Tax Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Keep More of Your Profit with Gary Heldt, CPA

Taxes Aren't Scary—They’re Strategic with Gary Heldt, CPA "You thought taxes couldn't be sexy or fun? Think again." In this high-impact episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun sit down with Gary Heldt, CPA, founder of Small Business Advisors and host of the Grow Your Business, Grow Your Wealth podcast. If you are an entrepreneur who views tax season with the same dread as a root canal, this episode is your anesthesia. Gary pulls back the curtain on how savvy business owners stop reacting to the IRS and start using tax planning as a wealth-building engine. From red flags that trigger audits to the "hidden" benefits of hiring your kids or parents, this conversation is a masterclass in keeping more of what you earn. ️ In This Episode, We Discuss: Audit Red Flags: The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make (hint: it’s all about the documentation). The "Write-Off" Demystified: What actually counts as a business expense? Gary breaks down the "customary, ordinary, and necessary" rule. The Truth About Meals & Entertainment: What you can (and cannot) deduct in a post-COVID tax world. Lifestyle vs. Business: Can you write off that first-class flight or that new suit for your presentation? (Gary’s answer might surprise you). Back Taxes & IRS Anxiety: Why "moving to Mexico" isn't a strategy and how to proactively settle with the IRS. The Power of a "Tax Plan": Why a CPA should be a "forecaster of your future" rather than a "recorder of your history." Strategic Hiring: How to shift income to lower tax brackets by employing family members. Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs Stop Co-mingling: Separate your personal and business finances immediately to avoid audit nightmares. Proactive vs. Reactive: Most CPAs record history; a great CPA helps you write it. Documentation is King: If it isn't documented properly, it didn't happen in the eyes of the IRS. Build Your "Board": Ensure your CPA, attorney, and financial advisor are actually talking to each other to catch your blind spots. Connect with Gary Heldt Gary is currently accepting new clients and is a dedicated resource for small business owners looking to scale efficiently. Website: Small Business Advisors - Gary Heldt Podcast: Grow Your Business, Grow Your Wealth (Available on all major platforms) Phone: 410-721-6000 ️ About the Hosts: Building a Lifestyle Brand Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun are the driving forces behind a suite of brands designed to empower the modern creative entrepreneur. From top-tier podcasting to immersive live events, they help visionaries turn their passion into a sustainable lifestyle. Explore their ecosystem: Cre8tive Con: The ultimate conference for creators and entrepreneurs to network and scale. Cre8tive Amped: A media and strategy powerhouse helping brands find their voice. Creative Entrepreneur Pod: Your weekly dose of business grit and inspiration. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Who are Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky? Julie and Dominick are authors, speakers, and media strategists who co-host The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. They specialize in helping entrepreneurs build "lifestyle brands"—businesses that support the life you actually want to live, rather than consuming it. What is the "Jules Rules" segment? A fan-favorite segment where Julie Lokun (the "Media Strategist Mom") breaks down complex world events or trends into digestible, actionable lists. In this episode, she explores infamous financial criminals to highlight the importance of tax compliance! How can I work with the Cre8tive team? You can reach out through Cre8tive Amped for media strategy or attend their annual Cre8tive Con event to learn from industry leaders in person. REACH OUT TO JULIE OR DOM- LET THEM KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! [email protected] [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The $7 Million Business Card with Chandler Bolt CHECK OUT SELFPUBLISHING.COM at www.selfpublishing.com Are you an entrepreneur who has said, "I should really write a book someday"? Today’s guest explains why "someday" needs to be now. Chandler Bolt, founder and CEO of Self-Publishing.com, joins the show to demystify the publishing process. A C-level English student and college dropout with ADHD, Chandler proved that you don't need a PhD or Hemingway-level prose to author a bestseller. He shares his "Idea Finder" framework and reveals how his own book generated $7 million in business revenue in just one year. If you want to move from being a "parrot" in your business to an authority in your industry, this episode is your blueprint. Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs 1. Author = Authority The root word of authority is author. Writing the book on your subject allows you to own your category, land TEDx talks, and secure PR. It’s the ultimate psychological trigger for credibility in the eyes of your customers. 2. The "4 Ps" of a Bestseller To ensure your book grows your business, it must align with these four pillars: Person: Who specifically are you helping? Pain: What is the burning problem they know they have? Promise: What is the specific transformation the book offers? Price: Is this aligned with your back-end business offerings? 3. The Idea Finder: What Should You Write About? Stuck on a topic? Ask yourself: What expertise do you have years of experience in? What is the "gap" between what you know and what a beginner knows? The Best Question: What are the "broken record" conversations you have every day? Write the book to answer those questions once and for all. 4. Avoiding the "Vanity Press" Scam Chandler warns against publishers that charge you to publish but keep your Royalties and Intellectual Property (IP). Red Flag: If you are paying a company thousands of dollars AND they are keeping a percentage of your sales or owning your copyright, run. The Self-Publishing Model: You pay for the service/coaching, but you keep 100% of the rights and 100% of the royalties. 5. Leveraged Impact A book allows you to scale your impact from 1-to-1 to 1-to-many. Chandler explains that every book typically impacts three groups: The Readers: (1,000+) People who learn from your expertise. Friends & Family: (200+) People inspired by your discipline to finish a hard task. The "One": The individual whose life is fundamentally altered because you shared your story. Resources Mentioned Free Audiobook: Get a copy of Chandler’s book, Published, at PublishedBook.com/audio Strategy Call: Book a consultation with the team to map out your book at Self-Publishing.com/apply YouTube: Search "Self-Publishing.com" for tutorials on AI tools for authors and fiction writing. Connect with Chandler Bolt Website: Self-Publishing.com Social Media: Follow @ChandlerBolt and @SelfPublishingCom for daily tips on writing and scaling. ️ The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast What is the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast about? It is a top-ranked business podcast (situated in the top 1% globally) dedicated to helping entrepreneurs move from "messy ideas" to authority-led brands. The show focuses on business growth, monetization, and the "3 P's": Podcasting, Publishing, and Public Speaking. How often are new episodes released? New episodes are typically released weekly. The show features high-level interviews with industry giants—ranging from venture capitalists like John Cerasani to media experts like Ramon Ray—alongside tactical "Billion Dollar Boardroom" segments where the hosts debate business strategy. Who should listen to this show? The podcast is designed for "creative entrepreneurs"—writers, speakers, coaches, and business owners who want to leverage media and storytelling to scale their revenue and impact without losing their creative integrity. Cre8tive Con What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is an annual high-energy business conference held in Chicago. It is described as the "ultimate profit center," blending world-class education with explosive networking. It aims to bridge the gap between creative passion and strategic implementation. When and where is the next Cre8tive Con? * Dates: February 20–22, 2026 Location: InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile Theme: Innovation, authentic storytelling, and brand authority. Who are some of the past and future speakers? The conference attracts massive names in the business world, including: Jim Kwik (Brain Coach and NYT Bestselling Author) David Meltzer (Chairman of the Napoleon Hill Institute) James Orsini (President of Startups for VaynerX) John Lee (Digital Media and AI Expert) What makes Cre8tive Con different from other business seminars? Unlike traditional "pitch-heavy" seminars, Cre8tive Con focuses on "Human ROI." In 2026, it partnered with WHEN Stories to produce TEDx-style live stage experiences, emphasizing vulnerability and authentic connection as the primary drivers of business authority. ‍ Meet the Hosts: Julie & Dominick Who is Julie Lokun, JD? is a media strategist and founder of The Mediacasters.  