Leading with Data, Scaling with Purpose | Aaron Marcum | 643

What if your greatest business challenge could become your launchpad into thought leadership? Today, Bill Sherman sits down with Aaron Marcum, visionary behind Breakaway 365 and bestselling author of EntreThrive, to explore how a journey from entrepreneur to industry thought leader unfolds—often unintentionally. Aaron shares how his frustration with data gaps in the home care space led to the founding of a data analytics company and, unexpectedly, a national reputation as a thought leader. Along the way, he leveraged the insights of thinkers like Brian Tracy and Michael Gerber, and later deepened his impact through a Master’s in Applied Positive Psychology under the guidance of Dr. Martin Seligman. Aaron breaks down how storytelling with data shifted his role from CEO to an in-demand industry voice, fueling brand growth, product evolution, and ultimately, a lucrative exit. But he didn’t stop there. With EntreThrive, he’s now equipping entrepreneurs to beat burnout, overcome inertia, and find lasting fulfillment. Whether he's on stage, coaching leaders, or writing his next big idea, Aaron exemplifies how thought leadership evolves with intention and legacy in mind. He doesn’t just teach frameworks—he lives them. And his mission? To empower other coaches and entrepreneurs to do the same, with impact that extends beyond business and into family, travel, and values. Three Key Takeaways: • Thought Leadership Can Be Accidental—But It Shouldn’t Stay That Way: Aaron began as a consumer of thought leadership, applying insights from Brian Tracy and Michael Gerber to his business. Over time, he evolved into a recognized voice in the home care industry by solving real problems with data, eventually becoming an intentional and strategic thought leader. • Data + Storytelling = Impact: His ability to interpret data and turn it into actionable insights transformed his brand visibility, customer engagement, and exit valuation. By controlling the narrative through thought leadership, he elevated his company’s reputation and market value. • Purpose Drives the Next Chapter: After exiting two companies, Aaron continues to lead with purpose—not for profit, but for impact. Through EntreThrive and Breakaway 365, he’s focused on coaching entrepreneurs to overcome burnout and thrive, combining positive psychology, personal experience, and a calling to serve others. If you're exploring how thought leadership can evolve from personal insight to organizational strategy, this episode offers complementary perspectives. In Discovering Thought Leadership, Mark Smith shares his journey from HR research to establishing a formal thought leadership role at SHRM, navigating internal structures to align research with actionable business goals.

Can a 150-year-old New York City institution thrive in the digital age? Seth Pinsky, CEO of the iconic 92nd Street Y, joins us to reveal how they turned crisis into innovation. Founded to support immigrant communities, the Y evolved into a world-renowned cultural hub. Seth shares how, despite the initial shock of COVID-19 closures, the organization quickly pivoted, transforming itself into a global digital platform overnight. Discover how they scaled online to reach millions—expanding their audience far beyond Manhattan. Seth explains key lessons learned, including tapping into an international market hungry for quality cultural content. By offering online programming, they attracted world-class talent and students from around the globe, dramatically increasing their impact and revenue streams. We explore the Y's innovative "Dialogue Project," a fresh approach to civic discourse. In a polarized era, Seth discusses the project's success in fostering respectful, mind-changing conversations. Audiences come away not just entertained, but transformed, underscoring the enduring power of meaningful dialogue. Finally, Seth highlights the dual identity of the Y as both a prestigious cultural center and a vibrant community hub. He details strategic initiatives that integrate these aspects, creating unique experiences that foster deeper audience engagement. The 92nd Street Y's reinvention shows that even historic institutions can harness change and become stronger than ever. Join us and learn how flexibility, digital transformation, and courageous programming decisions can turn disruption into lasting opportunity. Three Key Takeaways: • Rapid digital transformation can dramatically expand audience reach and create new, sustainable revenue streams for traditionally location-based institutions. • Structured civic dialogue offers a powerful way to engage polarized audiences, encouraging openness and the potential to shift deeply held perspectives. • Organizations with dual identities—such as cultural and community centers—can leverage this unique positioning to create highly impactful and engaging experiences for diverse audiences. If you found value in our discussion on the 92nd Street Y's digital evolution and commitment to community engagement, you'll appreciate episode 305, "Performance of Thought Leadership."  with Karen Leland. Discover how embracing a digital-first mindset can amplify your organization's reach and impact in today's rapidly changing landscape. Tune in to gain actionable insights that can help you navigate and lead in the digital era.

