1086: Kathy Klotz-Guest - "Humor, Improv & Thriving"

In this episode of Thrive LouD, Lou sits down with Peter Winick, founder and CEO of Thought Leadership Leverage. Peter shares his journey from spotting a gap in the marketplace back in 2008 to building a powerhouse firm that helps nonfiction authors, keynote speakers, and thought leaders transform their expertise into scalable businesses.Lou and Peter dive into the challenges thought leaders face when trying to monetize their ideas, the importance of having a clear strategy, and how to move from a practice-based model (trading time for money) to building a true business around intellectual property. Peter shares insightful stories, practical tips on navigating shiny distractions in the industry, advice on leveraging new trends and platforms, and how Thought Leadership Leverage supports thought leaders to scale their impact.If you’re a thought leader, author, or speaker looking to amplify your influence and business impact, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Thrive Loud!Connect with Peter Winick: Website: thoughtleadershipleverage.comEmail: [email protected] & Socials: Peter WinickLearn more and connect with Lou Diamond at ThriveLoud.com#ThoughtLeadership #LouDiamond #PeterWinick #ThriveLoud #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth

In this episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, Lou sits down with Scott Arden, CEO of Controllers Limited, to unpack the essentials of building generational wealth through savvy use of corporations, LLCs, and trusts. Scott shares his unique journey—starting his first business at age 19!—and what inspired him to become an expert in tax planning, asset protection, and estate planning.From busting myths about tax deductions and revealing insider strategies for reducing your tax bill, to discussing how to set your family up for long-term financial success, Scott breaks down topics that every entrepreneur, business owner, and even everyday listeners can benefit from. You'll learn about:Picking the right business structure (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp… or a combo?)Strategic ways to legally lower your taxesHow to hire your kids and give them a financial head startNavigating changing tax laws, even internationally or across statesThe surprising IRS codes that allow you to deduct things like golf clubs—or even your dog!Plus, stick around for the fun part at the end, as Scott shares his favorite movies, music, foods, and the new experiences he's loving lately.If you're interested in protecting your wealth, saving on taxes, and leaving a real legacy, this is one episode you don’t want to miss!Check out Controllers Limited: www.controllersltd.comConnect with Scott: Instagram @ScottArdenCEO | Call (775) 384-8124 | Email: [email protected], learn, and thrive!

Join Lou Diamond on this episode of Thrive Loud as he sits down with Skip Kendall—professional golfer, PGA Tour and Champions Tour veteran, and one of the rising stars in the world of elite golf coaching. Skip opens up about his remarkable journey from competing at the highest levels of the game for over three decades to mentoring the next generation of golfing talent. He shares entertaining stories from his playing career, including a surprising connection to the Masters, and candidly discusses what it takes to build a winning mindset both on and off the course.You’ll get unique insights into Skip’s coaching philosophy, the “it factor” he looks for in junior golfers, and how he helps them skyrocket their potential—not just through physical skill but with powerful mental strategies. Plus, Skip launches his brand new YouTube channel, reveals his favorite music, movies, guilty pleasures, and even imagines his dream golfing foursome.Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, an aspiring athlete, or just someone seeking motivation from an inspiring life story, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and heart. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations!Check out Skip Kendall’s YouTube channel:Follow him on Instagram: @skip.kendall#Golf #Podcast #SkipKendall #ThriveLoud #LouDiamond #GolfCoaching #Inspiration #PGA #MastersStories

