AI, Tariffs & Survival in 2026

In this week’s episode of the Measure Success Podcast, I sit down with Richard Dunbar, CEO of Bottom Up Consulting and author of Bottom Up Breakthrough, to discuss how true innovation often starts from the ground up. Richard shares how empowering employees at every level builds trust, strengthens transparency, and improves retention. He explains why many leaders fear “bottom-up” leadership—and how shifting from a top-down model can uncover hidden ideas that transform organizations. From his experience in the Canadian Armed Forces to founding Bottom Up Consulting, Richard’s work proves that collaboration and agency aren’t just buzzwords—they’re measurable drivers of success. If you lead a team or manage operations, this conversation will reshape how you think about communication and engagement across your organization. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now and start unlocking innovation from within. #Leadership #BusinessStrategy #Innovation #OrganizationalDevelopment #MeasureSuccessPodcast #EmployeeEngagement #Management #Entrepreneurship  

Amanda Patterson, CEO of Rocket Fuel Labs, joins Measure Success Podcast to share how startups and high-growth companies can achieve predictable growth. She explains her Four P’s framework—precision, process, positioning, and performance—and why knowing your LTV to CAC ratio matters. We discuss how AI is reshaping marketing, why human connection is still the key differentiator, and how founders can break through growth plateaus. 🎧 Tune in for strategies to hit your numbers with confidence  

On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox talks with Marley Majcher, CEO of The Party Goddess and author of But Are You Making Any Money? Marley shares her journey from early mistakes in the restaurant world to building a thriving events business while helping other entrepreneurs avoid the same pitfalls. You’ll learn: Why profits matter more than press or followers How to price your services with confidence Why time is your most valuable resource Practical steps to build a profitable, sustainable business Listen now and discover how to stop chasing vanity metrics and start measuring what matters.  

Why do 99% of projects go wrong? Dr. Thomas Zweifel, author of Gorilla in the Cockpit, joins the Measure Success Podcast to explain why the real cause is human—not technical. We explore: The “black box” of hidden conversations that sabotage progress Why mindset and accountability are key to successful projects How leaders can transform breakdowns into breakthroughs If you want to uncover the hidden reasons projects fail and learn how to lead with impact, this episode is for you. Listen now and gain practical insights you can apply today.  

Tariffs, AI, and pricing pressures are reshaping manufacturing and small business. On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox talks with Paul Menig, CEO of Business Accelerants, about why companies are “tariff-ified” and how leaders can adapt. Key takeaways include: How tariffs impact cost structures and margins Why gross margin dollars matter more than percentages The role of AI in manufacturing and marketing Practical steps to stay competitive in 2026 Listen now and learn strategies to survive and thrive in the face of rapid change.  

On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox welcomes Matthew Stafford, co-founder of Build Grow Scale. Matt shares how he turned a $1,000 investment in analytics into a billion-dollar path in e-commerce. They dive into the mindset shifts leaders need, how AI transforms data into action, and why profitability matters more than revenue growth. You’ll hear how one client scaled from $10,000 to a $60M run rate in just three years. Tune in for insights you can apply to your business today. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now https://buildgrowscale.com/book-a-call

Cash flow is more than money in the bank—it’s about clarity, planning, and purpose. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox talks with Michelle Röse, COO and co-founder of Breakaway Bookkeeping and Advising. Michelle shares how her team helps businesses forecast cash weekly, align budgets with reality, and make faster, smarter decisions. She also dives into why success isn’t only about profit—it’s about purpose, balance, and measuring what truly matters. 🎧 Tune in to learn how to strengthen cash flow and measure success in business and life.

On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J. Cox talks with Mark Murphy, CEO of Northeast Private Client Group and top-ranked financial security professional. Mark explains why wealth is created not by holding assets, but by investing in your business, real estate, and smart financing. He shares how leaders can strengthen culture, improve liquidity, and turn volatility into opportunity. Whether you’re building wealth, scaling your business, or seeking financial freedom, this conversation offers practical insights for entrepreneurs and executives. Listen to the full episode now!  

Innovative ideas often die inside large companies — not because they lack potential, but because they don’t fit the organization’s existing priorities and processes. On this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox speaks with Jim Bodio and Stephen Rich of BRI Associates, creators of Growth Forge. They share how their platform helps companies de-risk innovation by guiding teams through strategy definition, market evaluation, and execution planning. You’ll hear lessons from their time leading Intel’s new business incubator and discover how to overcome internal friction that can derail even the best ideas.  

Professional services firms often face a growth ceiling — struggling to scale without losing client relationships or service quality. In this episode of the Measure Success Podcast, Carl J Cox sits down with Mohan Rao of KnownWell to discuss how AI can help break through that barrier. Mohan explains how their platform turns everyday communication data into actionable insights, helping firms identify client risks, spot expansion opportunities, and strengthen account management. We also explore the “Playing to Win” strategy framework and how it applies to service-based businesses. Tune in to learn how you can use AI to scale without sacrificing client experience.