What happens when leadership, military service, and motherhood collide with a mission for change? Dr. Ellen Joan Ford didn’t set out to become a thought leader—she became one by accident, driven by action. A former army officer, academic, and founder of Belonging, Autonomy and Purpose Leadership, Ellen first spoke about the challenges of working parents as a small part of a leadership talk. But that minor moment struck a nerve—and sparked a tidal wave. Strangers reached out. Stories poured in. And suddenly, Ellen was leading a movement. That movement became #WorkSchoolHours, a principles-based approach to workplace redesign. Through a TEDx talk, a book, and ongoing advocacy, Ellen challenges leaders to reconsider the structure of work—not just for productivity, but for humanity. Her research began informally, collecting real stories from overwhelmed parents, but it soon evolved into a mission grounded in compassion and backed by data. Ellen’s leadership philosophy is shaped by three defining moments: serving in the military, becoming a parent, and helping evacuate Afghans to safety. Each began with getting "pissed off" enough to act—and that same passion drives her thought leadership today. But she’s not just collecting stories anymore. She’s implementing solutions. In this episode, we explore how passion becomes platform, how impact is scaled through persistence, and how thought leadership can evolve from lived experience. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a personal challenge into systemic change, this conversation will show you what’s possible. Three Key Takeaways: • Big impact often starts small. Ellen didn’t set out to lead a movement—she simply mentioned the challenges of working parents in a leadership talk. That small moment resonated deeply, leading to thousands of unsolicited stories and the creation of the #WorkSchoolHours platform. • Thought leadership is fueled by personal experience and action. Ellen’s credibility and influence stem from her lived experiences: leading in the military, becoming a parent, and coordinating a massive humanitarian effort. Her thought leadership emerged not from theory alone, but from taking action when she saw problems that needed solving. • Change begins when someone gets “pissed off enough to act.” Whether improving military leadership, reshaping workplace norms, or saving lives, Ellen demonstrates that passion, combined with persistence and a clear purpose, can spark real-world impact—even on systems as entrenched as the modern workplace. If this conversation sparked your interest in how empathy and personal experience can fuel workplace transformation, don’t miss our earlier episode with Scott Shute, former Head of Mindfulness and Compassion Programs at LinkedIn. Like Ellen Joan Ford, Scott turned personal conviction into a platform for change—advocating for compassion as a strategic business imperative. Together, these episodes offer a powerful look at how thought leadership can humanize work and reshape what leadership looks like in today’s world.

What’s the real reason you want to write a book? If your answer doesn’t connect directly to your business goals, you may be missing the mark. In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter sits down with Cathy Fyock, a book strategist who helps authors write the right book—the one that aligns with their business, audience, and long-term strategy. Cathy shares why writing a book should never be step one. Instead, authors must start with a solid strategy: What do you want the book to do for your business? Who exactly are you writing it for? How will you leverage it to create opportunity, revenue, or credibility? We explore the importance of aligning your book’s content and audience with your current business model. Cathy also explains why writing for “everyone” is a mistake, and why serving a clearly defined niche can lead to powerful results—even if it feels narrow. If you’ve ever wrestled with the choice between self-publishing, hybrid, or traditional publishing, Cathy breaks down the pros and cons of each. Her recommendation? Own your IP, own your margins, and stay in control. You’ll also hear surprising insights about how some authors make more from not selling books—using them as a powerful sales tool to land clients, speaking gigs, and consulting contracts. Three Key Takeaways: • Start with strategy, not writing. A successful book begins with clear goals, a defined audience, and alignment with your business model—not just a blank page and good intentions. • Niche focus drives greater impact. Writing for a well-defined, specific audience builds credibility and creates stronger results than trying to appeal to everyone. • Books are business tools, not just products. The real ROI often comes not from book sales, but from using the book to generate leads, secure speaking engagements, or land high-value clients. If you found value in the strategic insights shared in this episode, you won't want to miss our conversation with Becky Robinson: "Writing a Book As an Extension of Your Business." Becky, the founder and CEO of Weaving Influence, delves into how authors can seamlessly integrate their books into their broader business strategies. She shares practical advice on launching a book, building a lasting platform, and ensuring your message reaches the right audience over time. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to amplify their thought leadership and make their book a cornerstone of their business growth.