Get ready for an uplifting and powerful episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond! In this special conversation, Lou welcomes the incredible Montell and Kristin Jordan—yes, the voices behind the iconic anthem “This Is How We Do It.” But there’s so much more to their story than music.Montell and Kristin open up about their inspiring journey from hitmaking in the music industry to strengthening marriages through their faith-driven ministry, Marriage Masterpiece. Hear how they navigated the unique pressures of fame, overcame personal struggles—including infidelity—and found hope, healing, and deeper purpose. The Jordans share their insights into what it takes to build a lasting, love-filled partnership, why vulnerability and transparency matter, and how faith became the glue that holds them together.Tune in to discover:Why Montell and Kristin chose marriage over music, faith over fame, and significance over successHow their experiences in the spotlight inspire their work with couples todayThe genesis and impact of Marriage Masterpiece retreatsInsights on legacy, connection, and what really keeps a relationship thrivingPlus, enjoy fun moments as Montell and Kristin reveal their favorite movies, food, and even a new hobby that’s bringing them joy!Whether you’re a fan of their music, passionate about building a strong relationship, or looking for hope in your own journey, this episode will touch your heart and inspire you to thrive louder every day.✨ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and check out the links below for more on Marriage Masterpiece and upcoming events!#MontellJordan #KristinJordan #MarriageMasterpiece #ThriveLoud #LouDiamond #Faith #Relationships #Podcast

What if the very personality traits people called “bossy” in you are actually your most powerful gifts?On this eye-opening episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond, we sit down with Andrew Adames—a Brooklyn native turned Floridian on a mission to empower others to become the best versions of themselves. Andrew’s journey moves from humble beginnings and career uncertainty to personal transformation and purposeful leadership, showing how anyone can uncover hidden talents and harness their unique strengths.Key Highlights:From Rock Bottom to Empowerment: Andrew recounts moving to Florida with nothing but a suitcase and how his dad’s leap of faith jumpstarted his journey.Spotting Hidden Leadership: Hear how an insightful supervisor at SeaWorld saw Andrew’s potential, setting him on a path to discover his calling as a leader, trainer, and, ultimately, passionate coach.The Breakthrough Moment: Andrew shares a moving story of helping a woman realize her “bossy” side was actually raw leadership ability, triggering a life-changing perspective shift for her—and inspiring Andrew to dive deep into personal development.Built Unstoppable: Learn about the coaching mastermind Andrew runs with Nate Green, focused on helping people and coaches discover their core, long-term motivation (the “fire logs”), and personal “lighthouse” to navigate toward purpose.Coaching the Coaches: Why helping leaders and coaches clarify their own strengths and stories is key to their impact—and how lingering childhood beliefs often hold back even the most capable adults.Legacy in Action: Andrew reveals the deeper “why” that fuels his work: leaving a legacy that leaves a legacy, and finding meaning in every connection, big or small.Follow-Up Resources:Connect with Andrew Adames on socials: @theAndrewAdamesLearn more about the Built Unstoppable mastermind and coaching programs: successwithNateGreen.comRecommended read: “Suck Less Do Better” by Nate GreenIf you’re ready to turn “weaknesses” into superpowers, lead with purpose, and start leaving a legacy today, don’t miss this episode. Listen now and get ready to Thrive Loud!Timestamped Overview00:00 "Discovering Leadership at SeaWorld"06:02 Embracing Leadership, Overcoming Insecurity08:54 Discovering Your Core and Fuel12:17 Coaching Purpose and Focus Alignment15:28 "Unstoppable Mastermind: 12-Week Course"19:06 "Daily Impact Through Simple Interactions"23:21 "Missing Basketball in Busy Life"26:53 "Mets Fan's Bold Prediction"28:12 "Empowering Leadership Legacy"Follow Us: 🔔 Subscribe to the Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond Podcast for more engaging conversations and powerful insights. 👍 Like this episode if you found it helpful. 💬 Comment your thoughts and questions below. 🔗 Share this episode with your network to spread the knowledge.***CONNECT WITH LOU DIAMOND & THRIVE LOUD***