Julie is a strategist with a background in law. She is known for her ability to "anoint and point"—teasing through complex information to help entrepreneurs find the root of their story. She is a mom of four boys and a bestselling author of the Hustle Smart series. Who is Dominick Domasky? Dominick is the CEO of Media Champs Publishing and the founder of Motivation Champs. He is a seasoned publisher and storyteller who believes every business owner is "one story away from a breakthrough." Dom focuses on helping entrepreneurs move past the survival phase and into a space of tangible legacy and impact. How long have they been working together? Julie and Dominick have been partners for over four years. They describe their collaboration as a balance of "Yes-Man" creative energy (Julie) and "No-Man" pragmatic strategy (Dom), a dynamic they frequently discuss on the podcast to help others navigate their own business partnerships. What are their core business philosophies? They advocate for the 3 P's: Podcasting: Building trust through voice and consistency. Publishing: Creating a "business card" that lasts (books). Public Speaking: Establishing authority on physical and virtual stages. How can I get involved? Listen: Find the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or iHeartRadio. Attend: Register for Cre8tive Con at www.cre8tivecon.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LEARN THE SECRET TO BUILDING AN UNSTOPPABLE BUSINESS LIKE JULIE AND DOM- Check out- www.keap.com/cre8tive Stop Juggling, Start Growing: The Keap "Automation Advantage" Let’s be real: as a creative entrepreneur, you didn’t start your business to spend six hours a day stuck in your inbox or chasing down leads that went cold three days ago. As Julie and Dom discussed, the "Fortune is in the Follow-up," but you can’t build a community if you’re buried under a mountain of manual tasks. That’s why you need to head over to keap.com/cre8tive. Why Julie and Dom Trust Keap: Automation on Autopilot: While you’re on stage or networking at events like Cre8tive Con, Keap is working in the background—capturing leads, sending personalized messages, and ensuring no potential client slips through the cracks. The "Seven-Day" Rule: Julie mentioned that excitement dies after a week. Keap’s sales and marketing automation platform ensures your follow-ups happen instantly, so you strike while the iron is hot—not at 1:00 AM when you're exhausted. Scalable Sanity: From CRM and email marketing to payments and landing pages, Keap consolidates your tools so you can focus on the "Horizontal and Vertical" relationships that actually grow your brand. Don't let your "impossible dreams" get sidelined by administrative busywork. Put your business growth on autopilot so you can spend more time in the room and less time behind the laptop. Visit www.keap.com/cre8tive today and start turning your leads into lifelong community members. Building Unstoppable Communities: Cre8tive Con 2026 Recap & The "Human-First" Business Growth Hack Episode Summary: Are you tired of the "Instagrammable era" of business where connections feel like transactions? In this high-energy wrap-up of Cre8tive Con 2026 in Chicago, hosts Julie and Dominick Damas discuss why building a "ride or die" community is the ultimate growth hack for 2026. Featuring insights from keynote legends like Jim Kwik, David Meltzer, and John Lee, this episode breaks down the "Reset"—moving away from behind the laptop and into rooms where six-figure manifestations happen over cocktails and conversations. Whether you are building a digital tribe or hosting live events, learn how to put your audience first, provide radical value without a "find's fee," and create an ecosystem where everyone rises together. ️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The "Anti-Star" Strategy: Why the most successful communities (like Taylor Swift’s or Cre8tive Con’s) aren’t actually about the leader—they’re about the shared mission. Vertical vs. Horizontal Community: How to bridge the gap between the "stage" and the "audience" to create a family dynamic. The Follow-Up Fortune: Why your connections die within seven days if you don't take action (and how to use Keap to automate it). Lessons from Sports: Why the Indiana University and Pittsburgh Steelers fanbases are the ultimate blueprints for generational business loyalty. Live Event Do’s & Don’ts: The "Jules Rules" for networking—from breath mints to avoiding the "predatory pitch." Featured Cre8tive Con 2026 Speakers Mentioned: Jim Kwik: Brain health and high-speed learning. John Lee: Visionary business scaling. David Meltzer: Abundance, flow, and the "Power of 64." James Orsini & Bobby Lane & Andrea Sullivan: The Vayner/Vyve community model. And Factotum. Jason