When the world stopped getting its stuff, why did supply chain suddenly matter? In this episode, Peter Winick speaks with Kerim Kfuri, global entrepreneur, author of "Supply Chain Ups and Downs," and CEO of Atlas Network. Kerim reveals why he stepped into thought leadership—especially when his industry became the center of public attention overnight. Kerim discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps and misunderstandings about supply chain processes. He shares insights into why investing in thought leadership provided not just visibility but also credibility, distinguishing his company from competitors who focused solely on price. Learn how Kerim leveraged his expertise to educate and inform, turning a complicated topic into accessible knowledge. He explains how thought leadership helped him open doors, win larger clients, and attract top talent. Kerim also shares practical advice for businesses aiming to use thought leadership strategically, emphasizing patience, clear metrics, and the power of investing in yourself and your business. Are you ready to turn your expertise into your greatest competitive advantage? Three Key Takeaways: • Thought leadership is a powerful differentiator. It helps smaller companies compete against larger players by showcasing unique expertise and credibility. • Education builds trust. By making complex topics like supply chain more understandable, you position yourself as a go-to authority in your field. • ROI takes time. Thought leadership isn't a quick win—it's a long-term investment that pays off through visibility, client acquisition, and talent attraction. If you found Kerim Kfuri's insights on leveraging thought leadership to elevate brand credibility and attract top clients compelling, you'll appreciate Episode 23 of the Leveraging Thought Leadership podcast, featuring Erica Dhawan. Erica, a leading authority on 21st-century collaboration and CEO of Cotential, discusses model building, content development, and business growth. She shares how she developed assessment tools with a data-driven mindset and translated that data into targeted sales strategies. Both episodes highlight the transformative power of thought leadership in distinguishing a brand and driving business success

Are you spending your resources wisely to amplify your thought leadership—or just making noise? In today's fast-paced marketplace, standing out from the crowd is tougher than ever. Peter Winick is joined by Paige Velasquez Budde, CEO at Zilker Media, one of Austin's fastest-growing agencies specializing in building people-driven brands. Paige shares insights from her extensive experience working with top global thought leaders and brands. Discover why your personal brand matters even more than your corporate identity. Paige explains how trust and connection are built person-to-person, especially in high-touch B2B environments. As the best-selling author of "Strategic Business Influencer: Building a Brand with a Small Budget" she emphasizes the importance of starting early—well before your next book or major event—to consistently showcase your expertise and build trust at scale. We dive into actionable strategies like narrowing your social media presence to the most impactful platform and harnessing the true value of PR through intentional, targeted micro-media placements. Plus, Peter and Paige unpack why vanity metrics won't help your business, and why an interview on the right niche podcast can sometimes be worth far more than a big-name media hit. Tune in to learn how to strategically build thought leadership that grows your revenue, enhances your credibility, and sustainably supports your long-term business objectives. Three Key Takeaways: • Start Early, Not Later: Building effective thought leadership isn’t about a one-time launch event; it's a consistent, ongoing practice. Start cultivating your brand now—well ahead of your next big milestone—to build trust, visibility, and credibility at scale. • Micro-Media Outperforms Vanity Metrics: Don’t chase big audiences for the sake of numbers. A targeted podcast or niche publication with the right listeners can deliver far greater business impact than generic exposure. • Your Personal Brand Matters Most: Clients Google people, not logos. Invest in clearly showcasing your personal expertise online to accelerate trust, strengthen relationships, and differentiate yourself from competitors. Looking to enhance your personal brand and build authentic relationships in the digital space? Our conversation with Paige Velasquez Budde emphasized the power of strategic PR and personal branding. To further explore building high-profile relationships through authenticity and trust, listen to our episode with Clemence Sop—Cultivating High-Profile Relationships in a Digital World. Together, these episodes offer valuable insights into creating a strong personal brand and fostering meaningful connections. Ready to implement these strategies? Contact Thought Leadership Leverage today to develop a personalized plan that amplifies your impact and accelerates your success.

