The Crossman Conversation

Join John Crossman and special guest Alec Broadfoot, CEO of Vision Spark and author of "Hiring the Right Number Two Leader," for a compelling discussion on unlocking entrepreneurial freedom. Drawing from John's harrowing Grand Canyon hike, they explore the paradox of visionary leadership: the desire for freedom often leads to a 24/7 workload. Alec reveals why a strategic 'number two' leader is indispensable for success, providing three to five times the return on investment. Learn to identify the crucial 'mental aptitudes' and complementary skills needed, moving beyond resumes to avoid costly hiring mistakes. Whether you're a visionary seeking balance or an aspiring 'number two' looking to make a profound impact, this episode offers practical insights on building powerful partnerships and achieving genuine fulfillment.

Join John Crossman as he sits down with Zach Bauer, a man whose career journey is a masterclass in navigating high-stakes politics and principled leadership. Zach shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his time working for former Vice President Mike Pence, from mundane carpool commutes to the whirlwind of a presidential campaign, and ultimately serving in the White House. Discover powerful insights into maintaining integrity under immense pressure, particularly during pivotal moments like January 6th, and how to preserve friendships across deep political divides. Today, Zach leads Passages, a Christian non-profit that takes young students to Israel, fostering understanding through direct experience. This episode will challenge your perspective on leadership, personal conviction, and the power of firsthand encounter to shape a global worldview.

Join John Crossman and multifaceted guest Erica Rose—attorney, life coach, and former reality star—as they dive into navigating professional challenges, prioritizing mental health, and cultivating authentic relationships. Erica shares invaluable insights from her diverse background, offering guidance on accountability, vulnerability, and taking calculated risks to advance your career and personal well-being. Erica, known for her appearances on The Bachelor and other reality shows, candidly discusses how her experiences shaped her path to becoming a certified life coach and a passionate advocate for mental health. She's co-chairing the Poppies for Life Denim and Diamonds Gala on October 10th in Houston, an event dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with various mental illnesses, from PTSD to anxiety. She also mentions working with her own life coach, Christian Andreson, as a source of support and inspiration. Don't miss this empowering conversation! Subscribe to the Crossman Conversation, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who would benefit from Erica's wisdom.

Tune into The Crossman Conversation as John Crossman shares a hilarious personal mishap, setting the stage for a profound discussion with author and speaker Autumn Miles. Autumn, known for her work with college students and young professionals, particularly women, dives into the immense pressures they face balancing career aspirations, family life, and social expectations. She challenges the conventional idea of "balance," revealing it as a potential "lie" that often leads to burnout, and instead offers a perspective rooted in spiritual grounding and aligning one's plate with divine purpose. Autumn Miles, a successful author of four books, speaker, and nonprofit leader, shares her personal journey through divorce and chronic illness, emphasizing how unexpected tragedies can become powerful resets. She advocates for confronting the hard realities of life, drawing wisdom from experiences rather than seeking quick fixes. Listeners will gain actionable insights on building resilience and enduring hardship, finding strength when pillars of life crumble. You can find Autumn at automiles.com and @automiles on all social media platforms, or email her at [email protected]. John also references the book 'How to survive the economic meltdown'. Don't miss this empowering episode on navigating life's unbalance. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear Autumn's powerful message!

In this insightful episode of The Crossman Conversation, John Crossman confronts his deepest fears – from clowns and spiders to the ever-looming threat of AI. Joining him is Mashood Ahmad, CEO of Gigabit IQ, who expertly navigates the complexities of artificial intelligence, reframing it not as a Terminator-like threat, but as the next industrial revolution with immense positive potential, akin to a 'Bicentennial Man'. Mashood clarifies how businesses, regardless of size, can strategically leverage AI to overcome bottlenecks, reduce operational expenditure, and accelerate the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs). Learn how to identify your business's critical needs and integrate AI as a powerful tool to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. While no specific websites or books are linked, Chat GPT is highlighted as an accessible AI tool for quick information synthesis. Don't miss this crucial discussion on embracing technology for growth! If you found value in this conversation, please subscribe to The Crossman Conversation, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who would benefit from understanding AI's role in business today.