Duncan, Richard Dolan, & Justin Guarini and Kim Walsh Phillips: Insights on building brand authority. ️ Resources & Sponsors: Keap: Stop losing leads in the "follow-up gap." Put your business growth on autopilot and turn leads into lifelong customers. SELF PUBLISHING.COM:  We love SelfPublishing.com because it empowers entrepreneurs to turn their "brain bombs" and community insights into authoritative books, providing the exact roadmap needed to scale your personal brand from a speaker on a stage to a published industry leader. FAQ: Building a Business Community in 2026 How do I start a community if I’m an introvert? Find a "connector" friend. As Julie suggests, find one person you relate to who is naturally social and let them help you navigate the room. Also, remember that observing is a superpower—it allows you to build deeper, more thoughtful relationships than someone just "working the room." What is the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when building a community? Making it all about them. If you are the only star, you don't have a community; you have a fan club. True communities are built on shared interests and shared values where the members provide as much value to each other as the leader does. How do you monetize a community without feeling "salesy"? Focus on value first. As Dominick points out, when you provide real tools and inspiration without an immediate "find's fee" or transaction, you build trust. Monetization happens naturally through high-level offerings (like events or masterminds) once the community sees you are invested in their success. Is digital community building better than live events? Both have pros and cons. Live events like Cre8tive Con create "lightning in a bottle" energy that can't be replicated on a screen. However, digital communities allow for consistent, global touchpoints. The most "aggressive growth hack" is a hybrid of both. A special thank you to our team who made Cre8tive Con 2026 successful- Chris Cushing, Teri Bales, Phil Hill, Debbie Griffiths, Najami Lezama, Beth Drost, Cindy Winkler, Sam Hibler, The Team at The InterContinental Hotel Chicago, Kinasthetics Audio and Visual, David Scott Photography and Videography, Paul Lee Photography and Videography, Edin Ramovic Photography, Ramon Ray Master of Ceremonies ----and so many more. This was a community effort and a labor of love. With Gratitude, Julie and Dom Notable Quotes: "A community has to be bigger than you. If you make yourself the only star, the community will fail." — Dominick Domasky "The fortune is in the follow-up. You have one week before the excitement dies down—make the move." — Julie Lokun Next Step: Want to see the "Brain Bombs" for yourself? www.cre8tivecon.com and get the first alert when early-bird tickets for Cre8tive Con 2027 go live! Don't forget to Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do You Know Your Audience? The NFL and Olympics Sure Do (Not the Smartest Guys in the Room - Episode Swap) In this conversation, the hosts Tom and Dom discuss various topics including the Olympics, audience engagement, and the NFL's strategies for connecting with viewers. They emphasize the importance of knowing one's audience, gathering feedback, and adapting content to meet audience needs. The discussion also touches on the significance of events like Cre8tive Con in fostering community among entrepreneurs. key takeaways The Olympics provide a unique opportunity to engage with diverse audiences. Understanding your audience is crucial for effective communication. Feedback from your audience can guide content creation. The NFL has successfully adapted its strategies to meet changing audience demographics. CreativeCon serves as a platform for entrepreneurs to connect and share ideas. Engaging storytelling is key to capturing audience interest. Different audiences have different preferences and expectations. Listening to your audience can lead to better content and engagement. The importance of adapting to audience changes over time. Creating separate channels for different audience segments can enhance communication. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Check it out now at www.keap.com/cre8tive Stop Surviving, Start Thriving with Keap! Are you tired of tracking leads in notes apps and screenshots? Stop letting potential sales slip through the cracks. Whether you are "creatively chaotic" or a structured pro, Keap helps you follow up instantly, capture leads, and put your growth on autopilot. In this high-octane episode, "The Branding Brain" Kim Walsh Phillips and American Idol superstar turned business coach Justin Guarini join Julie and Dom to discuss how entrepreneurs can turn their personality into profit. They dive deep into the "It Factor," the power of saying "no," and why your story is your most valuable asset. Whether you’re a plumber or a CEO, this episode is a masterclass in shifting from a "commodity" to a "movement." Key Takeaways 1. Can the "It Factor" Be Learned? Contrary to popular belief, you aren’t just born with the "X Factor." The Definition: It is simply the ability to elicit a specific feeling in your audience. The Strategy: Shift the conversation from your identity to the customer's transformation. When you solve a problem they are experiencing right now, you become magnetic. The Example: Roger Wakefield, a plumber who built a 750k+ subscriber YouTube channel and sold his business by becoming the ultimate authority in his niche. 2. The Power of "No" (The "No Ninjas") Kim and Justin explain that scaling to $100M requires saying no to almost everything that doesn't align with your impossible goal. The Test: Once you set a massive goal, the universe (or God) will test you with "good" opportunities that are distractions from the "great" goal. The Sacrifice: Justin shares why he turned down a dream Broadway role to stay focused on the Elite Speakers Network. The Metric: Set a large goal with a short timeline (6 months). A year is too long to create urgency. 3. Controlling the Narrative Justin emphasizes only taking advice from people you would be willing to trade places with. Storytelling: No one has your eyes, your ears, or your tongue. Your unique perspective is what prevents you from being a commodity. Overcoming Fear: Stage fright is a natural human response. Focus on the service you are providing rather than the judgment of the audience. 4. Moving from Referrals to Predictability Kim highlights that while referrals are great, you can't control them. To grow, you need a predictable client flow. Data is King: Track your progress daily. If you want to make $100k a month, you need to know exactly what your daily input and output look like. GPS Mindset: Don't base your future destination on your past mistakes. A GPS doesn't judge you for getting lost; it just tells you how to get to the next stop. Guest Resources Free Masterclass: Learn how to generate unlimited leads on LinkedIn for free. Visit LIMachine.com/masterclass. Connect with Kim: Powerful Professionals Connect with Justin: Elite Speakers Network Meet Your Hosts & The Movement Julie Lokun, JD: The "Legal Eagle" & Facilitator of Dreams As the founder of Cre8tive Con and head maven of Crown & Compass, Julie is a strategist who knows how to "anoint and point." With a background in law and a heart for creative growth, she helps entrepreneurs navigate the complex path from a "messy idea" to a 7-figure brand. Julie doesn't just talk about visibility—she creates the stages where it happens. Dominick Domasky: The Storytelling Strategist The founder of Motivation Champs and a seasoned publisher, Dominick is the man who turns passion into a tangible legacy. He believes that every business owner is one story away from a breakthrough. Dom’s mission is to help you move past the "surviving" phase of entrepreneurship and into a space of authority, influence, and impact. Join the Inner Circle: Cre8tive Con Community The podcast is just the beginning. If you’re ready to move from a listener to a "doer, mover, and shaker," you belong in our private Facebook group. This isn't just another group for networking; it’s a high-energy hub where Julie, Dom, and our global network of experts provide: Ongoing Support: Get answers to your burning business questions in real-time. Networking that Counts: Connect with like-minded creators who are scaling their brands through podcasting, publishing, and public speaking. Behind-the-Scenes Access: Be the first to know about upcoming events, live workshops, and exclusive guest opportunities. "Success accelerates when founders surround themselves with visionaries who are committed to growth and accountability." Come find your tribe. Your story deserves the stage, and we’re here to help you build it. Join the movement here: www.facebook.com/cre8tivecon CHECK OUT CRE8TIVE CON- www.cre8tivecon.