Does thought leadership belong only to bold personalities and charismatic speakers? Christina Wedgwood doesn't think so. In her book, "Better: A More Authentic Path for the Reluctant Thought Leader", Christina explores how deep thinkers, perfectionists, and even those uneasy about taking center stage can still powerfully shape ideas and conversations. In this conversation, Christina explains that thought leadership isn't about how loudly you speak—it's about clarity, simplicity, and authenticity. She argues that true impact comes from quiet, deliberate thinkers whose insights might otherwise go unnoticed. Christina reveals why "better" does not mean "louder," encouraging thought leaders to embrace their unique strengths rather than fitting into preconceived molds. Christina and Bill also delve into the emotional journey of creating thought leadership content. They discuss perfectionism and the common barrier of feeling "not ready yet," offering strategies to move past these hurdles and confidently share ideas. Christina emphasizes the importance of thinking partners—trusted individuals who challenge your thoughts and help refine your message. Drawing from her extensive experience coaching authors and developing thought leadership content, Christina shares valuable lessons from writing her own book. She reflects on the vulnerability required to bring deep, authentic ideas to an audience and provides insights into sustaining impactful thought leadership over time. Whether you're reluctant or ready to embrace your role, this episode offers practical advice for creating meaningful, enduring thought leadership. Three Key Takeaways: • Thought Leadership Isn’t Only for Extroverts. Christina emphasizes that thought leadership isn't exclusive to big personalities who dominate stages. Her book, Better: A More Authentic Path for the Reluctant Thought Leader, opens doors for quieter, more introspective thinkers, perfectionists, and those hesitant to step into the spotlight, empowering them to share their meaningful ideas. • Better Does Not Equal Louder. Authentic and powerful thought leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room. Instead, it's about clarity, simplicity, and genuine insight. Christina challenges the myth that louder equates to better, advocating instead for thoughtful reflection and deliberate expression as essential traits of true thought leadership. • Embrace Imperfection and Take Action. Many aspiring thought leaders delay sharing their ideas because they're waiting for perfection—one more book, another certification, or additional case studies. Christina advocates for getting your ideas out of your head and into the world, embracing vulnerability, and taking actionable steps even when conditions aren't "perfect." If you found our discussion on authentic thought leadership engaging, you might also appreciate our episode featuring Simon Leslie, CEO and Founder of Ink Global. In "An Authentic Voice in Thought Leadership," Simon shares how publishing his book, There Is No F in Sales, transformed his business and personal growth. He delves into the importance of using one's authentic voice in thought leadership and the unexpected opportunities that arise from it. Tune in to explore how embracing authenticity can amplify your impact in the thought leadership arena.

What if the secret to extraordinary sales success wasn't pressure—but purpose? Lisa McLeod believes the best salespeople aren't chasing quotas. They're chasing impact. Lisa is a bestselling author of "Selling with Noble Purpose", keynote speaker, and creator of the Noble Purpose business philosophy. Her work has reached over 2 million people on LinkedIn Learning and been featured in Harvard Business Review. In this episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, we dive deep into the heart of what drives real, sustainable sales success—and how organizations can embrace the purpose to outperform the market by 350%. We talk about the surprising results of Lisa’s research into top-performing sales teams. Spoiler alert: the best sellers aren’t ruthless closers—they’re purpose-driven professionals who genuinely care about making a difference. Lisa shares how she fused two sides of her life—sales and soul—to build a thriving thought leadership business that helps global brands like Hilton and ThyssenKrupp transform their culture from the inside out. Lisa also opens up about the business side of thought leadership. She discusses the challenges of scaling ideas across massive organizations and why turning insight into action requires more than just great content—it requires packaging, structure, and a path for others to teach it. If you're a thought leader wrestling with how to turn your big ideas into business results—or if you’re trying to bring more meaning into your work—this conversation is for you. Three Key Takeaways: • Purpose-driven sales outperform — Salespeople who focus on improving customers' lives consistently outperform their peers, proving that noble purpose is a strategic advantage, not just a feel-good concept. • Sales has an image problem — The profession is too often defined by its worst examples, but true sales success comes from empathy, trust, and a desire to serve—especially in B2B environments. • Thought leaders must sell their ideas — To create impact, you must connect your insights to the client’s pain points and speak their language; selling isn’t about being pushy, it’s about being relevant and solving real problems. If today’s conversation on purpose-driven sales sparked something for you, you won’t want to miss our episode with Mike Latch and Gregg Murphy, Scaling Sales, Not Sacrificing Quality – The AI-Driven Secret to Billion-Dollar Growth. While Lisa McLeod explores the human side of sales—leading with empathy and purpose—Mike and Gregg dive into how organizations can scale that impact without losing what makes it effective. Together, these episodes paint a powerful picture of what modern sales success looks like: purpose at the core, with systems that support it at scale. Listen next and discover how to align purpose with process to drive real, lasting growth.