Join John Crossman on "The Crossman Conversation" as he shares a touching personal story about overcoming a fear of dogs and the profound lessons his beloved Great Danes, Pepper and Daisy, taught him about love, loss, and living in the moment. Then, meet Dr. Camilla Pulido, a dedicated veterinarian and founder of Vets for Paws. Dr. Pulido offers invaluable advice for young professionals considering pet adoption, emphasizing the importance of responsible planning, pet insurance, and choosing a companion that truly fits your lifestyle. Discover how pets provide routine, centering, and emotional release, even for the busiest among us. From the unique challenges of specific breeds to the wild emergencies vets face (like capybaras and turtles hit by cars!), this episode highlights the deep connections we form with our animal friends and the compassionate care required throughout their lives, including navigating the difficult decisions of end-of-life care. Plus, learn about Vets for Paws and how you can support their mission to provide veterinary care to remote communities worldwide.

Are you an entrepreneur hitting a growth ceiling, caught in the 'founder's trap'? On today's "The Crossman Conversation," join John Crossman and special guest Charles Gaudet, founder of Predictable Profits, as they unpack the critical shift from relying on sheer hard work and referrals to building predictable, scalable systems. Discover why 'fast growth' isn't always 'predictable growth' and how to delegate effectively, even for system creation itself. Charles also reveals how the coming 'AI-forward buyer's journey' will fundamentally change how customers find and trust businesses, emphasizing the need for specialization, unique advantages, third-party proof, and thought leadership. Learn actionable steps to future-proof your business and escape the burnout cycle, ensuring consistent growth and freeing you to focus on high-value activities.

Are you feeling unfulfilled despite your success, or struggling with motivation? Join John Crossman as he sits down with Luke Mickelson, founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a global charity providing beds to children in need. Luke shares his personal journey from a "dark moment" and midlife reflection to discovering profound purpose, demonstrating how a "tiny moment" of service can snowball into massive, world-changing impact. He also touches on coaching business leaders through "Founder Syndrome." This episode will challenge your definition of success and inspire you to move from passive concern to active, sacrificial involvement in the problems you care about. Learn more about Luke's incredible work and how you can get involved by visiting SHPBeds.org, where you can find local chapters, donate, volunteer, or even apply for a bed. Don't miss this powerful conversation on finding true passion and purpose. Be sure to subscribe to The Crossman Conversation, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone ready to make a real impact!

Unlock the secrets to building authentic, long-lasting connections in sales and fundraising with John Crossman and special guest Scott Kelly. In this insightful conversation, Scott reveals why relationship-based approaches triumph over transactional tactics. Learn how to genuinely understand your prospect's pain points, the art of strategic research (beyond surface-level likes), and why giving first with no expectation is the ultimate sales superpower. Scott shares critical advice for entrepreneurs pitching investors – emphasizing preparation, respect for time, and the vital role of follow-up. He also explains how karma in business pays dividends and how to “be so great they can’t ignore you.” Scott Kelly is the CEO of Business Accelerator Black Dog Venture Partners and founder of VC Fast Pitch. You can connect with him on LinkedIn at Black Dog CEO or email scott@blackdogvp for startup tools. The host, John Crossman, also mentions his book (title not provided) and the classic advice from Steve Martin. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable strategies for anyone looking to refine their approach to sales and professional networking. Subscribe to The Crossman Conversation, leave us a review, and share this episode with someone who would find it valuable!

Dive into an extraordinary conversation with Dave Munson, the dynamic CEO of Saddleback Leather Company and acclaimed author of the top-rated audiobook, "They'll Fight Over It When You're Dead." Join this episode of The Crossman Conversation as Dave shares his unconventional path, from a Bachelor's in Theology and a minor in Greek to building a global leather empire. Discover how ancient studies cultivated his unique ability to "see thought" a skill invaluable in business and life and why he champions getting "out of the chicken coop" to unlock international opportunities, just as he did when starting his business in Mexico and selling on eBay. This episode is packed with thrilling anecdotes, including brushes with danger and unexpected friendships with royalty, all while emphasizing the profound personal growth gained from writing his book, as recommended by the legendary Zig Ziglar. This isn't just a business story; it's a blueprint for living a purpose-driven, interesting life. Don't miss this engaging dialogue that challenges conventional thinking and inspires bold action. Subscribe now, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear Dave's incredible story! https://crossmancb.com/