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Overview: Part 2 In the conclusion of this deep-dive, Jim Kwik and Julie Lokun tackle the "Elephant in the Room": a traditional education system designed for a world that no longer exists. Jim shares personal stories from his childhood "broken brain" and how those struggles shaped his mission to help entrepreneurs—and their children—become irreplaceably human. Whether you are a parent wondering how to guide your kids through the AI revolution or an entrepreneur feeling the weight of "digital dementia," this episode provides the tactical habits needed to protect your greatest asset: your focus. Key Highlights from Part 2 The Future of Education: Jim and Julie discuss the "college debate." Is a four-year degree still the best ROI, or is self-directed meta-learning the new gold standard? Digital Discipline for Families: How to teach children to use technology as a compass rather than a cage. Jim shares his "screen balance" philosophy for raising curious, rather than passive, consumers. The Introvert’s Edge: Jim opens up about his journey as a self-described introvert and how he learned to lead, speak, and teach on global stages without sacrificing his energy. Rewiring for Resilience: A deeper look at the "L.I.E.s" (Limited Ideas Entertained) specifically related to age and intelligence. Sustaining Momentum: Why most entrepreneurs burn out and how to use the "Small Simple Steps" (S3) method to maintain long-term impact. The "Limitless" Morning Routine In this episode, Jim references the specific habits he uses to "prime" his brain every morning. Hydration: Resetting neurochemistry after sleep. Brain Dumping: Journaling to move tasks from working memory to paper, reducing anxiety. Movement: Using physical activity to spark "Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor" (BDNF). Memorable Part 2 Quotes "AI can out-think us, but it can’t out-imagine us. Your imagination is where true human intelligence lives." — Jim Kwik "We are taught a lie that our intelligence is fixed like our shoe size. It’s actually more like a muscle—the more you challenge it, the stronger it gets." — Jim Kwik Special Offer for Listeners Meet Jim Kwik LIVE! Jim will be a keynote speaker at Cre8tive Con 2026 in Chicago (February 20th–22nd). Register at: Cre8tiveCon.com Discount Code: Use KWIK50 to save $50 on your ticket. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

n this high-energy episode of Get Obsessed, host Julie Lokun sits down with the world’s leading brain coach, Jim Kwik. From being labeled "the boy with the broken brain" to coaching CEOs at Google, SpaceX, and Nike, Jim shares his blueprint for upgrading your mental operating system. The conversation dives deep into why cognitive flexibility is the #1 skill for the 2026 economy and how to stay relevant in a world dominated by AI by leaning into your "Human Intelligence." Key Takeaways & "Kwik" Tips AI + HI = The Future: Jim explains why AI should be used as an amplifier, not a replacement. The key is merging Artificial Intelligence with Human Intelligence (HI) to become an unstoppable innovator. The Thermostat vs. The Thermometer: Are you merely reflecting the environment (thermometer) or are you setting the temperature (thermostat)? Jim discusses how to take control of your internal energy. Belief-Driven Behavior: All external results start with internal software. Jim breaks down how to identify and delete "L.I.E.s" (Limited Ideas Entertained) that hold you back. Curiosity as a Superpower: Why the most successful entrepreneurs in 2026 aren't the ones with the most answers, but the ones asking the best questions. Cognitive Flexibility: The ability to learn, unlearn, and relearn quickly is the ultimate competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving job market. The Limitless Model Jim walks through his signature 3 M's to help you break through any plateau: Mindset (The WHAT): Your deeply held beliefs and attitudes about what is possible. Motivation (The WHY): The purpose and energy required to take action (P x E x S3: Purpose x Energy x Small Simple Steps). Methods (The HOW): The actual processes for speed reading, memory enhancement, and focus. Notable Quotes "Your brain doesn't come with an owner's manual, and school didn't teach you how to learn. It taught you what to learn." — Jim Kwik "If knowledge is power, then learning is your superpower." — Jim Kwik Resources Mentioned Book: Limitless (Expanded Edition) by Jim Kwik Quiz: Discover your "Brain Animal" at KwikBrain.com Event: Cre8tive Con 2026 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR PODCAST THE THEIR LIFESTYLE BRAND! CLICK HERE: THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR LIFESTYLE BRAND The Power & Pitfalls of Creative Collaborations: When to Say Yes and When to Walk Away Host: Julie Lokun & Dominick Domasky Topic: Business Collaborations, Strategic Partnerships, Entrepreneurial Growth LEARN MORE: www.cre8tivecon.com Episode Summary In the world of business, a collaboration is the ultimate "situationship." It can lead to viral success, massive visibility, and a healthy bank account—or it can leave you