Can an introvert become an influential thought leader? Today, Bill Sherman speaks with Sean Barnes, executive coach, speaker, and host of The Way of the Wolf Podcast. Sean didn't start out comfortable on stage. In fact, his first speaking experience—presenting technical details to executives—was uncomfortable enough to make many quit. Instead, it sparked his determination to transform discomfort into impactful communication. Sean shares his journey from tech executive to thought leadership advocate, highlighting how he incrementally built confidence through intentional practice and feedback. He emphasizes the power of storytelling to make complex ideas relatable and memorable, explaining how shifting focus from himself to the narrative eased his speaking anxiety. They explore Sean's venture into podcasting, where he initially struggled with mechanical scripts and low viewership. Sean describes how persistent commitment and iterative improvement turned his podcast into a thriving platform, dedicated to helping listeners grow as leaders. Sean and Bill discuss the crucial mindset shift from personal achievement to enabling others' success. Sean reveals how adopting this philosophy transformed his professional trajectory, opened doors, and deepened his fulfillment beyond financial gain. Listeners will find valuable insights on overcoming introversion, harnessing storytelling for greater influence, and why true leadership is about elevating others. Three Key Takeaways: • Public speaking is not an innate talent reserved for extroverts, but a learnable skill developed through intentional practice, consistent feedback, and stepping courageously into discomfort to incrementally build confidence and effectiveness. • Storytelling is a powerful tool for making complex or technical information engaging, relatable, and memorable, helping audiences emotionally connect to your message and amplifying your thought leadership impact. • Genuine leadership and thought leadership arise not from personal accomplishments alone, but from shifting focus toward empowering others—enabling their growth, success, and influence, thereby expanding your own legacy and effectiveness. For a deeper exploration of introverted leadership, listen to this episode with Marcel Wijermars' conversation on "Introverted Leadership." While Sean Barnes shares his transformation from public speaking anxiety into impactful storytelling, Marcel provides practical strategies for introverts to excel at networking and energy management. Together, these episodes reveal how introversion, when leveraged strategically, becomes a powerful advantage in authentic leadership and influential communication.

Is college really the only path to career success? In this compelling episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, host Bill Sherman speaks with Lawrese Brown, author of "I Don't Have to Go to College: Discover Well-Paying Jobs that Don't Require a Four-Year College Degree". Lawrese passionately challenges outdated ideas about success, advocating alternative pathways like apprenticeships, boot camps, and vocational training. Originally, Lawrese targeted her message to parents, aiming to reshape perceptions about college as the only route to financial stability. However, she discovered parents often held strong, traditional beliefs about higher education. Shifting her focus directly to students opened powerful conversations. Today's youth, she found, are eager for practical guidance and alternative routes aligned with their true interests. Lawrese reveals how crucial it is for students to trust their instincts, choose careers based on personal values, and recognize multiple forms of intelligence beyond academics. She argues that greater awareness and visibility of non-college paths will empower students, improve self-esteem, and encourage more fulfilling career choices. Lawrese pushes listeners to rethink the "college-or-bust" narrative and advocates celebrating individual paths to success. Three Key Takeaways: • College isn't the only pathway to career success. Alternative routes like apprenticeships, vocational training, and boot camps offer viable, fulfilling opportunities. • Targeting the right audience matters. Shifting the message from parents, who often hold traditional views on education, directly to students can open doors to meaningful conversations and greater openness. • Empowering young people with practical knowledge of alternative career paths encourages informed decisions, higher self-esteem, and more aligned, fulfilling careers. Lawrese Brown emphasizes the importance of crafting your own unique career path, a message echoed by Tony Martignetti in his episode on personal leadership journeys. Check out Tony’s insights for more on challenging conventional thinking. Together, these conversations inspire you to redefine success on your own terms, driven by passion, curiosity, and genuine fulfillment.