead singer by trade turned innovator, Sean's journey began with a personal frustration—losing his flip-flops during everyday activities. Fast forward to today, he’s engineered a game-changing silicone backstrap that transforms any flip-flop into "sport mode," perfect for tubing, festivals, or even a casual stroll.

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace the Unknown: Sean had zero background in engineering but taught himself 3D printing and silicone molding out of necessity. His message? Start before you’re ready—you’ll learn as you go.
• Iterate Relentlessly: It took over three years of trial, error, and persistence to create the perfect prototype. Sean’s commitment to getting it right is a reminder that success is often built on resilience.
• Think Big but Stay Grounded: While his dream is to scale through licensing and partnerships, Sean keeps his focus on quality and the customer experience. His advice? Build for yourself first, then expand.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• Tool: 3D printers for prototyping. Sean shared insights into how this tech helped bring his vision to life.
• Audience Focus: Sean targets festival goers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone tired of walking out of their flip-flops.
• Inspiration: Licensing Expos and micro-influencers as strategies to reach niche markets.

Hear more about Sean’s entrepreneurial adventures and his patented innovation - check out the full episode HERE.

Episode 195

Friska Wirya on Building Future-Proof Organizations

Friska Wirya , author of The Future Fit Organization and TEDx speaker, is a powerhouse in change management and transformation. As the founder of Fresh by Friska , she guides global organizations through pivots with less pain and more impact. With a journey spanning Melbourne to Mumbai and Bali, her insights on managing change are as diverse as her clientele.

Key Takeaways:

• Bet Big on Yourself: When no one would give her a shot in change management, Friska started at the bottom—taking a 40% pay cut—and climbed to become the youngest GM of Change for a major gold mining company. Her leap of faith led to her founding Fresh by Friska.
• Build a Future-Ready Network: Friska’s business thrives on connections. By nurturing relationships with seasoned professionals and collaborators, she’s built a steady pipeline that isn’t dependent solely on her hunting for clients.
• Mindset Over Circumstance: During the pandemic, Friska doubled down on her personal brand, leveraging LinkedIn to share knowledge, grow her audience, and land workshops and speaking gigs—all while other consultants struggled.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• The Future Fit Organization by Friska Wirya: A must-read for leaders navigating change.
• TEDx Talks by Friska Wirya: A masterclass in preparation and storytelling.
• Tim Ferriss’ TED Talk Prep Tips: Friska swears by his advice, including practicing in varied locations to avoid crutches.

Check out the full podcast episode HERE!

Episode 196

Master Storytelling and Speaking with David Bricker

Meet Dave Bricker , a dynamic speaker, storyteller, and creator of Speakipedia—a powerhouse resource with over 500 articles on speaking, storytelling, publishing, and more. A man with a wealth of life experiences, from living on a sailboat for 15 years to crossing the Atlantic in a wooden boat, David’s journey is as captivating as his advice. Whether you’re dreaming of becoming a keynote speaker or just looking to sharpen your storytelling chops, David’s insights will get you moving in the right direction.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s About the Audience, Not You: Too many speakers fall into the trap of self-centered storytelling. David emphasizes focusing on how your message transforms your audience, not just delivering information.
• Perfect Practice Makes Progress: Join Toastmasters. Think of speaking like learning an instrument—it takes time, patience, and practice to master. Toastmasters is one of the most affordable ways to refine your skills in a supportive environment.
• The Truth About Overnight Success: There’s no fast track to becoming a high-paid keynote speaker. Focus on the journey, building credibility, and developing your skills over time.

Expert Recommendations and Resources

• Tool: Speakipedia – Free AI tools and resources to create your origin story, elevator pitch, and more.
• Organization: Join the National Speakers Association (NSA) for networking, mentorship, and professional growth.
• Program: Explore Toastmasters for hands-on public speaking and leadership training.

Check out the full podcast episode HERE!?

Episode 197

Roger Igo’s Journey to $100 Million in Event Planning

Roger Igo, CEO , President and CEO of The Bell Tower on 34th in Houston, Texas, knows a thing or two about resilience. His journey started in construction, took a sharp turn during the 2008 financial meltdown, and landed him at the helm of a thriving events empire. Today, he and his team have produced over $100 million worth of unforgettable events, including jaw-dropping weddings, corporate galas, and everything in between.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience Pays Off: After a $13M personal bankruptcy, Roger rebuilt his career by taking calculated risks, leveraging his skills, and pivoting into the events industry.
• Don’t Fear Reinvention: Success isn’t always about sticking to the plan. Roger transitioned from real estate to event production by recognizing opportunities in his immediate environment.
• Plan for Change: By adapting to trends (like Gen Z’s shifting attitudes toward weddings), Roger is actively transitioning his business focus to corporate events to stay ahead of the curve.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• SBA Loans: Roger leveraged an SBA loan to buy out investors and solidify his business ownership. A valuable tool for entrepreneurs scaling up.
• Corporate Event Pro-Tips: Roger’s formula for success includes "SLAM" (Sound, Lights, Air, and Music) and "SMACK" (Set Design, Menu, Mini Script, Audience, Cast & Crew) – critical methodologies for unforgettable events.
• Networking Events: Consider hosting workshops to bring potential corporate clients into your space and show them firsthand what you can offer. (Roger plans to implement this!)

Check out the full podcast episode HERE!

Episode 198

Angela Fowler on Prioritizing Accessibility in Business

Angela Fowler , founder of Real Life Access , is on a mission to help businesses make accessibility a priority. As someone who is totally blind, Angela knows firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with building a more inclusive world. Her work focuses on helping businesses not only meet accessibility standards but also unlock the economic and social benefits of doing so.

Key Takeaways:

• Accessibility Drives Revenue: The disability community wields over $2 trillion in buying power. Businesses that prioritize accessibility tap into this massive, often overlooked market while improving the overall user experience for everyone.
• Keep It Simple: One of the biggest pitfalls? Overcomplicated websites, apps, and payment systems. If it’s hard for users to navigate or make a purchase, you’re leaving money on the table.
• Education is Everything: Most businesses want to get accessibility right but don’t know where to start. Angela’s work focuses on bridging that gap with practical solutions and a focus on usability.

Expert Recommendations and Resources:

• Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG): Angela recommends following WCAG Level AA standards for digital accessibility.
• Plugins Done Right: Look for plugins that allow user customization, like adjustable color schemes, but avoid “quick-fix” tools claiming full compliance.
• Personalized Support: Angela encourages businesses to bring in accessibility consultants to audit their processes and educate teams.

Check out the full podcast episode HERE.?

Coming Up Next on Never Been Promoted...

• The Neighborhood Angel's Approach to Estate Clean-Outs with Lon Blais
• Tech-Driven Mental Wellness with Aaron Quinonez
• Revolutionizing Patient Care Efficiency with Luká Yancopoulos
• CEO Peer Groups for Breakthrough Performance with Dr. Jim Schleckser

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