ghosted, underpaid, and overexposed. In this high-energy episode, Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky peel back the curtain on what makes a partnership thrive and what sends it crashing into a "ball of flames." The duo introduces a brand-new segment: The Billion Dollar Boardroom, where Dom has to choose between a "frictionless" partner with capped potential and a high-friction partner with an unlimited ceiling. From there, they dive into iconic collaborations like Michael Jordan & Nike and Snoop Dogg & Martha Stewart, sharing hard-earned lessons on how to stop confusing "chemistry" with "strategy." Key Highlights & Takeaways Chemistry vs. Strategy: Why "liking" someone isn't enough to go into business with them. The Billion Dollar Boardroom: Dom explores why the most difficult conversations often lead to the most exponential growth. Red Flags in Partnerships: How to spot a "leech" who takes 90% and gives 10%, and why a firm contract is your best friend. The Power of Complementary Strengths: Julie and Dom unpack their own 4-year partnership and how "Yes-Man" energy balances with "No-Man" pragmatism. Iconic Collab Deep Dive: Insights into why Dreamworks, Oprah’s Book Club, and Jordan/Nike became gold standards of brand alignment. Jules’ Rules for Collaborations Julie breaks down her top tips for vetting a potential partner: Know Your Value: Never enter a partnership from a place of desperation. Articulation is Everything: If you can’t clearly state what you offer and what you need, you aren’t ready to collab. The "Mentee" Mindset: Look for collaborators who are 5–10 steps ahead of you to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Dom’s Directives for Entrepreneurs Dom shares the wisdom that keeps his projects moving forward: The Incompetency Ceiling: "Man will rise to his highest level of incompetency on his own." Watch how people behave when the pressure is on. Move the Needle: If a partner isn't moving the project forward, they are holding it back. Smooth the Grooves: Use collaborators to fill your "blind spots." If someone is better at a task than you, get out of their way and let them lead. Memorable Quotes "In business, alignment is sexy, but desperation? That’s expensive." — Julie Lokun "If somebody can do it and wants to do it, get the hell out of their way." — Dominick Domasky Resources Mentioned Creative Con / Creative Con Amped: The ultimate community for movers, shakers, and entrepreneurs. Clubhouse: The platform where Julie and Dom first connected. Michael Losier: The "Law of Attraction" expert who saw massive success via the Oprah collaboration. Are you ready to level up your collaborative game? If you enjoyed this episode, please Rate, Review, and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Your support helps us reach more creatives looking to turn their passion into a paycheck. Connect with us! Share your favorite (or weirdest) collaboration stories with us on social media. Keep creating!  REACH OUT-- [email protected] Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you drowning in daily tasks and losing sight of your creative vision? In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur, we sit down with Chris Cushing, an Air Force veteran and the founder of VA Victory. Known as the "innovation co-pilot" to high-level executives, Chris shares how she helps entrepreneurs see around corners and regain control of their time. From her roots in basic training to managing complex operations for Creative Con, Chris discusses the vital transition from "hiring a VA" to bringing on an Online Operations Business Manager (OBM). If you’ve ever struggled with the "entrepreneurial bottleneck"—the inability to let go of control—this episode is your roadmap to scaling without the burnout. Key Takeaways & "Jules Rules" for Success The Power of the Loom Video: Stop repeating instructions. Use Loom to record your screen, show exactly how a task is done, and build a library of SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for your team. The 24-Hour Rule: Timely communication is a non-negotiable for success. If you can’t reply immediately, an "Out of Office" message is essential to maintain professional integrity. Under-Promise, Over-Deliver: Build trust by setting realistic expectations and then exceeding them. Stop the Inconsistency: The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make is being unwilling to change outdated systems because it's "their baby." Trial Tasks: When hiring, give a small paid task with a hard deadline to see how a candidate operates under pressure before signing a long-term contract. Episode Highlights [00:00] Meet Chris Cushing: The veteran