What if the secret to surviving chaos at work isn’t just strategy—it's laughter? In this eye-opening return to Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond brings back the incomparable Kathy Klotz-Guest: speaker, podcaster, workshop leader, humorist, and “human connector.” This episode is a masterclass in how organizations (and individuals!) can harness improv, humor, and creativity to navigate relentless uncertainty, adapt to change, and strengthen connection—even in an AI-driven workplace. Key Highlights: Improv in Leadership: Kathy reveals why the “yes, and…” mindset from improv isn’t just about saying yes—it’s about embracing curiosity, experimentation, and resilience in fast-changing environments. The AI-Human Balance: Think AI is coming for your creativity? Kathy demystifies why human skills—humor, storytelling, connection—can’t be automated, and shares how to partner with AI for efficiency without losing your humanity. Culture Check: Discover why laughter is a leading indicator of healthy workplaces, and how losing humor could mean losing your best talent. Building Trust and Connection: Kathy shares post-pandemic observations: teams are more disconnected than ever, and trust is low. She challenges leaders to tackle this head-on, not just with words, but by creating cultures that encourage play, vulnerability, and genuine human interaction. The Power of Content Creation: Hear why sharing authentic stories (even the messy, funny ones) can build bridges and encourage audience engagement—plus the unexpected gifts creators receive in return. Ready to make your workplace future-proof, fun, and more human than ever? Start with a smile—and “keep it human.” Timestamped Overview 00:00 Adapting Through Improv and Humor 04:34 Embracing Adaptability and Humor 09:34 Embracing AI for Workplace Efficiency 13:03 Connection and Change Post-Pandemic 15:06 "Confront Organizational Issues Directly" 18:00 "The Gift of Relatability" 20:52 Podcast Growth & Scheduling Balance 26:23 Comedy in Mundane Moments 28:07 "Comedy's Essential Truth" 32:13 "Epic Global Family Journey"   Follow Us: 🔔 Subscribe to the Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond Podcast for more engaging conversations and powerful insights. 👍 Like this episode if you found it helpful. 💬 Comment your thoughts and questions below. 🔗 Share this episode with your network to spread the knowledge. ***CONNECT WITH LOU DIAMOND & THRIVE LOUD***

What if your favorite email marketing strategies are actually holding you back? It turns out, there’s a solid chance they might be. Dive deep into the world of marketing and sales with Lou Diamond and special guest Jennelle McGrath, the powerhouse behind Market Veep, in this illuminating episode of Thrive Loud. Together, they unlock the secrets behind thriving manufacturing companies and discover the "smarking" strategies that transcend typical marketing tactics. Key Highlights: Discover Jennelle's journey from a solopreneur to leading Market Veep, and how they became a HubSpot diamond partner and a two-time Inc 5000 fastest-growing company. Uncover why manufacturing companies are the heart of her passion and what sets them apart in the business world. Learn about the revolutionary integration of AI in marketing, from automating content creation to optimizing client interactions. Gain insights into perfecting email marketing strategies with the right segmentation and personalized content. Jennelle and Lou’s discussion is filled with real-world insights and actionable strategies to elevate your business operations. Tune in with an open mind, and see how these transformations could apply to your industry or niche. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Cross-Industry Insights & Inspiration 05:20 Collaborative, Omnichannel Marketing Strategy 10:22 Effective Email Marketing Strategies 12:30 HubSpot's AI Content Evolution 15:41 Exploring Diverse Paths to Happiness 20:02 Highlighting Market Veep Agency   Follow Us: 🔔 Subscribe to the Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond Podcast for more engaging conversations and powerful insights. 👍 Like this episode if you found it helpful. 💬 Comment your thoughts and questions below. 🔗 Share this episode with your network to spread the knowledge. ***CONNECT WITH LOU DIAMOND & THRIVE LOUD***

What if the key to success isn't just about motivation but about embracing a mindset of discipline and self-leadership? In this riveting episode of Lou Diamond's Thrive LouD, former NFL athlete Marques Ogden joins us to unpack his journey from the brink of financial ruin to becoming a powerhouse of inspiration. Get ready for an insightful discussion on how to face life's storms head-on. Marques, a speaker, podcaster, and business coach, delves deep into the significance of being your own CEO, a lesson impressed upon him by his rookie NFL coach. Learn about the moment Ogden realized that ego was his downfall, leading him to a transformational awakening while working as a custodian. His candid recounting of how he lost millions but rebuilt his life showcases the power of resilience and the importance of extreme discipline. Key highlights include: The danger of having an exaggerated glorified opinion (EGO) and its impact on personal and professional life. How the story of Beethoven, often labeled as a prodigy, was more about relentless dedication and discipline. Ogden's embrace of the Bison mentality, learning to thrive by moving through life's inevitable storms. Join Lou Diamond and Marques Ogden as they provide tools and insights to thrive by being inspired, not just motivated. Remember, confronting and moving through your storms might just be the secret to your success. Timestamped Overview 00:00 "Be Your Own CEO" 05:54 "Ego's Impact on Business Success" 07:53 Rock Bottom: From Millionaire to Custodian 11:21 "The Bison's Storm Strategy" 12:56 "Extreme Discipline, Not Prodigy" 19:01 "Choosing Demarcus Lawrence's Defensive Edge" 19:35 "Marcus Ogden on Thrive LouD"   Follow Us: 🔔 Subscribe to the Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond Podcast for more engaging conversations and powerful insights. 👍 Like this episode if you found it helpful. 💬 Comment your thoughts and questions below. 🔗 Share this episode with your network to spread the knowledge. ***CONNECT WITH LOU DIAMOND & THRIVE LOUD***

What if everything you thought you knew about therapy was wrong? Lou Diamond sits down with Diana Mandell, a dynamic force in the self-help industry. Dubbed the "anti therapist," Diana has transformed the traditional approach to mental health and relationships with her brutally honest and strategic methods. Join Lou as Diana shares her journey from being a "shit magnet" in her twenties to becoming a revolutionary figure in self-development. Hear about her turbulent experiences with traditional therapy and how these led her to develop an innovative, accountability-driven approach that emphasizes real, transformative action over passive introspection. Diana opens up about saving a girl’s life at just ten years old, her struggles with relationships, and why she feels compelled to break nearly every traditional code of ethics in therapy. Discover how she helps her clients face their own emotional challenges, how to be your own best friend, and why she believes self-awareness is the cornerstone of personal growth. Key Highlights: Diana’s early intervention in saving a life and how it shaped her calling. The eye-opening failures within traditional therapy, and Diana’s solution. Relationship tips from someone who’s navigated the worst and come out stronger. Strategies for accountability and self-improvement that work in real life. The importance of self-awareness and understanding the impact of your actions on others. Prepare to take a deep dive into yourself and challenge what you know about self-improvement. This episode isn't just an interview; it's a call to action for anyone looking to truly thrive. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Intuitive Listener's Journey 04:29 Personal Transformation and Client Growth 09:10 "Real-Time Support for Challenges" 10:26 Reimagining Therapy for True Growth 14:49 Balancing Accessibility and Personal Boundaries 18:08 Therapy vs. Coaching: Key Differences 22:08 Mutual Growth Through Client Interactions 26:46 "Transforming Negative Emotions Productively" 30:25 "Celebrating Authentic Talent" 31:28 Movie Experience: Childhood to Favorite 36:00 Self-Assessment and Emotional Needs 38:41 Thrive Loud Podcast Promo

What if the secret to your life's biggest breakthrough is hiding in an airport bookstore? In this episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with five-time best-selling author and founder of the Thought Leader Academy, Sara Connell, who shares her transformative journey from a toxic work environment to becoming a celebrated thought leader. Sara reveals the pivotal moment when a chance encounter with a book at an airport changed her life and set her on a mission to help others share their unique stories and insights on a grand scale. Key highlights include: The revelation that led Sara to leave her job and pursue her passion for writing and coaching. Insightful advice on conquering self-doubt and the fear of judgment to amplify your voice. Techniques for leveraging neuroscience to overcome subconscious barriers and become an impactful thought leader. The power of niche marketing and defining your micro-niche to truly connect with your ideal audience. Whether you're an aspiring author, speaker, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you tap into your potential and make a lasting impact. Make sure to find Sarah on Instagram at @saraconnell or visit her YouTube channel 'Thought Leader Media' to dive deeper into her transformative teachings. Timestamped Overview 00:00 Aspiring Writer's Disappointment 03:50 "Book Inspired Life Transformation" 06:55 Battling Imposter Syndrome & Judgment 12:04 Find Your Micro Niche 15:12 Finding Your Pocket Niche 16:45 Targeted Marketing Boosts Business Success 22:33 Anchor Images: Visualization Technique 23:50 Connect with Sarah Cannell 26:48 Karaoke Fun at Nail Salon