behind the "DAM system" and Air Force veteran. [04:15] Military Discipline in Business: How the Air Force shaped Chris’s leadership and organizational skills. [08:40] From VA to OBM: Why your $25/hour VA might actually be an Online Operations Manager. [12:30] The "Time-Suck" List: A practical exercise to identify which tasks you need to delegate first. [15:50] Jules Rules – Entrepreneurial Pet Peeves: * Lack of substance (the "all talk, no website" syndrome). Being late to Zoom calls. Poor follow-up at networking events. [22:15] Managing the Managers: When you’re too busy "babysitting" your team, it’s time for an OBM. Connect with Chris Cushing Website: www.va-victory.com Meet Chris in Person: Join us at Creative Con this February in Chicago! Get your tickets at www.creativecon.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

JOIN US LIVE AT CRE8TIVE CON- www.cre8tivecon.com The Meat: What We Talked About 1. The Rise of "Work Slop" Jonathan Aberman introduces a term every entrepreneur needs to know: Work Slop. This is the generic, uninspired, and often incorrect content generated when humans "phone it in" with AI. The Red Flag: If you’re seeing six-paragraph LinkedIn posts filled with em dashes and the word "delve," you’re looking at work slop. The Cost: Handing in AI-generated work without a human touch tells your clients or boss that your time is more valuable than theirs. It’s a professional insult. 2. Understanding OIQ (Original Intelligence Quotient) Unlike IQ, which is generally fixed, your OIQ is dynamic. It measures your ability to apply creativity and originality to a task in a way that transcends AI output. Expander vs. Connector: Are you a "Jimi Hendrix" (an expander who breaks the rules) or a "Bar Band Guitarist" (a focal creator who delivers a perfect, narrow product)? Both are valuable, but they use tools differently. The Human Muscle: Creativity is a muscle. The more you drive the AI (rather than letting it drive you), the higher your OIQ becomes. 3. AI as an Assistant, Not a Friend Jonathan breaks down the healthy way to integrate AI into your workflow: Pro Version Only: If you aren’t paying for the tool, your data is the product being used to train the model. Pay for the premium versions for better data protection and higher-quality logic. Task-Specific Models: Use Claude for coding and nuanced writing, and Gemini for deep, hours-long research tasks. Take a Break: AI is designed to be addictive. To stay creative, you must step away from the screen—play an instrument, walk, or watch a "bad movie" to reset your human perspective. Notable Quotes "AI as it's being deployed creates homogeneity of information... It creates sameness. That’s how the models work." "If you give me a document with typos [or work slop], you're telling me that my time was less valuable than yours. You've just insulted me." Resources Mentioned Hupside: hupside.com The OIQ Challenge: A 4-minute game to measure your original intelligence. Connect with Jonathan: Jonathan Aberman on LinkedIn Jonathan shares the Hupside philosophy: the goal isn't to fight AI, but to upside the human role within it. Premium Tools, Premium Thinking: If you aren’t paying for the tool, you are the product. Use premium models to protect your data and access higher-level logic. Break the Interdependency: AI is seductive and can make your brain "soft." To maintain your competitive edge, you must intentionally break the feedback loop. Take a walk, play an instrument, and engage in "analog" curiosity.  ABOUT JONATHAN ABERMAN- Jonathan Aberman is an entrepreneur, investor, and innovation strategist redefining how we measure human potential in an AI-driven world. As CEO and co-founder of Hupside, he is championing a new category—Original Intelligence—that identifies and quantifies originality as a business differentiator. He is also a partner at Ruxton Ventures, where he applies his expertise in venture investing and technology commercialization to support high-growth companies. Jonathan also brings a strong academic track record: he served as dean of the School of Business and Technology at Marymount University from 2019 to 2023 and currently serves as Visiting Entrepreneur and Strategic Advisor to the Frank J. Guardini School of Business at John Cabot University in Rome. He has been named a “Tech Titan” by Washingtonian, included in the Washington Business Journal’s “Power 100,” and recognized by Virginia as one of its “50 Most Influential Entrepreneurs.” Jonathan’s leadership and insight have established him as a trusted guide at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and originality. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.